Three days had passed since Shinzō's meeting with Ningguang, and the new Jade Chamber location was already transforming his business beyond recognition. The spacious facility buzzed with activity as customers moved comfortably through specialized rooms, each designed for different aspects of Pokémon care and interaction.
But today, Shinzō had something special planned.
"Keqing, are you absolutely certain the safety protocols are in place?" he asked, checking his notes one final time. The Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing stood beside him, her purple hair tied back in a practical ponytail as she reviewed a thick stack of documents.
"Triple-checked," she replied briskly. "Emergency evacuation routes, medical stations, and containment barriers. Though I still think you're being overly cautious with some of these regulations."
Shinzō gestured toward where Tyranitar was casually lounging near the shop's entrance, its massive form drawing nervous glances from passing customers. "When your average Pokémon can level a building, there's no such thing as overly cautious."
"Ladies and gentlemen," Shinzō announced to the gathered crowd of customers and curious onlookers, "today marks another milestone for The Pokémon House. We're unveiling our battle colosseum facility."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Bennett bounced on his toes, while Chongyun leaned forward with obvious interest. Even Xiao, who had become a semi-regular visitor since the Jade Chamber meeting, watched intently from his usual corner.
"A colosseum?" Hu Tao called out, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Does this mean we can finally see these creatures fight properly?"
"Not just observe," Shinzō smiled. "Participate. But first, let me show you what we're working with."
He approached what appeared to be a simple doorway marked with unfamiliar symbols. Placing his hand on a crystal panel, Shinzō felt the familiar tingle of the system activating. The doorway shimmered, revealing a swirling portal of blue energy.
"Everyone stay close and follow my lead," he instructed, stepping through the portal.
The assembled group gasped as they emerged into a vast circular arena. Towering stone walls rose around them, carved with intricate designs that seemed to blend architectural styles from across Teyvat. The arena floor was divided into sections—sandy areas for Ground-types, pools for Water-types, and raised platforms for Flying-types.
"By the Archons," Keqing breathed, her usual composure cracking. "This is larger than Liyue's main amphitheater."
"And much more sophisticated," Ningguang added, having appeared through the portal with her characteristic grace. "The energy readings alone suggest this space exists partially outside normal dimensional boundaries."
Childe whistled appreciatively as he examined the arena's defensive barriers. "Now this is what I call proper battle infrastructure. Those shields look like they could contain elemental bursts."
"They're designed to handle much more than that," Shinzō confirmed. "Umbreon, would you demonstrate?"
His Dark-type partner padded to the center of the arena and unleashed a controlled Shadow Ball attack against one of the barrier walls. The dark energy struck and dissipated harmlessly, leaving the barrier glowing briefly before returning to transparency.
From his position near the arena's edge, Xiao found himself genuinely impressed by the colosseum's design. The space reminded him of ancient adeptal domains—carefully constructed pocket dimensions where power could be unleashed without consequence to the mortal world structure. It wasn't adeptal power, but it carried similar protective qualities. These Pokémon battles wouldn't just be entertainment—they would be safe expressions of power for beings who normally had to hold back.
"This could be useful," he murmured, thinking of his own struggles with controlling his karmic debt's violent urges.
"Did you say something, Adeptus Xiao?" Ganyu asked, appearing beside him with her usual quiet grace.
"The arena's construction," Xiao replied carefully. "It's designed to contain destructive forces safely. Such spaces are... rare."
Ganyu nodded thoughtfully. "Shinzō seems to understand more about managing power than most people realize."
Back in the arena's center, Shinzō activated a crystal formation that projected his voice clearly throughout the space. "Before we discuss tournaments, everyone needs to understand the fundamental rules of Pokémon battles."
Keqing stepped forward, unfurling an official-looking scroll. "Rule One: All battles must be consensual between both trainers and their Pokémon. No coercion or forced participation."
"Rule Two," Shinzō continued, "battles end when a Pokémon is unable to continue fighting safely. We're not savages—this isn't gladiatorial combat to the death."
"Rule Three: No enhancement through Vision abilities or external elemental manipulation. Pokémon battles showcase the creatures' natural abilities, not their trainers' elemental powers."
Childe raised his hand. "What about strategy and commands?"
"Encouraged," Shinzō grinned. "Pokémon battles are partnerships between trainer and creature. Communication and tactics are essential."
Bennett practically vibrated with excitement. "When can we start? I've been training with my Torchic for weeks!"
"Which brings us to the tournament announcement," Ningguang interjected smoothly. "The Liyue Qixing, in partnership with The Pokémon House, will be hosting Teyvat's first official Pokémon Tournament in two weeks."
The crowd erupted in excited chatter as Keqing began outlining the tournament structure. "Entry is open to any trainer with a properly bonded Pokémon. We'll have three categories: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced."
"Prizes include rare Pokémon items, premium Pokéballs, and for the overall champion..." Shinzō paused dramatically, "a meeting with one of my Elite-tier Pokémon for potential bonding."
The announcement sent shockwaves through the assembled trainers. An Elite-tier Pokémon was equivalent to Champion-level power—the kind of partner that could stand alongside Vision holders in terms of raw capability.
"What qualifies as Elite-tier?" Xiao asked, his question carrying more weight than casual curiosity.
"Pokémon between levels 51-60," Shinzō explained. "Creatures that have mastered advanced techniques and possess the experience to battle alongside seasoned warriors."
The yaksha's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Such a partner could be invaluable for someone who fought alone against overwhelming odds.
"Ooh, ooh!" Hu Tao waved her hand enthusiastically. "Can we have exhibition matches before the tournament? I want to see what my little Litwick can really do!"
"Actually," Shinzō considered, "that's not a bad idea. Keqing, what do you think about organizing some demonstration battles this week? Let people see how Pokémon combat actually works?"
The Yuheng nodded approvingly. "Controlled exhibitions would help familiarize people with the rules and expectations. We could start with basic matches between willing participants."
"I volunteer!" Bennett called out immediately.
"Me too," Chongyun added quietly.
"Count me in," Childe grinned. "I'm curious to see how my Frogadier handles against other trainers."
While the others discussed tournament logistics, Ganyu approached Shinzō with a worried expression. "Manager Shinzō, have you considered the broader implications of this tournament?"
"What do you mean?"
"Representatives from other nations will want to participate. The Fatui, especially. What happens when they arrive with their own interpretations of 'fair play'?"
Shinzō's expression grew serious. He hadn't fully considered the political implications of an international tournament. If the Fatui sent participants, would they respect the rules about not using Vision abilities? Would other nations see this as Liyue claiming dominance over a new form of power?
"We'll need contingencies," Keqing added, overhearing their conversation. "Security protocols for international participants, diplomatic guidelines, and..." She paused, frowning. "We'll need to make it clear that this tournament establishes precedent for all future Pokémon competitions."
Childe, who had been examining the arena's defensive systems, suddenly turned with an unsettling grin. "Oh, this just got much more interesting. I wonder what the Tsaritsa would think of these battle creatures."
The comment sent a chill through the gathered group. Everyone knew that wherever Fatui interest went, complications followed. Shinzō found himself wondering if opening the colosseum had been premature.
But before anyone could voice their concerns, a new portal shimmered to life at the arena's entrance. Through it stepped a figure none of them had expected to see—Albedo, the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius, his pale eyes scanning the colosseum with intense scientific curiosity.
"Fascinating," he murmured, completely ignoring the surprised stares. "The dimensional engineering alone defies everything we understand about spatial manipulation. And these creatures..." His gaze fixed on Umbreon with unmistakable hunger for knowledge. "I simply must understand how they function."