Chapter 37: Riolu? No...

Chapter 37: Riolu? No...

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October passed quickly.

Hikaru's days were monotonous, filled with training, studying, and preparing for the midterm exams.

With his powerful mental acuity, acing the exams was a breeze.

Occasionally, he ventured into the secret realm to explore.

As a newly discovered realm, the resources were at their peak in these early days.

While others needed to pay a hefty exploration fee, Hikaru enjoyed unrestricted access, returning with treasures each time.

The realm also served as an excellent battleground.

The Pokémon within were wild and cautious, their attacks fierce and calculated.

Under these conditions, Charmeleon and Kirlia rapidly honed their combat skills. Charmeleon reached level 24, while Kirlia reached level 22.

Financially, Hikaru sold off secret realm treasures in small, calculated batches, ensuring steady profit while avoiding suspicion.

Now, he was a millionaire, with additional treasures stored safely in his system space for future use.

One day, while preparing for another exploration, Hikaru overheard a conversation at the secret realm's entrance.

"Did you hear? Someone spotted a Riolu near the southern lake!"

"Really? That's such a rare Pokémon!"

"It's true! I even have a picture. Want to see?"

"Whoa, that really looks like Riolu. I've got to check this out!"

The secret realm's exploration fee of 30,000 was substantial for most trainers.

Curious, Hikaru approached, only to be brushed off rudely.

"Scram, kid."

Unfazed, he walked away. He had gleaned enough from the conversation.

Riolu.

From the blurry picture, Hikaru had caught a glimpse of a small blue figure. The quality was poor, but the silhouette did resemble Riolu.

"Around the lake, huh? That could be dangerous," Hikaru mused.

Still, the thought of encountering a Riolu was tempting.

Fortunately, Hikaru had recently acquired a green entry, [Teleportation].

Unlike Kirlia's Teleport, this entry allowed him to mark a location and return to it in case of danger. The entry had three uses and a range of 10 kilometers. After three uses, it would convert into entry coins.

With this safeguard in place, Hikaru decided to take the risk.

After greeting the enforcement officer at the entrance, Hikaru entered the realm.

The teleportation was random, but the location was familiar—close to his first entry point.

Navigating effortlessly, Hikaru reached the lake without bothering to collect treasures along the way.

Charmeleon and Kirlia followed, exuding strength that deterred wild Pokémon from approaching.

"Fighting type…" Hikaru muttered, crafting an energy block infused with rosemary to attract Fighting-type Pokémon.

"This should lure it out."

Hikaru was confident in his energy block. Even picky eaters like Kirlia found it irresistible.

True to form, Kirlia floated over, took a glance at the block, and floated away.

Not my type. Two stars.

Since evolving, Kirlia had grown bolder, transforming from a shy girl into a lively and clingy companion.

At night, she often escaped her Poké Ball to sleep on Hikaru's bed. Despite reprimands, she persisted, and Hikaru eventually gave up, finding her presence oddly comforting.

Half an hour passed.

Several Pokémon were attracted to the block—but they were Bug-types: Caterpie, Weedle, and Venonat.

"Where's the Fighting type?!"

Another half-hour passed.

A Magikarp stared blankly at the energy block, unmoving.

"This is strange. Could it not be Riolu?" Hikaru wondered aloud.

Riolu had been a dream Pokémon for Hikaru. Its aura abilities would perfectly complement his, and its solitary demeanor resonated with him.

Yet, all he'd attracted were Water and Bug-types.

"Fine. Let's at least feed these guys."

Switching tactics, Hikaru crafted a Water-type energy block without rosemary.

Before long, the lake was teeming with Magikarp, Goldeen, Lotad, and even a Totodile—a Water-type starter Pokémon.

The Totodile, bold and territorial, tried to claim the energy block for itself.

"Charmeleon, scare it off," Hikaru ordered, and a single threatening punch from Charmeleon subdued the Totodile.

"Croak?"

Hikaru turned to see a Froakie emerge from the water.

"Whoa, a Froakie!" Hikaru exclaimed, offering the energy block to the newcomer.

The Froakie, with its sleek blue skin and intelligent yellow eyes, accepted the block without hesitation. As it ate, its eyes lit up with delight.

Not just Froakie—all the Pokémon showed similar reactions to the block, their expressions ecstatic.

"Wait a second…" Hikaru suddenly realized, his voice trembling. "A Froakie?!"

This was the Pokémon he had been dreaming of.

Could it be that the blurry photo mistaken for Riolu was actually Froakie?

"Croak?" The Froakie tilted its head, sensing Hikaru's excitement.

"Froakie, will you come with me? Be my partner. I'll give you food like this every day!" Hikaru pleaded, using his aura to convey sincerity.

To Froakie, Hikaru's enthusiasm was overwhelming—like a suitor showering promises of wealth and luxury.

"Croak," Froakie replied nonchalantly, shaking its head.

"No?" Hikaru's heart sank.

This Froakie was exceptional, its talent evident.

[Pokémon]: Froakie

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