Chapter 119: The World's Strangeness and the Sudden Crisis

Chen Ou was different, or rather, the world was different. It was only when Chen Ou entered the Rift of Space and Time—the home of Dialga and Palkia—that he received the acknowledgment of the world’s will, transitioning from a mere visitor to a resident.

From this perspective, the world's will seemed remarkably sluggish, as if it were fast asleep. However, according to "100 Little Tricks for Raising a Savior"—a book Liu Nian had given Chen Ou that sounded like clickbait but actually contained a wealth of essential knowledge—the world's will should not have been this slow to react, unless the world was nearing its natural end, reaching the limit of its lifespan.

But if the world were simply fading away naturally, there would be no need for a "savior" like Chen Ou.

Things were happening too fast. Less than twelve hours had passed since he first met Liu Nian. Although Chen Ou had spent what felt like half a day inside the "True Illusion" created by Liu Nian, in reality, not even a single second had elapsed.

Liu Nian had also given Chen Ou quite a few things, mostly materials for employee training. In the end, Chen Ou had become an employee. Though, it was an employee with high benefits, great freedom, and an early retirement...

Generally speaking, worlds that needed saving were usually seven or eight years away from total collapse, and the people chosen for the task were either young or were people who had been turned young. After spending seven or eight years traveling through time, one would either retire after saving the world or, well, retire permanently if they failed.

It was, all things considered, a high-risk profession.

Chen Ou couldn't immediately figure out the root of the problem in this world, and more importantly, even if he knew, he likely couldn't do much about it yet. His strength was simply too weak. He had considered asking Arceus what was wrong with the world, but these legendary Pokémon were elusive, and he doubted he would get a straight answer anyway. If the legendary Pokémon knew the world was ending, they wouldn't be living so carefree and happy.

After all, when the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken.

Furthermore, Chen Ou suspected that the legendary Pokémon themselves might not be entirely clean. He couldn't guarantee they weren't somehow linked to the world’s collapse. He felt as though he had woken up only to find himself an enemy of the world.

According to "100 Little Tricks for Raising a Savior," there were only two reasons for a world to collapse: a collision between worlds or... "parasites." Heaven knows which one it was, but one thing was certain: Chen Ou couldn't handle either of them right now. Therefore, increasing his strength was the top priority.

Of course, this didn't mean he would go into seclusion. On the contrary, he needed to continue his journey. Only through frequent battles could he and his partners grow stronger. Besides, he had to investigate the cause of the collapse; otherwise, he might find himself completely in the dark until it was too late to do anything.

"Total loss," he muttered to himself.

Just as Chen Ou was lost in thought, trailing behind Rotom, a scream suddenly rang out. Startled, Chen Ou momentarily forgot to maintain his elemental state and tripped over a rock he otherwise would have avoided. Fortunately, his reflexes were sharp; he quickly turned into a mass of flames as he hit the ground, which then shifted back into a person lying on the earth.

Chen Ou was exhausted.

*Good grief... what now? Can I just ignore this?*

Chen Ou covered his eyes with his left arm, his face etched with utter despair. He was just a savior forced into service.

"Chen Ou, hurry! Someone's in danger!" Bianca shouted, rushing toward the scene.

"Ahhh! Oh no, Rotom! Chen Ou! Get up! Bianca ran off, Rotom! That's a Pinsir over there, Rotom! Bianca only has a Foongus with her, Rotom!"

Rotom flew over and tugged at Chen Ou’s collar, trying to pull him up. But Chen Ou had no intention of moving; did Rotom really think it could lift him with that tiny body?

"Don't panic, it's not a big deal..."

"Are you crazy? It's a huge deal! That's an Elite-level, near-Gym-level Pinsir, Rotom!" Rotom’s screen flickered with static, showing just how panicked it was.

Chen Ou replied helplessly, "Seriously, don't panic. Chimchar is still there. Just because I don't let him fight doesn't mean he can't..."

Rotom suddenly remembered the Chimchar perched on Bianca's head, but then realized the absurdity: "Can a newborn Pokémon really beat a near-Gym-level Pinsir?! Rotom!"

Without waiting for an answer, Rotom flew to Chen Ou’s waist, grabbed Growlithe’s Poké Ball, and zipped off toward Bianca. He trusted Chen Ou; if Chen Ou said Chimchar could handle it, then it was probably true. After all, as his assistant researcher, he knew better than anyone just how much of a "cheat" Chen Ou was. Still, he couldn't help but worry—hadn't Chen Ou’s plans gone wrong before? Better to have backup.

Chen Ou didn't stop him, knowing the routine. He waved a hand and said, "Go ahead with Growlithe. I'll be there in a moment."

At his waist, Entei’s Poké Ball trembled slightly, as if asking if it should go. Chen Ou shook his head and found a more comfortable spot on the grass. "Not necessary yet. I can feel the situation over there; Chimchar and Growlithe are enough. More importantly, Bianca needs to experience this... it's hard to grow without facing danger."

Chen Ou had plenty of experience in that regard. The dangers he had survived were exactly why he was able to remain calm under pressure. He had been tempered by the "heavy medicine" of Dialga, Palkia, and Hoopa Unbound. A mere Pinsir? It was nothing.

"Of course, I won't stand idly by if things go south. At this distance, I can be there in an instant. Don't worry," Chen Ou said earnestly.

Entei’s Poké Ball stopped shaking; clearly, Entei agreed. Charmeleon, however, immediately emerged from its ball and began walking toward the scene. "Roar! (I'm going to see if there's a worthy opponent there!)"

Chen Ou waved for it to do as it pleased. He lay on the ground and clicked his tongue. *Bianca really is charming. It’s been less than a day, and she’s already this close with them. They've only really talked during that one meal.*

Meanwhile, Bianca stared at the aggressive Pinsir, her face filled with fighting spirit.