Chapter 22: Bone-Spirit Cold Flame? Who Said I Must Use Charmander?

Chapter 22: Bone-Spirit Cold Flame? Who Said I Must Use Charmander?

Money troubles? Not for Hikaru!

Although the secret realm's treasure rewards hadn't arrived yet, the monetary prize had already been credited to his account. Plus, thanks to his system, his Pokémon's energy cubes didn't cost money but instead consumed trait coins.

---

September 15th.

Although it was just a city-level High School League, the event's organizer—the local education bureau—spared no effort in promoting it. Advertisements flooded the city in the days leading up to the event.

On his way back from training, Hikaru noticed promotional posters everywhere, from small shops to supermarkets. Short clips of past explosive battles between trainers, accompanied by epic soundtracks, played on loop.

The stakes were high: placing well in the city-level league meant earning a ticket to the provincial league. From there, a spot in the national league awaited those who triumphed. Each level of competition came with increasingly lucrative rewards, part of the Pokémon Alliance's strategy to foster new talent and ensure a steady influx of elite trainers.

---

After waking up, Hikaru's first move, as usual, was to open his system and check the daily trait refresh.

[Green Trait: "Thirty Years East, Thirty Years West" – Against opponents you've faced before, damage increases by 10%.]

Hikaru: "..."

What?

Was this karma for casually spouting epic lines from novels?

Shaking his head, Hikaru pocketed the trait and opened the trait store.

[Weakened Bone-Spirit Cold Flame (1% efficacy)] – A supernatural flame born of intense will. Price: 1,000 trait coins.

Hikaru: "What?!"

The sight of the item left him stunned, even exclaiming aloud. The outburst startled Ralts, who had been peacefully napping by his pillow. The little Pokémon groggily opened its eyes, looking confused.

"Save it, save it!" Hikaru muttered, quickly using the store item preservation feature to lock in the Bone-Spirit Cold Flame for later purchase.

He glanced at his current trait coin balance. Just over 100.

"Looks like I need to start making my own energy cubes..." Hikaru mused. The thought of saving up for such an extraordinary flame, even at its weakened state, was motivation enough to rethink his expenses.

The Bone-Spirit Cold Flame wasn't just any flame—it was legendary. In the hands of a skilled trainer, it could be used to burn the heavens and boil the seas. Even at 1% efficacy, it could push Charmander's power far beyond its peers, enabling it to dominate and even defeat higher-tier opponents.

His mind wandered as he envisioned his future Charizard, shrouded in the icy blue and fiery aura of the Bone-Spirit Cold Flame. It would be unstoppable.

---

After a quick breakfast, Hikaru headed to school, where the team was transported to Waterwood City's largest Pokémon arena. The city boasted eight Pokémon-focused high schools, each sending six participants to the tournament for a total of 48 competitors.

The tournament was spread across two days, with participants assigned to separate waiting areas. The format included five matches per trainer, with the first three being 1v1 battles and the final two allowing team play.

As the lights dimmed and the spotlight hit the stage, the arena's energy reached its peak. These 48 students represented the city's most promising young trainers, and the spectators' cheers reflected their excitement.

---

Among the crowd, familiar faces from Hikaru's past watched in awe.

"Wow... Hikaru is incredible," said Wang Mang, a former classmate. His voice carried a hint of envy as he observed Hikaru standing confidently on stage.

Wang Miao, another classmate, echoed the sentiment. "Yeah, he's amazing. I remember battling him once, but now... I wouldn't stand a chance."

Nearby, Shen Yue chuckled. "You know Hikaru? Small world."

---

When the match-ups were announced, Hikaru's first opponent was revealed to be Cai Kunkun, a second-year student from shuimu Fourth High.

Cai Kunkun's team consisted of a Pidgeotto and Spearow, showcasing his focus on Flying-type Pokémon. Hikaru's entry listed Charmander and Ralts.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the announcer highlighted the glaring difference in experience.

"Representing shuimu Fourth High, we have Cai Kunkun from Class 5, a seasoned second-year student specializing in Flying-types! And from shuimu Third High... a first-year?! That's right, Hikaru from Class 3! His team includes a Charmander and Ralts. Let's see what this rising star brings to the table!"

---

On stage, Cai Kunkun smirked confidently. "I've done my research, Hikaru. You might've topped your school's new student tournament, but Charmander's Fire-type moves are no match for my Pidgeotto's speed."

"Oh? Is that so?" Hikaru replied with a knowing grin.

Flying-types might have an early-game advantage, but... who said he had to use Charmander?

---

Next Chapter: Ralts Takes the Stage!