Chapter 231: Gardevoir: "Garde!" (Pet me!)

Chapter 231: Gardevoir: "Garde!" (Pet me!)

"...After drinking the Foundation-Building Elixir, the Charmander successfully broke through to mid-tier Ordinary Rank. In its clan, the new generation of Charmander was about to undergo a strength evaluation..."

"And now, with the guidance of the spirit within its body, Charmander has already learned Fire Punch, becoming the strongest among its peers..."

"In the upcoming test, it will surely reclaim its honor and shock those who once looked down on it..."

Alright. Cliffhanger.

At that point, Hikaru casually stopped speaking.

"Mew?" (That's it?)

Mew was completely engrossed in the story. But upon seeing Hikaru's expression, it immediately realized—he wasn't going to continue.

AGH!

It was ALWAYS at the best part that he stopped!

Mew was going crazy!

Having no other choice, Mew flew right up to Hikaru, rubbing against him, begging.

"Mew Mew~~" (Just a little more! Please, Hikaru~)

For the sake of hearing the next part, it was willing to sacrifice some dignity.

But—

Mew's act of affection seemed to trigger a chain reaction.

Gardevoir's eyes lit up, and it glided behind Hikaru, placing its delicate hands on his shoulders, massaging them gently.

"Garde~" (How's that, Hikaru? Do you want it a little firmer…?)

Latias, who was originally in her Pokémon form, transformed into her humanoid form and leaned in dangerously close—

Their faces were now less than five centimeters apart.

She held Hikaru's hand in hers, gazing up at him with wide, expectant eyes.

"Hikaru..."

Her soft, delicate features were practically glowing under the light, her expression so innocent and pleading that no one could resist.

And her skin—flawless, as if made from fine, smooth porcelain.

Honestly, Hikaru felt a strong urge to poke her cheek.

But—

Would that be too bold?

He managed to restrain himself—just barely.

"Charrrr~" (Just a little more, please…)

Even Charizard, who usually never begged, looked a little hesitant, casting a hopeful gaze at Hikaru.

At that moment—

Hikaru noticed that his Joy Points were skyrocketing.

Ah, I see.

This is the best way to farm Joy Points.

Feeling a little smug, Hikaru let his guard down—

And before he could stop himself—

His hand reached out and gently pinched Latias' cheek.

A soft, jelly-like sensation spread through his fingers, pleasant and smooth.

Latias didn't resist at all.

Instead, the system notification popped up—

Her Joy Points increased!

Hikaru suddenly felt reluctant to let go.

"Mmm..."

Seeing that Hikaru seemed to enjoy it, Latias leaned in even closer, blinking sweetly at him.

"...Cough."

At this distance, Hikaru felt a little embarrassed.

Quickly, he let go of her cheek.

He figured it was time to continue the story, maximizing the effect of the cliffhanger.

But—

Gardevoir suddenly pouted.

She was NOT happy.

Why did you pet her but not me?!

I even gave you a massage!

Like a jealous girlfriend, or a cat demanding attention, she flew over to Hikaru's side, crossed her arms, and declared—

"Garde!" (Pet me!)

"Huh?"

Hikaru was stunned.

Mew was still curled up in his arms, rubbing against him, purring nonstop.

One of his hands was occupied with Mew—

And now, Gardevoir was standing there, demanding to be petted too.

Her expression was like a cat meowing at its owner, waiting to be stroked.

"Alright, alright..."

Seeing Gardevoir puffing up her cheeks, looking like she'd get mad any second, Hikaru reluctantly gestured for her to sit down beside him.

He gently smoothed her dress, patting her softly.

But—

That one action seemed to ignite something in the other Pokémon.

"Seed… Seed…!" (Me too! Me too!)

"Tyrannn!" (Me first!)

Tyranitar and Bulbasaur immediately ran over, squeezing beside him.

Then—

Gible jumped up next.

Even though he was the youngest, that didn't stop him from shoving his way in.

"Gaaa!"

"Alright, alright, one at a time..."

Watching his Joy Points continue to skyrocket, Hikaru just wished he had more hands.

---

After Mew finally left, Hikaru counted his gains.

In just one morning, he had earned over 400 Joy Points!

That was more than enough!

Feeling extremely satisfied, he sent Mew off.

By then, it was already midday.

Just as he was about to head out for lunch,

His phone rang.

A familiar name appeared—

Auntie Yu.

---

"Auntie Yu?"

From the other end, a gentle voice replied—

"Hikaru, you came back and didn't even tell me! I only found out from the school. Since it's lunchtime, have you eaten yet?"

Hikaru laughed sheepishly.

Auntie Yu was the Frost Gym Leader. It was normal that she would find out about him.

"Not yet," he admitted.

"Perfect! Come over then. I'm still preparing, but I'll set an extra place for you. We'll go to school together afterward."

"Ah—"

Before he could even respond, the call ended.

"Let's go, Latias. You're in for some amazing food!"

Just thinking about Auntie Yu's cooking made Hikaru lick his lips in anticipation.

"Yay, food!"

Latias cheered, looking just as excited.

Compared to Pokémon food, human cuisine had a completely different flavor profile.

It didn't provide much energy, but it was delicious.

Hikaru called a taxi, quickly making his way toward the Frost Gym.

---

The Frost Gym was one of Mizuki City's four major Gyms.

It was still as popular as ever, with countless students coming in for training.

But—

As soon as Hikaru walked in, he realized he had made a mistake.

Latias was a Dragon-type Pokémon.

The cold air inside the Gym hit her immediately.

Her face turned pink, looking like a ripe apple, and she even sneezed.

"You okay, Latias?"

Hikaru wasn't too worried—Latias was a Master-ranked Pokémon.

This temperature shouldn't affect her much.

But still, he asked just in case.

"I'm fine, Hikaru,"

Latias shook her head, her cheeks still flushed.

Hikaru touched her hand—it was a little cold, but not too bad.

Thinking quickly, he reached into his backpack.

He pulled out a white winter coat and handed it to Latias.

"Wear this. It might help."

Latias took the jacket, staring at it for a moment—

Then looked helplessly at Hikaru.

Clearly—

She didn't know how to put it on.

Hikaru sighed.

He grabbed her hands, guiding them into the sleeves, helping her put it on properly.

But—

Right at that moment—

A slender figure emerged from the inner training area, seeing the entire scene unfold…

---

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