Xia Yu missed the auction's grand finale. Staying alive was more important than spectating. A mysterious Elite-level trainer like Xu Xiu spelled big trouble, and Xia Yu had neither the status nor the strength to get involved.
Back home, lying in bed, Xia Yu's mind raced with thoughts of Xu Xiu. What could bring a fugitive Elite-level trainer to a small place like Xingguang City?
Maybe he'd misidentified the person? Unlikely. Elite-level Houndoom were rare, and the others had no reason to hide their identities.
Xia Yu drifted into an anxious, fitful sleep.
…
Boom!
In the dead of night, an explosion shook Xingguang City, the dark sky blazing as bright as day. Xia Yu, already sleeping lightly due to Xu Xiu, jolted awake. He threw on clothes and rushed outside, meeting his grim-faced father, Xia Yong, and brother, Xia Luo, as they emerged.
"Dad, what's happening?" Xia Yu asked.
Hearing his younger son, Xia Yong forced a smile. "It's nothing. Stay home and sleep. Don't go out, no matter what."
Turning to his eldest son, Xia Yong's expression hardened. "Xia Luo, come with me."
"Got it, Dad," Xia Luo replied, his usual playful demeanor gone. "Xia Yu, stay put. Dad's Scizor and Keldeo are with you. I'm leaving my Charizard too. Do not leave the house."
Xia Luo handed Xia Yu a Poké Ball containing one of his main Pokémon, Charizard.
The concern from his father and brother was palpable. Both had left him their ace Pokémon for protection, making Xia Yu realize something major was afoot.
"Bro, Dad," Xia Yu said, touched, but he pressed on. "What's going on? Last night at the black market, I saw a mysterious guy who looked like a famous fugitive—former Dark-type Elite, Xu Xiu."
"What?!"
Xia Yu recounted his encounter, omitting the S-Grade Thunder Stone purchase, mentioning only the mysterious figure with an Elite-level Houndoom.
Xia Yong and Xia Luo's faces grew grave, their expressions darkening. They clearly understood the gravity of the situation. "No doubt about it—that's Xu Xiu," Xia Yong said. "He must've gotten wind of it. Just now, a small Secret Realm appeared in Xingguang City. That's his target."
Secret Realms, unique phenomena of this world, were like pocket dimensions. They often contained rare treasures—Berries, items, Move Tutors—and rare, high-potential Pokémon, sometimes even species from other regions. Three years ago, a Nightmare Realm had spawned a Darkrai.
Secret Realms were treasure troves, brimming with opportunity but fraught with deadly risks.
In the Nightmare Realm, countless people perished, trapped in eternal sleep, including an Elite-level trainer. The powerful Darkrai, after slaughtering many, escaped via its dream powers. Even now, trainers hunted for its whereabouts.
Secret Realms were like casinos: some struck it rich, others lost everything. Only such a place could draw someone like Xu Xiu.
"Xu Xiu's strength may have reached Champion-level by now," Xia Yong analyzed calmly. "Three years ago, he wiped out a family for a Tyranitar egg. Three years is enough for a Larvitar to become a Tyranitar. We need to be cautious."
Even together, Xia Yong and Xia Luo stood little chance against a potential Champion-level trainer.
"But we can't miss this Secret Realm," Xia Yong said, determination in his eyes. "It's your brother's shot at becoming a Champion-level trainer. If he finds a Champion-level Pokémon, he'll make the leap!"
The gap from Gym Leader to Champion was immense. Many, like Xu Xiu, spent a decade stuck at Elite, resorting to desperate measures for a pseudo-legendary like Larvitar.
With a Secret Realm in Xingguang City, Xia Yong and Xia Luo couldn't pass up the chance.
"Xia Yu, stay home. Don't go anywhere," Xia Yong instructed. Secret Realms often unleashed their Pokémon into the real world, posing a disaster for ordinary people. "Xue Mei, keep an eye on him."
"I'm heading to the Pokémon Center," Lin Xue Mei said, glaring at Xia Yong. "I just got a call—there'll be a lot of injuries tonight. I need to get to the hospital." She turned to Xia Yu, her tone soft with affection. "Xia Yu, stay home and be careful."
Her voice brimmed with concern. As the weakest in the family, Xia Yu was their biggest worry. She repeatedly urged him to stay safe.
"Okay," Xia Yu nodded.
…
*Click.*
The door shut, leaving Xia Yu alone. He glanced at Noibat, restless in its incubator, fed it some energy cubes, and recalled it into its Poké Ball.
Then, Xia Yu changed clothes and prepared to head out. Despite the danger, he had Scizor, Keldeo, and Charizard for protection. As long as he avoided Xu Xiu, he should be safe.
The allure of the Secret Realm's rare items and Pokémon outweighed the risks. Secret Realms were incredibly rare, and one appearing above Xingguang City was a once-in-a-century opportunity. Soon, every strong trainer in Xishu Province would converge.
To seize any treasures, Xia Yu had to act fast. New Secret Realms were brimming with valuables, and he couldn't miss out.
Stepping outside, a dazzling white light illuminated the sky, a silver vortex casting a glow over Xingguang City.
Xia Yu summoned Charizard, climbed onto its back, and soared toward the vortex—the Secret Realm's entrance.
Boom!
A deafening roar erupted. The vortex surged, unleashing a massive gust that sucked Xia Yu and Charizard inside.
After a dizzying whirl, Xia Yu awoke in an unfamiliar world.
Gentle streams babbled, and shallow creeks flowed.
Lush scenery stretched before him, breathtakingly serene.
The fragrance of grass and towering trees made it feel like a paradise.
This was the Secret Realm?
Xia Yu looked up. A massive silver vortex swirled in the sky, identical to the one in the real world—likely the gateway connecting the two.
To return, he could have Charizard fly him back to the vortex.
But having sneaked into the Secret Realm, Xia Yu wasn't leaving empty-handed. He recalled Charizard, summoned his father's Scizor, and began cautiously exploring this mysterious domain.
...