Chapter 23 Hello Lovely

If you want to read 5 chapters ahead go to

patreon.com/Blaze987

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Steven Stone, the son of the president of Devon Manufacturing Co., Ltd., is not just the Hoenn Alliance Champion but also a Pokémon Trainer specialized in Steel-type Pokémon. His peculiar hobby involves collecting rare stones. This unique interest has placed him at the top of the Pokémon NEET.

Now, let's clarify the term "NEET." Originally, it referred to a specific demographic that neither pursued education nor employment opportunities, essentially doing nothing productive with their lives. In the context here, it describes Steven, who appears to spend his days mining rocks in caves instead of fulfilling his duties as the reigning champion. On the other hand, there's Denji, who spends his time fiddling with circuits and is notorious for causing city-wide blackouts. Lastly, we have Ya Xuan, who seems content to linger on Iron Island with his canine companion, showing little interest in conventional training.

Even now, Hu Yang can vividly recall a line attributed to Steven, albeit misinterpreted by pirates: "In the end, I was first, strong and powerful."

As they watch the tournament on the screen, Hu Yang's focus is entirely on the young boy with striking silver-blue hair and eyes. At the moment, Steven seems to be around sixteen years old, radiating confidence and youthful vigor.

The excitement escalates as the tournament kicks off. Nishida Gang's enthusiasm is evident, while Hu Yang remains calm and composed. He already knows the outcome of the match, diminishing the suspense.

As the referee's whistle signals the start of the battle amid the cheers of the live audience, both contestants send out their Pokémon. Steven's first choice is a perfectly bred Skarmory, facing off against an opponent's Pidgeot. The opponent's name barely registers in Hu Yang's mind.

Regardless of the Region, Alliance tournaments are universally considered peak competitions. To even reach this stage, trainers have weathered countless challenges and adventures. In contrast, Steven calmly guides his Skarmory through the battle, delivering swift and powerful moves.

Pidgeot is incapacitated swiftly, and Skarmory remains almost intact. It's an impressive display of Steven's expertise.

"Si… Si Guoyi!" Nishida Gang's astonishment is palpable.

Steven continues to exhibit his prowess, showcasing an even stronger performance as the battle progresses. What's most astonishing is his unwavering composure throughout. He seems to anticipate every move, making it appear as though everything is unfolding precisely according to his plans.

Remarkably, Steven doesn't even reveal his trump card, Metagross, during this match. With just two Pokémon, he clinches victory, leaving a profound impression with his dominant performance.

Hu Yang finds himself questioning whether he could ever become a trainer of such caliber. The meticulous decision-making and anticipatory skills demonstrated by Steven intrigue him.

Comparing the final battle of the Alliance tournament to the recent match between Budew and Corphish, the difference is glaring. It's like comparing a graduate student to a kindergartener; they don't belong to the same league.

Hu Yang decides to take the plunge and try to become a top Pokémon Trainer. However, his current priority is saving up enough money.

On the following morning, Hu Yang prepares to continue Budew's training by taking it to practice its moves.

As he gazes into the mirror, Gengar unexpectedly emerges from it, wearing a mischievous grin. To Hu Yang's indifference, he goes about his business, as he dabs his face with a towel.

For the first time, Gengar questions his ability to frighten Hu Yang, baffled by the complete lack of fear.

Hu Yang glances at Gengar and responds candidly, calling Gengar "cute." Instead of experiencing fear, Hu Yang perceives Gengar's menacing Grudge Curse as nothing more than a nightmare. With its adorable demeanor and a strong desire for ice cream and pastries, Gengar, surprisingly, appears cute to him.

For the first time, Gengar is described as "cute" by someone else, causing it to blush as it confesses quietly, "Then I won't tell you where the other treasures are." It retreats into the mirror and disappears.

After finishing washing his face, Hu Yang proceeds with his usual routine, taking Budew and Cramorant out for their training.

Late autumn is upon them, and winter is just around the corner. The biting autumn winds cause Budew to huddle closer to Hu Yang for warmth, its cry, "Ni~," reflecting its discomfort from the cold.

Hu Yang senses Budew's discomfort and decides to address it. He takes both Pokémon to a nearby store, purchasing scarves to shield them from the cold.

Hu Yang fastens a scarf around Budew's neck before attending to Cramorant. He provides a stern warning to the Water- and Flying-type Pokémon, advising it not to venture into water to prevent the scarf from getting wet. It's evident that Cramorant has been foraging for its food, a behavior rooted in a past fear of scarcity.

Hu Yang's commitment to caring for Cramorant is evident, and he decides to keep it as a lifelong companion. He also stocks up on daily necessities like basic healing items and snacks catering to Grass-type Pokémon.

Reflecting on the contents of his shopping bag, Hu Yang is struck by the sense that he is nurturing his Pokémon like a parent.

Dispelling such thoughts, he resolves to drop off the supplies at home before embarking on Budew's training. Gengar, with an envious gaze, gazes upon the scarves adorning Cramorant and Budew.

Gengar laments not having encountered Hu Yang sooner, but he accepts the fact that the past cannot be altered. When Hu Yang returns home, Gengar floats out of its Sealed Orb, yearning for the warmth provided by the scarf.

Hu Yang takes out another scarf, this one with a cute Eevee design, placing it in the center of Gengar's orb, creating a cozy spot for the ghost Pokémon.

With these considerations, the room returns to its usual tranquility. Gengar emerges from its orb, captivated by the floating scarf. Despite not being able to touch it, Gengar gently strokes the scarf with its ghostly paws.

The chilling wind outside permeates the room, its whispers colliding with the open pages of the book resting on Hu Yang's desk.

The sound resonates with Gengar's heart, creating an unexpected surge of emotion, and for the first time, Gengar feels an overwhelming desire to weep.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to read 5 chapters ahead go to

patreon.com/Blaze987