He knows Pokémon better than me.

Since Xiao Jian from his hometown is searching the entire backyard for Gengar, which may have even run into the back mountain or the Reverse World, it will probably take another two days to find it.

So Ash and his companion didn't rush back to Strangetown and lingered in the wilderness for two more days.

"Poison Skull Frog Poison Strike! Slash Commander Metal Claw!!"

Marnie was making final adjustments, and the two Pokémon of similar size gathered sharp blades and clashed and slashed.

Of course, poison-attribute moves are ineffective against the Slashing Commander; they are mostly just for practicing the slashing motion.

On the other side, Ash was directing his two "babies," who were training in biting moves.

"Baby Dragon, crush it with your bite!"

"Ichthyosaurus, use your Frozen Fang!"

The former is born with the special ability to "bite", but in terms of power, biting and crushing is naturally more lethal.

For Dracovish, its innate Strong Jaw ability means that moves like Gill Bite and Ice Fang are essential to master.

When facing a dragon-type opponent, a single Frozen Fang attack will be like a cheek bite, instantly killing them!
Beside it, the newly evolved Cinderace was juggling various "balls"—

Starting with Fireball, then the Normal-type Smokeball, the Electric-type Electricball, and the Rock-type Stoneball.
Mudball (Ground attribute), Iceball (Ice attribute).

Boom!

After evolving, the trajectory of the kicked ball is not only more accurate, but also more powerful!

As one of the three starter Pokémon of Galar, Cinderace has a lot of detailed information online, especially the "skill list" that this race can learn, which is very comprehensive.

Ash focuses on the ball-related moves.

"Hmm? He can actually control Shadow Sphere?"

Ash was taken aback when he saw one of the move names.

Then, a surge of joy filled his heart!
This is a huge upgrade for Flame Ace!
When facing a Normal or Fighting type opponent, suddenly kick out a Shadow Ball, transforming yourself into a Ghost type.
This is of great significance in actual combat!
"Perfect timing, Gengar is coming soon. I'll have Gengar teach Cinderace how to use this move."

Ash thought to himself that his old Gengar from Kanto was absolutely top-notch in every way except for its quirky tastes.

Another excellent move is Cinderace's other move, Hot Sands.

"It can completely replace mud bombs."

Ash stroked his chin and muttered to himself, "Now that I've evolved to my final form, I don't need to limit my focus to basic moves anymore."
You can try to learn all kinds of powerful moves.

"Bashi?"

Noticing Ash's gaze, Cinderace's desire to perform surged up, and it kicked out a Fireball from its foot, leaving a black mark on the ground along the way. Its power was far beyond what it had been during its early days as Scorbunny.

After completing the action, it proudly raised its rabbit head and glanced at Ash out of the corner of its eye.

"Wow, that's amazing! Ace Flame!!"

Seeing this, Xiao Zhi had no choice but to force himself to continue, immediately shouting, clapping, and cheering from afar.

As if replenishing its energy, Blazing Ace resumed its ball-juggling practice.

"Her personality has become really strange."

The evolved Cinderace seems to have a special desire to receive support.

However, this is easy to discuss, but it might be a bit embarrassing for Mary. But he is the number one supporter in Kanto, and he can definitely give Clash Royale a great time!

Two days later, in the skies above Suchuan Town.

At night, the two rode their respective Corviknights and Vultures across Route 6, returning from the wilderness to this arid desert city.

Ash had already made plans with Professor Oak to go to the Pokémon Center in Strangetown to trade Gengar. However, while the two were still in the air above the town, they could see that the town, which was usually quiet and dark at night, was quite lively today.

There were quite a few tourists on the streets, traveling in twos and threes.

The ordinary streetlights along the road have been replaced with pumpkin lanterns, making them look like pumpkin monsters floating in the air and glowing.

Is it some kind of celebration?

Landing at the entrance of the Pokémon Center, the two looked around curiously and could see many people wearing all sorts of masks.

Feeling both confused and impressed, the two entered the Pokémon Center, where some special decorations had been added today.

Besides the life-size pumpkin monster figurines, candles shaped like candle spirits were lit along the edge of the windowsill.

Several Zubats were hanging upside down from the roof beams; it was unclear whether they were toys or real Pokémon.

Even Miss Joey at the front desk was dressed in a gray-black cloak and wearing a pointed witch's hat.

Xiao Gang saw it and figured he probably couldn't hold on.

"By the way, is there some kind of festival here recently?"

Xiao Zhi couldn't help but step forward and ask.

Miss Joey smiled, first giving each of them a small-sized experience candy, before explaining:
"These past few days have been our unique Ghost Festival in Strangetown, a celebration where people wear Pokémon-shaped masks to express their friendship and gratitude to the nearby Ghost-type Pokémon~"

"In other places, this festival should be called Halloween."

Miss Joey added.

The word "Wandering Soul" in the Wandering Soul Festival comes from the unique ability of Galar's Crying Mask: Wandering Soul - once you are touched by a physical attack, you can exchange abilities with the opponent.

Halloween? Another year has passed?

Xiao Zhi blinked. He had experienced this festival in other regions before. Counting the days, it really was true.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Onio doesn't like these kinds of occasions."

Miss Joey couldn't help but sigh.

The previous gym leader of the town was also a ghost, and he would come out to preside over the event every year during this festival, organizing various activities and giving speeches, making it a very lively occasion.

However, the current gym leader, Onio, who is socially awkward and introverted, is unlikely to appear.
So although the Ghost Festival is still being held normally, its popularity is far less than before.

"I see."

Ash and Marie exchanged a glance, surprised that there was such an interesting sacrificial ceremony.

"In Spiketown, we don't have any special Halloween activities, just the usual jack-o'-lanterns and candy-giving."

Mary said that the holiday name had not been changed.

"Marie, wait for me a minute, let's go outside and pick out a mask later!"

Ash smiled and quickly ran to the public phone booth next to him, and made a quick call to Professor Oak.

beep!

The call connected quickly, and it wasn't Professor Oak on the other end, but Tracey.

He was holding a Poké Ball, his hair was messy and he looked somewhat tired.

"Ash, your Gengar is really hard to find!"

He and Miaowa Grass searched the back mountain for two whole days! (End of Chapter)