Chapter 153: Eighteen, Right? The Natural Order of the Pokémon World!

Chapter 153: Eighteen, Right? The Natural Order of the Pokémon World!

"Cough, cough…"

The question took Hikaru off guard. While his earlier comment to the innkeeper was just a casual remark to avoid complications, he hadn't anticipated Latias bringing it up so directly.

But before answering, Hikaru decided to probe first. "Latias, do you even know what being a girlfriend means?"

"Hmm…" Latias tilted her head thoughtfully. "When I was in Alto Mare, I saw human boys and girls holding hands, calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend. Oh, and they would also…"

Before Hikaru could react, Latias leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "They'd do this too!"

"Uh?"

Hikaru froze on the spot.

Looking at Latias's innocent expression, Hikaru chuckled bitterly. It seemed she didn't understand the implications at all. He figured it was time to explain properly.

Initially, Hikaru had planned to fib his way out by saying that "girlfriend" simply meant a female friend. However, considering Latias's pure and trusting nature, such a misunderstanding could snowball. He dreaded the thought of her introducing herself as his girlfriend in front of others in the future.

Thus, Hikaru decided it was better to nip it in the bud.

"'Girlfriend' means something more than just a friend. In your Pokémon terms, it's akin to having a mate—a life partner…"

Hikaru elaborated, carefully choosing his words.

As he explained, Latias's crimson face deepened into an even brighter red. Her initially wide-eyed, innocent gaze turned shy, and she began fidgeting nervously.

"Hi-Hikaru… what… what are you saying?" she stammered, her tone filled with bashful disbelief.

"Cough, cough. It's not what you think!" Hikaru quickly clarified. "I only told the innkeeper that because I needed a plausible reason for us sharing a room. Nothing more! It was just a little white lie to make things easier."

His embarrassment grew as he scratched his head. Honestly, he hadn't thought the situation through before speaking.

"So, please don't kiss my face again, alright?"

Though the touch had been soft and warm, Hikaru still felt the heat rise in his cheeks.

"Oh… okay…" Latias nodded bashfully, her head hanging low.

She was obviously still embarrassed, her voice barely audible.

Noticing her flustered state, Hikaru sighed inwardly. He wished he'd simply ignored the innkeeper's assumptions earlier.

"Next time, I'll book two separate rooms," he murmured.

"…Oh…" Latias responded quietly, her expression falling slightly, but she didn't protest.

"From now on, when we're in public, just call me your brother—or your little brother. Whichever you prefer."

"Brother? Little brother?" Latias echoed, clearly puzzled.

"Yes, something like that." Hikaru nodded.

Then, out of curiosity, he asked, "Latias, how old are you in human years?"

Latias tilted her head and seemed to calculate mentally for a moment. "Hmm… eighteen, I think?"

Eighteen?

That's perfect!

Wait, why did that thought cross my mind?

Hikaru quickly dismissed the errant thought, shaking his head to clear his mind.

"Well, that makes you a bit older than me. From now on, when we're in public, you can refer to me as your little brother."

"Little brother?" Latias whispered, testing the words. Then her golden eyes lit up with joy, and she hesitantly tried calling out, "Little brother?"

"Yeah, that works."

Hikaru nodded in approval, seemingly unfazed by the title. It was just a label, after all.

But little did he know, this playful exchange had planted a small seed of sentiment in Latias's heart.

"Yay! Hikaru is my little brother now!" Latias cheered excitedly, flapping her wings and spinning joyfully.

"Hey, don't get so excited, Latias. It's just a title." Hikaru waved his hand dismissively, attempting to temper her enthusiasm.

He felt a sense of relief as he noted the pleasant spike in "Joy Value" generated by Latias's happiness.

Realizing it was time to swap out Dream's Summoning Card, Hikaru brought the small Pokémon out. The pink, feline-like Pokémon was still curled up in deep slumber, its breathing even and its expression serene.

"Still sleeping, huh?" Hikaru muttered, gently tapping Dream's tail.

Dream let out a soft murmur but didn't stir. Its peaceful appearance suggested it had fully recovered from the strain of the World Tree's disturbances.

"Well, guess you're staying in Dreamland a little longer," Hikaru mused.

After carefully returning Dream to its designated space, Hikaru turned to Latias.

"Alright, it's time for bed, Latias."

He took out her Poké Ball and handed it to her.

"Wait a moment, Hikaru," Latias called, shifting back into her humanoid form. Her curious eyes fixed on him. "Why did that innkeeper say we might mess up the room? Is it because you practice skills?"

"Yes, exactly! That's it, Latias. Don't think too much about it," Hikaru quickly deflected.

Sweat formed on his brow as he hastily waved her into the Poké Ball before she could press further. Thank goodness Latias didn't have the "Telepathy" ability; otherwise, he'd have been thoroughly exposed.

"Tomorrow will be exciting," Hikaru said to himself, lying down on the room's bed. His thoughts drifted toward the potential for new system enhancements.

---

Qinling Mountains

Deep within the foggy forests of the Qinling range, chaos reigned.

Powerful Pokémon prowled the land, driven into agitation by the gradual depletion of energy emanating from the region. Though some instinctively understood the disturbance was tied to the World Tree, many did not. These uninformed Pokémon began waging fierce battles for territory and resources.

A mighty Salamence roared, asserting dominance as it confronted a group of Venusaur defending their home. Behind the Venusaur stood a cluster of trembling Bulbasaur and Ivysaur, the young and vulnerable members of their community.

"Venu! Venu!" (Why are you attacking us, Salamence? We've done nothing to provoke you!)

The Venusaur's leader stepped forward, its aged frame trembling as it spoke.

"Rawrrr!" (Spare me your excuses! You have three days to leave this area, or else!)

Salamence's wings flared, generating waves of heat that rippled through the air. It unleashed Heat Wave, its fiery gusts scorching the surrounding terrain.

The Venusaur rallied to defend the group, erecting shimmering barriers of Protect to shield their vulnerable kin.

But the message was clear: the strong would claim what they wanted, while the weak could only retreat.

In the unforgiving wilderness of the Pokémon world, strength dictated survival—a stark and brutal truth.

And across the Qinling Mountains, countless Pokémon were learning this lesson anew as chaos unfolded.

---

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