Release That Pokémon!

Caleb slept like a log...

In the Infinite World, where time was a fluid concept, he groggily opened his eyes and instinctively reached for his phone to check the time.

But instead of his phone, he saw Mimikyu sprawled out in a deep slumber inside its pink cat bed.

Dragonite lay nearby on a soft rug, its chubby arm pillowing its head, a bubble wobbling on its nose as it let out soft snores.

*Pop!*

The bubble burst. Dragonite drowsily opened its eyes, its lake-green pupils filled with sleepy confusion.

"Shh!" Caleb gestured with a finger to his lips, then pointed at the cat bed, signaling that Mimikyu was still asleep.

Dragonite lazily yawned, plopped its round head back onto its arm, and within moments, was fast asleep again.

Not wanting to disturb his Pokémon, Caleb propped a pillow behind his back and opened the System Shop while reclining.

[Domestic Service Robot]

- Cost: 999 Points

- Features: Customizable appearance and personality. Capable of cooking, cleaning, laundry, and using simple Pokémon moves. Highly rated by all users!

A confirmation prompt immediately popped up.

[Please input the robot's appearance!]

"Gardevoir."

[Please select the robot's personality!]

"...What are the options?"

[Gentle and caring, mature and elegant, cold and domineering, blunt and straightforward, youthful and playful...]

Caleb: "...Why does this suddenly feel like I'm picking out some kind of questionable companion?"

"Are these... options normal?" he hesitated before asking. He genuinely just wanted a robot to cook and do laundry.

The system responded considerately:

[If the customer is unsure, our store recently introduced a 'special personality' that allows you to experience multiple traits at once!]

'This definitely sounds sketchy!'

Caleb: "What's this 'special personality'?"

[To maintain an air of mystery, we recommend purchasing first and discovering for yourself!]

Caleb feigned seriousness and asked: "Is it really that good?"

[Sweetie, if unsatisfied, you may request a refund!]

The panel abruptly adopted the tone of a Taobao customer service rep.

At this point, Caleb had no reason to refuse.

He clicked ...

The next second, the robot's appearance and personality were finalized. Blue particles wove together like threads in the air, gradually forming a silhouette.

*Bzzzt!*

A strange hum resonated through the room as the blue figure solidified, its colors rapidly shifting.

What emerged was a white bipedal humanoid Pokémon. It wore a pristine and elegant white dress with a fresh grass-green lining. Its slender and long legs peeked out from beneath the skirt. Green hair cascaded down from either side of its head.

"Master, it's a pleasure to meet you. How may I serve you today?"

Gardevoir clasped her green arms behind her back, exuding an aura of gentle charm like the "girl next door" trope as her soft voice filled the room.

Caleb studied her for a moment, then asked skeptically, "Can you cook?"

Gardevoir nodded lightly, her clear eyes meeting his, then replied, "Master, you previously lived in China, correct?"

"Yeah."

Gardevoir: "Perfect. I am proficient in all eight major Chinese cuisines."

Caleb rubbed his stomach. Having just woken up, he was starving.

He pointed toward the kitchen and said, "The kitchen is over there. I like spicy food. For Dragonite and Mimikyu, avoid spicy berries... otherwise, go wild."

In the Infinite World, one point could buy a fridge full of ingredients. Cooking at home was far cheaper than eating out. After all, saving up 990 000 points was a long journey... every bit counted.

Gardevoir: "Understood."

As a domestic service robot, Gardevoir was impeccably obedient. She turned and headed straight for the kitchen.

The commotion had woken Mimikyu and Dragonite.

Though Mimikyu was awake, it showed no intention of moving, lounging lazily in its cat bed while staring blankly at the ceiling.

Dragonite's nap was also cut short... its stomach growled loudly. Clearly, it was hungry too.

While waiting for Gardevoir to finish cooking, Caleb browsed the System Shop for other items.

After purchasing Gardevoir, he had 655 points left. Subtracting the safety net required in case of mission failures, he had roughly 500 points to spend.

First, he needed to furnish his room with basic amenities. He recalled something he'd seen earlier...

[Special Facility: Pokémon Paradise – 500 Points]

- Function: Provides Pokémon with a vast space for free activity. The paradise includes virtual opponents for training battles. Pokémon training here have a chance to learn new moves...

Caleb never hesitated when it came to his Pokémon.

The next second, his 655 points dropped to 155, and in the corner of the room, a pale blue wooden door materialized.

He walked over and pulled it open. An endless expanse unfolded before him; Azure skies, emerald grasslands, crystal-clear rivers, and crisp fresh air...

The scene resembled a landscape painting unfurling in real time.

Caleb called Dragonite and Mimikyu over and stepped into this living canvas. Dragonite's eyes sparkled at the sight.

Caleb grinned. With his Viridian Power, he could sense Dragonite's excitement, "Go on!" he beckoned.

Dragonite didn't hesitate. Its wings flapped, and like a tiny rocket, it shot into the sky.

"Want to go relax?" Caleb asked Mimikyu.

Mimikyu shook its head...

Unlike Dragonite, it preferred staying indoors. The wilderness held no appeal to Mimikyu, running freely through grass was far less appealing than napping in its cozy bed.

Caleb took a short stroll with Mimikyu before returning to the room. He left the door open for Dragonite and had just settled onto the sofa to watch TV when a rich, spicy aroma wafted from the kitchen.

Gardevoir floated out, a plate of food levitating ahead of her.

The dish featured tender, snow-white fish fillets swimming in a sea of vibrant red peppers, drenched in a glossy layer of chili oil. Just the sight of it made Caleb's mouth water.

"This is Chili Fish, a specialty of Hunan cuisine," Gardevoir explained gently.

Caleb was impressed...

Watching the blue glow in Gardevoir's eyes, he asked, "Besides Psychic, what other moves can you use?"

Gardevoir set the dish on the table and used Psychic to float a rice cooker over.

She scooped out a bowl of plump, glistening rice and replied, "I can also use Teleport."