Chapter 752: Ninety Achieved!

"Energy Ball!"

"Genga!"

The oddly-colored Gengar stretched its mouth to its ears, holding the verdant Energy Ball like a Rasengan between its fingers, and nimbly threaded through the incoming barrage of Mud-Slap clumps before slamming it hard into the face of the West Sea Seaking-beast.

Boom!

Smoke billowed.

"Gyaa—"

From within came the Seaking-beast's cry of pain.

Gengar retreated in a backward drift, hovering in midair to look down at the rapidly dispersing smoke, letting out a smug, eerie laugh: "Hehehehehe~"

"Seaking-beast is unable to battle! Gengar wins!"

The temporary referee looked at the Seaking-beast sprawled on its back with spiral eyes, and mercilessly raised the verdict flag.

The surrounding crowd applauded in unison with sighs of admiration.

Clap clap clap clap—

"Nine wins in a row!"

Baimu bumped fists with the returning Gengar, glanced at the trainer across the way who was anxiously helping his Seaking-beast up, and called out: "Handsome, want to keep going?"

The man shook his head in embarrassment, scooped up his Seaking-beast, and hurried off into the distance.

In a rush to heal it?

But why not recall it into its Poké Ball?

He watched his opponent retreat, paying little mind to that strange expression on the man's face—as if he'd run into a wild Ursaring out in the wilds.

After scanning the surrounding tourists, Baimu called out loudly: "Anyone interested?"

Silence.

Even though trainers outside of Oh-ray were generally bold and unafraid of losing, seeing someone breeze through nine straight wins was enough to make them hesitate.

This was the middle deck.

The special-material flooring made it hard for Pokémon moves to damage, and it drew plenty of trainers here for casual battles.

"That's all, then."

Baimu felt a bit of regret.

Though Gengar's energy reserves had taken a hit, it still had fight left in it; nine matches sounded like a lot, but in reality each was one-on-one, with victory decided in three or four moves.

"Genga."

Gengar landed, breathing unhurriedly to calm the agitation the battles had stirred up inside.

After waiting a while and still seeing no one step up, Baimu could only lead it off the field, yield the spot to others, and head to the railing to gaze out at the far end of the sea.

Perhaps because the route and destination differed, the Royal Whaleking's arrival in the Hoenn region would be a full day earlier than the previous ship, the Eros Milotic.

At the latest, by tomorrow afternoon he'd be able to see that beautiful Hoenn land.

Baimu turned to look at Gengar, who was also staring out at the sea, and said: "I'm really happy you're willing to Mega Evolve—I won't say anything extra, let's work hard together from here on out!"

"Genga."

Gengar beamed, nodding eagerly.

What drove it to make this decision wasn't only the desire to keep traveling with everyone, or the thought of contributing strength to its trainer, but also the encouragement and counsel of companions like Aggron.

Especially when the gentlest, most understanding Blissey slowly shared its own past and smiled as it offered encouragement.

—Unable to launch an attack because of psychological trauma.

Unbelievable.

Something as simple as attacking—even setting aside moves, just giving someone a light tap with a claw—should count as an attack, right?

And yet the Blissey of the past couldn't manage it.

Its history made Gengar think of the dark days spent by Jarvis's side—being forced to do things it didn't want to do, being tormented over and over.

How similar!

Fortunately, those nightmares had already become bubbles; the wonderful life now was enough to let it gradually forget certain painful memories.

Blissey pushed Gengar to make its decision.

It would bid those vexing nightmares a thorough farewell, sweeping them all out without a trace!

If Blissey could overcome its psychological shadow, there was no reason it couldn't!

Gengar was actually a Pokémon with a very strong competitive streak, so it especially loved competitive games, savoring the thrill of victory.

Unfortunately, Jarvis only needed a tool that met the spec, not a Pokémon partner with personality, so for years Gengar had kept itself suppressed, only gradually letting go after coming to Baimu's side.

And now, deciding to cast off the past and look to the future, it had set a clear direction going forward—

Competing for the top ace slot might be tough.

Top three, then?

Aggron was the strongest shield, Mawile the strongest spear—so perhaps it could fill the role of strongest cannon?

After all, the trainer had said Mawile was a Physical Attacker Pokémon, and it happened to be more adept at Special Attacks.

Though it felt like a disservice to Hydreigon, when it was time to compete, it still had to compete—otherwise its resolve would be wasted.

Joining late didn't mean being weak!

Gengar gazed at the vast, rolling sea, suddenly swelling with ambition; it threw out its chest, planted both claws on its thick waist, and burst into cackling laughter.

"Hehehehe—"

"Mm… no matter how many times I hear that laugh, it still sounds really weird."

Baimu, startled, complained.

Night.

The Royal Whirlipede's neon lights lit up all over the ship's hull.

Seen from afar, the ferry seemed to transform from a steel behemoth into a Whirlipede spraying water, its bright glow drawing quite a few phototactic aquatic Pokémon.

And after eight o'clock every night.

The water park, which belonged to children by day, became a pool party for adults.

The game's classic NPCs—eight-pack abs swim trunks hunks, bikini beauties, and countless Pokémon frolicked here, indulging themselves to the pumping music.

Baimu was not among them.

Because he had more important things to do.

The top deck.

The tireless cold wind kept the place largely free of passengers.

"Hss…"

Baimu drew in a breath of cold air, looking at the Aggron that had been waiting for him, a small anticipation stirring in his heart.

Finally, level seventy-eight.

The time taken was nearly identical to the fastest estimate.

Clearly, although Aggron had been playing around lately, it hadn't slacked off when it was time to work—otherwise, given its current level, leveling up in just over a month would have been quite difficult.

After level ninety…

It might not gain another level for several years, right?

Even getting stuck at ninety forever would be only natural.

"Time to ascend to a brand-new realm, big monster!" He pressed his palm against Aggron's lowered head.

Things past level ninety can wait until we're at level ninety!

Level reward, use!

"Guuoo—!!"

Amid the lively pool party, a small number of perceptive Pokémon looked up blankly toward the top deck.

Where did that roar come from?

A battle?

Unable to pinpoint the direction, they soon stopped paying attention.

Until a pillar of fire streaked across the sky above their heads, flames churning into a violently burning firestorm that released astonishing heat toward the ground below.

The partygoers cheered, their voices carrying more delight at the sight of fireworks than any real alarm.

Most of the Pokémon felt the same.

Only the security personnel monitoring the cameras at all times knew the source of the flames.

A short while later.

The waves slapping against the hull suddenly grew surging and powerful, causing the ship to sway slightly, and only calmed after a long while.

After that, no further anomalies appeared.

But that night, a single silver star shone unusually bright in the sky, as if responding to something.

——

Kaina City.

Noon.

The blue-and-white luxury cruise ship Royal Whirlipede was temporarily docked at the port, resupplying with fresh ingredients and urgently needed goods.

Baimu was one of the few passengers who chose to disembark.

To avoid the trouble of being recognized by passersby, he deliberately wore sunglasses.

The Dreepy siblings, one on each side, clung to his shoulders, looking around curiously.

When they spotted the golden beach in the distance, the two lively "missiles" immediately turned that way, excitedly nuzzling Baimu's cheeks with their heads to egg him into going over to play.

"Eat first! We'll talk after lunch!"

Baimu held down the restless Dreepy siblings, knowing they had enjoyed themselves thoroughly these past two days and were still eager to keep playing.

He had no objections.

The intel said the ship's return time was Tuesday evening at six; it was barely noon now, so there was plenty of time for them to play to their heart's content.

Hearing this, the Dreepy siblings finally settled down, licked the corners of their mouths, and began looking forward to lunch.

In the shadows.

Today's true accompanying Pokémon, Dragapult, gave its tail a flick.

Its social anxiety meant it would basically never openly appear before strangers unless absolutely necessary, so the task of showing itself in public had been handed off to the Dreepy siblings.

It was only responsible for serving as a hidden bodyguard, even though being in the city meant it wasn't really needed.

Lunch was settled at a restaurant called "Full Belly Burger."

There was no special reason for getting off the ship to eat—just a sudden longing for the days when he had prepared for the Grand Contest with Mawile and Kotone and the others, so he came to eat the Full Belly Burgers they had eaten most often back then.

Supposedly, the sandwiches they sold were among the most popular and best-selling styles in the entire Paldea region, very much carrying the Paldea flavor.

Unfortunately, Baimu couldn't taste any so-called Paldea flavor at all, though the overall taste was indeed not bad.

Aggron and the rest of the Pokémon all gave it a thumbs up.

"Burrrp—"

The Gengar, which had eaten the second-largest number of sandwiches and the most cola, let out an extraordinarily long burp; upon catching the gazes of its companions, it not only felt no embarrassment but even glared at them provocatively.

Wearing a punchable expression that plainly asked, "Can you do that?"

Its provocation triggered a wave of imitation among the Pokémon; aside from Lanturn, who was completely uninterested, even Mawile, after putting on a disdainful look, secretly turned its head and let out a burp.

"A bunch of children."

Baimu sighed helplessly and drank the last sip of cola.

A burst of gas immediately surged from his stomach up through his esophagus into his mouth.

"Burp—cough! cough!"

He forcibly coughed twice, his face slightly flushed.

The surrounding Pokémon cast him mocking glances, but he acted as if nothing had happened and called the Dracovish siblings to the beach.

Baimu had just taken off his sunglasses and wandered around; so far, no one had recognized him—his fall from fame was astonishingly swift.

But this also spared him many troubles.

He still couldn't go to crowded beaches; too many tourists, and the Shiny Milotic was too eye-catching—impossible to ignore.

The private beach behind the hotel had few tourists; Milotic could play here without fear of disturbance.

"People fear fame; pigs fear fatness."

Baimu stroked Milotic's slippery skin; the latter wrapped him in its long fins, pressing close and playfully nuzzling him.

"Miiro~"

The Orre region had improved, but it still couldn't compare to Hoenn.

Milotic clearly adapted better to this environment.

Its condition strengthened Baimu's resolve to build a rainforest-style ecological garden on Platinum Mountain—no matter how dry or arid the outside world, the interior would maintain guaranteed humidity for Milotic's normal life.

On the beach.

The Pokémon scattered individually.

Some rested, some played; the whole scene was unusually harmonious and beautiful. He sat on a beach chair, quietly watching over his own Pokémon with his gaze.

Several hotel guests were drawn to the massive Steelix and the Shiny Milotic, but ultimately no one disturbed them.

A couple of people disturbed Baimu—those who recognized him through his Pokémon and asked for autographs and photos.

Pokémon were undoubtedly a trainer's most important trademark.

They played until five in the afternoon.

He checked the time and recalled all scattered Pokémon, leaving only Dracovish and the Dracovish siblings, then headed to Cinnabar Port to wait for the ship's return.

Under unclear circumstances, force was the last resort; perhaps the clue would guide him directly to the ship?

Anything was possible.

At the port.

The Royal Whiscash King still moored there, its massive hull intimidating; many tourists gathered at the dock discussing how to board it.

Baimu's gaze passed over it, turning to other docks where ships could berth, wondering whether a large ship or a small one was more likely to be painted with Pachirisu.

"Keep an eye out for me!"

He released all three Dracovish siblings and the invisible Dracozolt; Cinnabar Port was simply too vast, with countless docks—alone, even if he knew the ship's identity, he'd struggle to find it—

Jinxed.

He and the three Dracovish searched until half past six, then sent out other Pokémon to ask around and search until eight, but saw not a single ship bearing Pachirisu.

He was forced to triple-check the clue and today's date.

Frustrated, he considered asking Hu Pa for help, or sending Porygon2 to hack into the port's docking database to find the ship.

Fortunately, Porygon2 reminded him such an act was illegal, and he snapped back to reality.

Porygon2 also said that in the past, hacking into surveillance and certain systems had been to bring criminals to justice, offering some legitimacy; now, hacking the port's system for personal gain was harder to justify.

If he insisted, it would comply.

Baimu naturally wouldn't make Porygon2 do something it disliked; instead, he asked around the port, nearly being mistaken for a suspicious character by a passing Juniper.

Luckily, Juniper remembered his face, took an autograph, and let him go.

At the same time.

The target large ship was spotted by Dracovish Sister, who had been wandering.

"Finally…"

Baimu gently rubbed Dracovish Sister's head: "You've worked hard—major contribution! I'll reward you after this is over!"

"Hee-yah!"

Dracovish Sister rubbed against his palm, glancing down at her brother with a haughty look—he, dejected for failing to find the ship.

Your sister will always be your sister! Worship me!

He recalled all dispatched Pokémon and followed Dracovish Sister's guidance to the target vessel—

"Salvage vessel?"

He stared at the massive crane-like device at the ship's rear, surprised that the ship he sought was one involved in marine salvage operations.

The ship appeared unoccupied, shrouded in darkness.

Should he go aboard?

……This felt a bit like being a thief.

As Baimu pondered his next move, a cold voice called out beside him.

"Hey! Who are you? What do you want?"

"I don't want anything."

He reflexively retorted, turning to see a young man with deep red hair in a windbreaker, and a blue-haired girl with sun-kissed skin dressed in a short-sleeved athletic outfit.

Huh? They look familiar…

As Baimu searched his memory, the two across from him seemed to recognize him.

"Baimu?"

"So it's you."

The two of them went back and forth, one line each, until he was completely bewildered.

Do we know each other?