Chapter 105: Duolong Leaves the Team

"Lord Gengar, the Dreadnought?" Zhao Fang was taken aback. This was a path he had never considered before. He knew that the evolution rules in the Pokémon world were often restrictive—an Eevee requiring a special stone could hardly evolve without it, while Dreepy's evolution required playing with its companions and fostering bonds before it could evolve into a more powerful Pokémon. Yet now Gengar was proposing a completely different philosophy.

"Hmph. The strong walk alone, while the weak huddle together for warmth. If your Dreepy is powerful enough, then even without forging bonds with companions, others of its kind will willingly follow it. Why do you think my mansion behind me is filled with so many Ghost-type Pokémon?" Gengar crossed its arms and spoke with great confidence.

Zhao Fang nodded thoughtfully. When put that way, it wasn't unreasonable; after all, a living example stood right before him. Gengar was immensely powerful, and the mansion it inhabited had become a haven for a host of wild Ghost Pokémon, though some of them had likely been beaten into submission by Gengar.

"You only brought half, but half is still half. I accept your request. I can help train this little one of yours, but it'll take about two weeks. You'll have to leave it here with me. I'll arrange suitable Pokémon for it to train against. As for becoming an existence like me—well, go find the other half." Gengar lifted Dreepy by the scruff of its neck and reached out a hand.

Zhao Fang knew it was asking for the Poké Ball. He looked at Dreepy's large, reluctant eyes, and felt a warmth in his own. He forced his eyes wide open to keep the tears from falling. Though he knew it was only two weeks, Dreepy's companionship during this time had made Zhao Fang regard it as family.

Unlike in the games, Pokémon in the real world were flesh and blood. They had their own likes and personalities. The timid Dreepy, after being captured by Zhao Fang, had often coiled around his neck like a scarf. The various battles since then had made Zhao Fang sincerely adore Dreepy. But now, to make Dreepy stronger, he had no choice but to let go and allow it to train under Gengar.

"Dreepy, train hard. I'll be here on time to pick you up, for sure." Zhao Fang patted Dreepy's head, and the Pokémon's miserable expression immediately turned fierce and determined.

"Dreepy!" Dreepy let out a loud cry, then extended its little claw. Zhao Fang paused for a moment, then smiled and reached out his own hand, making a fist and bumping it against Dreepy's.

Gengar stood aside in silence. The bond between a Pokémon and its trainer was the most beautiful sight in the Pokémon world. Some particular species of Pokémon would even actively seek out trainers, because only after forming a deep bond could these Pokémon undergo the transformation of their lives. Gengar had once had such a trainer...

"I entrust him to you, Lord Gengar." Zhao Fang bowed with the utmost solemnity. Gengar stood there casually, making no move to avoid the gesture.

"Don't worry. Come back in two weeks, and I'll give you a much stronger little one." Gengar waved a hand calmly, then led Dreepy into the mansion, while the Swellow waiting outside was already on standby.

Zhao Fang stood blankly staring at the mansion for a long while before he climbed onto Swellow with a lingering sense of loss, having it carry him to the entrance of Petalburg Woods.

Dreepy was temporarily off the team. Though Zhao Fang was reluctant, he understood this was a great opportunity to strengthen Dreepy. Not every Pokémon was qualified to receive this Gengar's tutelage.

"Hmm... Cynthia still hasn't sent a message. Who knows when she'll come. Maybe I should go visit Mr. Norman first?" Zhao Fang recalled his regret from his last trip to Petalburg City, when he hadn't been able to call on Mr. Norman, and decided to head to the Gym.

Soon Zhao Fang walked into Petalburg City. The city was just as it always was—lively crowds, trainers queuing up for challenges, and Officer Jenny on duty in the streets. The bustling atmosphere diluted the unease in Zhao Fang's heart.

Zhao Fang soon arrived at the entrance to the Normal-type Gym and quietly joined the line behind the challengers. Even though he was only visiting the Gym Leader, he still had to wait his turn. Trainers wouldn't care what your reason was. Cut in line? Sure—if you can beat them first!

After waiting for a while, it was finally Zhao Fang's turn. The receptionist smiled warmly at him and asked about his purpose.

"Hello, I'm Zhao Fang from Littleroot Town. I'd like to visit Mr. Norman." Zhao Fang quickly explained his business. The receptionist nodded, then picked up the phone and asked in a low voice before directing Zhao Fang to a room ahead.

Zhao Fang walked over curiously. It was a room labeled "Reception Room." He could hear someone speaking inside—that should be Mr. Norman.

"Mr. Norman." Zhao Fang called softly and knocked on the door.

There was no response. Zhao Fang was a little puzzled and knocked again. Only then did he hear footsteps. The door opened, and a stern-looking man stood before him.

"You're Zhao Fang, aren't you? Haha, I've heard about you from your father. Sorry about that—I had some League business last time and wasn't around. Come on in." Mr. Norman laughed heartily. Zhao Fang bowed respectfully first, then stepped into the reception room—and the moment he walked in, he froze.

Because he saw there was another person in the room, and upon seeing him, this person hastily lowered her head, her hands tightly clutching the skirt at her legs. From her neck to her ears, she was flushed crimson. Combined with that light green hair, Zhao Fang instantly recognized her.

Dawn.

"Zhao Fang, this is my old friend's daughter, Dawn. Dawn, this is..." Mr. Norman introduced enthusiastically.

"Mr. Norman, I've met her before." Zhao Fang scratched his head awkwardly. He truly hadn't expected to run into Dawn when he came to visit Mr. Norman today.

Dawn—in the games, this rival character was supposed to be a boy, but in the real world, Dawn was a beautiful girl. Moreover, Zhao Fang suspected Dawn had some kind of special ability. Last time, she had been able to see Dreepy even when it was transparent.

"Oh? Is that so? Then that's perfect. Zhao Fang, how many Gym Badges have you collected so far?" Mr. Norman paused, then chuckled and gestured for Zhao Fang to sit down, asking with concern.

Zhao Fang promptly stated how many badges he had, and Mr. Norman nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. So, during your travels, has anything interesting happened?" Mr. Norman asked again.