Now that Hikaru had a clearer view, he finally saw the enemy hiding among his artifacts.
A sword?
No, a Pokémon!
This Ghost-type Pokémon had emerged from his basement—but its form was unmistakable.
"That ancient sword... It's changed!"
The engravings were now clearly visible, the dirt had been stripped away, and even its shape had altered significantly.
At a single glance, Hikaru recognized its true identity.
If his memory was correct, then this was—
"Honedge. A Steel/Ghost-type Pokémon, classified as the Sword Pokémon."
"It's said to be the reincarnated soul of a deceased person, possessing an ancient sword. It attaches itself to humans and drains their life force..."
Just as that thought formed in Hikaru's mind, new system information appeared.
[Artifact Event: "Ancient Visitor."]
[Event Description: The seemingly broken ancient sword turned out to be a Pokémon. Feeling resentful that you took its gemstone and treated it as an artifact, it is now attempting to reclaim its treasure—and defeat you.]
[Event Reward: Unique Knowledge and Crafting Techniques.]
—
However, while Hikaru remained cautious, Honedge was panicking even more!
Wait.
I was the one who initiated the attack, right?!
Why did my Ghost-type move feel like a gentle scratch?!
"Yo! (へ╬)!"
Frustration turned into anger, which then turned into discomfort.
The Cleanse Tag incense began taking effect.
Honedge felt an overwhelming urge to flee—as if something was repelling it.
Meanwhile, Hikaru seized the moment.
Reaching for the voice recorder hanging on his chest, he pressed play.
Crackle!
A harsh, ear-piercing screech filled the basement—a Pokémon's cry, mimicking a crow's insulting shriek.
This was a recording of a Murkrow's foul-mouthed taunts.
While it couldn't inflict real damage, the irritating noise disoriented Honedge—combined with the incense, it made the Ghost-type feel completely miserable!
Hikaru took advantage of the moment.
From his pouch, he pulled out a Poké Ball—
And with a swift throw, it struck Honedge directly!
A flash of red light engulfed the sword, pulling it inside the Poké Ball!
At the same time, Hikaru grabbed another item—
A green-leaf-wrapped mud ball.
Sticky Mud Ball.
This was an ancient item, nearly forgotten in modern times.
While the technique to make them wasn't complicated, the main materials were difficult to acquire.
Additionally, due to the rise of Poké Balls, Sticky Mud Balls had faded into history.
But that didn't mean they weren't useful.
And Hikaru happened to know how to make them.
A direct hit would slow down a Pokémon's movements and create an opening.
—
The Poké Ball wobbled twice—
Then burst open!
Honedge escaped!
The Poké Ball was flung aside, and Honedge emerged, furious.
But before it could react—
The Sticky Mud Ball struck it!
—
Direct hit!
Honedge was stunned again!
The move it had been preparing instantly failed, and its vision spun as its blade got covered in sticky mud.
—
Hikaru capitalized on the moment.
He wasn't aiming for a simple capture.
He was using a technique straight from "Pokémon Legends: Arceus"!
Suppress your opponent before they recover.
Close the gap. Maintain pressure.
In the Hisui Region, Trainers didn't just battle with their Pokémon—they fought alongside them, dodging attacks and throwing Poké Balls at the perfect moment.
—
Hikaru hurled another Poké Ball.
This time, it struck Honedge directly in its eye.
—
SMACK!
—
Honedge's vision blacked out.
(＞口※)☆!
A sharp metallic clink echoed as the Poké Ball sealed shut.
—
The ball landed in Hikaru's hand.
It didn't even shake once.
Critical Capture!
—
Honedge's last thought before fainting:
"At least don't aim for the eye...!"
—
Hikaru stood frozen.
The battle had ended so quickly that he hadn't fully processed it.
After a moment, his tension finally released, and he collapsed onto the floor, exhausted.
"I just won a Pokémon battle... without even using a Pokémon!"
"My luck is incredible!"
—
Victory had come from careful preparation.
Yet, the threat of Pokémon became even more apparent.
One had appeared in his basement.
And it had attacked him.
More information flooded his mind.
—
[Artifact Event Complete]
[You encountered an ancient relic, uncovering its true nature as a Ghost-type Pokémon. However, this particular Pokémon was somewhat careless—allowing you to defeat and capture it. Through this experience, you've gained a deeper understanding of Ghost-type Pokémon's existence and behavior.]
[New Knowledge Acquired: Spirit Basics (1).]
[Spiritual Insight: You can understand some Ghost Pokémon language and transcribe their messages. Your soul has become more resilient, granting limited spiritual energy resistance. You are now less susceptible to Ghost-type influences.]
[New Crafting Ability Acquired (1).]
[Unique Talisman Crafting (D+): Talismans you create will have different effects depending on the materials used. Each talisman is single-use.]
[You can now craft: "Cleanse Talisman" and "Curse Talisman."]
—
Hikaru exhaled deeply, feeling satisfied.
With Spirit Knowledge, he was now less vulnerable to Ghost Pokémon harassment.
Even though his new crafting skill was only D+ rank, the description seemed extremely promising.
—
However, this was still dangerous.
As Hikaru left the basement and locked the door behind him, something watched from the shadows.
The strange "E-shaped" eye flickered to life on the wall.
A human... won against a wild Pokémon... with his bare hands?
The Cleanse Tag's scent still lingered, making the eye twitch in discomfort.
This human... needs further observation.
Slowly, the E-shaped eye detached from the wall, drifting toward the door.
A psychic vortex formed in front of it.
Then, it phased through the door and vanished into the vortex.
—
Meanwhile, Hikaru stepped into the living room.
Holding the Poké Ball, he pressed the release button.
"Come out, Honedge."
A red beam of light flashed—and the sword materialized.
Hikaru grinned.
"Man, I've always wanted to say that at least once!"
—
This was his first time capturing a Pokémon.
Historically, trainers captured Pokémon through battle.
Some Pokémon would make a promise before battle—
"If I lose, I'll become your Pokémon!"
And the Trainer would passionately respond—
"I won't lose!"
But what about people with no starter Pokémon?
In ancient Hisui, people had a different method—
Throw a ton of Sticky Mud Balls, then knock the Pokémon out with a Heavy Ball.
Though... that wasn't exactly normal behavior for most people.
—
Honedge stayed floating in place, seemingly dazed.
It was still thinking about its eye.
"Good thing I'm a Ghost/Steel Pokémon… if I were a normal Pokémon, that would've been bad..."
Finally, Honedge turned to look at Hikaru.
Its blue eye locked onto him.
It began to say something—
Until Hikaru held up another Sticky Mud Ball.
"Oh? You want to fight again?"
Honedge flinched.
Then, with a sharp floating motion, it backed away.
"Yo!"
("No, no! I've seen enough! We're good!")
—
(End of Chapter)