Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 211: The Standard for Energy Retention

Morning.

The three challengers gathered once again at the same spot as the day before.

Unlike the previous morning, Hikaru appeared refreshed and energetic, while the other two looked noticeably fatigued.

No matter how composed someone appeared, a few nights of disrupted sleep would inevitably leave dark circles under their eyes.

Glancing at Hikaru, who was casually teasing Latias, Mukai couldn't help but frown in confusion.

Logically, after two nights of constant vigilance, fatigue should have been setting in.

Even they, as psychics, were feeling the strain.

Hikaru, not being a psychic himself, should have been in far worse shape.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Mukai asked, "Hey, buddy, how are you still so energetic? Shouldn't you be dead tired by now?"

Hikaru chuckled, letting go of Latias's soft cheeks.

"Me? Nah, I'm fine. Guess I just got used to it."

"Got used to it... overnight? That's impressive."

Mukai sighed, shaking his head.

By now, he no longer viewed Hikaru as just another high schooler.

If anything, he regarded him as a peer—or even as someone superior.

His gaze flickered toward Mukai's cousin, Emma.

She wore her usual pensive expression, clearly deep in thought.

After a moment, she seemed to find an opening to speak but hesitated.

Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.

It was only after several seconds of awkward silence that she finally muttered, "Hikaru."

"Hmm?"

If not for Hikaru's enhanced senses through his Aura, he might have missed the soft call entirely.

Emma cleared her throat, composing herself.

"Which university are you planning to attend?"

The question flowed naturally from her lips, as if they'd been casual friends all along.

But the irony was obvious—Hikaru was still in his second year of high school.

He raised an eyebrow, considering whether to answer honestly.

"Middle Youth University. I'm already discussing the details with my school."

There was no reason to hide it.

Even if he tried, someone with her family's resources could easily find out.

Besides, as long as their intentions weren't malicious, Hikaru didn't mind sharing such trivial information.

His "Malicious Intent Detection" skill showed both Emma and Mukai as pure green, devoid of any harmful thoughts.

The conversation continued, flowing into casual chatter.

Through their exchange, Hikaru learned that Emma and Mukai were both sophomores at Northern University, a prestigious institution in China.

They'd secured Intermediate League Investigator licenses through family connections, balancing academics and official work.

Hikaru was about to ask how one could apply for such a position when the sound of flapping wings interrupted them.

It was Liu Ke, the male receptionist from the Ghost-type Gym, riding his trusty Corviknight.

"Morning, challengers. Time for the daily energy check. Please present your Duskstones."

The three handed over their stones without complaint.

But this time, the device Liu Ke used seemed more sophisticated.

He started with Mukai's Duskstone.

A crisp electronic voice sounded from the scanner:

"Energy detection in progress... Detection complete. Remaining energy: 85.7%."

Mukai's smile stiffened.

"Only 85%? Damn… I thought I'd done better than that."

He took the stone back, visibly displeased.

Two nights of effort, and he'd already lost nearly 15% of the stored energy.

At this rate, he'd be lucky to retain 70% by the end of the challenge.

While that was technically a passing score, it fell far short of his expectations.

Seeing Mukai's disappointment, Liu Ke quickly explained:

"Don't worry. Whether you pass the challenge or not, you'll get to keep the Duskstone. Once the challenge ends, we'll even stabilize its energy retention for you."

Mukai blinked. "Wait, really? We get to keep the stones?"

Liu Ke nodded.

"Yes. As long as you participate, the stone is yours. Once stabilized, it'll no longer leak energy and can be used for Ghost-type Pokémon training or evolution."

Hikaru's eyes lit up.

An A-rank treasure for the price of admission?

That was way more valuable than the entry fee!

His own Duskstone, still nearly full, would easily fetch two million yuan on the market.

"That's… pretty generous, honestly."

Liu Ke smiled.

"Well, there's more. If your energy retention exceeds 85% by the end, the Gym Leader has authorized an additional reward: access to the SS-ranked Ghost Secret Realm behind the town."

That perk caught Hikaru's attention immediately.

Normally, accessing an SS-ranked secret realm required special permits or Elite-level endorsements.

Even then, capturing Pokémon inside was usually forbidden unless under strict supervision.

Here, they were offering access as part of a challenge reward?

"So, we can actually catch Pokémon in that secret realm?" Hikaru asked, intrigued.

Liu Ke nodded.

"Yes, but only if you achieve an 85% retention rate. The Gym Leader will personally grant you a pass."

"Huh. Guess I know what I'm aiming for now." Hikaru smirked.

Truthfully, with his Aura suppression, maintaining energy retention was ridiculously easy.

Emma, standing quietly beside them, silently noted Hikaru's spark of interest.

He likes rare items? she mused.

Could this be a way to approach him?

Meanwhile, Liu Ke scanned her Duskstone.

The device beeped once more.

"Energy detection in progress… Detection complete. Remaining energy: 96.8%."

The high percentage stunned everyone present.

Even Liu Ke himself froze for a moment.

"Ninety-six percent?! Seriously?"

Emma frowned. "Is something wrong?"

Liu Ke quickly composed himself.

"No, nothing's wrong. It's just… rare to see such high retention. The Gym Leader mentioned that anyone exceeding 85% qualifies for secret realm access. With your score, you're basically guaranteed entry."

Emma's sharp gaze softened. "Good to know. Thank you."

While others might have missed it, Hikaru caught Liu Ke's brief moment of envy.

After all—

Even Gym staff like Liu Ke only gained realm access after one full year of service.

For challengers to gain access in just three days…

It was understandably frustrating.

Finally, Liu Ke turned to Hikaru.

The receptionist hesitated.

Given Hikaru's relaxed demeanor and lack of visible effort, he expected a score closer to Mukai's.

But when he scanned Hikaru's stone—

The device beeped once more.

"Energy detection in progress… Detection complete. Remaining energy: 99.9%."

Liu Ke froze.

Mukai's jaw dropped.

And Emma…

For the first time since they met—

Her usually composed expression completely shattered.

"Wait. What?!"

Even Hikaru himself blinked, momentarily confused.

"…Ninety-nine? Seriously?"

Liu Ke silently handed back the stone.

He didn't say another word.

There was nothing to say.

In all his years working here, he'd never seen a score this high.

Not even from veteran trainers.

At this moment—

Everyone realized one thing.

For Hikaru—

This challenge was already as good as won.

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