Chapter 198: The Ghost-Type Gym’s Location—Phantom Town

Chapter 198: The Ghost-Type Gym's Location—Phantom Town

After biting Charizard, Greninja, and Bulbasaur,

Hikaru finally stopped Gible—

Because the other Pokémon clearly didn't want to be bitten.

Fortunately, this little guy was mischievous but obedient.

At Hikaru's summon, it trotted over without hesitation.

"Gib-Gib?" (What's up?)

"Nice to meet you, little Gible~"

Hikaru took out a Poké Ball and placed it in front of Gible.

Without needing any guidance,

Gible instinctively reached out and tapped it.

A flash of red light—

The Poké Ball shook for a moment, then fell silent.

Looking at Gible's Poké Ball, Hikaru nodded slightly,

Deep in thought.

("Work hard, little one... because surpassing Charizard and the others won't be easy.")

Those bites Gible left on everyone—

Weren't just for "acknowledging leaders."

This little guy was extremely proud!

It wanted to become stronger and surpass each of them one by one.

But...

That was a very difficult goal.

For now, it should focus on simply getting stronger first.

After recalling Gible,

Hikaru's gaze swept across his Pokémon.

Then—

He locked eyes with Mew.

The little pink cat, sensing something,

Pouted its lips.

"Meow..." (Hikaru, you're leaving?)

"Yeah."

Hikaru nodded gently.

"It's about time. I can't stay here forever."

"Meow..." (Oh...)

Mew floated beside him.

This past month—

Had been the most interesting time in the past decade it had spent guarding the World Tree.

Watching Pokémon train seriously,

Laughing whenever Hikaru failed at making potions,

And listening to fun stories every night.

Once Hikaru left,

These simple pleasures would be gone.

"Meow..." (Alright then, Hikaru, do your best~)

But Mew understood.

Hikaru was a human, not a wild Pokémon.

His normal life had to continue.

"Yeah... oh, by the way, Mew, I need one more favor."

Hikaru pulled out a small bag of PokéBlocks.

"Can you give this to Serperior?"

These were specialized Potential Enhancement PokéBlocks.

The last time Hikaru checked, Serperior's potential was at the Elite Four level.

Honestly, without the World Tree's influence,

It probably wouldn't have been able to surpass this ceiling.

After making a promise to Serperior,

Hikaru decided to help boost its potential before leaving.

These Grass-type Potential PokéBlocks

Had taken him five or six days to craft.

And the ingredients—

Were all painstakingly gathered by Latias.

"Meow~" (Got it~)

Mew took the PokéBlocks with Psychic,

Agreeing without hesitation.

"And also..."

Hikaru hesitated for a moment.

"If you have time, could you check on Lucario for me?"

"Meow!" (Of course!)

Lucario's training area was somewhere between Aura Town and the vast Qinling Mountains.

Hikaru had checked in once over the past month.

Under the guidance of the older Lucario (Lv. 90),

His Lucario wasn't training through battle—

Instead, it was doing daily tasks.

Clearing weeds for berry trees,

Using Aura to sense plants' "emotions",

And other seemingly mundane activities.

Hikaru couldn't quite understand the method.

But—

Since he had entrusted Lucario to the veteran,

He wouldn't interfere too much.

He believed in this 90-level Lucario.

After making his final arrangements,

Hikaru took one last look at the World Tree.

Feeling nostalgic.

As long as the World Tree remained safe,

This place was truly peaceful.

But staying too long...

Might weaken a Pokémon's fighting spirit.

It was a good place to rest and recover—

But not a place to grow stronger indefinitely.

Hikaru had once tried battling one of the wild Pokémon here—

A Level 29 Nidorino, against his Bulbasaur.

Yet—

When the Nidorino saw Bulbasaur's Vine Whip, it completely froze in shock.

It couldn't even react properly.

That was when Hikaru realized—

Although there were Level 40–50 Pokémon here,

Their actual combat experience was laughable.

Taking a deep breath—

Hikaru turned to his team.

"Alright, everyone—time to move out!"

"Roar!"

"Croak!"

Charizard and Greninja immediately cheered.

They were the most eager ones to leave.

One loved battling.

The other loved showing off.

Staying at the World Tree had been pure torture for them.

---

Above the Skies

"Head east..."

Hikaru guided Latias as they flew.

He had already planned out the next phase of his journey:

→ Challenge two National-Level Gyms (Ghost & Grass)

→ Visit Mizuki City to transfer his academic records

→ Head to Kyoto

He had promised Xiaoxue he'd arrive before October.

"Alright, we're here..."

Checking his GPS, Hikaru patted Latias' head with a smile.

Beneath a layer of thick, dark clouds—

Loomed the Ghost-type National Gym's location—

Phantom Town.

---

Phantom Town

The Ghost-Type Gym—"Haunted House"

Wasn't in a major city.

Instead, it stood deep within this eerie, secluded town.

After having Latias land outside the town,

Hikaru surveyed the area with curiosity.

Although Phantom Town was located deep inland,

It was already September.

And it was midday.

From above the clouds, Hikaru could see the sun shining brightly.

But here—

Under the oppressive, ink-black clouds—

The town looked like it was trapped in endless twilight.

A chilling breeze blew through.

It wasn't just cold—

It carried the lingering energy of Ghost-type Pokémon.

Hikaru tightened his hoodie, shivering slightly.

("People actually live here?")

He raised an eyebrow.

This place didn't seem fit for human habitation.

At the town entrance,

A worn-out cobblestone path stretched inward.

The surrounding buildings appeared ancient,

As if time itself had weathered them down.

Not a single person was in sight.

On the roadside—

A dead, leafless tree stood ominously.

And perched within its branches—

A faint, ghostly flame flickered.

Looking closer—

It wasn't an actual flame.

It was a Yamask, its blood-red eyes flickering like eerie fire.

Hikaru was just about to step forward when—

Someone suddenly grabbed his arm.

A slight tremble ran through the grip,

Followed by a soft, hesitant voice beside him.

Latias, now in human form,

Had wrapped her arms around his.

Her golden eyes stared nervously down the empty street.

"...It's really scary here."

---

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