Pumpkaboo and another Pokémon registered in the Kalos Region, the Ghost Type and Grass Type Phantump and its evolution Trevenant, both possess abilities that other Pokémon in the Pokemon Realm do not have.
That is the ability to add attributes to any Pokémon that is neither Ghost Type nor Grass Type.
For example, Pumpkaboo or its evolved form Gourgeist can learn a technique called "Halloween," which can add a Ghost Type attribute to any Pokémon that isn't Ghost Type.
Meanwhile, Phantump and Trevenant can learn a technique called "Forest's Curse," which can add a Grass Type attribute to any Pokémon that isn't Grass Type.
This might not sound very impressive—just adding attributes, right?
In games, it's indeed not very practical, but if in the Pokemon Realm...
Just imagine.
For example, Beedrill surrounded by a horde of Raticate; suddenly Pumpkaboo adds a Ghost Type attribute to it, or while battling a Fighting-type Pokémon, add the Ghost Type attribute, and then its effect will emerge.
After all, Ghost Types are immune to General Type and Fighting Type techniques.
Furthermore.
Natsuhiko is quite familiar with and fond of rain teams.
Rain teams essentially must be equipped with grass shields and electric shields.
The electric shield can be replaced by the Ground Type and Water Type Swampert, but it has the disadvantage of being four times weak to Grass.
So encountering Grass-type Pokémon especially requires a grass shield.
But before the match starts, if a Phantump is used to add a Grass attribute to each Water-type Pokémon, then this situation will be greatly improved.
Of course, in official team battles it's certainly not allowed to operate off the field.
However, if it's a wild encounter, then the effect of this additional attribute can be significant.
But these are only Natsuhiko's assumptions.
These Pumpkaboo, upon seeing Natsuhiko and his Pokémon, did not launch an attack but showed a very human-like look of puzzlement.
Seeing them quietly floating in mid-air, Natsuhiko then remembered.
He is no longer within the range of Goldenrod City, but in another space, not all Wild Pokémon are hostile to humans, some have gentle personalities.
Although Pumpkaboo is a Ghost Type Pokémon, its personality is relatively mild, preferring to live in deep forests.
When encountering lost travelers, it may even proactively serve as a guide.
Provided that they are not frightened by them.
Moreover, Pumpkaboo will carry some unrested spirits to the Spirit Realm, coexisting with these souls.
The number of spirits living with Pumpkaboo greatly affects its body size.
Seeing this group of Pumpkaboo not attacking, Natsuhiko gave Togepi a look.
Ask them if they've seen Ann Ci.
Togepi immediately understood Natsuhiko's intention.
"Togepii, Togepii..."
Gesturing and trying to communicate with a few Pumpkaboo.
Watching Togepi gesture, lines of exasperation appeared on Natsuhiko's forehead.
This dude is purely mimicking a green onion!
What about the monk?
The bald head of the Little Monk Ann Ci is the key point, alright.
Upon hearing Togepi's remarks and "figurative" gestures, the Pumpkaboo exchanged glances and collectively looked in the direction they were heading.
The message is clear.
"Togepii!"
Got it!
Togepi made an "OK" gesture to Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko: "..."
No, Pumpkaboo, did you really understand what Togepi was looking for?
And Togepi, where did you get such confidence...
Forget it.
Consider asking this as a failure, just continue the journey according to the original plan.
But the appearance of this group of Pumpkaboo added more certainty to Natsuhiko's suspicion that this place is the Spirit Realm.
Unsurprisingly, this really might be the Spirit Realm.
After advancing a distance.
They arrived at the edge of this Dense Forest.
Natsuhiko slowly halted his steps.
He could clearly feel his physical exhaustion and mental fatigue setting in.
During the day, he was busy completing tasks from the Trainer Guild, wandering in the sewers for a long period, and also battling a Trainer's Lampent.
After delivering the task and collecting rewards while returning, the sky was already very late.
Unexpectedly entered an area suspected to be the Spirit Realm, and constantly maintained high mental focus while walking a considerable distance.
At this moment, his temples continuously throbbed, signaling that his condition was reaching the limits his body could withstand.
He must rest now.
He found a tree with a relatively sturdy trunk.
"Togepi, Secret Power, make a space."
"Togepii."
Togepi hopped off him.
Approached the tree, and as its palm touched the trunk, a small passage appeared.
Retrieve Pidgeotto, bring several Pokémon into the space created by Secret Power, and have Togepi seal the entrance.
Thus, a relatively safe temporary residence was considered created.
Secret Power as a technique is truly very practical in the wild.
Taking out Energy Blocks to prepare food for a few Pokémon, stuffing himself with bread and gulping a few mouthfuls of water until his stomach felt full was enough.
Regarding food, Natsuhiko never had high expectations, as long as it could fill his stomach and replenish the various elements needed each day, what he eats makes little difference to him.
Meanwhile, Abra, who entered deep meditation, also awakened at this time.
"Abra?"
Abra felt very strange.
Usually when practicing psychic powers for a period, it would feel extremely tired and require long sleep to replenish expended energy.
But this time, it felt very spirited, even somewhat euphoric.
Feeling unexpectedly refreshed, as if it just woke up.
Abra's condition surprised Natsuhiko as well.
"Abra, aren't you sleeping?" Natsuhiko asked in surprise.
"Abra——"
Abra shook its head affirmatively.
The shimmering blue light flowed in its partially opened eyes, its psychic powers seemingly also very excited.
In Natsuhiko's puzzlement, Abra slowly explained its feelings during meditation.
It seemed in that meditative state, the passage of time felt like a mere instant; eyes closed and opened again, and it was gone.
Moreover, it could clearly feel that its psychic powers had improved significantly.
"Does the scripture that Ann Ci wrote have such a special effect?"
Natsuhiko no longer doubts Ann Ci's self-proclaimed identity as a monk from the Bell Tower.
Then the question arises.
Do the monks of Bell Tower worship gods and Buddhas, or Ho-Oh, or some other entity?
If it's Ho-Oh they worship, could this extraordinary scripture perhaps have ties to Ho-Oh?
Besides.
If Abra can truly use that state to replace sleep, even if it doesn't wholly replace it, but replaces even half or a third of the sleep time, the benefits would be tremendous.
Abra doesn't know about Natsuhiko's conjecture.
But it knows for sure that this is a good thing.
It can sense its own progress.
"Since the state is good now, why not try learning 'Play'?"
During the daytime lottery, he received a manual on the "Play" technique, which Abra can learn.
"Abra." Abra nodded vigorously.
It now loves learning the most.
Then, after briefly explaining the content of the manual to Abra, Natsuhiko couldn't resist the sleepiness anymore and fell asleep leaning against the tree wall.
Togepi curled up in his arms.
Beedrill perched on the upper part of the tree wall, unknown whether resting or awake.
The little Abra held the manual, reading it with great interest.