Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 213: A Vivid Stroke in Life's Canvas

The third day's challenge turned out to be more eventful than expected.

A Lord-level Spiritomb appeared, somehow sensing the presence of the Duskstone in Hikaru's room.

But after two Psychic blasts from Latias, it vanished without further resistance.

Following that, several other Lord-level Ghost-types attempted to infiltrate.

This made Hikaru realize something important—

His Aura couldn't fully conceal the Duskstone's energy.

Was it because his Aura wasn't strong enough?

Or did he simply lack the proper technique?

"I'll ask Lucario when it returns."

For now, the limited numbers made defense manageable.

No matter how many tried, none breached the room.

When the third-day energy check arrived, Hikaru noticed a change.

Standing beside Liu Ke was someone new—

The Ghost Gym Leader: Granny.

"Good morning, Granny!"

Both Emma and Mukai immediately bowed respectfully.

Hikaru, caught off guard, hurriedly followed suit.

"Good morning, Granny…"

The old woman chuckled kindly.

Her gaze swept across the group—

But when her eyes settled on Hikaru, they lingered.

"…Why does she keep looking at me like that?"

Hikaru felt a bit uneasy.

After all, they'd only met briefly in the Qinling Mountains.

But Granny's satisfied smile suggested she'd already taken a liking to him.

Finally, she spoke to Liu Ke.

"Let's start the energy tests."

The trio obediently handed over their Duskstones.

First up was Mukai's.

"Detecting… Energy retention: 78.5%."

Mukai exhaled in relief—

But the momentary comfort quickly gave way to frustration.

"Damn it… I lost more energy on the first night than the third?!"

Granny chuckled softly.

"You focused on the wrong thing, child."

Mukai blinked in confusion.

"What do you mean, Granny?"

**"The Ghost Gym is meant to test your temperament. Not just strength.

"After failing the first night, you let frustration weigh you down.

"That emotional imbalance clouded your judgment the following days."**

Mukai's eyes widened.

Indeed…

Ever since the first night's mistake, he'd been mentally off-balance.

It wasn't the challenge itself that beat him—

It was his own mind.

Finally understanding, Mukai bowed deeply.

"Thank you for the lesson, Granny. I'll remember this."

Hikaru watched quietly, intrigued by her perspective.

"…Wait, is that really how psychic training works?"

Was emotional detachment truly necessary for supernatural growth?

Hikaru had sensed Mukai's frustration through Aura the past few days.

But Granny's insight pinpointed the cause perfectly.

Then Granny added something unexpected.

"Don't worry, child. If you wish to bond with a Ghost Pokémon, the SS-grade secret realm is still open to you."

Mukai's eyes lit up.

He had expected failure.

Now, opportunity knocked once more.

Suppressing his excitement, he bowed again.

"Thank you, Granny!"

The old woman smiled.

"…Youth without passion is no youth at all.

"Why live like an old man when your heart should burn bright?"

After all, hadn't her own life been painted in vivid strokes of joy and sorrow?

Next up was Emma's Duskstone.

"Detecting… Energy retention: 93.7%."

Granny nodded approvingly.

"Excellent. Impressive retention for someone your age."

Emma dipped her head politely.

"Thank you, Granny. But I suspect Hikaru's retention will surpass mine."

Granny chuckled knowingly.

**"Oh, this boy? He's not like you.

"He didn't fight off ghosts at all the past two nights.

"He simply made them ignore his room entirely."

Hikaru blinked.

"…How does she know that?"

The scanner beeped.

"Detecting… Energy retention: 99.0%."

"…Same as yesterday?"

Even Hikaru was surprised.

Apparently, the Duskstone stored more energy than he'd estimated.

"Still 99%?"

Mukai's jaw dropped.

"…How the hell is that even possible?!"

Granny's explanation clicked.

"…He blocked the energy signature."

"That's Aura manipulation."

It wasn't about defeating attackers.

It was about hiding the target entirely.

Emma nodded thoughtfully.

"…So that's the secret."

Granny didn't dwell on it.

Instead, she called out.

"Gengar, come help out."

From her shadow, inky darkness flowed like liquid, pooling into form.

A chilling laugh echoed—

"Gyaha~!"

Out stepped a Gengar—grinning from ear to ear.

Hikaru's Aura flared instinctively.

He'd sensed this Gengar the moment Granny appeared.

It had been hiding in her shadow all along.

"No wonder she's so fearless."

The Ghost circled Hikaru playfully, exuding an icy aura.

[Pokémon: Gengar]

Ability: Cursed Body

Gender: Male

Talent: Elite

Level: 65

Moves: Shadow Ball, Hex, Night Shade, Curse, Thunder Punch, Destiny Bond, Dream Eater…

"…That thing's stronger than most Gym Leaders' aces."

Granny waved it down.

**"Enough teasing, Gengar.

"This boy's an Aura user. He sensed you the moment we met."

Hikaru chuckled, shaking his head.

"…Why do Gengar always love sneak attacks?"

From Koyuki's Gengar to Granny's—

Every single one acted the same.

"…Is it genetic?"

Granny's eyes twinkled.

**"The playful nature of spirits, child.

"But the sharpest eyes see through shadows.

"Keep honing your Aura. It'll serve you well."

Hikaru smiled.

"I'll keep that in mind."

In the end—

The challenge was over.

But the lessons learned would remain—

A vivid stroke on the canvas of life.

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