"Hm? When did this shop open? Why wasn't I informed? I didn't see it during yesterday's patrol…"

A young woman, her hair styled into twin buns resembling cat ears, frowned as she gazed at the signboard of a newly opened store. She was pushing a small food cart labeled Keqing's Masterful Beef-Offal Stew.

This was Keqing, the Yuheng among the Seven Stars of Liyue. Today, she was experiencing life as a street vendor, observing the local market while keeping an eye out for bullies or corrupt merchants oppressing the people.

Dressed in plain, ordinary clothes that blended seamlessly with the market crowd, Keqing chopped the beef offal with practiced ease and precision. Her movements were swift and clean, belying her high-ranking position as one of the Seven Stars.

After selling the last bowl of beef stew, Keqing parked her cart in a corner and stepped into the newly opened store, Pokémon House.

As Yuheng, Keqing was responsible for land development and public welfare, and all shops in Liyue Harbor had to pass her approval. Yet, try as she might, she couldn't recall when or how Pokémon House had appeared.

Intrigued, Keqing's sharp eyes gleamed as she decided to probe the shop's owner for answers.

"Welcome!"

A warm, pleasant voice greeted her as she pushed open the door.

"Is this a new shop? What do you sell?"

Keqing's gaze swept over the young man emerging from the back of the store. She asked her question casually, her expression calm and composed.

As an outlier among the Seven Stars, Keqing frequently went undercover to investigate issues at the grassroots level, often blending in effortlessly with the local population. She knew most of Liyue Harbor's residents, even if only by sight.

But this man—she didn't recognize him at all.

A foreigner?

Her wariness heightened as she scrutinized him more closely. Her eyes then shifted to the store's strange machinery and devices, none of which she could identify.

Fontaine? Snezhnaya?

It wasn't unreasonable for Keqing to suspect these nations. In her experience, only those two countries produced such unusual technology.

"This is a pet shop," the young man replied with a polite smile. "We sell special kinds of pets."

"Special pets?"

Li Pan stepped out fully, his smile calm but inwardly tinged with excitement. After a full day with no customers, finally, someone had stepped in—and it was none other than Yuheng herself, one of Liyue's most influential figures.

He rubbed his hands subtly, thinking, Finally, business is about to begin!

"Yes, special pets," he said with confidence.

Keqing raised an eyebrow. "How are they special?"

Pets weren't uncommon in Liyue Harbor. From the usual cats and dogs to rarer creatures like cranes or boars, the citizens were used to a wide variety of animals. Still, the shopkeeper's claim piqued her curiosity.

But then her expression darkened.

"These special pets of yours—they're not monsters, are they? You didn't smuggle monsters into the city, did you?"

The mere thought of filthy Hilichurls or annoying Slimes being sold as pets made her eyes narrow dangerously. While such creatures posed no real threat to Vision wielders, they were deadly to ordinary citizens.

"Please, don't compare Pokémon to monsters," Li Pan said calmly. "Though Pokémon, like monsters, can harness elemental powers, they are fundamentally different. Pokémon are highly intelligent creatures. With proper resources and training, they can contribute more than even Vision wielders. Monsters, on the other hand, lack intelligence and growth potential, making them unworthy of investment."

Keqing's skepticism lingered despite his explanation.

Li Pan chuckled and gestured toward her. "If you don't believe me, why not see for yourself? It's free to take a look."

After a brief hesitation, Keqing nodded. "Fine, I'll take a look."

Relieved, Li Pan handed her a red-and-white device. "This is a Pokémon Pokédex. Press this button to draw your initial Pokémon. The first draw is free, and each person gets five attempts per day."

"There are over a thousand different types of Pokémon, most of which are available here. However, I must clarify that each Pokémon has a different price based on its species and potential. Rest assured, our Pokémon have guaranteed quality."

"Lastly, I wish you the best of luck in finding a Pokémon that suits you."

Keqing's eyes widened. "Over a thousand types? Really?"

Taking the device, she pressed the prominent button labeled Draw.

The screen lit up, and images of various silhouettes flashed rapidly across the display. Each shadowy figure was unique, some unlike anything she'd ever seen.

After a few seconds, the images slowed and eventually stopped on a small feline figure.

Both Keqing and Li Pan leaned in to look, their curiosity piqued. This was the shop's very first Pokémon.

"What is this?" Keqing asked, holding up the Pokédex. The screen showed a blue-and-black feline creature with golden eyes. Its ears were tipped with star-shaped golden fur, and its tail ended in a tuft of the same color.

Li Pan smiled. "Congratulations, customer! You're very lucky. This is a Shinx, an Electric-type Pokémon. Its final evolution, Luxray, boasts excellent potential with a base stat total of 523—not far behind the best starter Pokémon."

"It looks interesting. Can I see it?"

Keqing examined the image, her curiosity growing with every passing moment.

"Of course. Please wait a moment."

Li Pan disappeared into the back, where the system materialized the chosen Pokémon. After a short wait, he returned with a small, blue-and-black Shinx in his arms.

"This is Shinx?"

Keqing's eyes widened as she saw the real Shinx. It was even more adorable than the image. The little creature's golden eyes sparkled with intelligence, and its star-tipped tail wagged playfully.

"Meow↗ah~"

Shinx hopped down and rubbed against Keqing's leg affectionately, waving its paw in greeting.

Keqing blinked. "Wait… is it just me, or does its meow sound… odd?"

"It's fine," Li Pan assured her with a smile. "That's just its regional accent."

"Regional accent?!" Keqing's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

"Of course! If people can have accents, why not cats? Besides, Shinx has some special abilities. Let me show you."

Crouching down, Li Pan petted Shinx's head before tossing a Mora coin into the air.

"Shinx, use Quick Attack!"

In a flash of blue-and-black lightning, Shinx darted upward, snatching the coin midair before landing gracefully.

Keqing stared, stunned. The speed was incredible—she hadn't even seen it move.

Author's note - comment guys if you like this story setup