Chapter 154: A New Year

Chapter 154: A New Year

August 4th.

The morning sun broke through the misty skies of northeastern Huaguo, casting a serene glow over the tranquil streets of the small town. The soft fog veiled the surroundings, adding a layer of mystery to the crisp air.

Hikaru stood by the window, gazing at the sleepy town below. Early risers had begun setting up stalls along the street, their faint voices calling out to potential buyers. The quiet activity breathed life into what otherwise seemed like a forgotten place, its empty houses adding to the melancholic charm.

The presence of lingering locals hinted that the town was not entirely abandoned but had simply faded from its once-vibrant past.

Hikaru turned and released Latias from her Poké Ball.

"Good morning, Latias," he greeted.

Emerging in her humanoid form, Latias returned the greeting with a shy smile. "Good morning, Hikaru… little brother."

Hikaru froze momentarily before chuckling. "Good morning, sis."

This arrangement seemed to settle things neatly, avoiding any unnecessary misunderstandings about their relationship.

With a sense of anticipation, Hikaru quickly opened his System of Traits, eager to see the offerings of a new year.

As expected, the daily, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual trait options were all available.

Rubbing his hands together excitedly, Hikaru began with the daily trait.

---

Daily Trait

[White Trait: Call Me Hercules]

Grants a slight increase in physical strength.

Hikaru frowned. "Not a great start…"

Though unimpressive for his Pokémon, this trait could still benefit Hikaru himself. As a human, any enhancement to his physical abilities could prove crucial. Encounters with wild Pokémon could be unpredictable, and having some form of self-defense was better than none.

After equipping the trait, Hikaru immediately felt a faint surge of strength coursing through his body. It wasn't much, but even a small improvement was better than nothing.

"One day, I might even become a human Pokémon," Hikaru muttered, flexing his arm in mock bravado. "Wave-guided punches, anyone?"

Satisfied, he moved on to the next trait.

---

Monthly Trait

A flash of blue light heralded the arrival of the next trait.

[Blue Trait: King of Slackers]

Even while slacking, you continue to grow stronger. Growth rate depends on how idle you are.

"Wait a minute…" Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "This again?"

This wasn't his first time acquiring this trait. In fact, [King of Slackers] was already in use by his Larvitar.

"System, can traits repeat?" Hikaru asked.

[Repeated traits can be combined and upgraded to higher-quality traits.]

"That's convenient," Hikaru mused. Combining two identical traits seemed like an efficient way to enhance their potential.

Currently, his Larvitar faced the challenge of a slow progression through its Pupitar stage. The process, though necessary, was frustratingly lengthy. Research indicated that a Larvitar's developmental timeline could span anywhere from three to ten years, depending on its genetic aptitude and energy reserves.

With its exceptional care and nutrition, Hikaru's Larvitar was expected to transition relatively quickly. However, speeding up the process was still a priority.

"Come on out, Larvitar," Hikaru called.

The hefty Pokémon emerged, its shell glinting faintly in the morning light. Despite its weight of several hundred pounds, Hikaru felt surprisingly comfortable holding it, thanks to his strengthened physique.

"Pup?" Larvitar tilted its head curiously.

"Nothing, just a little upgrade for you," Hikaru reassured, removing the existing [King of Slackers] trait and merging it with the new one.

A deep purple glow enveloped the system panel as the traits fused, transforming into something more potent.

[Purple Trait: End the Hustle]

Doubles the evolution speed of the Pokémon when it's in a relaxed state.

Upon reading the description, Hikaru couldn't help but grin. "This is perfect."

A twofold acceleration in evolution was a game-changer for Larvitar. With its exceptional potential, the timeline for reaching Tyranitar—its final form—would now shrink to about a year.

"Pupitar!" (What's happening?)

Larvitar immediately noticed a change. The energy reserves it had painstakingly accumulated now surged through its body, spreading warmth and vitality.

"Alright, don't get too excited. Just keep resting and growing," Hikaru said, patting Larvitar's sturdy carapace.

He hoped that after evolving, Larvitar's energetic personality from its earlier stages would return. While its current demeanor was calm and reserved, Hikaru fondly remembered its feisty, spirited younger self.

"Pup!" Larvitar chirped, visibly pleased, before retreating into its Poké Ball.

---

Quarterly Trait

Next, Hikaru turned to the quarterly trait.

[Purple Trait: Elemental Silence]

Clears all elemental energy within a three-kilometer radius for three seconds. Usable only by Psychic-type Pokémon. Cooldown: 1 hour.

Hikaru's eyes widened. "That's… interesting."

This trait could nullify all elemental abilities temporarily, forcing battles into a physical-only confrontation. While its duration was short, the strategic possibilities were immense.

Without hesitation, Hikaru equipped the trait to his Gardevoir.

"Good morning, Gardevoir," Hikaru greeted as he released her from her Poké Ball.

"Garde~" (Good morning, Hikaru~) Gardevoir cheerfully embraced him, her arms wrapping tightly around him.

Since her evolution, Gardevoir had become far more expressive and affectionate. However, Hikaru had drawn the line at sharing a bed, much to her chagrin.

"Alright, enough of that," Hikaru chuckled, gently freeing himself from her grasp.

After explaining the trait, Gardevoir's eyes sparkled with interest. She seemed eager to try it out, though she remained focused and composed.

---

The morning passed swiftly as Hikaru tested the new traits with his Pokémon. The excitement of new possibilities filled the air, and he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose.

However, the day's serenity belied the brewing chaos in the nearby Qinling Mountains. Deep within the forest, unrest among the Pokémon population grew as the energy radiating from the area steadily waned.

Strong Pokémon drove out the weak, claiming territory in a desperate bid for survival. Battles erupted, the roar of a Salamence clashing with the cries of a Venusaur echoing through the dense trees.

In the Pokémon world, strength dictated the natural order, and the Qinling Mountains were no exception.

For now, Hikaru remained unaware of the turmoil unfolding in the wilderness, but he knew his journey into the heart of the region would bring its own share of challenges.

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