Chapter 626: Gengar: I Haven't Even Tried Yet

Chapter 626: Gengar: I Haven't Even Tried Yet

July 18th, Wednesday, the sky was clear and blue in the Castelia region, Miramar City.

"So you've arrived," Jinghe said, gazing up at the clouds drifting across the azure sky, and sighed with a hint of melancholy.

Although the final examinations at Kanaze Pokemon Academy were not yet over, the remaining tests were mostly battles and Pokemon breeding, which had little to do with his role as an elective course instructor.

The benefits of being an elective course teacher were most evident during the long summer and winter breaks, with a vacation lasting over two months.

"Rotom," Jinghe was just about to call out to Rotom to transform into a Rotom Bike when he noticed that Gengar had already gone to the roadside and summoned the Riding Goat, Sudowoodo.

"This kid," Jinghe shook his head helplessly.

After just one visit, this guy had already mastered everything with ease.

"And he doesn't even save me some money."

Jinghe grumbled inwardly, but he wouldn't say anything to Gengar.

After all, Miramar City was indeed too big and complex. Even with a map, getting lost was quite normal.

When he played Pokemon XY, he got lost all the time. There were cafes everywhere, and just one Flordal Cafe had him going in circles for ages. In the end, he had to rely on a taxi.

"Hee-haw~ Hee-haw~~"

Gengar cheerfully led two Riding Goats, one for himself and one for Jinghe.

Their destination—Blartano Pokemon Research Institute!

There were many things to do in the Castelia region, such as the League Police simulation exercise, finding a fashion designer in Aroma City to consult on Fairy-type Pokemon training, and searching for Pokemon hunters.

But first, it was always a good idea to greet the local authority, Dr. Blartano.

Clop-clop-clop—

The Riding Goats walked with a steady, rhythmic pace, and their speed was not slow at all. As long as they didn't speed, it was quite safe.

"Meow?"

Bickelna sat on Jinghe's shoulder, its eyes filled with curiosity as it took in the buildings on both sides of the street, noticing the architectural differences from the Unova, Sinnoh, and Hoenn regions.

"Hee-haw~"

Beside them, Gengar rode past on his Riding Goat.

Soon after, Gengar rode back swiftly from the opposite direction.

The key point was that if you wanted to speed, it didn't matter what you were riding.

It was just a bit of a waste for the goats.

Before long, Jinghe and his companions arrived at the entrance of the Blartano Pokemon Research Institute.

Looking at the two Riding Goats, one in good condition and the other with its tongue hanging out, eyes rolled back, and drenched in sweat as if exhausted, the staff member in charge of retrieving the goats was left with a head full of questions.

Weren't they supposed to travel from Miramar Airport to the Blartano Pokemon Research Institute? Why did it look like they had circled around Miramar City?

"Jinghe, you're here," Dr. Blartano, with his unkempt beard and a disheveled appearance, greeted them as they entered the institute.

Since they had informed him in advance, Dr. Blartano had been waiting inside the institute.

However, Jinghe couldn't help but show a hint of curiosity as he noticed that the institute was noticeably darker than the last time he had visited.

What was going on?

Could it be that Dr. Blartano was facing financial difficulties, leading to the institute's lights being turned off to save on electricity?

Perhaps sensing Jinghe's confusion, Dr. Blartano smiled helplessly and explained, "Recently, I don't know what's going on, but it seems like Miramar City's power supply system has been experiencing issues, resulting in frequent power outages."

Power outages?

Jinghe's expression revealed a hint of realization.

No wonder he had seen many cafes along the way that were pitch black inside; he couldn't tell if they were open or closed.

This led to even more questions.

With a city the size of Miramar, power outages or insufficient power supply shouldn't be a problem, right? Moreover, Miramar's Gym was an Electric-type Gym, and although he wasn't sure if Dianthus was the current leader, a power outage in the city where the Electric-type Gym Leader resided was arguably a greater "humiliation" than rubbing the Gym Leader's face on the ground.

Furthermore, even if the Blartano Pokemon Research Institute was smaller than Professor Rowan's, it was still a Pokemon research facility. Wasn't there a single Electric-type Pokemon to generate electricity?

Jinghe voiced his confusion, and Dr. Blartano immediately explained, "It's not that. It's just that some instruments have exceptionally high power demands, so we turned off unnecessary power outputs to save energy and reduce the strain on the Pokemon generating power."

In Pokemon research, highly precise instruments were often required, and the more precise they were, the more power they consumed.

"I see," Jinghe nodded. He didn't delve too deeply into this matter, as he wasn't an Electric-type specialist, and his knowledge of electronics and circuits was limited to basic concepts like series and parallel circuits.

"Hee-haw~~"

At that moment, Gengar, who was walking beside Jinghe, suddenly bent down and reached into Jinghe's shadow, pulling out two exaggeratedly large watermelons. With a playful smile, he offered them to Dr. Blartano.

"These..."

Upon seeing the watermelons, Dr. Blartano was taken aback.

Jinghe laughed and said, "These are two watermelons we grew ourselves. We weren't sure what to bring, so we hope you don't mind, Dr. Blartano."

"Jinghe, you can cultivate too?"

Dr. Blartano was even more surprised. He looked at the two watermelons, which were larger than Gengue's head, and unconsciously exclaimed, "And, and these watermelons... they're a bit too big."

To be honest, this was the first time he had seen such large watermelons.

Jinghe smiled.

Of course, with the blessing of the Crown King, how could the watermelons not be big?

"I chilled them at home before. Gengue kept them in the shadows, so the temperature should be just right. Eat them while they're cool; watermelons and summer go well together~"

"Oh, oh."

Dr. Blartano quickly assigned his assistant and himself to carry the watermelons.

"By the way, where's Alain?"

The person who had come with Dr. Blartano to greet them was a cute-looking young lady, but the future rival of Satoshi, Alain, was nowhere to be seen.

Speaking of Alain, Dr. Blartano handed the watermelons to several researchers and said with a smile,

"That guy has been a great help to me lately. He's brought back quite a few Mega Stones from outside."

"Oh?"

Was Alain already helping Dr. Blartano collect Mega Stones at this point?

In contrast, Satoshi at this stage should still be playing with mud in Masara Town.

No wonder he could bring out a Water Spout Pokemon (not really).

"Let's go, Jinghe. I'll show you my latest research results!" Dr. Blartano rolled up his sleeves, his previously dejected demeanor replaced by enthusiasm.

So, under Dr. Blartano's lead, the two of them arrived at a research room in the institute.

Indeed.

Compared to the dim lighting outside, this research room was brightly lit. Numerous researchers in white lab coats were busy at work, and neatly arranged precision instruments were operating, emitting a faint "buzzing" sound.

Then, Jinghe noticed that on the central platform in the research room, there were transparent glass covers, and inside them were the much-desired Mega Stones that many Pokemon trainers dreamed of!

Each of these Mega Stones, regardless of which Pokemon they belonged to, was worth at least eight digits.

Just the ones on the table alone were probably worth seven or eight million Poke Dollars.

Jinghe suddenly realized something.

Perhaps collecting Mega Stones in the Castelia region was also a way to get rich?

Even Alain could help Dr. Blartano collect Mega Stones, so it should be easy for him to "obtain" some, right?

He seemed to see a sunny path leading to his "small goal."

"Jinghe?"

Dr. Blartano walked up to an instrument and called out to Jinghe, who was staring at the Mega Stones in a daze.

Jinghe snapped back to attention.

"Hmm? Hmm."

"Over here." Dr. Blartano was already operating the instrument.

Behind the instrument was an isolated room, with a transparent glass wall that allowed a clear view of everything inside.

As Dr. Blartano pressed a button, a holographic image appeared in the sealed compartment.

"This is the latest holographic projection technology developed by the Flordal Research Institute," Dr. Blartano explained.

Jinghe nodded; he was familiar with this technology.

Although the Flordal Research Institute's holographic projection technology had not been widely promoted, some high-tech individuals or organizations had already obtained the rights to use it.

Not only the Blartano Pokemon Research Institute but even within Agatha's Raiders, this technology was being used.

What interested him more was the projection displayed in the sealed room.

A middle-aged man with a Flame Chicken mask and a robust build, along with a Flame Chicken standing in front of him!

Flame Chicken Mask? Diantha and Dawn's father? Dr. Blartano explained as he operated the controls:

"This is a trainer who wishes to remain anonymous. We're showing the footage of their Mega Evolution."

In the sealed room, the Flame Chicken Mask was excited and shouted,

"Flame Chicken, Mega Evolve!"

Buzz—

Brilliant light shone through the holographic projection technology, and the Flame Chicken evolved under the power of Mega Evolution.

When the energy dissipated, what appeared before them was a majestic Mega Flame Chicken! Along with a fleeting Mega Evolution symbol in front of it.

"Hng~!"

Gengue pointed at the holographic projection on the glass and turned to look at Jinghe.

Hey, their evolution wasn't as cool as ours!

But what Dr. Blartano really wanted to show Jinghe was some data on the instrument.

The data was very complex, but Dr. Blartano summarized it.

"Our analysis shows that Mega Evolution is closely related not only to the Pokemon and the trainer's physical state at the time but also to their emotional state, which may have an even greater impact."

"Typically, the most basic Mega Evolution can increase a Pokemon's stats by ten to twenty percent."

"And this Flame Chicken Mask and his Flame Chicken, after Mega Evolution, have at least a thirty percent increase in the overall stats of the Mega Flame Chicken!"

"This is the highest among all our research cases so far."

Thirty percent?

Jinghe nodded to himself.

The reason Mega Evolution held such high regard in his mind, surpassing Z-Moves, Gigantamax, and Alphaization, was its all-encompassing enhancement.

Unlike Z-Moves, which only enhance moves, or Gigantamax, which boosts health and certain moves, Alphaization alters attributes and amplifies specific move power.

Of course, Mega Evolution had its drawbacks; only specific Pokemon could undergo this transformation.

Additionally, it demanded more from trainers, increasing their burden.

An assistant brought in a platter of chilled watermelon.

"Hengga~"

"Nimi~"

Gengue and Bickelna didn't hesitate; they took the watermelon and started eating.

Dr. Blartano picked up a slice and took a bite.

The icy, crisp sensation made him squint momentarily, and he continued, "Jinghe, if possible, may I collect data on your Mega Evolution with Gengar?"

The last time Jinghe and Gengar demonstrated Mega Evolution, Dr. Blartano's laboratory equipment was insufficient to record it.

Moreover, Dr. Blartano had a premonition.

Although Flame Chicken Mask and Flame Chicken had achieved the highest Mega Evolution stats so far, he believed Jinghe and Gengar could surpass them.

"Hengga?"

Gengar, with watermelon juice on his face, looked up at Jinghe and blinked his eyes eagerly.

Perhaps it was time to give them a little surprise.

Surprise?

He wasn't particularly interested in surprises.

He was just... curious. How much would his Gengar's stats increase after Mega Evolution? Could it reach a staggering fifty percent?

Before Jinghe could respond, Dr. Blartano quickly added, "Of course, this data collection will be compensated."

Hmm? Jinghe cleared his throat lightly and spoke seriously, "Dr. Blartano, you're being too polite. Contributing to Pokemon research is something every League Trainer should do!"

Clap, clap, clap!

The research room erupted in applause.

Teacher Jinghe lived up to his reputation, showing everyone the "teacher's brilliance."

And so, Jinghe and Gengar, led by staff members, entered the previously sealed chamber, surrounded by various instruments.

For a moment, Gengar's figure became blurry, and then he struck a unique pose for each camera.

"Jinghe, Gengar," Dr. Blartano's voice echoed through the speakers.

"You can begin anytime."

"Gengar," Jinghe took a deep breath and looked at the purple-skinned chubby Pokemon before him.

"Hengga~"

Gengar enthusiastically gave a thumbs-up.

Simultaneously, he subtly winked at Bickelna, who was hiding on Jinghe's shoulder.

Let's give them a little surprise!

Don't be lazy, Bickelna~

"Nimi~"

Here we go!

Jinghe and Gengar's expressions synchronized, both breaking into identical smiles.

Jinghe unbuttoned his shirt, and as the fabric fluttered in the wind, he retrieved the Key Stone from the end of his monocle's anti-slip chain.

"Gengar, Mega Evolve!"

"Henggaaaaaa!!!"

Buzz—

The multicolored Mega Evolution energy emanated from Jinghe's Key Stone, and the Mega Stone on Gengar's tongue responded.

Hmm? Jinghe suddenly felt his connection with Gengar intensify.

This sensation was peculiar, as they had Mega Evolved before.

Then it hit him.

It was the Waveguide! This was the first time he had Mega Evolved with Gengar since his Waveguide was enhanced by Alazhe.

He felt as if he and Gengar could Mega Evolve with a certain probability, even without the Key Stone or Mega Stone.

Bond Evolution?

Like Grandpa's Ninja Frog?

His Waveguide leaned towards emotions, further stimulating the Mega Evolution influenced by emotions and bonds.

Jinghe couldn't quite explain it at the moment.

But as Mega Gengar appeared before him, Dr. Blartano and the researchers in the lab were left in awe, their jaws dropping.

"Thirty percent, forty percent, fifty percent..."

Boom!!!

Amidst the rising stats, the world's top Mega Evolution stat detector, designed for all Pokemon, exploded!

A puff of black smoke rose.

"Exaggerated," a researcher muttered.

"Even the instruments can't handle such drastic changes? How significant must the boost be?"

Dr. Blartano hadn't anticipated this turn of events.

However, his prediction was correct; the Mega Evolution of Jinghe and Gengar resulted in a boost far beyond Flame Chicken Mask's.

The sound of the explosion echoed through the enclosed laboratory, reaching Jinghe and Mega Gengar inside.

"Huh?"

Mega Gengar looked at Bickelna on Jinghe's shoulder.

Did you use too much force?

"Mew, Mew."

Bickelna blinked its eyes.

It hadn't even exerted itself yet.

Did it use its power? No, it didn't.

Mega Gengar floated over to the wall, poked its head through the glass, and then quickly retracted it.

"Huh?"

You're saying there's no damage? But the equipment exploded!

In an instant, Gengar shed its Mega Evolution energy and tugged at Jinghe's pant leg.

"Huh?"

Do we need to pay for this? Should we run away?

Jinghe: "..."

He looked at the Gengar before him, its mischievous appearance leaving him puzzled as he rubbed his chin.

Is the bond between us that strong?

It didn't seem so.

Meanwhile, at the Flordal Research Institute, a dimly lit control room glowed with the light of screens. A group of Blaziken Squad members, dressed in tangerine-red suits, were operating computers.

"Report, Kuzerocrates, sir. We've received a holographic message from the Blartano Pokemon Research Institute. It appears to be information on Pokemon Mega Evolution data collection."

Kuzerocrates, with his bright red mohawk-like hairstyle and sunglasses, was recording his report. He casually replied, "As usual, just record it."

"Yes, sir!"

However, just a few seconds later, one of the Blaziken Squad members exclaimed in surprise.

"Sir Kuzerocrates, the numbers, the values are too, too exaggerated!"

Boom!!

Before he could finish his sentence, the monitoring equipment exploded.

Red alarm lights flashed throughout the laboratory.

The explosion left soot on Kuzerocrates' face, except for his eyes, which remained clear. He looked utterly bewildered.

"What's going on?"

Even he had never encountered such a situation before.

The equipment just exploded?

How powerful must the Mega Evolution value be?

"I, I don't know."

Kuzerocrates' expression turned serious. He dropped his report and rushed to another machine, his hands moving swiftly.

"Who is this Mega Evolution data from? Which Pokemon is it?"

A talent like this, if not a die-hard Pokemon League fan, would be a valuable asset to the Blaziken Squad! Even members of the Pokemon League, including high-ranking officials, might be swayed by the Blaziken Squad.

Under Kuzerocrates' control, the remaining data after the explosion formed a blurry image, gradually becoming clearer with each refresh.

Everyone held their breath, focusing intently on the screen, waiting for the figure to fully appear.

Suddenly—

Buzz—

The screen of the machine Kuzerocrates was operating turned into static, and he lost control of it.

Immediately after,

Several words appeared on the snowy screen.

"Ghastly, Ghastly, Ghastly..."

Countless "Ghastly" characters, images, icons, and cute patterns flooded the screen.

The next moment,

The screens of the other intact machines in the control room started displaying the word "Ghastly" as if infected.

This development exceeded everyone's expectations.

"No, this is bad! Sir Kuzerocrates! We're under a powerful hacker attack!"

Hackers?

How did hackers get involved?

For a moment, the entire Blaziken Squad secret base was in disarray. Countless computers were "infected," and Kuzerocrates led the squad in a desperate effort to "resist" the attack, barely managing to contain the spread of the "virus."

This mysterious virus, unseen before by the Blaziken Squad, was named the "Ghastly Virus"! It almost caused the downfall of the entire secret base's equipment.

"This is probably the infinite potential that exists between humans and Pokemon."

Dr. Blartano could only offer this explanation for the previous result.

It was a somewhat plausible answer.

Gengar, standing nearby, smirked.

I haven't even exerted myself, and they're already overwhelmed.

It feels a bit unsatisfying.

Jinghe was more curious about the value just now, but judging by Dr. Blartano's and the researchers' reactions, it must have been high.

I'm surprised, too. In the Pokemon world, believing in values... Jinghe shook his head, coming to his senses.

Values?

Those are for gamers.

For us, it's about tactics, bonds, battles, and dirty tricks. We use whatever works.

"Clang!"

Forneus, holding a hammer, glanced at the equipment and shook his head at Dr. Blartano.

It's beyond repair. Let me help you melt it down~

Dr. Blartano's eyes twitched.

That equipment is expensive.

At that moment, Rotom emerged from the smoking machine, looking perplexed.

"Strange, someone seems to be stealing electricity, Rotom!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end