Chapter 30: Gaining the Power of Aura

Chapter 30: Gaining the Power of Aura

[10% discount on items below 500 entry coins!]

For Hikaru, this was indeed a blessing.

He quickly purchased the Power of Aura and applied it to himself.

Instantly, he felt an incredible clarity in perceiving his surroundings.

The rustling wind, the flame flickering on Charmeleon's claw, a Caterpie crawling through the grass—everything became vividly detailed.

Even Ralts' subtle expression, hidden beneath its hair, couldn't escape his notice.

Why was it still blushing?!

Every movement around him seemed to slow down, almost like time itself was pausing.

Whether in communicating with Pokémon or analyzing a battle, this newfound ability was immensely advantageous.

Aura!

It allowed Hikaru to predict an opposing Pokémon's movements before they even began to act.

He could respond accordingly, staying one step ahead.

The quiet, abandoned building suddenly felt alive in his heightened perception.

If he could hone this ability, Hikaru believed it might even project the energy outward to attack.

However, after several attempts, he realized his current level of Aura was too weak.

For now, creating an Aura Sphere like in the anime remained out of reach.

"Lalu~"

Ralts' usual clear voice now sounded soft and endearingly sweet, melting Hikaru's heart.

It was such a lovely sound!

Still, Hikaru thought it might be time to give Ralts a lesson on the boundaries between different species.

Turning his attention to Charmeleon, Hikaru was thrilled by the possibilities Aura presented. He believed it would strengthen their bond to a new level.

---

September 30th

Another week passed.

Unfortunately, this week's entries didn't excite Hikaru much. Most were broken down into entry coins, bringing his total close to 500.

Only one water-related trait, [Child of Water], was kept. It allowed the user to breathe underwater, which seemed potentially useful.

The hype from the high school league gradually faded. Returning to campus, Hikaru still overheard occasional praise about his performance.

But compared to the flood of fan letters and autograph requests he received immediately after the tournament, things had calmed down.

Today, Hikaru's goal was to learn more about the upcoming secret realm expedition.

Skipping his usual classes, he headed straight for the school team's meeting room.

Despite arriving early, he was, surprisingly, the last to show up.

This time, however, the reception was entirely different from before.

Everyone waited for him patiently.

Such was the power of strength and achievement.

"Kei Hoshino is absent today. Since everyone else is here, I'll get started," said Luo Hoshino without preamble. "This year, we performed exceptionally well in the high school league.

"Most schools only allow the top 8 participants to explore the secret realm. But thanks to our results, No. 3 High School secured slots for the top 16."

The announcement elicited cheers from the group.

"Top 16?" Yuki's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That means we have five slots!"

Indeed, No. 3 High School had only sent six participants to the league. Now, five of them could participate in the expedition.

Only the trainer of the Poochyena looked devastated.

He had narrowly missed qualifying for the top 16.

"It's such a shame," Luo Hoshino consoled him. "But don't worry—you'll have your chance next year as a senior."

"Thank you, Hikaru…"

The speaker was Sayaka, the trainer of Bulbasaur. A shy and rather cute girl, she came from a struggling family and relied heavily on opportunities like this to support her Pokémon training.

Everyone knew Hikaru's victory had secured these additional slots.

Hikaru offered her a gentle smile, signaling that it was no big deal.

"Alright," Luo Hoshino continued. "The secret realm expedition starts tomorrow. Here's a list of essential items you'll need to prepare:

"Sleeping bags, flashlights…"

He detailed the survival gear required for the trip.

Before dismissing the group, his tone grew serious.

"This secret realm is said to be a forest surrounding a lake. You may explore the forest for treasures or Pokémon, but under no circumstances should you approach the lake.

"There are Gyarados of elite and even gym-leader level there!

"If you encounter danger, fire a flare immediately. My Pidgeot will reach you within three minutes."

The group unanimously acknowledged his warnings.

After a few final reminders, everyone was dismissed.

---

Hikaru decided to prepare thoroughly and headed into town to purchase the necessary items.

As he approached the school gates, a familiar voice called out.

"Hikaru, are you heading out to buy the things Luo-sensei mentioned?"

Yuki, dressed in a light blue JK uniform, waved at him with a small black notebook in hand. The short skirt paired with her energetic demeanor exuded youthful vitality.

Hikaru blinked in surprise before nodding.

"Let's go together!" she said, cheerfully flipping through her notes. "I wrote down everything the teacher listed!"

"Huh?"

"Come on, you were totally zoning out earlier! I bet you didn't catch half of what Luo-sensei said," Yuki teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Afraid your little childhood sweetheart will find out you're spending time with me?" she added, twirling a strand of her silver hair provocatively.

Hikaru sighed, refusing to rise to the bait.

But as he replayed the meeting in his mind, he realized she was right—he hadn't paid full attention.

"Fine," he agreed, "lead the way."

"Great! Officially inviting you on a date!" Yuki declared triumphantly.

"This isn't a date!" Hikaru retorted, flustered.

"Close enough! Besides, I can teach you more about this secret realm along the way," she grinned.

Suppressing a groan, Hikaru followed her.

---

While shopping, Yuki indeed shared valuable insights about secret realms. Hikaru couldn't help but feel impressed by her depth of knowledge.

By noon, the two had finished gathering supplies and parted ways outside the supermarket.

Yuki seemed thrilled, her fair cheeks flushed with delight.

Hikaru thanked her and waved goodbye. But as he turned around, his expression froze.

Standing there was another girl in a similar light blue school uniform, her high ponytail framing a face as exquisite as a painting.

Beside her was a blue-and-white Dratini.

It was Sakura Hayashi.

Hikaru suddenly remembered it was Friday.

With the National Day holiday starting tomorrow, students were dismissed early today.

"Brother?"

Sakura's expression was calm at first but soon blossomed into a radiant smile. "What brings you to school today?"

Hikaru scratched his nose awkwardly. "The school is organizing a secret realm expedition tomorrow. What about you, Sakura? Are you joining?"

"Me? I have to head home. Dratini will undergo inheritance training on Dragon Island, so I probably won't be back for a long time."

She clasped her hands together, her eyes dimming slightly.

Watching Hikaru shine over the past few weeks had brought her immense joy.

But their time together felt far too short.

Her family wouldn't allow her to stay any longer.

Hikaru's heart clenched. "So soon?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Brother…you'll come find me someday, right?"

Her voice wavered, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She longed to bury herself in his embrace, as she had when they were younger, and seek his comfort.

"I will. I promise," Hikaru said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

---

Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin

[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]

*Thank you*