Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 188: The Mischievous Gardevoir...

"Gardevoir..." (So that's how it is... Then forgive me, Hikaru…)

Without a doubt—

Hikaru had already predicted that stories inspired by his own Pokémon would be more engaging for them.

The sense of immersion would be stronger.

But he hadn't expected the pull to be this powerful!

Powerful enough that—

Gardevoir actually dared to lift him into the air with Psychic!

"Gardevoir! What are you doing?!"

The strong psychic force completely overpowered Hikaru's Aura powers.

It was at this moment that he truly realized just how terrifying Psychic-type abilities were.

Suspended midair, Hikaru turned to look at his other Pokémon.

Only to find—

Not a single one of them looked surprised.

Which meant—

Gardevoir had definitely used telepathy to warn them ahead of time!

And indeed—

That's exactly what had happened.

Midway through the story—

Gardevoir had secretly told them all:

"Hikaru will definitely stop at a cliffhanger!"

So—

They conspired in advance that if he dared to pull that stunt…

They would... take matters into their own hands!

In fact—

Gardevoir had even suggested having Bulbasaur tie Hikaru up with its vines.

But the newly joined Bulbasaur was too shy to do it.

Hikaru, too focused on collecting Perk Coins, failed to notice their mischievous expressions.

"Mew~!" (Hehehe! Hikaru got caught!)

Off to the side—

Mew covered its mouth, giggling as it watched Hikaru dangling helplessly in midair.

Which—

Actually earned Hikaru even more Perk Coins.

Not bad…

However—

Gardevoir knew not to push too far.

After letting Hikaru hang upside-down for a bit, it quickly set him down.

The moment Hikaru felt solid ground again—

He immediately turned his attention to Gardevoir.

This couldn't continue!

If he let this slide once, it would definitely happen again!

If it wasn't stopped here—

Who knew what Gardevoir would try next?!

But—

As soon as Hikaru stormed toward her in anger—

Gardevoir stood her ground.

Her expression suddenly turned pitiful, looking frightened.

In fact—

Hikaru could even see tiny tears welling up in her eyes.

He froze.

Wait…

Had he even done anything yet?!

Then—

He suddenly realized.

Gardevoir was faking it!

"Gardevoir~" (Hikaru… I was wrong…)

She clasped her hands in front of her dress, lowering her head shyly, looking completely fragile and remorseful.

Her voice was soft and pleading.

The kind that made any anger melt away instantly.

Hikaru—

The very moment he had planned to lecture her—

All thoughts of punishment vanished.

"Gardevoir, Ga—"

Gardevoir sensed his hesitation and smirked secretly under her hair.

She doubled down—

Making her expression even more pitiful.

"Hikaru… are you… going to hit me?"

Hikaru's fists clenched.

He was fuming.

He knew she was acting.

And yet—

He couldn't bring himself to scold her.

In the end—

All he could do was let out a deep sigh.

"Ahh…"

Damn it.

She's my Pokémon.

How could he possibly bring himself to punish her?

Even though he knew this was a trick…

Gardevoir immediately spun around happily, twirling in place.

After collecting today's Perk Coins, Hikaru fell into deep thought.

Now that he knew the energy density around the World Tree was so high…

Why not stay here for a while?

The Youth League wouldn't be until December.

He still had three full months.

Even though he felt confident about challenging National-Level Gyms…

If he wanted to dominate the Youth League—

His Pokémon still needed to refine their strength.

So rather than running around aimlessly—

Why not stay at the World Tree and train?

Not to mention—

He'd been so busy traveling lately that he barely had time to care for Gible's egg.

Might as well hatch it here at the World Tree.

Yes—

This plan sounded perfect.

Just then—

A small, soft gurgling sound echoed.

Hikaru's sharp hearing immediately caught it.

Turning around—

He saw Bulbasaur flushing red, looking embarrassed.

Its stomach had growled.

It had been captured yesterday and hadn't eaten since.

"Hungry?"

Hikaru chuckled and pulled out his energy cube processor.

He had never made Grass-type specialized energy cubes before…

Time to experiment.

"Lucario…" (Don't worry, Hikaru's food is delicious!)

Lucario patted Bulbasaur's head reassuringly.

"Oh—right! Lucario, Bulbasaur, come here for a sec!"

Just before preparing the meal—

Hikaru pulled out two stone slabs and became serious.

"Bulba?"

"Lucario?"

The two Pokémon approached curiously.

Lucario rarely saw Hikaru this solemn.

Until—

Hikaru slowly opened his hands.

Revealing two ancient, weathered slabs.

Bulbasaur tilted its head in confusion.

But Lucario—

The instant it sensed their energy—

Its Aura flared uncontrollably!

Even without touching them—

Lucario could already feel its own power being stirred.

As if—

The energy pathways within its body were rapidly improving!

Hikaru spoke gravely.

"These slabs… are extremely important."

He placed the Fighting-type slab in Lucario's hands…

And the Normal-type slab on Bulbasaur's back.

Lucario—

Still examining it curiously—

Suddenly froze.

Its eyes widened.

Its Aura pulsed erratically.

It was in shock.

This stone slab…

Was improving its potential!

A Pokémon's talent and ceiling were usually fixed.

Yet now—

Lucario could clearly feel that its future potential had expanded!

"Lucario…"

Hikaru warned telepathically.

"Do not, under any circumstances, try to forcefully tap into its power."

Lucario snapped back to reality, then nodded firmly.

As for Bulbasaur…

It wasn't strong enough to actively control the slab yet—

So for now, it would only passively absorb its energy.

With that settled—

Hikaru turned back to his cooking preparations.

Bulbasaur's talent had to be raised as soon as possible!

Making mid-tier energy cubes was child's play for Hikaru now.

Soon—

A batch of fresh, steaming energy cubes infused with Leaf Stone powder appeared before Bulbasaur.

Bulbasaur's eyes sparkled.

It smelled… amazing!

"Mew! Mew!" (Hikaru, I want some too!)

Nearby, Mew's eyes gleamed like a sneaky cat—

Already plotting to steal some food!

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