บท 59: The Invitation
Night had fallen deeply.
After the fireworks show, Johan carried a sleeping Alolan Vulpix, accompanied by Gastly, as they headed home.
Along the way, his phone suddenly buzzed.
He pulled it out and saw—
[Psychic Girl]: You've got some skills.
[Grain in the Field]: ?
[Psychic Girl]: Kadabra didn't evolve, but after a nap, its psychic power grew significantly!
Girl, did you sleep for three days?
How long has it been since you last slept?
This exchange confirmed Johan's suspicion that "Psychic Girl" was most likely a training fanatic. Her Pokémon probably barely had any time to rest.
[Psychic Girl]: Got any other suggestions? If Kadabra evolves or its psychic powers improve further, we're going to challenge it!
Challenge it?
Another Pokémon?
This confirmed she was either a training or battle maniac.
And trainers like this often lacked essential emotional bonds or connections with their Pokémon.
This could explain why her Kadabra hadn't evolved despite meeting all the conditions—it likely had something to do with "Psychic Girl" herself.
[Grain in the Field]: Maybe you two should try doing something else? Like watching a movie together, going on a nature walk, or…cooking a meal together.
[Psychic Girl]: ?? What nonsense is this?
[Grain in the Field]: Just try it. And listen to what Kadabra has to say.
Johan had realized something.
With people who are arrogant and ill-tempered, you don't need to be overly polite. Otherwise, they'll end up walking all over you.
But Johan soon thought about his own Alolan Vulpix.
Her psychic powers were quite strong, but she had poor control over them.
[Grain in the Field]: By the way, you seem really skilled at training Psychic-type Pokémon. Do you have any methods to help them improve their psychic control?
[Psychic Girl]: What? You can't even control basic psychic abilities? (Mocking.gif)
Johan ignored her condescending remarks.
[Grain in the Field]: You're not saying you don't have any, right?
[Psychic Girl]: Don't be ridiculous! Just wait!
After a while, as Johan neared home, his phone buzzed again.
She had sent a file—
Training Notes for Psychic Pokémon.
[Psychic Girl]: Old man's notes. Took forever to find them.
After sending this, her profile went offline.
But Johan's eyes lit up.
She actually had something!
Although Alolan Vulpix was an Ice-type Pokémon, approaching her training from the perspective of psychic power was not a bad idea.
After his experience with "Psychic Girl," Johan made a decision:
He needed to set a friend request approval requirement—applications only, no automatic adds.
It wasn't about his rising popularity going to his head; it was more about the odd and random questions some people sent that left him bewildered.
For example:
Someone once asked him, "Who's stronger, Magikarp or Feebas?"
And another asked, "Hey, do you get pregnant from kissing? (Gardevoir-blushing.gif)"
Humans really can't—or, at least, shouldn't—think this way.
Such cases were just the tip of the iceberg.
If he didn't set a filter, he'd be dealing with mental gymnastics every single day.
At the very least, questions should be relevant to Pokémon.
Looking up at the bright moon, Johan shook his hands to relax.
Tired.
Carrying Alolan Vulpix was no easy task either.
"Ka-kah?"
Gastly floated over with a cheeky grin.
Need me to take over?
Johan squinted at him suspiciously. Before he could respond, his phone buzzed again.
[Eevee Eats Cabbage]: Time for meditation.
Johan sighed heavily.
"No rest for the weary…"
[Grain in the Field]: Give me a moment, I'll be right there!
The next morning.
Johan woke up feeling remarkably refreshed despite the icy and tingling sensations. After a quick wash and a rushed breakfast, he headed to the academy.
But today, he brought Alolan Vulpix along.
Keeping her locked inside all the time wouldn't do her any good.
And last night, she had shown great progress.
She had bravely taken a step forward.
As the coffee machine loudly brewed his cup, Johan prepared himself a fresh coffee.
"Vulpix."
Hearing Johan call, the somewhat nervous and lost-looking Alolan Vulpix turned towards him.
She saw Johan smiling at her while holding a cup of coffee and crouching down.
Gastly's expression turned alarmed.
"Ka-kah!"
Don't drink it!
But Johan simply chuckled, "Blow on it."
"Oowu?"
Alolan Vulpix wasn't sure what was going on, but she obediently blew on the cup.
In an instant, the steaming hot espresso turned into a chilled iced coffee.
Johan took a big gulp, smacking his lips in satisfaction, and patted Vulpix's head in praise.
"Well done, Vulpix."
"Oowu~~"
Vulpix bashfully turned her head away.
It's really nothing…
But the way her six fluffy tails swayed in excitement gave away her true feelings.
"Ka-kah?!"
Gastly, who was floating mid-air, froze.
Wait, hold up!
Aren't you gonna let Vulpix have a sip?!
"Gastly, I have a morning meeting today. Look after Vulpix and make sure she doesn't wander off."
After finishing his iced coffee in one go, Johan gave his instructions.
"Ka-kah~~"
Gastly nodded solemnly.
Mission accepted!
Bang.
As soon as Johan left, Gastly grinned mischievously and turned to Alolan Vulpix.
"Oowu?"
Seeing Gastly's expression, Vulpix's body tensed slightly, with faint psychic ripples emanating.
"Ka-kah, Ka-kah!"
Gastly quickly patted his face and dialed back his grin, clearing his throat.
"Ka-kah~~"
"As I mentioned before, in the Johan household, 'Hypnosis' is the most important skill. Now, let me teach you the hypnosis techniques Johan once taught me."
Hearing this, Alolan Vulpix's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she nodded eagerly.
After the morning meeting.
Duf, the first-year battle class advisor who had become acquainted with Johan during their previous field trip, approached him.
"Mr. Duf, this isn't appropriate."
"Of course it is, Professor Johan!" the well-built Duf replied confidently. "Your battle video with Lance went viral online, and even the director praised it during the meeting…"
Duf, with his well-organized thoughts, was highly respected as the main advisor for the academy's most prominent first-year battle class.
"The kids in the first-year class idolize your strategies. If you give them a tactics lesson, they'd be overjoyed."
"But I'm just a Pokémon psychology instructor," Johan replied helplessly.
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"Don't worry, you won't be teaching alone. I've invited an old friend of mine to help. Even if you just make an appearance, it'll be more than enough."
Duf laughed heartily, clapping Johan on the shoulder before leaving without giving him a chance to refuse.
An old friend?
"Who is it?" Johan asked, curious.
"Royal Masked Man!" Duf's voice echoed down the hallway.
Huh?
Johan blinked in surprise.
Royal Masked Man?
Professor Kukui?!
Feeling a mix of confusion and anticipation, Johan returned to his consultation room.
As soon as he opened the door—
He shivered violently.
Inside the room, a thin layer of snow had formed, turning it into a winter wonderland.
Alolan Vulpix stood dazed in the middle of the room, while Gastly awkwardly turned his head, forcing a grin.
"Ka-ka-kah"
I-It's not my fault, I swear!
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Powerstones?
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