Pokémon: Breeding Simulator Chapter 270 270: Pokémon: Breeding Simulator [270]

As Elias followed Cynthia through the gate, he took in his surroundings, eyes tinged with nostalgia.

The small stream still quietly flowed through the garden, but the once vibrant flowerbeds had beco overrun with weeds, neglected after years without care.

Every corner of the house bore traces of passing ti.

"Welco ho," Cynthia said softly, smiling gently. "Surprised? Modern Celestic Town is built right where you and Cogita once lived."

Seeing Elias's current expression reminded her of her own reaction upon discovering this old house—though perhaps she had looked even more stunned then.

"It's impressive it's been preserved this well," Elias murmured, reaching out cautiously to touch the weathered handle of the front door.

"What was it you wanted to ask ?"

Rembering Cynthia's earlier words, Elias turned, directing the conversation back to her original purpose.

Cynthia's smile gradually faded, her gaze becoming serious as it t his directly.

"Elias, I'm genuinely happy to see you again," she began softly. "But…can you tell what price you paid to stay alive?"

"What kind of deal did you make with Arceus?"

Her voice was gentle, yet filled with worry.

Cynthia wasn't foolish. Once calm, she quickly pieced together why Zoroark had grown so powerful. Being able to absorb the power from the Plates was a clear indication that Arceus was involved.

Coupled with Elias's previous disappearance, it was obvious he had made so sort of bargain.

Realizing this had made her despair greatly at first. After all, it ant Elias's chance of survival had been close to zero. With Arceus's power, there was simply no way it could have failed.

Yet…

Against all odds, she was now standing face-to-face with Elias again—in the modern world, no less.

Her happiness and excitent had gradually turned into deeper concern.

Rather than believing that Arceus had shown rcy by reviving Elias without cost, she suspected Elias had made a heavy sacrifice, or perhaps agreed to an even more unfair bargain.

So—

"What was the cost?" Cynthia repeated quietly, looking up at him with utmost seriousness.

Caught off guard by her question, Elias hesitated.

He realized Cynthia had misunderstood sothing, and he didn't know how to explain it properly. The truth—that it was simply the mysterious System's intervention—wasn't sothing he could easily tell her.

Thus, under her watchful gaze, Elias stumbled over his words, unable to form a convincing response.

Unknown to Elias, Cynthia wasn't the only one awaiting his answer. From the shadows nearby, Lucario and Zoroark watched quietly, having followed them secretly.

Seeing Elias struggling to reply, Cynthia's expression shifted from confusion to quiet understanding.

Of course, he can't tell directly…

It confird her suspicion—his silence ant she was at least partially correct. If it really was a bargain with Arceus, he certainly couldn't speak freely about it.

"I'm sorry, I didn't consider that," Cynthia apologized softly, lowering her eyes.

"But… if trouble arises because of it, promise you'll tell this ti."

"I can't bear to go through that again."

Watching Cynthia's rapidly shifting emotions, Elias realized she had definitely misunderstood sothing—but her earnest request was clear enough, and he gently nodded in reply.

"I promise," he answered softly.

Seeing him agree, Cynthia's expression visibly brightened.

Then, as if suddenly recalling sothing, Cynthia's eyes sparkled mischievously, and she added:

"Oh, by the way—it's tourist season right now, and the town's inns seem completely booked."

"So you still don't have a room for tonight."

She tilted her head slightly, eyes dancing with amusent. "What will you do?"

Of course, she hadn't brought Elias out late at night simply to ask about Arceus.

"Booked?" Elias was genuinely surprised.

Hadn't Lance recently stayed at an inn here with plenty of available rooms?

Just as he was about to respond, a cool hand suddenly slid along the back of his neck.

Elias instinctively turned his head and froze as his eyes t a familiar face.

Not just him—Cynthia also stood stunned.

"Elias will be staying with tonight," the newcor said warmly.

The mont these words left her mouth, Elias and Cynthia both realized who she really was.

"Zoroark," Elias sighed helplessly.

He hadn't noticed the fox had quietly followed them.

Cynthia clenched her teeth in frustration.

Another perfectly good opportunity had been completely ruined. With Zoroark around, any further plans she had were sure to fail.

As if sensing their thoughts, "Cogita" lightly jumped forward, embracing Elias while simultaneously dropping her disguise.

A pure white fox now nestled comfortably in Elias's arms, gently nuzzling his shoulder, taking in his familiar scent, eyes narrowed in contentnt.

No matter what bargain Elias might have made this ti, she was determined to remain by his side.

Whatever the future held, however dangerous or uncertain, she would never leave him again.

She had lost him once—she wouldn't allow it to happen twice.

Due to Zoroark's intervention, Cynthia's plan naturally fell through.

However, Elias ended up having an exceptionally comfortable sleep that night.

This was partly because, after his insistence, Zoroark and Gardevoir had adjusted their sleeping positions to be much more comfortable and considerate.

Surrounded warmly by his Pokémon, Elias drifted off into deep, peaceful sleep.

...

As was his habit, Elias woke up early.

Since he planned to visit wtwo today, he needed so ti to prepare.

But…

"w! (I protest!)"

"Latias!"

At the breakfast table, w and Latias stared angrily at Zoroark and Gardevoir.

Clearly, due to so secret arrangent the previous night, these two had ended up sleeping elsewhere.

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T/N: NOOO HE COULD HAVE BAGGED CYNTHIA!!