At this moment, Riku was lounging in the berry forest, munching on a midnight snack and casually chatting with Farfetch'd. Naturally, he had no idea what kind of big plans the three silly birds and the Red Shrimp were scheming.
If he did know, he'd probably be so touched he'd buy them a truckload of canned food.
Right now, time was incredibly tight for him.
Especially after speaking with Farfetch'd and learning that there weren't any powerful Trainers or Pokémon near the small island it once resided on, Riku began to feel a dull ache in his head.
Around two in the morning, Riku was still wide awake.
He called out Lapras, who had already gotten some rest inside its Poké Ball. With that, Riku decided to venture out and see if he could find a sliver of hope.
Within half an hour, Lapras had ferried Riku back to the nameless island shrouded in black mist—the same one from yesterday.
Darkrai's power had left a strong impression on Riku the last time he visited.
If he could capture it… no.
If he could persuade it to help him this time, he might actually stand a chance against Bruno.
However, the moment he set foot on the island, Riku noticed something unusual—the black mist surrounding the area had thinned significantly compared to before.
He shouted a few times into the mist, but after getting no response, Riku confirmed that Darkrai had indeed left the island.
Seeing the situation, Riku figured that since he was already here, he might as well earn some points that could come in handy during the upcoming challenge.
This nameless island turned out to be a habitat for Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon.
As Riku ventured deeper, he discovered the area teeming with Gastly, Haunter, and several Ghost-type Pokémon he couldn't even name.
Truthfully, Riku never had a particularly good impression of Ghost-types.
Just as he was about to instruct Lapras to "go on a rampage" and farm points recklessly, something strange happened.
The Gastly, Haunter, and even a Gengar that leapt out later—all of them—stood respectfully before Riku without making a move.
Even after Lapras launched its attacks as per Riku's instructions, none of the wild Ghost-types retaliated—not a single one, even as they fell.
This strange behavior made Riku pause and think.
Thankfully, due to the system, Riku could understand Pokémon speech.
So, he directly approached the Gengar who seemed to be the leader of the Ghost-types on the island.
"Gengar, what's going on here?" he asked.
"I already attacked you guys—why didn't you fight back?"
"Great existence, it is my honor to speak with you," Gengar replied respectfully. Despite not having a waist, the Pokémon bowed as if it were making a formal gesture.
Riku didn't even need Gengar to explain. The phrase "great existence" made it immediately clear—Darkrai had instructed the Pokémon here.
Gengar's following explanation confirmed Riku's suspicion.
"Are you the leader of all the Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon on this island?" Riku asked.
"Yes, great existence," Gengar responded sincerely.
"Our Ghost Island is home to 1,327 Pokémon, mostly Gastly and Haunter. There are also five Gengar who have evolved to the second stage, like myself."
"I don't know what the great existence needs from us, but as long as you say the word, we'll complete it—even at the cost of our lives."
Their attitude was truly admirable.
It was obvious that Darkrai held a revered status among the Ghost-types on this island.
Riku was a bit overwhelmed with emotion, but he soon explained his situation regarding the challenge against Bruno.
After hearing Riku's intent—to ask for help in a battle, or even to capture Gengar—Gengar remained silent for a while before replying:
"Great existence, we would never dare defy your will. However… the Pokémon on this island are all my children. If I'm captured, who will protect them if strong invaders attack?"
"Don't worry," Riku cut in.
"Once the challenge is over, I promise to return you to this island. Besides, my island isn't far. If anything happens here, you can return immediately."
"But I need to tell you one thing upfront," Riku added with a smile.
"You can't bring your children to my island. You may be used to Ghost Island's environment—but I'm not."
"So, Gengar, are you willing? If not, I won't force any Pokémon to do something against its will."
Gengar exchanged a few quiet words with a smaller Gengar beside him. After a short discussion, he finally agreed to Riku's plan.
With the Pokémon's consent, capturing it with a Poké Ball was merely a formality.
Soon, Gengar was successfully captured.
Pokémon Data
Gengar — Level 52
Type: Ghost / Poison
Item: None
Ability: Cursed Body
Moves: Hypnosis, Mean Look, Shadow Punch, Hex, Curse, Shadow Ball…
Base Stats: 500
---
It turned out to be a Level 52 Champion-level Gengar.
No wonder it had become the leader of Ghost Island—it really had some power.
Though surprised and pleased by this unexpected catch, Riku quickly calmed himself.
Even a Champion-level Gengar wouldn't be a match for Bruno.
As a veteran Champion, Lorelei had taught him a lot of valuable insights about the world of Pokémon—knowledge that even many Trainers didn't know.
Wild Pokémon, even without frequent battles, could accumulate power over time.
Reaching the Elite level wasn't difficult. The Champion level was harder, but not rare.
That said, even if wild Pokémon reached the Champion level, they still couldn't compare to Pokémon trained by humans—their combat power was worlds apart.
After Gengar helped organize a few remaining matters, Riku happily returned to his island.
By now, the sky had already started to brighten—it was dawn.
Lorelei was awakened by Riku's footsteps. Seeing the happy expression on his face, the two started chatting.
When Riku mentioned capturing a Champion-level Gengar, Lorelei shook her head slightly.
"Don't be as naive as those Gym Leaders from Seafoam Islands in your Orange League," she sighed.
Riku was confused. "What do you mean?"
Lorelei replied, exasperated, "That day, I saw jealousy in all four of their eyes. Only Elite-level Trainers would be envious of you for capturing a Champion-level Pokémon. But for us—members of the Elite Four—we wouldn't even spare it a second glance."
Riku immediately countered, "Really? Didn't you try to capture Lapras last time?"
Lorelei chuckled. "I just wanted to breed it. Actually, I already have a Lapras. I just didn't bring it this time."
"Waa waa…"
Lapras, who happened to be nearby, flared up in rage upon hearing Lorelei's teasing words.
"Miss Lorelei, please don't joke about Lapras," Riku said with a stern look.
"If you're still thinking that way, I suggest you give it up immediately. Otherwise, the moment I get the chance—I'll castrate your Lapras."
"You…" Lorelei was stunned by the sudden threat. But soon, she smirked mischievously.
"How about we strike a deal?" she said playfully.
"My Lapras will helps your Lapras lay an egg—and I'll have a baby with you. How's that?"
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter