chapter 88

What on Earth is This?!

At that moment, Takumi, who was receiving Ganyu in the research institute, looked at the group chat interface in shock.

Ganyu observed his expression. She had been called to the Pokémon House by Ningguang a few days ago and adopted a Girafarig.

Though it has the name "Girafarig," its image is more akin to a giraffe, with horns on its head and a body primarily yellow with brown markings. Importantly, it is a herbivorous Pokémon, feeding on grass and tree buds.

When Ganyu had picked this Pokémon, Takumi wasn't in the store, so she was assisted by Meloetta. Takumi wasn't sure how Meloetta had described it, but Ganyu was insistent on choosing Girafarig, even though it had no evolved form.

Even without a high base stat total, Girafarig's Normal + Psychic typing still provided decent combat power.

"Club Manager Takumi, the Pikachu wearing a hat in the group chat message—"

"Seems like a surprise to you?" Takumi replied, spreading his hands toward Ganyu, who was staring with curious eyes.

"It's fate," he added, laughing. "The protagonist hero meets his original Pokémon companion."

Ganyu tilted her head, seeming half-understanding.

By now, the group chat interface was buzzing due to Lumine's video of an egg hatching.

Jean: Huh???

Eula: Lumine, Traveler, how can your Pokémon egg hatch into a Pokémon wearing a hat?

Amber: I'm stunned! Lumine, did this really come from the egg that the Nightclub Manager Takumi sold to you? Unbelievable...

Diona: …Wait! I'm confused. How can a hat hatch with a Pokémon?

Takumi: Well, Lumine, only you could hatch an existence worthy of the title "Skin God!"

Venti: Skin God...? Gasp!

Zhongli: In terms of common logic, if it's a mythical beast, it's reasonable for it to be accompanied by strange treasures.

"Skin God…" The title seemed to hold some sort of charm, as everyone except Venti and Zhongli suddenly fell silent.

Takumi smirked, clicking his tongue. He hadn't expected the Traveler, who had been dubbed "Master," to receive a Pikachu with a hat.

In simple terms, this was a unique version of Pikachu. Though it couldn't evolve, it had a base stat total comparable to certain mythical Pokémon. Some of this information needed verification firsthand.

Takumi: Lumine, where are you?

Lumine: (shared coordinates)

Takumi turned to Ganyu, apologetically saying, "I'll deal with this. Miss Ganyu, you're welcome to visit the institute to check on Girafarig at any time, or you can reach out to me about its foster care."

With a wave, Takumi vanished.

Wangshu Inn

Paimon floated in the air, holding her chin thoughtfully while staring at Pikachu, who was drinking MooMoo Milk on the bed.

"Champion Pikachu?"

Lumine gripped her Pokédex tightly, her fingers turning pale with tension.

Takumi arrived and, without wasting time, activated the Pokédex to scan the Hat Pikachu.

Hat Pikachu's Attributes

Type: Electric

Ability: Static

Qualification: ??

Level: Lv.1

Skills: Z-Move - Volt Tackle, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Super Champion Mode Awakening (Passive)

Pikachu wore the hat of its partner trainer, symbolizing a journey through various worlds.

"Whoa!" Takumi exclaimed, unable to contain himself in front of Lumine and Paimon.

What was going on? Pikachu's base stat total was supposed to be only 320, but this Hat Pikachu had an impressive 580 points. For a basic form, this stat level was almost at the mythical Pokémon level.

"It seems the settings have been adjusted. The qualifications are insane!"

Takumi examined the trainer's hat item information:

Trainer's Hat: Increases Special Attack by 8%, Skill Power by 15%, and boosts the chance of causing paralysis with Electric moves.

Ridiculous! A Pokémon hatched with its own "orb" is standing before him—this Skin God had to be believed.

Takumi spent quite some time at Wangshu Inn, meticulously studying this "Skin God" template, only to find nothing definitive and eventually giving up.

Returning Pikachu to Lumine, he smiled, "This little guy is quite special. I can't determine its growth limit accurately, but believe in it and nurture it well; it will not disappoint."

With a slight grin, Takumi felt no jealousy toward Lumine. The "ye" he had overseen in the past had obtained a Skin God, and he felt a fatherly pride.

Lumine, realizing the kind of unique Pokémon she had acquired, hugged Pikachu tightly, her eyes filled with joy.

"Skin God, forever a god!" she declared happily.

Takumi chuckled, then teleported back to the institute.

As soon as he landed, a thought struck him: Could I perhaps summon a Skin God as well?

After all, Pikachu is iconic to the Pokémon series, representing many protagonists like Red, Ash, and Yellow.

In the distance, a voice called out, "Takumi Nightclub Manager!"

Hu Tao and Xiangling had arrived at the institute, bringing their Pokémon for special training. Their Pokémon, Gible, Larvesta, and Scyther, curiously observed the rich Pokémon environment of the institute.

"What? You want Scyther to train by battling Gible? Quite a challenge!" Takumi remarked.

Hu Tao nodded confidently, "Gible needs a reality check."

"This method could work, pushing the limits for a powerful outcome," Takumi said. "But most trainers would hesitate to see their Pokémon endure such rigorous training."

Without hesitation, Hu Tao gave Gible a light slap on the head, "I've had enough of its attitude!"

Takumi's mouth twitched. Could Pokémon evolution be compared to using a restroom?

He examined Gible Pokédex entry; it seemed stuck at level 24. Inspired, Takumi decided to attempt Hu Tao's intense training method.

He turned and called for Goodra from the Hisui region to assist in the training, known for its gentle yet firm guidance.

Goodra, always eager for a snack, bounded over happily, full of charm but without the usual "Dragon King" dignity.

Hu Tao's eyes lit up, "A mentor upgrade from Champion to King? My Gible is in good hands!"

Xiangling joined in, scanning Goodra with her Pokédex, "Wow, this is the Goodra from that famous video! I can't believe you brought it back, Club Manager!"

Seeing Goodra's Dragon and Steel typing, along with its powerful skill set, Hu Tao felt a surge of excitement and relief for her Gible.

"In one step, my Gible has received top-tier treatment!"