The night sky was a deep purple, with barely any cars passing by.
A Murkrow perched atop a utility pole, letting out a raspy caw.
Teacher Lu walked along the roadside, not the least bit afraid — in fact, he was even a little excited.
"Fan girls, I've seen before... but a sasaeng fan? This is a first."
Lu Ye muttered to himself.
"Surely it's not a fan here to deliver a death threat…"
In that instant, Lu Ye's expression turned strange.
There were legends of ruthless readers who would kidnap authors that stopped updating their novels, locking them in a dark room, feeding them only after they wrote a chapter.
Am I encountering this kind of audience?!
His feelings were complicated, but his mind remained calm as he walked straight toward the police station.
If Donghuang's Officer Jenny weren't so rare, I'd be going home with one tonight!
"Vee?"
Eevee, perched on Lu Ye's head, noticed they weren't heading home and tilted its head in confusion.
Before Lu Ye could say anything, Eevee's ears twitched twice, its face tensing. It leaped off his head in a flash.
Danger Sense!
"Squirtle!" Squirtle pointed toward a nearby alley.
Eevee nodded cautiously and began to creep toward the alley entrance.
Lu Ye froze.
Squirtle's Aura is more sensitive than the system's — fine, that's fair.
But you too, Eevee?!
These two abilities are better than my system now!
Lu Ye sighed, "Useless!"
The system was silent for a long while before slowly typing out a question mark.
[???]
While he was distracted, Eevee had already approached the alley, its body glowing faintly with a Substitute.
A cold sweat ran down Lu Ye's forehead.
I've never been in a street fight! Do you have to be so reckless?!
Rustling noises came from the alley — whoever it was had realized they'd been discovered. Eevee bared its teeth, ready to charge.
Just then, a red beam of light recalled Eevee into its Poké Ball.
"Vee?!"
Eevee lay inside the Poké Ball, baffled.
Lu Ye clutched the Poké Ball and turned to sprint toward the police station.
I'm a law-abiding citizen; I don't do street fights.
I'm outta here!
The figure in the alley had been prepared for Eevee's attack, but seeing Eevee suddenly vanish into a beam of light left her stunned.
"Chotto matte!"
A crisp Kanto-accented voice echoed from the alley.
Lu Ye's face twisted.
An international fan?!
"Haunter! ヽ(￣▽￣)ﾉ"
Turning back, he saw Haunter carrying Squirtle's shell in one hand and a grocery basket in the other, not missing a single item.
Lu Ye's eyes glistened with relief.
In critical moments, you're always reliable, Haunter!
Hidden in the shadows of the alley, dressed in a formal uniform and heels, Matori reported into her walkie-talkie: "I've found the target. Proceeding with contact. Report complete."
Just then, Squirtle seemed to sense something, glancing around warily.
Matori frowned.
"Situation has changed. I've been detected. Prioritizing my own safety."
Adjusting her glasses, her expression grew serious.
No wonder Giovanni respects this Trainer... his counter-surveillance skills are exceptional.
Rustling noises grew louder as Eevee approached her position, a glint of Substitute light surrounding it.
Matori didn't dare relax. She retrieved her only Poké Ball, ready for Eevee's attack.
"Vee!"
Eevee's cry echoed. Matori tensed, her hairs standing on end.
Then, a red beam of light recalled Eevee.
Matori froze.
Cautiously peeking out, she saw a boy sprinting away.
It looked like an escape, but his demeanor remained composed…
Matori blinked in surprise, then blushed slightly, shouting: "Chotto matte!"
If I lose him now, finding his address again could take months!
Gritting her teeth, she took off in a sprint, heels clicking rapidly.
"Wait for me!"
"Wait for me!"
So it's a female fan? Teacher Lu was both surprised and pleased.
But from the sound of her voice, definitely flat-chested. No reason to look back.
The rapid clatter of heels continued. Lu Ye thought, Surely I can outrun her.
But the footsteps grew faster — almost like she was gliding.
Lu Ye's face darkened.
What kind of superhuman is she? How aren't her feet numb?!
Passersby glanced at the chasing pair, commenting:
"Looks like a heartless player, a scumbag!"
"Poor girl…"
"Being chased by a girl… Ah, those were the days!"
Reaching a deserted intersection lined with glass display cases, Lu Ye caught his breath.
He took the basket from Haunter, setting it carefully aside. Clenching his teeth, he thought, If it's self-defense… Officer Jenny will understand, right?
"Haunter, go through the display case and circle behind her. Wait for my signal."
"Haunter!"
Haunter nodded, phasing through the glass…
Matori, panting heavily, finally caught up. She placed her Poké Ball on the ground and brushed damp hair from her forehead.
"I mean no harm." She raised her hands.
"I'm here to invite you to... a certain organization."
Using the display case's reflection, Lu Ye saw her movements but stayed alert.
Street fights could involve sneaky tricks, like hiding a Poké Ball…
Sweating slightly, he muttered,
"Why does she look familiar?"
Matori stepped into the intersection, locking eyes with Lu Ye.
He froze.
The purple mushroom-cut bangs, large round glasses, and black office uniform…
This is Matori from the TV series?!
Is this world a mix of the anime and manga?!
Lu Ye's brain briefly crashed before he accepted the setting.
Eyeing the "watermelon-head glasses girl," he asked cautiously,
"Why were you… tailing me?"
Matori blushed slightly, adjusting her glasses.
"I'm here to invite you—"
Just then, someone tapped her shoulder.
Momentarily off guard, Matori turned — and was met with Haunter's grinning face.
"Haunter!"
Haunter's eyes glowed with Hypnosis.
Lu Ye: ???
Why are you so skilled at this?!
"Haunter! (～￣▽￣)～"
Lu Ye's face twitched.
You little outlaw!
Matori's pupils contracted before she slumped forward… right into Haunter's arms.
"Haunter? (°ー°〃)"
Haunter awkwardly caught her, glancing at Lu Ye in confusion.
Lu Ye rubbed his chin.
Was this part of your plan too?
Before anyone noticed, Lu Ye sprayed an Awakening mist on Matori's temple.
A moment later, she groaned and woke up, lying on Haunter's shoulder.
Lu Ye sighed in relief, patting Haunter's head.
"One more second and Officer Jenny would've invited us for tea!"
"Matori! (′▽`〃)"
"That wasn't a compliment! Reflect on your actions!"