Half a month later, Ethan left Gullhaven City.
His next destination was the final stop of this Gym Challenge: Obsidian City.
Obsidian City is located at the southwestern edge of the League's southwestern region. Its territory is surrounded by mountains and continuous forests; large areas remain uninhabited, and it is also one of the most popular adventure sanctuaries among explorers.
Precisely because of this land of adventure within Obsidian City, Ethan planned to carry out secret training for Charizard and Magmortar before the Cross Cup began.
In addition, in order to participate in the Cross Cup, he still needed to capture another Fire-type Pokémon. Ethan planned to take advantage of this wilderness expedition to see if he could find a Pokémon that caught his eye.
However, regarding that third Fire-type Pokémon, he was not too worried. Even if he did not find one he liked during this adventure, he already had a reliable way to obtain one.
Near Solaris City was the Sunny Day Climate Research Institute. After learning that Charizard had unexpectedly learned the move Sunny Day, the institute had contacted him on numerous occasions.
As a reward for cooperating in their research, the Sunny Day Institute had also promised to give him a Fire-type Pokémon bred at the institute itself.
If he failed to capture a Fire-type Pokémon in the wild, going to the Sunny Day Institute to choose one would undoubtedly be an excellent option.
...
Deep in the forest, Ethan's figure advanced swiftly.
Beside him, Riolu ran lightly, a resolute expression on its face.
In the air, Charizard, Vibrava, and Meltan chased one another, training their flying abilities.
"Shuck!"
Shuckle was resting on Ethan's shoulder, constantly sniffing the air.
Since they had arrived in this mountainous and forested area, Shuckle, which had previously seemed sluggish, had regained its vitality.
Suddenly, Shuckle cried out happily, and its yellow tentacles stretched out to pluck a wild fruit.
"Thanks, Shuckle."
Ethan accepted the fruit Shuckle handed him and took a bite; it was very sweet.
"Riou!"
Riolu, who also received a wild fruit, was equally delighted.
It sat directly on the ground and began to savor it happily.
"Kekeke!"
At that moment, Gengar, who had been hiding in Ethan's shadow, suddenly emerged.
"What's wrong, Gengar? Do you want one?"
Ethan looked at Gengar curiously and offered it a fruit.
"Kekeke?"
Gengar shook its head, its gaze fixed on the depths of the forest.
"Is there something ahead?"
Ethan's expression turned serious.
He immediately stood up, and the three Pokémon in the air also noticed the anomaly and descended, hovering nearby.
Just as Ethan was about to leave with his Pokémon, a thick white fog suddenly spread out, enveloping the entire area and completely obscuring visibility.
"Vibrava, use Tailwind to disperse this fog."
Ethan frowned and gave the order.
Fuuu, fuuu!
Immediately, Vibrava flapped its wings and raised a powerful gust of wind.
However, the fog did not dissipate at all. Although Vibrava managed to clear it around them, constant waves of white fog kept pouring in.
"Could this place be... the Valley of Confusion?"
Suddenly, Ethan recalled some rumors about the Obsidian Mountains, and his expression changed slightly.
Fuuu~
At that moment, a gloomy gust of wind rose.
Then, several violet flames appeared out of nowhere, gently swaying within the fog.
"Violet flames?"
"Could it be... that?"
Upon seeing those purple flames, Ethan's expression changed abruptly.
The white fog enveloped the surroundings, and the violet flames swayed, as if guiding the way.
However, Ethan did not dare move even a little. If he was not mistaken, those were probably Ghost-type Pokémon: Litwick.
On the surface, Litwick seemed to guide people with its light, but in reality, it used the flame of its candle to draw in vital energy and lead it to the Spirit World.
Before entering the Obsidian Mountains, Ethan had heard that there was a forbidden area there known as the Valley of Confusion. In the past, those who entered it never returned, causing people to avoid approaching it. Over time, the place became feared by all, surrounded by an aura of mystery.
According to the conjectures of some Trainers, the Valley of Confusion might be a hidden entrance to the Spirit World, and the missing people had probably been dragged there.
"I didn't think I would actually encounter the Valley of Confusion."
Ethan felt somewhat frustrated. Many adventurers had repeatedly entered the Obsidian Mountains in search of the Valley of Confusion without success, yet he had found it not long after arriving.
Fuuu~
At that moment, the white fog began to churn violently.
Then, under the vigilant watch of the Pokémon, the fog suddenly dissipated.
When the fog completely vanished, Ethan discovered that he was standing in a completely unfamiliar place.
Barren land, dark skies, no trace of life—like a world in black and white.
"Is this the Spirit World?"
Ethan's pupils contracted, and his heart tensed.
At the same time, Gengar positioned itself in front of him, cautiously observing the surroundings.
Puf, puf, puf.
Suddenly, several sounds resembling matches being struck echoed through the surrounding air.
Then, one by one, violet flames began to burn in the air.
More than ten Pokémon appeared in the sky, with purple flames atop their heads and bodies formed mainly of white wax.
The right eye of these Pokémon was covered by layers of melted wax, leaving only their bright yellow left eye visible. Beneath their protruding upper lip was a faint smile that, in this dark environment, looked unsettling.
"Litwick..."
Ethan's expression grew grave.
Given the sudden appearance of these Litwick and the surrounding environment, there was no doubt—this place truly was the Spirit World.
"Vibrava, use Tailwind!"
Seeing the malicious gazes of the Litwick in front of him, Ethan hardened his expression.
Now that those Pokémon had dragged him into the Spirit World, if nothing unexpected happened, the next step would be to devour his soul.
It was clear that the Valley of Confusion in the Obsidian Mountains was formed precisely by these Litwick, whose purpose was to devour the souls of humans who entered the area.
Unfortunately for them, this time they had chosen the wrong prey. He was not someone easy to deal with!
Boom!
With a powerful flap of Vibrava's wings, a violent gust of wind suddenly burst forth.
Immediately afterward, the flames burning atop the Litwick's heads trembled violently, and their wax bodies were swept away and hurled forcefully through the air.
(End of chapter)