Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 68: Latias' Predicament

[Green Trait (Fishing Master): The more you fish, the rarer Pokémon you catch.]

Hikaru froze, staring at the new trait.

"A fishing-based trait…?"

Could this really be useful? Catching increasingly rare Pokémon by fishing?

Then again, why not? Maybe someday he'd reel in a Feebas, or something even better?

It wasn't impossible.

For now, he decided not to dismantle the trait. Upgradable traits could often lead to unexpected surprises.

---

The Championship Match: Provincial Tournament Finals!

The last battle. The ultimate test. The championship match.

For the audience, this was a long-awaited moment. Thousands of spectators roared in anticipation, their voices rising like waves.

This was what everyone had been waiting for—a clash to determine the strongest!

---

Meanwhile, Outside the Water City

"Boss, are we really doing this now? Takashi is here, officiating the championship match," a man whispered, his voice trembling.

A group of men, cloaked in shadows, gathered near the city's outer water boundaries. They rode water Pokémon, their presence hidden from sight.

The leader held a fragment of a stone tablet in his hands. Its edges were jagged, the text on its surface written in an ancient script. Though incomplete, its meaning had been deciphered.

The tablet spoke of the Soul Dew, a mystical artifact said to control the city's waters. Guarded by Latias and Latios, the Soul Dew required periodic energy replenishment, during which the guardians would be at their weakest.

The leader glanced at the tranquil water.

Apart from the ripples caused by their Pokémon, the lake's surface was eerily still—exactly as described during the replenishment period.

"Lee Wu," the leader addressed one of the men, "you're what, forty-eight years old now?"

The man nodded hesitantly, confused by the sudden question.

"Forty-eight and still just an advanced trainer? Your Pokémon have peaked, haven't they?"

The man grimaced but didn't respond.

"Let me ask you this," the leader continued, his tone sharp. "Do you want to stay like this for the rest of your life? If we obtain the Soul Dew, we'll control the city's waters. Escaping will be child's play."

The leader's eyes gleamed with ambition. "And if we capture a weakened Latias or Latios—legendary Pokémon—do you know what that means? With their power, we'll rule the secret realms! No one will stop us."

Lee Wu's face twisted with indecision. His midlife crisis had left him desperate for change, but the thought of defying legendary Pokémon chilled him.

"But…what if they recover? What if they turn on us?"

The leader scoffed. "They'll stay weak for at least three years. What are you afraid of?"

Finally, Lee Wu nodded, though hesitation lingered in his eyes.

"Good," the leader said, smirking. "Kingdra, move out!"

---

At the Tournament

Hikaru had underestimated his final opponent.

Standing across from him was a young woman named Lili. Her Pokémon? A Vaporeon.

[Pokémon: Vaporeon]

Ability: Water Absorb

Talent: Master

Level: 35

The transformation was recent—her Eevee had evolved specifically for this match. Her dedication was evident.

Vaporeon's smooth, streamlined form shimmered under the sunlight. Its white frills and aquatic elegance caught the audience's attention.

Lili wore a sweatshirt adorned with Pikachu designs. She clasped her hands together, adopting an innocent expression.

"Pretty please, handsome," she begged, her voice dripping with charm. "Don't use any Electric-type moves with your Frogadier?"

Hikaru blinked, startled by her sudden plea.

"Um… alright," he agreed, scratching the back of his head.

Lili's innocent act quickly faded, replaced by a sharp, calculating gaze as the battle began.

"Vaporeon, Baby-Doll Eyes!"

The crowd gasped as Vaporeon's eyes glowed faintly, its soft, endearing gaze directed at Frogadier.

Vaporeon's ability wasn't just about its charm—it increased its energy flow and attack speed.

"Quick Attack!" Lili commanded.

Vaporeon surged forward, its sleek body slicing through the air.

"Agility, then Aerial Ace!" Hikaru countered.

Even without its Electric-type moves, Frogadier's speed was unparalleled. In the Water City, its movements were almost supernatural.

The two Pokémon collided, their attacks creating ripples across the water.

"Good start," Lili muttered, her confidence growing. Frogadier, having been slightly slowed by Baby-Doll Eyes, failed to gain the upper hand in the initial exchange.

"Vaporeon, dive underwater and use Hydro Pump!"

Vaporeon elegantly slipped into the water, its form nearly invisible as it submerged.

The crowd murmured. Vaporeon's streamlined body gave it an undeniable advantage underwater.

Meanwhile, Frogadier stood on a floating platform, visibly hesitant. Its reluctance to enter the water was obvious.

Hikaru sighed. "She figured out Frogadier doesn't like swimming."

Indeed, the thought of its sleek form being compromised by awkward paddling was something Frogadier clearly despised.

Lili smirked. "Vaporeon, Hydro Pump!"

A massive torrent of water erupted from below, aimed directly at Frogadier.

The move was calculated. Lili had spent days training Vaporeon to mask its energy fluctuations, ensuring its attacks were nearly undetectable.

Yet, to her shock, Frogadier dodged with ease, leaping gracefully to another platform.

"What?! How did it know?" Lili exclaimed.

The audience gasped. It was as if Frogadier had foreseen the attack.

Hikaru smiled knowingly. "That's the power of Aura."

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To Be Continued...

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