Chapter 28: The Champion Gengar Strikes!

Chapter 28: The Champion Gengar Strikes!

After leaving the arena, Hikaru couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him.

His mind raced as he tried to deduce who might be following him. Could it be someone who took an interest in him after his dazzling performance? But why so quickly?

The sky grew darker, and even his Detective's Eye could only pick up faint traces of ghostly energy nearby.

Uncertain whether this presence was friend or foe, Hikaru chose to move toward crowded areas. However, as the evening progressed and the once-bustling marketplace began to empty, the feeling of being watched persisted.

With no other choice, he decided to head toward the Flame Gym.

Suddenly, an icy wind swept down the empty street.

"Well, well, you're a clever little boy—but still too young to outwit me," a sinister voice rasped.

A figure emerged—a short, grim-faced old man with a chilling presence. By his side stood a Weavile, its sleek form exuding malice.

Weavile's claws glinted menacingly in the dim light, its gaze fixed on Hikaru with bloodthirsty intent.

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[Pokémon: Weavile]

Trait: Pressure

Gender: Male

Talent: Gym Level

Strength: Level 34

Moves: Slash, Revenge, Leer, Quick Attack, Feint, Fury Swipes, Guillotine

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A Level 34 Weavile.

Hikaru felt a cold dread wash over him.

"Hand over that Charmeleon, and I'll spare your life," the old man hissed, his voice dripping with malice.

"Why don't you try taking it yourself?" Hikaru shot back, steeling himself.

In a flash of light, Charmeleon and Ralts appeared at his side.

"Char!"

"Ralts!"

Both Pokémon were alert and ready to defend their trainer.

[Ralts, if there's a chance, teleport Charmeleon away!] Hikaru communicated telepathically.

"Ralts?"

[They're after Charmeleon. If I'm left behind, they likely won't harm me.]

The old man sneered. "Weavile, eliminate the boy. Knock out the Charmeleon. Use Guillotine!"

Weavile's claws elongated into deadly scythe-like blades as it licked its paw with a sinister grin.

"Charmeleon, Fire Punch! Ralts, try to control it with Psychic!" Hikaru commanded.

Before the words had fully left his mouth, Weavile moved.

Its speed was beyond anything Hikaru had ever seen—faster than even Charmeleon's reflexes could track.

The faint glow of its red eyes was all that betrayed its position as it blurred into the darkness.

[Food Stand Boost] activated: Weavile's speed seemed to slow in Charmeleon's perspective, allowing it to track the enemy's movement better than before.

"Char!"

Fire engulfed Charmeleon's claws as it prepared to intercept.

Weavile seemed momentarily startled, realizing Charmeleon could now perceive its movements. With a sudden burst of energy, it executed a Quick Attack at an even faster pace.

Slash!

The sound of claws tearing through flesh echoed in the air.

Charmeleon roared in pain, a deep gash marring its arm, blood dripping onto the ground.

This was the first time Charmeleon had ever sustained such a serious injury.

"What kind of monster is this?" Hikaru muttered under his breath.

The old man's eyes gleamed with interest. "Even after evolving, that Charmeleon can track Weavile's speed. No wonder it's so valuable. Weavile, stop playing around—finish this quickly!"

Weavile's shadow seemed to ripple as it activated Guillotine once more.

Hikaru's mind raced, trying to anticipate the next move. His heart sank when he realized Weavile wasn't aiming for Charmeleon anymore—it was targeting him.

Weavile darted forward, its blades forming a deadly scissor-like shape. Hikaru barely had time to process what was happening before Weavile was upon him.

"Char!"

"Ralts!"

Both Pokémon cried out in panic, but neither could react in time.

---

When Hikaru opened his eyes, he was surprised to find himself unscathed. He touched his neck, half-expecting it to be gone.

Standing protectively in front of him was a Gengar—towering over him and radiating an aura of pure dominance.

Gengar turned its sinister gaze toward Weavile and chuckled darkly.

"Ka ka ka! Such a pitiful display," Gengar said, its voice cold and eerie. "This isn't a Pokémon battle, boy. This is a life-or-death fight."

Its mere presence caused the temperature to plummet. The oppressive atmosphere made Hikaru shiver, even though he was standing behind the ghostly protector.

"A champion-level Gengar?" The old man's face went pale as he realized what he was up against.

Before he could even issue a command, Gengar raised one hand and launched a Shadow Ball.

The dark energy hurtled toward Weavile, striking it squarely. The ice-type Pokémon let out a screech before disintegrating into ash.

The old man frantically called out an armored Skarmory, hoping to escape, but Gengar wasn't finished. Another Shadow Ball flew toward Skarmory with precision. The metallic bird plummeted to the ground, incapacitated.

All of this unfolded within seconds, leaving Hikaru and Charmeleon awestruck.

"Do you know who I am, boy?" Gengar asked, turning its piercing gaze toward Hikaru.

Hikaru swallowed nervously. "You're the Gengar that protects Sakura."

"Eh?" Gengar blinked, genuinely surprised. "How did you know that?"

"I guessed," Hikaru replied honestly, though relief washed over him at the confirmation.

For a moment, Gengar stared at him intently, then let out a sinister chuckle.

"You've got guts, kid. I like that. Don't let me down—I'll be watching."

With that, the ghostly protector vanished into the shadows, leaving Hikaru standing alone on the empty street, heart still pounding.

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