After confirming his participation in the Pokémon World Championship, President Hamilton directly took Ethan to register at the Pokémon Trainers Guild.
With all the preparations President Hamilton had already made in advance, everything was completed without any issues.
"So the exam location happens to be in Solaris City and its affiliated cities."
Ethan narrowed his eyes as he reviewed the list of gyms assigned for his challenge.
Then he took Charmeleon's Poké Ball, and the corner of his lips curved slightly.
Coincidence or not, for Ethan—who already intended to go to Solaris City—there couldn't have been better news.
After confirming the list of gyms, Ethan bid farewell to President Hamilton and began his journey to collect the badges.
Solaris City was located in the southwestern region of the League, an area already warm and dry by nature.
With the emergence of multiple volcanic Secret Kingdoms, the region had become even more scorching. However, such extreme weather had created the perfect environment for the city, attracting countless Fire-type trainers.
Training Fire-type Pokémon in this region or learning moves there always yielded double the results with half the effort.
Once Ethan decided on his destination, he also had a clear schedule in mind.
The most important thing was Charmeleon's evolution. Once completed, he could start his journey to gather the needed badges.
When he obtained all eight badges, he would be able to participate in the qualifying competition for the World Championship slots.
"Whew... It really lives up to its name. And it's only March; it's already scorching."
As soon as he stepped off the plane at the airport, a wave of hot air struck his face, forcing Ethan to loosen his clothes.
Following the crowd outside, he boarded a bus headed for his destination.
In Pyros City, there was a very famous volcanic Secret Kingdom known for being a nesting area for Charizard. Therefore, when a Charmeleon was about to evolve, most trainers—if they had the means—would come here.
Entering a Secret Kingdom, especially one managed by the League, required numerous procedures.
Fortunately, Ethan had requested permission in advance, and thanks to his title as an Advanced Pokémon Researcher, he received approval without any problems.
Fwooooosh...
The bus wound through the mountainous paths; the wind entered through the half-open window, producing a constant whistling sound.
Ethan enjoyed the breeze as it ruffled his bangs. He often traveled using his Vibrava, and occasionally taking modern transportation was refreshing.
"Maybe during this badge-collecting journey, I could try traveling on foot... like in the anime."
Ethan thought to himself. Although he didn't have a physique as exaggerated as Ash's, with the ongoing merging of worlds and his training, his body was much stronger than before. He could probably handle a journey on foot.
Lost in thought, the bus climbed and descended hills until it finally arrived in Pyros City.
After getting off, Ethan headed to the Pokémon Trainers Guild branch in the city. After showing his identification, he received the permit to enter the volcanic Secret Kingdom.
Later, he found an inn and released all his Pokémon, letting them relax.
"Chaarmeell!"
As soon as it came out, Charmeleon sniffed the air. Upon sensing the dense Fire-type energy, its eyes narrowed in delight.
"Charmeleon, this is Pyros City. We'll rest today. Tomorrow we'll enter the city's Secret Kingdom so you can complete your evolution."
Ethan smiled, and Charmeleon nodded repeatedly, unable to hide his excitement.
The other Pokémon came over to congratulate him. Even Riolu—who always competed with Charmeleon for Ethan's attention—took out a high-quality energy crystal from behind his ear as a gift, making Charmeleon scratch his head in embarrassment over all the times he teased him.
"Gengar, you come out and eat too."
After preparing his Pokémon's food, Ethan smiled toward his shadow.
Then he took a small box from his backpack: inside was the Toxic Orb, a true treasure for Poison-type Pokémon.
"Kekeke!"
Gengar floated out. Upon seeing the Toxic Orb, he pretended to be indifferent, but his eyes kept glancing at it over and over.
It was clear that, being a Poison-type Pokémon, it struggled to resist its appeal. Although its favorite food was Ghost-type energy, the pure poisonous energy contained in the orb was a rare delicacy, and very beneficial as well.
"I also prepared your special food."
Ethan placed the Toxic Orb beside Gengar's meal and continued tending to the others.
Since Charmeleon would be the protagonist this time, he still needed to review several preparations: the evolution had to be completed perfectly.
Evolution, in essence, was a leap toward a higher level of life. It only occurred once, and its quality had a decisive impact on a Pokémon's future.
For Charmeleon, Ethan had always guided him along the special offense route with close combat as support. That was why his plan was to strengthen Charmeleon's flame control during evolution.
Additionally, with Charmeleon's innate ability to withstand heat, Ethan planned to carry out the evolution in an extremely high-temperature environment.
Time passed quickly. Ethan reviewed his notes and finally finished refining the evolution plan.
When he looked up, his Pokémon had already finished eating, remaining quiet so as not to disturb his thoughts.
Ethan's heart warmed. He patted each one and then looked toward his shadow, noticing that Gengar had already returned to hide within it. Its food was completely gone... but the Toxic Orb remained untouched.
Ethan sighed. It was clear that his attempt to "bribe" Gengar had failed.
He had thought of many ways to get rid of its surveillance. But aside from being careful, he hadn't found another solution.
That was why he had considered earning its favor little by little and eventually attempting to capture it. It was the only viable method he could think of.
But judging by this... it wouldn't be easy.
(End of chapter)