Chapter 204: Nightfall Approaches

Chapter 204: Nightfall Approaches

Beneath the ground lay dense, compacted soil.

When using Aura Power for probing, the more obstacles it encountered, the shorter its effective range.

Due to the interference of the soil, Hikaru could only extend his Aura Sense about two kilometers down.

The further he probed, the denser the Ghost-type energy became.

After reaching the two-kilometer mark, Hikaru had reached his limit. Despite his desire to continue investigating, he had no choice but to stop.

What he didn't expect was that the moment his Aura Sense reached downward, a pair of glowing orange-yellow eyes flickered deep within the underground darkness.

At that moment, the two receptionists emerged from the back room, holding several dark-colored stones.

These stones emanated a strong and pure Ghost-type energy.

Under the dim lighting, they shimmered with a dazzling, iridescent black glow.

The female receptionist handed the Spirit Stones to the three challengers.

"Alright, these are your Spirit Stones. You are now officially registered for the challenge."

[A-Rank Treasure: Spirit Stone]—Contains exceptionally pure Ghost-type energy, highly attractive to Ghost Pokémon.

An A-Rank treasure.

Now, the 50,000 entry fee didn't seem too expensive.

However…

Would this attract only weaker Ghost Pokémon?

At most, it would likely bring in Pokémon at the Master level.

That was still manageable.

After paying the registration fees, the two receptionists led Hikaru and the others to a row of simple houses outside.

After explaining that these were their designated residences for the duration of the challenge, they returned to the gym.

The houses were quite modest, roughly 40 square meters in size.

However, despite their small size, they were fully equipped.

They had everything—bathrooms, kitchens, refrigerators—fully stocked with supplies.

Before they moved in, the receptionists even asked if they had any special dietary preferences.

Hikaru didn't make any particular requests.

---

"16:56..."

After checking the time, Hikaru summoned Latias and Gardevoir.

Against Ghost-type Pokémon, these two had a significant advantage.

Moreover, the challenge required them to guard the Spirit Stone from energy absorption.

Using other Pokémon might draw too much attention.

"Gardevoir?"

"Hmm..."

Hikaru quickly explained the challenge rules to his Pokémon.

Then he added:

"These next few nights, I'll be relying on you two to help me guard the stone. Don't let any Ghost Pokémon get too close."

"Gardevoir~" (Understood~)

"Alright, Hikaru!"

Gardevoir and Latias glanced at the Spirit Stone in Hikaru's hand and nodded.

Hikaru then spread his Aura Sense, enveloping the entire house.

With this setup…

Unless a Heavenly King-level Ghost Pokémon appeared, nothing would escape his detection.

"Alright, this should be manageable."

Back in Hunger Island, Hikaru had already used Aura Sense to keep an eye on his surroundings.

Scanning the town, he noticed that many Ghost Pokémon were hiding in the shadows of alleyways and narrow streets, seemingly dormant.

These Pokémon—Gastly, Haunter, Banette, Duskull, Phantump—were all waiting for nightfall.

It was as if Phantom Town belonged entirely to Ghost Pokémon.

This made Hikaru curious…

Could it be that the Secret Realm that had merged with this town was actually a massive graveyard?

It was difficult to see Ghost Pokémon in the wild.

But here, with such dense Ghost-type energy...

New Ghost Pokémon might even be forming from the souls of the deceased.

In that sense...

This really was a Ghost Town!

---

Ding-dong...

The chime of a small clock hanging near the bed rang, making Hikaru pause.

As the sound echoed, his Aura Sense detected faint red glows appearing within the room.

"There are surveillance cameras?"

After identifying the source of the red lights, Hikaru sighed.

But he quickly turned serious.

The clock had struck 18:00.

At the same time, the previously dormant Ghost Pokémon in the vicinity began to stir.

The intense Ghost-type energy in the area disrupted the electrical wiring.

The lights in the room started flickering, casting eerie shadows.

A "Zzzzzz…" sound accompanied the unstable electricity.

"Gardevoir?" (They're coming...)

Gardevoir's eyes sharpened as she turned to face the window.

She seemed completely unfazed by the approaching Ghost Pokémon.

However...

Hikaru turned to his side—where Latias, who was clinging to his arm, looked absolutely terrified.

He sighed.

Latias was more afraid of Ghost Pokémon than he had expected.

Was it because she had spent too much time in the human world?

Right now, she didn't resemble a Legendary Pokémon at all.

Instead, she looked like a frightened girl hiding behind him, pressing her body against his back.

"Maybe you should…"

Just as Hikaru was about to suggest that she return to her Pokéball since the Ghost Pokémon outside weren't too strong—

His arm was suddenly wrapped in something soft.

A delicate voice sounded beside him.

"Gardevoir…" (Hikaru, I'm scared too~)

Hikaru's eyebrows twitched.

This was all being monitored by the surveillance cameras!

Who knew how many people were watching right now?

Also...

Gardevoir, weren't you completely calm just a second ago!?

Most of the Ghost Pokémon outside were only in their teen-level range!

With a face full of exasperation, Hikaru deadpanned:

"So… am I the one who has to fight them?"

Silence.

He was seriously considering using Aura Sphere to blast them away...

---

Meanwhile, in the Monitoring Room…

To prevent any major accidents during the challenge, the Ghost-type Gym had installed surveillance cameras.

One reason was to ensure that challengers didn't harm the Ghost Pokémon too severely—some Ghost Pokémon's spiritual forms could be permanently destroyed.

Another reason was to monitor if any unexpectedly powerful Ghost Pokémon appeared and posed a threat.

The room was filled with various screens displaying the different challengers' accommodations.

If Hikaru were to see the group of people gathered in front of the monitors right now, he would recognize them immediately.

They were the elderly residents from earlier in the day.

At the front of the group stood none other than the Ghost-type Gym Leader—The Grand Matron.

Three monitors lit up before them, each displaying a different room where the challengers were staying.

An elderly man in a vest watched the footage with interest.

"These young ones should have no problem passing."

He stroked his non-existent beard, looking pleased.

As longtime residents of Phantom Town, they always enjoyed observing young trainers attempt the challenge.

"You're just stating the obvious!"

A stern elderly woman wielding a cane whacked him on the head.

She turned her attention back to the screens, nodding approvingly.

These three challengers…

A Latias, a Gardevoir, a Gallade, and a Tangrowth...

All Master-tier or Elite-tier Pokémon.

And most of them were Psychic-types.

Unless they were unlucky enough to encounter a high-level Master-tier Ghost Pokémon…

They were practically guaranteed to pass.

---

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

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

*Thank you*