Chapter 234: Fireball Mouse

"Before we officially start the investigation mission, there's one important matter to take care of," Dr. Laventon adjusted the extremely recognizable ugly hat on his head, his tone carrying a hint of mystery.

Huo La understood in his heart, and his face still remained calm.

Beside him, Xiao Zhao could hardly hide her excitement, her cheeks slightly flushed, her hands unconsciously gripping the hem of her clothes, clearly having guessed what was about to happen.

"Huo La, you're the newly joined rookie," Dr. Laventon said, pulling several Pokeballs from his backpack and gently squeezing them in his hand, "Xiao Zhao, you joined a few months ago, but at that time I was out on a survey and couldn't assign you a partner in time. Today the timing works, so the two of you can choose together."

Huo La's gaze fell on those Pokeballs, and he nodded inwardly—these Pokeballs' design isn't vastly different from the future ones, only the shell material is coarser, giving them a rustic feel.

Dr. Laventon sequentially pressed the switches on three Pokeballs; as Red Light flickered, three tiny Pokémon leapt out one after another, landing on the wooden floor.

"Wood Owl, Fireball Mouse, Water Otter…" Huo La whispered their names, his tone even, showing no surprise.

"Not bad, not bad!" Dr. Laventon's eyes lit up, looking at him approvingly, "Looks like in these three years you've learned a lot from the teammates, you even recognize these three Pokémon."

Huo La smiled, offering no further explanation—these Pokémon will become household Initial Partners in the future; how could he not know them?

"These three are Investigation Partners that the Galaxy Team specially prepared for new members, their Nature is gentle, they adapt well, and they're perfect for operating in the Hisui Region."

Dr. Laventon cleared his throat, about to continue explaining the allocation rules, but a faint rustle interrupted him.

The Water Otter wagged its fluffy blue tail, trotted with its short legs to Xiao Zhao's side, gently nudged her pant leg with its head, then promptly wrapped its arms around her calf, lifted its watery big eyes, and stared at her expectantly.

Xiao Zhao's heart melted instantly; she quickly crouched, carefully patting the Water Otter's head.

The Water Otter comfortably squinted, rubbed its cheek against her palm, and let out a contented whimper.

"Hehe, looks like the Water Otter has already chosen its partner," Ma Jia Mu laughed brightly, his two sideburns twitching, "That little fellow is clever, it singled out Xiao Zhao at a glance."

Dr. Laventon, scratching his head through his hat, sounded a bit helpless and amused, "Since that's the case, Xiao Zhao will partner with the Water Otter. Huo La, of the remaining Wood Owl and Fireball Mouse, pick one."

"Only children make choices, Doctor, can't I have both?" Huo La teased deliberately, his eyes carrying a hint of testing.

Dr. Laventon immediately shook his head, his tone firm, "That won't do! Ming Yao is out on an investigation mission and hasn't returned, so we must reserve one for him. When he comes back, the remaining one will be his partner."

Hearing the name Ming Yao, Huo La couldn't help but shrug.

In his mind instantly appeared the figure of a teenager—wearing a red beret, a red scarf, with a bright and persistent personality, similar in age, a popular Investigator in the Galaxy Team, who had been out surveying the terrain of Qunqing Coast.

"Alright, then I'll choose the Fireball Mouse," Huo La said, no longer hesitating, "Winter is coming soon; with a Fireball Mouse, sleeping at night will be warmer, and we can even roast something to eat."

He was speaking truthfully; the Hisui Region's winter is bone‑chilling, especially in the mountainous night where temperatures can drop below zero, and having a Fire-type Pokémon nearby truly saves a lot of trouble.

As soon as his words finished, the Fireball Mouse seemed to understand, instantly hopping excitedly to his foot, nudging his shoe with its little head, the cheek pouches slightly inflating and emitting a lively sound, clearly pleased with the new partner.

Huo La bent down and scooped up the Fireball Mouse; the little creature curled obediently in his arms, its fluffy body radiating a hint of warmth, feeling especially pleasant to the touch.

"All right, partner selected, please guide me from now on, Fireball Mouse," Huo La gently patted its head, a trace of tenderness flashing in his eyes.

Although he still kept the original Pokémon in mind, for now this lively, cute Fireball Mouse will be his most reliable partner in the Hisui Region, and an essential aid in his search for a way home.

Ma Jia Mu, watching the scene, nodded satisfactorily, "Since the partners are chosen, tomorrow morning, the two of you report to the Star Moon Squad Leader."

"Copy!" Huo La and Xiao Zhao replied in unison, and the Fireball Mouse let out a crisp Cry from Huo La's arms, as if echoing.

Xingyue only then closed the page in his hand, lifted his gaze to the two, his tone still cold yet with a hint of seriousness: "Tomorrow at the Mao hour, gather at the loft entrance; no tardiness allowed."

"Understood!" the two replied again.

Leaving the Galaxy Team Building, the sun was at its peak, warm sunlight spilling onto the stone‑paved streets of Zhuqing Village, and even the air carried a hint of fresh grass and wood scent.

Huo La stretched a big yawn, a wave of comfort spreading through every joint.

The newly acquired Fireball Mouse sat obediently on his shoulder, its tiny paws clutching his collar, its round eyes curiously scanning the surroundings, occasionally emitting a soft chirp.

"Huo La, have you decided what name to give your Fireball Mouse?" a crisp voice called from behind; Huo La turned, seeing Xiao Zhao and the Water Otter hurrying up, the little creature now affectionately rubbing her ankle, its tail wagging exuberantly.

Huo La looked down at the Fireball Mouse on his shoulder; it seemed to understand, tilting its head and nudging his cheek.

He smiled and shook his head, "No need to give it a special name; just calling it Fireball Mouse is fine—simple and easy to remember."

"That's true." Xiao Zhao bent down, patted the Water Otter's head, her brows curving, "Then my Water Otter will be called Xiao Ta from now on!"

The newly named Xiao Ta immediately let out two cheerful cries, bumping its head against Xiao Zhao's palm.

The two walked side by side toward the east of the village; Xiao Zhao suddenly seemed to recall something and said, "We've both chosen our partners, leaving only the Wood Owl for Ming Yao…"

The implication was concern that the partner out on the mission might feel left out.

"Hey, what's the big deal?" Huo La waved his hand nonchalantly, "He just had bad luck, rushing out on a mission right when partners were being assigned. Besides, he already has Pikachu as a partner; the Wood Owl is just adding a new member to his team, he'll probably be thrilled, so why would he mind."

Xiao Zhao thought it made sense; Ming Yao had always been bright‑minded and surely wouldn't mind, so she relaxed, her steps lightening a bit.

Huo La watched the little Xiao Ta hopping beside her, then patted the energetic Fireball Mouse on his shoulder, suddenly feeling playful, turned to Xiao Zhao and said with a hint of eagerness, "Speaking of which, Xiao Zhao, now that we both have new partners, how about a match? Just to test our skills and get familiar with coordinating with our Pokémon."

"Huh? A match?" Xiao Zhao abruptly stopped, a hint of panic flashing on her face, waving her hands repeatedly, her cheeks slightly flushed, her tone a bit shy, "I… I can't… I've never battled anyone, I don't even really know how to command a Pokémon…"

She usually followed the Galaxy Team members, only helping record Pokémon habits, never having any real‑battle experience.

Huo La, seeing this, couldn't help but laugh, his tone softening, "It's fine, just a casual play, not a formal battle. Just let the Fireball Mouse and Xiao Ta get to know each other, practice a bit; losing is no problem."