Magic City 🪄

"If I remember correctly, it should be here, but..."

Wearing a pair of blue hot pants and a red bra that accentuated her figure, Lily, a young girl with two long, slender, white legs, tilted her head while looking at the store in front of her.

She then compared it with the address sent to her phone. The location seemed correct.

The store's decor was quite nice, exuding a high-end vibe.

However, the store her friend recommended was called Maya Pet Store, but this one was named Pokémon House Pet Store. What was that supposed to mean?

She had never seen the white-and-gold alpaca cartoon logo next to the store name before.

"Forget it, let's go in and have a look."

Having come this far, Lily walked into the store called Pokémon House.

"Welcome."

As soon as she entered, a clear male voice greeted her.

"Hello."

Lily looked around curiously. It was a boy with a handsome face and simple clothes, giving off a very clean and approachable vibe. He seemed about twenty years old.

Lily quickly surveyed the store. It was spacious and clean, with simple decoration.

However...

Doesn't this look like a pet store?

A question mark rose in Lily's mind. Although it was her first time visiting a pet store, even a clean one should have visible pets, right?

"May I ask, is your store a pet store?" Lily asked the boy curiously.

"Yes, Miss," Alex replied with a smile.

"Please, have a seat."

Alex guided Lily to the lounge area. She was his first guest today!

"Thank you, but in your shop..."

Lily thanked him politely and then expressed her doubts.

"That's right. Our store has only been open for two days, and it's quite special. The pets we sell are also quite special."

Alex understood Lily's concerns and explained patiently.

"A special pet?"

Lily was puzzled. Common pets were cats, dogs, birds, and fish. What could he mean by special pets?

She thought of exotic pets, like poisonous ones, and felt uneasy. She didn't like pets like that at all!

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I want a pet. I might check other stores," Lily said, standing up and apologizing to Alex.

"Don't worry, Miss! You might have misunderstood. The pets here aren't what you think."

Alex quickly reassured Lily, thinking to himself that he hadn't sold a single Pokémon in the past two days!

Though this customer looked young, Alex noticed her bracelet and necklace were quite valuable, suggesting she might come from a wealthy family.

Lily paused and turned her gaze back to Alex.

"What I mean by special is that the pets here have never appeared on the market before."

"Would you like to take a look? It won't waste your time."

Alex spoke sincerely to Lily.

"Hmmm..."

Lily blinked twice, perhaps charmed by Alex's clean demeanor, which left a good first impression.

"Alright, but just to be clear, I'll take a look first. If I don't like it, I won't buy anything."

"Of course! I believe your choice will be the right one!"

Alex responded warmly.

"Ha~ You don't have to be so formal. We're about the same age, and it feels weird when you use honorifics."

Lily couldn't help but laugh softly.

"The customer is always right. Here, Miss, you can click this."

Alex handed her a tablet-like device.

"This is a Pokémon Pokédex. Although my pet store isn't very big, there are many types of pets."

"Currently, there's no direct selection, only random choice by customers. I believe that fate is destined by chance."

"Pets are the most sincere companions and friends. So, who will be your friend, Miss? Give it a try."

Alex explained to Lily, who looked at him with curiosity.

Though it sounded grand, it essentially meant you could only pick randomly, not freely choose.

"Ha~ that's quite interesting."

Lily was intrigued by Alex's phrasing.

She took the Pokédex and tapped the large Go button on the screen.

The images on the screen began to flicker rapidly, showing shadows of various shapes and forms, arousing Lily's curiosity.

Some of the shadows seemed unusual. Why did one with wings look like a mythical dragon from Western legends?

After a few moments, the shadow froze.

Both Lily and Alex looked over with curiosity.

"I hope it's a cute one, not Rattata or Ekans..."

Alex prayed silently, as Lily had already stated she didn't like reptiles.

If it turned out to be something like Ekans or Arbok, she would likely leave.

"Boss, is it this one?"

The image became clear, and Lily asked Alex, looking at the Pokédex with curiosity.

The image showed a turtle-like creature with a big bald head, a blue body, and a red shell. It looked very cute.

Seeing this, Alex sighed in relief; fortunately, it was Squirtle...

"Yes, Miss, you are very lucky. It's called Squirtle. It's a very suitable and reliable partner for a novice like you."

Alex smiled at Lily.

"It looks really cute. Can I see it now?"

"Of course, please wait a moment."

Alex gave Lily a slight bow and went to the back of the store.

A minute later, Alex returned with a blue little creature.

"Is it this one?"

Lily's eyes lit up as she looked at Squirtle in surprise.

It was even cuter than in the picture, with a round head and big, watery eyes full of curiosity.

"Yes. Squirtle, do you like this young lady?"

Alex rubbed Squirtle's head and asked with a smile.

"Squirtle! Squirtle!"

Squirtle blinked, then waved its short paws to greet Lily, expressing its affection with a cheerful sound.

"Huh? Is that how a turtle sounds?"

Lily was momentarily stunned, but her eyes brightened, and she quickly forgot her doubts.

"Wow, does it understand you?"

Lily looked at Squirtle with surprise and joy, amazed by its intelligence.

"Yes, Squirtle is a very intelligent creature. Although it can't speak human language, it can understand what you want to express."

"It also has a special skill."

Alex handed Squirtle to Lily, who took it happily.

Curiously and excitedly, she gently tapped Squirtle's bald head and cheeks with her fingers, finding its skin surprisingly smooth.

"What unique skill?"

"Squirtle, show her. Use Water Gun."

Alex picked up a disposable paper cup and tossed it into the air.

"Squirtle!"

Squirtle's cheeks puffed up, and then it shot a small stream of water, hitting the paper cup mid-air.

It was a perfect Water Gun!

Lily was amazed!

This little creature could actually use a Water Gun?!