Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

Perhaps they have some kind of cognitive bias, and are prone to overlooking some minor issues due to habitual thinking or being out of touch with the times.

But in terms of both intelligence and ability, they are by no means lacking.

"It's not that easy after all..." one trainer sighed and looked away.

“After all, they’re ghosts, so their thoughts are the hardest to guess,” another chimed in, his tone rather easygoing.

The crowd began to turn around and head towards the brightly lit Pokémon Center at the foot of the mountain.

After a busy night, the excitement wore off, and fatigue set in.

There's no point in staying here any longer anyway.

Looking at the departing figures, Xiao Gang then glanced at Xiao Zhi and Xiao Xia, who were still somewhat dazed beside him: "Don't feel regretful, this is normal."

As he gestured for the two to follow the flow of people down the street, he continued to explain, "The temple fair usually lasts for a whole week."

"Today is only the first night."

"Similar opportunities will arise in the next few nights."

"Perhaps tomorrow or the day after, one of the little guys will take an interest in one of you."

"After all, patience is often more important than ability when it comes to gaining the approval of these unpredictable little guys."

As for Xiaogang, he himself wasn't very interested.

Although he had a great time chatting, that doesn't mean he wants to take these Ghost-type Pokémon with him.

None of these Ghost-type Pokémon have Rock or Ground subtypes.

Xiao Gang does have his own career plans for the future.

He wants Ghost-type Pokémon with Ground-type secondary attributes, such as Sandcastle or Claydol.

This is the most suitable option for him, assuming there are no Ghost-type Pokémon with Rock as their secondary attribute.

There's a question about choosing the right Pokémon type in this regard.

Strictly speaking, Pokémon trainers do not have any type restrictions on the Pokémon they choose.

A trainer can have many Pokémon of different types and species.

However, the same trainer can also specialize in one attribute.

Because Pokémon of different types and species have different training and growth methods.

However, if you specialize in one particular skill, then you can use many training and cultivation experiences and materials that are universally applicable.

The downside of specialization is that it doesn't have the same versatility as multi-attribute trainers.

The advantage of specialization is that it improves faster than that of a hybrid type trainer.

Ultimately, it depends on the individual's choice.

Xiaoxia rubbed her slightly sore eyes and yawned:

"That's true... Anyway, we'll be staying for a few more days."

"And they do look... well, quite unique."

She recalled the dream monster that had approached her, and instead of being afraid, she felt a sense of novelty.

Misdreavus and Misdreavus are among the few Ghost-type Pokémon that are visually appealing.

Most of them were rather unattractive.

Ash nodded, and Pikachu on his shoulder seemed to relax, calling out "Pika..." as if in agreement.

While he looks forward to catching new partners, he also knows that encountering Pokémon requires timing and fate.

Especially Ghost and Psychic types... these two really can't be forced.

The three of them followed the sparse crowd down the stone steps of the hill.

Unlike the quiet and ancient atmosphere of the mountain shrine.

The Pokémon Center at the foot of the mountain still shines with warm lights, like a tranquil harbor in the night, waiting for weary travelers to return.

Miss Joey is very gentle and conscientious.

Because the area of ​​Girls' Gorge has long been under the influence of that thousand-year-old Gastly and its clan, a unique ecological balance has been formed, and the League has not established a gym in the traditional sense here.

Therefore, this fully-equipped Pokémon Center has become the main gathering and supply point for trainers in the area.

If Gastly thinks there's something wrong with the gym... I really don't think any gym in the League can stay open here.

Ghost-type and Psychic-type Pokémon can choose to use hit-and-run tactics instead of direct combat.

...That's so complicated, the level of complexity needs to be raised a notch.

After all, it's impossible for a normal person to not eat, drink, defecate, or sleep.

However, if you let your guard down, you may be targeted by a sneak attack.

But Miss Joey is different.

Nurse Joy is very approachable to most Pokémon.

Stepping into the bright Pokémon Center lobby, Nurse Joy still stood behind the counter with her professional, gentle smile.

Trainers who returned one after another either chatted quietly or silently handed their Poké Balls to Chansey to help them recover; the atmosphere was peaceful but slightly weary.

Xiao Zhi and his two companions also checked in.

"Alright, we've been up late enough today," Xiao Gang said to the two of them, holding the room key.

"Get some rest and be well-rested for tomorrow. There are plenty of fun things to do at the temple fair."

"As for the matter of subjugation, let nature take its course."

This can be considered a tacit understanding between the League and this Thousand-Year Gastly... In a sense, this place is also a breeding base for Ghost-type Pokémon under the League's control.

There has never been a rule that the Pokémon League members are only humans and not Pokémon, right?

Highly intelligent Pokémon can exist as independent members without relying on a trainer.

Typical examples of this are Alakazam and Metagross, which could serve as full-time employees in most research labs.

……

……

(I hadn't noticed before, but as I was writing this I realized... there really aren't any Rock-type Ghost-type Pokémon.)

Chapter 86 The Former Unrivaled Warrior - Yukinari Oki

Xiaoxia agreed, then couldn't help but yawn, "Okay."

Xiao Zhi nodded: "Yeah, let's explore properly again tomorrow."

They said goodnight to each other and then went to their respective rooms.

The corridor quieted down, with only the soft hum of the central air conditioning running.

The Maiden Gorge outside the window has fallen into a deep sleep.

Only the distant sound of the ocean tide rising and falling rhythmically, like the city's long and steady breath.

However, Ash didn't go to sleep.

The dramatic transformation of the Millennium Gastly and the scattered information revealed by "Mewme"... made him very curious.

Ash simply sat up, turned on the computer in the room, and connected to Professor Oak's lab.

"Beep...beep..."

After a few beeps, the screen lit up.

The image shows Professor Oak's slightly tired but smiling face, with what appears to be a lab bench piled high with data in the background.

...Professor Oak seems to live in the lab all year round and rarely even returns to his bedroom.

He's truly passionate when he's working.

"Oh? It's Ash? What's up so late?" Professor Oak's tone was as kind as ever.

"No, I'm in Girls' Gorge right now," Ash said impatiently, his voice sounding rather loud in the quiet room, so he subconsciously lowered his voice.

"...At this time of day...Girls' Gorge?" Professor Oak pondered. "Oh—it's the festival!"

"How was your time in Maiden's Gorge? I heard the temple fair there is really interesting." Professor Oak asked with a warm, doting smile.

If Lt. Surge and Brock know it, Professor Oak definitely knows it too.

"...I have a feeling that there's something hidden in what you're saying, Professor..." Ash looked at Professor Oak's face, full of suspicion.

That old geezer is incredibly slippery and cunning.

"What nonsense are you talking about? This is all your imagination!" Professor Oak adjusted his posture with interest.

"Tell me about it!" He only wanted to hear jokes... oh no... stories.

"..." Xiao Zhi decided not to pursue the matter further.

Professor Oak is very tight-lipped; he absolutely won't say what he doesn't want to say.

"We encountered a Gastly here that is said to have lived for two thousand years!"

"It seems... particularly afraid of you?"

Xiao Zhi organized his thoughts.

"As soon as it hears your name and sees your comment in the encyclopedia, its attitude changes instantly, and it runs away incredibly fast!"

"Professor, did you... have anything happen with it before?" Ash wanted to find out the specifics.

After all, even though everyone says this thousand-year-old Gastly has a good temper.

But what if the two sides really have a grudge, and this Gastly goes crazy?

Professor Oak on the other end of the screen was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this.

Then, as if recalling something extremely long ago and interesting, he couldn't help but burst out laughing.

The weariness on his face vanished, replaced by an expression that mixed nostalgia and a touch of mockery.

Professor Oak stroked his chin, as if reminiscing about the old days, his tone as relaxed as if he were talking about what he had for dinner the night before:

"Hahaha!"

You mean that old fox?

"He's been organizing temple fairs for so many years, yet he still hasn't let go of the past..."

"fear me?"

"Hmm...that's not wrong."

Professor Oak leaned back slightly in his chair, a sharp, domineering glint flashing in his eyes.

It was a kind of confidence and unbridled spirit belonging to the strongest trainer in the past.

"Back then, I was young and ambitious, and my goal was to defeat all the strong and prove my own path."

"Back then, Kanto was not peaceful. In various places, there were some guys who were arrogant and disobedient. Some were trainers, and some were... Pokémon like it that had lived for a long time."

Daiki spoke with a matter-of-fact nonchalance, embellishing his past experiences slightly.

"My solution is very simple—"

"Just beat up everyone who disagrees, one by one."

"Once you've beaten them into submission, they'll naturally start to reason with you."

"As for that Gastly..." Professor Oak chuckled, "It had a pretty good relationship with Agatha back in the day, and was considered one of Agatha's 'old friends'."

"You should know that Kikuko is now one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Kanto, specializing in Ghost-type attacks, and her methods... well, they're rather strange and unpredictable."

"Back then, we were rivals, we couldn't stand each other, and we competed for many years."

At this point, Professor Oak shrugged, as if he were talking about something trivial:

"Once, I happened to run into it helping Kikuko in battle."

"The two of them... no, the human and the ghost teamed up, and they made quite a big show of it."

"Illusions and poisonous fog have created a chaotic and unpleasant atmosphere."