Robert crouched down, looking directly into Haunter's glowing eyes. He could sense the Pokémon's hesitation. "Haunter, I don't know what's troubling you," Robert said, his voice calm yet firm. "But if you follow me, I can promise you'll grow just as strong as Charmeleon. And you'll get to enjoy this."
Reaching into his pocket—though in reality, he was accessing his system backpack—Robert pulled out a ghost energy block. The system had rewarded him with it after defeating Haunter, along with 150 points. He extended his hand toward Haunter, the cube resting on his palm.
"Ghost…S!?"
Haunter, who had been trying to ignore Robert, suddenly froze. The scent of the cube hit him like a gust of wind. His head snapped toward the offering, his eyes locked onto the purple-black energy block.
"Gastly?" (What's that? It smells amazing!)
The ghost Pokémon floated closer, its gaze fixated on the cube.
Robert smirked, inwardly celebrating his success. I knew it! If one energy cube isn't tempting enough, then I just need more… but I didn't expect it to be this easy.
He kept his voice measured as he continued, "Want to eat it? This is called an energy cube. It's a special type of Pokémon food that's perfect for you. If you stick with me, you'll have plenty of these to enjoy."
Haunter hesitated, his gaze flickering between Robert and the energy cube.
"If you don't believe me, ask Charmeleon," Robert added.
Hearing his name, Charmeleon eagerly nodded and let out an approving growl, confirming just how delicious the energy cubes were.
"Gastly!"
The scent of the cube was too much for Haunter to resist. The temptation was overpowering. He decided—at least for now—to accept the offer. The future? He'd think about that later.
Robert, seeing through Haunter's thoughts, didn't call him out. Instead, he chuckled inwardly. Fine, I'll let him think he's just tagging along for now. Once he gets a taste of real training, he won't want to leave.
"Then I'll be happy to train you from now on, Haunter," Robert said smoothly. "Here, take this as a small welcome gift."
"Gastly!"
Robert tossed the energy block to Haunter, who caught it in his mouth instantly.
"Ah!"
The moment the cube touched his tongue, Haunter's eyes widened in delight. The flavors burst in his mouth, sending shivers of satisfaction through him. He chewed quickly, savoring every bite.
"Ah~"
Seeing Haunter enjoy the cube so much, Charmeleon tugged at Robert's pants, his expression pleading.
Robert chuckled and pulled out a fire energy cube. "Alright, alright. You can have one too." He tossed it into Charmeleon's mouth, who happily devoured it.
Satisfied with his plan's success, Robert handed another ghost energy block to Haunter. As he continued feeding them, Haunter seemed to let his guard down.
At that moment, Robert finally understood why Haunter had been so resistant to joining him.
(Haunter: What do you mean 'opening my heart'? You're just bribing me with delicious food!)
It turned out that Haunter hadn't originally lived in the small grove. He had been part of a group of Gastly and Haunter residing near the Lavender Tower. However, unlike his playful and mischievous kin, Haunter had always preferred training and battling over pranks.
His tribe found his serious nature odd, leading to his isolation. The elder Gengar had taught him a few moves but ultimately suggested that he leave for a while to find his own path.
With nowhere else to go, Haunter had settled in this quiet grove, away from the Lavender Tower. Initially, he enjoyed the solitude, free from distractions. But as time passed, more and more travelers arrived, disturbing his peace.
Unwilling to tolerate the intrusions, Haunter resorted to pranks—despite not enjoying them—hoping to scare people away. The rumors of a "haunted forest" soon spread throughout Lavender Town. And then, Robert had shown up.
---
"I see," Robert murmured thoughtfully.
Thanks to the Evergreen Power he had awakened—and the special "buff" he had received from Pallet Town—he could vaguely understand Pokémon speech.
So that's why Haunter was so hesitant. He just wants to train and get stronger…
Robert's lips curled into a confident smirk. That's perfect.
Unlike other trainers who might have sought Haunter for its ghostly tricks, Robert's goal had always been strength. He wanted to become one of the strongest trainers in the world. If Haunter was determined to grow stronger, then there was no better match than the two of them.
With the resources from the system's Pokémon Mall, Robert could provide everything Haunter needed to evolve and reach its full potential.
"It seems we were destined to meet," Robert said, locking eyes with Haunter. "You work hard, but without a proper trainer, your strength will only plateau. You need guidance to truly unleash your potential."
"Gastly?"
Haunter floated back slightly, his expression skeptical.
Robert smirked. "You don't believe me? Fine. But don't you at least trust Charmeleon? You just fought him, and you've eaten the energy cube. Can't you feel the difference?"
Haunter hesitated, then turned toward Charmeleon. He closed his eyes and focused on his body.
Wait…
A faint surge of power coursed through him. The energy cubes weren't just tasty—they were strengthening him.
His eyes snapped open.
Robert chuckled, seeing Haunter's realization. "Now do you believe me?" he pressed. "I can make you stronger. You'll be able to face opponents beyond your wildest dreams. And…"
He paused for dramatic effect before delivering the final blow.
"I have move-learning CDs, power-enhancing items, and countless other resources. With me, you won't just be strong—you'll be unstoppable."
Haunter's pupils dilated.
The more he listened, the more excited he became. His body trembled with anticipation. The way Robert described it, the path ahead of him was clearer than ever. A path where he wouldn't just be strong—he'd surpass even the elders of his tribe.
"Gastly! Gastly, Gastly!"
Haunter's excitement was uncontrollable. He spun around Robert and Charmeleon, his form flickering with enthusiasm.
Robert grinned. Hook, line, and sinker.
The ghost Pokémon, usually reserved and serious, was acting like a child given his dream on a silver platter.
Robert had seen enough. It was time to make it official.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out an empty Pokéball.
"Haunter," he said, holding it up. "Join me. Let's become stronger together."
Haunter stared at the Pokéball, then at Robert.
A trainer who not only understood his desire for strength but had the means to help him achieve it…
Slowly, Haunter floated forward, pressing a hand against the Pokéball.
A flash of red light engulfed him.
The ball shook once.
Twice.
Three times.
Click!
Robert grinned as he picked up the Pokéball.
"Welcome to the team, Haunter."
Charmeleon let out an excited growl, clearly approving of their new teammate.
Robert couldn't help but chuckle. This journey just got even more interesting.
His goal of becoming the best trainer in the world was one step closer.
And Haunter?
He had finally found a trainer who could help him reach the pinnacle of strength.
Their adventure together was just beginning.