Caleb didn't stay long at Hatsumi's place. After resting for a while, he headed downstairs with Terrence.
Terrence told him to wait while he went to get the car.
While waiting, Caleb observed the passing crowds and felt out of place in this world for the first time.
There were no Pokémon on the streets, no Pokémon Centers by the roadside, no trainers, and no League competitions.
Fortunately, Terrence didn't keep him waiting long. He soon pulled up in the Rolls-Royce, rolled down the window, and stuck his head out, saying, "Get in!"
With nowhere else to go, Caleb climbed in.
Terrence didn't say much, he just hummed a cheerful tune as he drove onto the highway.
As they passed a toll station, he finally asked, "Are Dragonite and the others not with you?"
"They're probably helping Zygarde get rid of the corrupted plants right now," Caleb replied, "like Ash's Greninja did."
A sentimental old song played in the car. It was 'Twilight' by Steve Chou. Caleb had heard it back when he stayed at the orphanage.
Terrence glanced in the rearview mirror and asked, "Do you have a way to go back?"
Caleb took a deep breath and shook his head.
'Maybe if I die again, I'll be sent back?' he thought.
He'd heard before that if someone loves Pokémon and isn't an evil person, they might be summoned to the Infinite World after death.
'So, should I try again? Should I attempt to return to the Infinite World, reset everything, and start over? Mhm... Now that I think about it, who controls such a powerful system?' Caleb began seriously pondering the question.
He wondered why the being in question would summon so many players from Earth.
'It can't be as simple as granting people's wishes just because they were kind, right?' Caleb didn't believe any god would be that bored.
'Infinite World' was a concept often found in web novels, stories where protagonists traveled through numerous realities... For example; horror, sci-fi, or adventure Anime worlds.
These protagonists constantly grow and become stronger there, eventually reaching the peak of infinity.
Behind those stories, however, the Infinite Worlds were usually governed by cold, high-dimensional R.O.Bs... These entities would often view players as lab rats and toys.
But the Infinite Space Caleb encountered was different. Compared to those, it was surprisingly humane. As long as players didn't recklessly seek to throw their lives away, it would protect their personal safety to the greatest extent possible.
More crucially, the worlds it contained weren't random omniversal crossovers; they were all strictly part of the Pokémon multiverse.
'So, who created it? Who is the R.O.B behind it?'
Recalling his experiences in previous instances, a vague guess formed in Caleb's mind, 'Maybe players were summoned to help fight evil forces like Team Rainbow Rocket?'
The weather on the highway shifted rapidly. Moments ago, the sky was clear. Now, dark clouds loomed overhead.
Terrence loved listening to those sentimental old songs, but fearing Caleb might relate too much to the scene, he proactively turned off the music and reassured him, "Don't worry, bro. There's bound to be a way back."
Caleb was about to nod, when a all-too-familiar notification sound suddenly popped up in his mind:
*Ding!*
[Main Quest 'Ascend to the Peak of the World' has been issued!]
[Objective: Reach the highest point on Earth within 48 hours...
- Countdown: 47:59:59!
- Reward: ???]
Caleb froze. He turned and locked eyes with Terrence.
Terrence questioned, "You got it too?"
Caleb nodded, a surge of excitement suddenly welling up inside him. A gut feeling told him that through this quest, he might be able to return to that world!
Terrence's eyes widened, "Whoa! What's going on? How are we getting quests in this world?!"
Just then, his phone rang. He answered. Hatsumi's voice crackled through: <..You guys left already?..>
"Yeah," Terrence nodded, "By the way, did you also get the new main quest?"
<..Of course! Hurry back and bring me along!..>
Terrence and Caleb exchanged glances, sharing a knowing smile, then took another exit off the highway, turning back towards Shanghai.
Forty minutes later, they pulled into Hatsumi's apartment complex.
From afar, they saw her waiting at the entrance.
"Where's your son?" Terrence asked.
"I left him with Mime Jr." she said, hopping into the car. She threw an arm in the air, grinning, "Let's go! It's been ages since I've had a battle. It's about time I stretched my muscles!"
Caleb blinked, "Wait, what's your quest? Mine didn't mention anything about battling."
Hatsumi and Terrence shared a secretive look and giggled, "Not telling you!"
"…"
The highest point on Earth was, without question, Mount Everest, straddling the China-Nepal border.
"I only have Zapdos with me," Caleb said, "I'm not even his official Trainer. If the enemy is strong, I can only offer healing from the backline."
"Don't underestimate us!" Hatsumi laughed.
Caleb was taken aback. Thinking about it, she was right. No player who has survived the Infinite World long enough to leave was a pushover...
...
They finally reached the airport. By the time they boarded their flight, 46 hours remained on the timer.
As the plane took off, Caleb felt oddly restless. He scanned the cabin and spotted a man cradling an Alolan Raichu a few rows back.
Caleb's jaw dropped.
The man noticed his stare, looked down at his Raichu, and gave Caleb a friendly nod.
Caleb whispered to Terrence who sat beside him, "It seems we're not the only ones who got the quest."
"Relax," Terrence patted his shoulder, "Everyone's got the same goal. There won't be any infighting."
'Same goal?' Caleb's eyes narrowed, 'Their quest must be different from mine.'
"So what exactly is your quest?" he asked.
Terrence winked mysteriously, "You'll find out soon enough!"
"…"
~~~
Five hours later, the plane touched down at Lhasa's Gonggar International Airport.
[Countdown: 41 hours remaining]
Tibet's high-altitude inland landscape was a world apart from Shanghai's urban sprawl.
The group found a guesthouse, changed into temperature-regulating jackets purchased from the Infinite Shop, and bought bought mountain climbing equipment on the street. Once all preparations were complete, they set off for Mount Everest...