Chapter 73: Evolution, Gardevoir!

Chapter 73: Evolution, Gardevoir!

The announcer at the awards ceremony spoke with grandiose flair.

Below the stage, a mother with her child pointed at the winners above.

"Look at them, dear. Would you like to stand up there someday?"

"I don't need you to be on the top; just standing there is enough for me."

"No, Mom. If I'm going to do it, I'll aim for first place!"

The child's eyes burned with determination as they fixed on Hikaru.

In this world where Pokémon and humans coexist, it's almost every child's dream to become a trainer, step onto a grand stage, and shine alongside their Pokémon, becoming the focus of everyone's admiration.

---

The S-tier Water Stone that Hikaru received as part of his prize matched the energy quality required for master-level Pokémon.

For Frogadier, it was the perfect catalyst. With it, its evolution could advance even further.

However, Hikaru realized he'd need to lay low for a while. His Pokémon had performed exceptionally well in the championship—too well.

Whether it was Riolu, Charmeleon, or Frogadier, their overwhelming displays of power had drawn too much attention.

To address this, Hikaru used his Wish-Fulfilling ability to hope for a trait that could help him avoid unnecessary attention.

---

The new week brought a new trait.

Blue Trait (Malice Detector): When equipped, any hostile individuals or Pokémon will be unable to hide their ill intent.

This trait wasn't exactly what Hikaru had hoped for, but it still achieved a similar purpose.

Equipped with it, Hikaru could now see faint colored dots above people's heads:

White dots indicated neutrality or friendliness.

Orange or yellow dots suggested jealousy, though Hikaru didn't mind those.

Red or black dots, likely indicating hostility, hadn't appeared yet.

Combined with his Aura, this trait gave him a clear view of anyone with malicious intent before they could approach him.

---

Hikaru also refreshed the system shop as usual.

His coin total now stood at 1,051, enough to buy something significant if it appeared.

Charizard's Mega Evolution stone had already been purchased and stored in the system's inventory. What Hikaru needed now was the Mega Evolution stones for Gardevoir and Lucario.

Lucario still required Riolu to evolve first, as Mega Evolution wasn't possible otherwise.

In the game, Riolu evolved into Lucario at a friendship level of 220, unrelated to its strength.

"Riolu?"

Almost as if it had sensed Hikaru's thoughts, Riolu ran over mid-meal and affectionately nuzzled his hand.

Given how much time they'd spent together, and with the battles they'd endured, Hikaru was sure their bond was already strong.

If Riolu hadn't evolved yet, it was probably because it hadn't been born long enough.

---

The thought of evolution brought Hikaru to another realization: all four of his Pokémon were nearing evolution.

"Don't worry, Riolu. Go back to your meal," Hikaru said, stroking its head.

Riolu happily resumed eating, radiating contentment.

"Kirlia!"

Kirlia suddenly floated over, its white skirt fluttering as it approached.

"Hikaru, I want one too!" it said telepathically.

"Of course."

Hikaru chuckled, petting Kirlia's head. Its affectionate nature made him wonder if it would become less clingy after evolving into Gardevoir. After all, Gardevoirs are known for their poised and elegant demeanor.

As Hikaru absentmindedly stroked Kirlia's head, he refreshed the system shop again.

His Wish-Fulfilling trait allowed him to refresh daily, accumulating potential rewards over time.

Item: Morph Mask – When worn, this mask doesn't change your appearance but allows you to adjust how noticeable you are and control the first impression others have of you. Cost: 200 coins.

It seemed Hikaru's latest wish had been granted.

This mask wasn't exactly flashy, but it was practical.

---

Just as Hikaru closed the system menu, the sensation under his hand changed.

A brilliant white light erupted from Kirlia.

"Huh?"

Hikaru froze for a moment before realization hit him.

Kirlia was evolving.

His face broke into a wide grin.

---

Inside the glowing light, Kirlia's form began to stretch and elongate, its petite frame transforming into one of elegance.

Originally a small figure barely 4.5 feet tall, it now stood close to 5.5 feet, graceful and poised.

When the light faded, Gardevoir stood in Kirlia's place.

Its green hair fell in a short, stylish cut over one eye, and its long white gown billowed as if carried by an invisible breeze.

"Gardevoir!"

"You evolved, Gardevoir!" Hikaru exclaimed, thrilled.

Just as Hikaru reached out to inspect Gardevoir's new abilities, its soft, melodic voice captured his attention.

"Hikaru."

The voice was still telepathic, but it had shed the crisp innocence of Kirlia's tone. It was now rich and mature, with a soothing, almost hypnotic quality.

---

Evolution changes more than just a Pokémon's strength—it often alters their personality as well.

Kirlia had been playful and clingy, but Gardevoir carried itself with an air of calm sophistication.

Or so Hikaru thought, until Gardevoir gently took his hand and twirled once.

Its gown flowed around it, making it look ethereal.

"Do I look beautiful?" Gardevoir asked, its ruby-red eyes gazing at Hikaru.

"Beautiful," Hikaru replied without hesitation. "You look even more stunning now that you've evolved!"

Kirlia would have blushed at such praise. Gardevoir, on the other hand, simply accepted it with serene confidence.

"Then I want an evolution hug!"

"...Huh?"

Maybe its personality hadn't changed after all.

---

To Be Continued...

---

Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin

[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]

*Thank you*