"By the way, Uncle Fu, can I ask you a favor?" After chatting with Uncle Fu for about half an hour, just as Chihong was about to hang up, a thought struck him. A figure flashed through his mind, and he spoke again.
"Master Chihong, if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask," Uncle Fu replied earnestly. "As long as it's within my power, I'll see it through—no matter the difficulty."
His usually kind face took on a serious and determined expression.
"Ahem, Uncle Fu, it's not that dramatic," Chihong chuckled. "I just caught a Haunter. It's right on the verge of evolving, so I want to let it evolve through a communication trade. I'll teleport it over to you shortly. After it evolves, you can send it back to me."
"Oh? So it's a Haunter?" Uncle Fu's eyes widened slightly. "Master Chihong, you really are lucky. Ghost-type Pokémon are still very rare in the Kanto region. To have caught one is impressive. If you're ready to evolve it, just send it over."
"Alright, thank you, Uncle Fu."
"It's no trouble at all."
Communication evolution, as the name suggests, is an evolution method that requires Pokémon to be exchanged via a communication link. Certain Pokémon, like Haunter, will only evolve when traded. Even if they grow stronger, they won't evolve unless this specific condition is met. It remains a mystery how wild Gengar evolve—take the one in Lavender Tower, for example.
(Author's note: Honestly, it's a bit ridiculous. I've never fully understood it either—it's just how it works in the games, so I'll stick to that. If you're curious, feel free to look it up yourself.)
"Sssshhh~"
Chihong approached the exchange machine, placed Haunter's Luxury Ball on the platform, and initiated the trade. With a flash of white light, Haunter's ball was transmitted to the machine at Chihong's villa.
"Shhh~"
Moments later, another light flashed, and the Luxury Ball materialized once again at the Elf Pet Center's switch. The communication had been successful—and more importantly, Haunter had evolved into Gengar.
Chihong picked up the ball and returned to the communication equipment. After a brief exchange with Uncle Fu, he ended the call.
"Come out, Gengar!"
"Hehehe~"
An evil laugh echoed through the room as a big, purple, rotund figure emerged in front of Chihong. A wide, toothy grin stretched across its face.
True to form, the Red series Pokémon all had a common trait—larger-than-average size. While a typical Gengar stands about 1.4 to 1.5 meters tall, Chihong's Gengar towered close to two meters. This size boost was likely due to the energy blocks sold in the System Pokémon Mall.
---
[Gengar]
Type: Ghost, Poison
Height: 1.95m (Standard: 1.5m)
Weight: 45kg (Standard: 40.5kg)
Gender: Male
Ability: Cursed Body (May disable an opponent's move when hit)
Hidden Ability: –
Individual Values:
HP: 31
Attack: 31
Special Attack: 31
Defense: 30
Special Defense: 31
Speed: 31
Moves Known:
Hypnosis
Lick
Curse
Night Shade
Confuse Ray
Shadow Punch
Shadow Ball
Mud Bomb
Imprison
Psychic
Thunderbolt
Dream Eater
Dark Pulse
Destiny Bond
Hyper Beam
Farmer's Triple Punch
…and more.
Held Item: Curse Talisman (Increases Ghost-type move power by 20%)
Strength Level: Intermediate Gym Level
---
"Its strength has already reached the intermediate gym level," Chihong muttered as he examined Gengar's stats. "But the individual values still fall just short of perfection."
He sighed slightly at the missing points—just one stat off a perfect 6V.
Still, it wasn't a serious concern. With the system in his possession, he had access to enhancement potions and items that could push any Pokémon to its full potential. What was a major hurdle for other trainers was a mere inconvenience for him.
"Gengar, how are you feeling?"
"Fruuu~"
Gengar, still adjusting to its new form, gave a satisfied nod. Its strength had surged post-evolution, and it had learned several powerful moves. The transformation filled it with a sense of invincibility.
"I'm glad you're happy with it. Take your time to get used to your new body. I'm going to see Miss Joy for a bit. When I come back, I'll give both you and Charizard something good," Chihong said with a grin, then walked toward the counter.
"Hehe~" (Good stuff? Could it be...)
The mention of "good things" made Gengar perk up. It remembered the gifts Chihong had given him—move-teaching discs, enhancement talismans, and other powerful items. Just thinking about getting more made Gengar giddy with excitement.
He zipped around the air, flying up and down joyfully. Since joining Chihong, his strength had skyrocketed. He had evolved in no time. Recalling his kin back in the wild, Gengar realized just how lucky he was.
---
Roughly ten minutes later, Chihong returned from his conversation with Miss Joy, looking thoughtful.
He had asked about the unmanned power plant in Heiyun City and received a wealth of valuable information.
The unmanned power plant was a remnant from Heiyun City's industrial era. Once a vital facility, it had been gradually phased out and replaced by a newer plant. As its importance dwindled, it was shut down completely and abandoned.
After its closure, it became a haven for Electric-type Pokémon. Many of the Electric-types from the surrounding forests migrated to the abandoned plant, forming a wild and powerful colony.
In the beginning, everything was peaceful. Trainers often came in hopes of catching strong Electric Pokémon. However, one night, during a fierce thunderstorm, a massive bolt of lightning struck the power plant. No one knew exactly what happened afterward, but something changed.
The Electric Pokémon inside the plant became significantly stronger. Their energy was wild, unstable—and dangerous.
Several trainers were injured in the days that followed. As news spread, people stopped going. What was once a hotspot for aspiring trainers became an eerie, quiet ruin once more.
---
As Chihong digested the information, he glanced at Gengar, who was still floating excitedly nearby.
This trip to the unmanned power plant would be dangerous—but it also held immense opportunity.
With Charizard and Gengar by his side, Chihong was ready to face whatever came next.
---