Haunter, who was usually full of power, suddenly had his eyes turn red and became irritable.
His entire being—or rather, his entire ghostly presence—seemed different. He waved his giant claws erratically, sometimes launching Dark Pulse into the sky, sometimes using Poison Attack on the sea, striking Pokémon that hadn't retreated.
Alex Carter shouted at Haunter, "Haunter, what's wrong with you? What's happened? You're still some distance from evolving, so why is this happening? Is it too much energy with nowhere to vent?"
It seemed Haunter didn't hear Alex's shouts. Turning slowly, he launched a powerful Poison Attack toward Alex.
Thankfully, Muk intercepted the attack, shielding Alex.
Only then did Alex realize Haunter had lost control, but he didn't know why.
The priority was to defeat Haunter; otherwise, his powerful state could attract unwanted attention, causing trouble.
Thinking this, Alex instructed Muk and Beedrill, "Muk, use Double Team then Sludge Bomb! Beedrill, use Double Team then Pin Missile, cut off Haunter's retreat!"
Muk and Beedrill sprang into action. Muk spat mud bombs at Haunter, while Beedrill launched missiles from above. Haunter retaliated with Double Team and Dark Pulse.
Despite being outnumbered, Haunter's combat strength was superior, holding his ground.
Amidst the smoke, Haunter unleashed Energy Ball, a move learned from a TM.
The green Energy Ball struck Muk and Beedrill.
As a Grass-type move, it didn't cause much damage to Beedrill and Muk. Alex felt relieved he hadn't taught Haunter Fire or Psychic-type moves; otherwise, victory would be impossible.
Even now, defeating Haunter seemed unlikely!
In a difficult spot, Alex suddenly remembered the Tentacool he captured. "That's right, I still have Tentacool! How could I forget?"
Alex released Tentacool, instructing, "Tentacool, use Barrier to enclose Haunter." Tentacool glowed, creating light walls around Haunter.
"Now, Tentacool, use Bubble Beam! Beedrill, Pin Missile! Muk, Sludge Bomb!"
Encircled by Tentacool's barriers, Haunter struggled to resist but was struck by the attacks, losing his ability to battle.
After recalling Haunter to his Poké Ball, Alex summoned the system, demanding, "System, what's going on? Why did Haunter lose control after a power increase? How could this happen?"
"Host, your special abilities grant your Pokémon unique traits. They can increase power by devouring other Pokémon, but this rapid growth violates this world's rules. It's like giving hormones to your Pokémon for quick growth.
The consequence is that when your Pokémon become too powerful, they may no longer obey you, seeking their own freedom instead."
"Why didn't you tell me earlier? Without Tentacool's help today, I might not have defeated Haunter. That would have been a huge loss. Is there a way to restore Haunter to normal and under my control?" Alex was still angry.
"There are two ways to regain control of Haunter. First, purchase an 'Intimacy Boost' from the mall. After using it, Haunter's intimacy with you will peak, restoring control. But don't let Haunter increase power too quickly, or it will happen again.
The second method is using the 'Amethyst Scepter', a control device. This high-tech tool forcibly controls Haunter to work for you, but as Haunter's power grows, the Scepter needs upgrades.
This method lacks emotional bonding. As a Villain, power and directness are vital, but this isn't what he desires." The system's voice, usually cold, held a hint of regret.
"He? Who is he? System, clarify what's happening."
"You only have these two options, please choose, Host."
The system offered no further explanation, its voice cold.
"Forget it, if you won't say, then don't." Alex pondered. If the system was right, the second method would enhance his abilities. But unforeseen future issues could lead to Haunter's rebellion.
Even as a Villain, bonding with Pokémon is important, right? Alex recalled his father's advice: "Alex, remember, when you have Pokémon, treat them with all your heart. Don't follow my path. Control yourself. I believe you can."
Reflecting on this, Alex told the system, "I choose the first option."
"System Alert: Host purchased Intimacy Boost, deducting 20,000 points."
Using the Intimacy Boost on Haunter, his emotions stabilized. His attitude toward Alex became more affectionate.
Haunter circled Alex, waving happily, unlike his initial fawning behavior. He playfully licked Alex's face, making him laugh, and Alex patted Haunter in response.
"Just as stubborn as him..." the system murmured, then fell silent.
Alex, unaware of the system's remark, felt relief. In this world, he sensed genuine emotion. In his previous life, his parents used him, offering no affection. Now, he felt family-like warmth from Haunter.
Pondering this, Alex felt at ease with Haunter's power growth limitations.
"Haunter, you agree with my approach, right? You don't want forced control, right?"
"Ghos, Ghos~" Haunter smiled, eyes narrowing in agreement.
"Let's rest on the spaceship. Tomorrow, we'll explore the giant Pokémon island." Alex said, heading to the spaceship with Haunter.
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