Chapter 342

When Qingyu and Cynthia arrived here, there weren't many people yet.

"Although it's not good to judge Pokémon by their appearance, but..."

Cynthia's gaze swept across the three statues one after another, showing a puzzled expression.

"No matter how you look at it, the appearance of the Loyal Three doesn't look much like heroes, and I always feel that the things on them are... chains?"

(Kitakami Village Past)

Gazing at the statues of Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti, Qingyu quickly discovered the commonality among the three—

The statues were almost exactly the same as the images of the Loyal Three in the game, and even the toxic chains on them were perfectly replicated.

The ability of the Loyal Three is Toxic Chain, and the effect is that when an attack makes contact with the opponent, there is a probability of putting the opponent into a badly poisoned state.

But besides the game performance, Toxic Chain also seems to imply a possibility—

Perhaps the chains also represent that they are also controlled individuals.

Then, who is controlling them?

The answer is very clear—

Pecharunt, who possesses the Toxic Puppeteer ability.

Judging from the plot performance, Pecharunt can indeed manipulate humans or Pokémon affected by its toxins as if it were driving puppets.

After all, in the truth of history, the Loyal Three were seduced by Pecharunt to steal the mask, which led to the tragedy.

Thinking of this, Qingyu sighed.

I don't know if this trip to Kitakami Village can bring the truth to light, clear Ogerpon's name, and also let the culprit, Pecharunt, get the punishment it deserves.

"At a time like this, don't think about unhappy things."

Seeing Qingyu's dull expression, Cynthia suddenly smiled and pointed not far away.

Qingyu's gaze looked over subconsciously.

He only heard a few continuous "whoosh" sounds, and fireworks like brilliant meteors instantly rose into the high sky, blooming in various colors under the night sky.

The streamers fell from the sky and soon unfolded to form beautiful patterns.

Under the shining light, neat cheers soon came from the lively commercial street not far away, and people were jogging toward the open plaza where they were.

"Grandmother used to tell me every year that those who see the fireworks can embrace good luck."

"So I want to share this year's good luck with you."

Under the grand fireworks display, Cynthia withdrew her gaze from the distance and turned to look at Qingyu calmly.

From her lively amber eyes, Qingyu saw not only the reflection of the colorful fireworks but also a bit of tenderness that could not be melted away.

"The encounter between people, sometimes it might really be fate guiding it."

"Although it's wonderful, but..."

"Just like the encounter between humans and Pokémon, there may be romantic coincidences, but the budding and growth of bonds cannot be separated from each other's active choices."

"I think it should be the same for people."

After Qingyu listened seriously, he nodded and responded with a smile:

"Every ordinary daily life we spend might be a miracle that happens continuously."

"Perhaps it is precisely a series of coincidences that allows us to appreciate the same fireworks in Kitakami Village at this very moment, right?"

Cynthia smiled and tucked the golden hair hanging by her ear.

"I really like this saying."

"Perhaps it is precisely because of these coincidences that the world has all kinds of colors."

The corners of Qingyu's mouth raised slightly, and he didn't respond again, looking at each other and smiling under the fireworks with Cynthia.

The tourists who came to watch the fireworks gathered gradually, and soon the originally empty plaza became very crowded.

The distance between the two also gradually closed because of this.

Until their shoulders touched, Qingyu soon noticed that his left hand was gently held by someone.

Palms pressed tightly together, a little warmth was transmitted through the skin.

"There are a lot of people."

A few faint sounds reached his ears, and when Qingyu turned back again, he realized that Cynthia was already looking at him.

"So, this time I will hold onto you tightly."

I don't know if it was Qingyu's illusion, or if it was just the crimson fireworks that stained her delicate face.

Qingyu was a little infatuated for a while, and it took him a long time to react, smiling slightly.

"Me too."

Just as Cynthia said just now, the formation of any bond should be the result of mutual choice.

Two hands held tightly, and time passed slowly between the fingers.

Until the fireworks show quietly came to an end.

The bustling crowd soon dispersed, but the distance between the two did not quietly open up with the disappearance of the fireworks.

"Sure enough, no matter how many times you watch fireworks, you won't get tired of them!"

A little further away, after enjoying the fireworks performance with Carmine and Arven, Nemona was still wanting more.

"Wait...?"

"Is that Teacher Qingyu over there?"

Returning from the shining festival fireworks performance, Nemona soon noticed Qingyu and Cynthia, who were still in place, opposite to the direction of the crowd.

Just as she was excited and intended to go up to say hello, she was pulled back by Carmine and Arven at the same time.

"Nemona, you must read the atmosphere at a time like this; Teacher Yu definitely wouldn't want us to disturb them!"

Carmine let go of her hand, crossed her arms in front of her chest, and showed a meaningful smile.

"So, I don't think this is good!"

"Fine..."

Although she didn't quite understand why, Nemona was still very obedient and gave up the idea.

However...

When she turned around, preparing to go back to the commercial street for another round, she discovered something unusual.

In the corner of Loyalty Plaza, a strange figure with a child's stature, wearing a green cloak and a ghost mask, stood in the shadows, seemingly observing the two people in the center silently.

"That is..."

Nemona narrowed her eyes, seemingly intending to observe more carefully.

I feel like I've seen that child somewhere before?

And following her movements, Arven and Carmine's gazes also looked over together.

"G-ghost!!!"

Carmine's legs instantly went soft, and her voice became trembling.

Unlike the thick-nerved Nemona, she clearly remembered the image of the "ghost" in the Kitakami Village promotional brochure.

It was exactly the same as what they were seeing now!

"Poni?!"

Carmine's voice seemed to startle the "ghost" that was secretly observing, and it immediately stretched its legs and ran toward the mountain behind the village.

At the same time, Qingyu and Cynthia were also attracted by the sound.

When he saw that familiar figure running away, Qingyu's eyes widened instantly.

It's Ogerpon!

Sorry for the wait; because I really didn't know where to cut it, and this plot is also very difficult to write, so writing it in one go was a bit late. In short, here is the update~

13,000 words updated today; for such a diligent author, don't you want to give some votes~