What appeared before Hikaru’s eyes now was… Hilda?!

As the protagonist, she theoretically shouldn’t be receiving her starter Pokémon at this time. And where were Cheren and Bianca?

Shouldn’t the starters be received at the protagonist’s home?

Or rather…

“Hello! I’m Hilda, and I’m here to get my starter Pokémon and begin my journey!”

“Ah! But even though it’s a starter Pokémon, I already have some partners with me.”

The gallant single-ponytailed girl was very polite, but upon seeing Hikaru’s Aegislash and Riolu by his side, she couldn’t help but have her eyes drawn to them.

She had seen Hikaru’s activities on the news before. Unlike others who focused on Team Plasma, what caught Hilda’s attention were Hikaru’s Pokémon!

Back then, the impression those Pokémon left on her could be summed up in one word: “Powerful”!

“Wow! They really do look so strong! Seeing them in person feels so different from seeing them on TV!”

“This Riolu too! Is it a new Pokémon you just caught?!”

Aegislash’s impression of this young girl immediately improved!

Meanwhile, Riolu was observing Hilda.

The feeling she gave him was very similar to his former Trainers – those who started out filled with hope, passionate about battling, radiating vitality from every part of their being.

Professor Juniper chuckled. “Oh my, Hilda, your timing is perfect. I just got back to the lab not long ago.”

Hilda clenched her fist. “Of course! I’ve been looking forward to this day for so long. And I’ve already accumulated plenty of ‘battle experience’…! My ranking is really high on the virtual battle software developed by the Battle Company. All thanks to a certain anonymous Trainer…”

“That person taught me that Pokémon moves can be combined in such unbelievable ways – it was a quality team.”

“The naïve me from before is gone. I’ve come to understand that there are all kinds of people in this world. Before setting out on my journey, I made thorough preparations. Now I understand battles so much better.”

“And I also have my own goals.”

Seeing Hilda’s inexplicably burning fighting spirit, Professor Juniper could only give her an awkward yet polite smile.

This girl is already halfway to becoming dark and edgy before even leaving home.

Professor Juniper said, “But remember, the Battle Company’s software is only a simulation. Real battles are quite different.”

“I know that! That’s why I’ll go challenge the Battle Subway. I’ve wanted to try it out for ages.”

Challenge the Battle Subway?

Hikaru finally understood.

Though she lived in Accumula Town as well, it seemed Hilda’s setting in this world was as a “Subway Girl.”

In other words, she would set out earlier than Hilbert, training her Pokémon in the Battle Subway!

That’s why Cheren and Bianca weren’t by her side now. From the looks of it, Hilda, Cheren, Bianca, and Hilbert were childhood friends, and wouldn’t become “strangers” in the Battle Subway like in the games.

Hmm, childhood friends, huh…

Also, having Pokémon partners before receiving her starter didn’t conflict with her “first partner.” In the manga, Black did the same thing – he set out with a Braviary already at level 50+, strong enough to smash any Gym Leader into the ground.

However, if that was the case, then Hilda wasn’t a “Chosen Hero.”

The Hero should be Hilbert.

“Um, I’m in the middle of research. Sorry, Hikaru, can you wait a moment?” said Professor Juniper as she quickly retrieved three Poké Balls, five empty balls, and a Pokédex.

“Eh? Celebrity, you have a Pokédex too?!” Hilda exclaimed upon noticing Hikaru’s Pokédex, her eyes lighting up.

Hikaru sighed and explained, “Don’t call me celebrity… I’m Hikaru, an item craftsman.”

“Item craftsman…?” Hilda repeated, tasting the words before suddenly realizing something. She quickly opened her Pokégear and asked Hikaru:

“Then, do you know this account?”

Hikaru: “…”

Without a doubt, the account Hilda displayed was… his Battle Company account.

Previously, out of a particular mindset, he’d used the virtual battle software after registering, employing quality tactics that had infuriated countless Trainers, some even adding him as a friend just to challenge him out of rage.

“…Sorry. That’s my account.”

“Eh?”

Hilda hadn’t expected the owner of the account who had humiliated her before to be standing right in front of her. After a rapid shift in her expression, Hilda suddenly showed a mischievous smile:

“So it was you! Thanks for the ‘guidance’ back then in our online battles!”

Though she was smiling, the smile was so forced that it almost looked like she was grinding her teeth.

Hikaru coughed twice and righteously explained:

“In Pokémon battles, combining moves in various ways to create astonishing strategies – isn’t that the true meaning of battling? Everyone has their own tactics. If you want to become truly strong, you must master all kinds of combinations.”

“Ah… When you put it that way, it does make sense…”

Hilda blinked, and her anger gradually faded.

Hmm… that’s right!

She was too immature. Capturing Pokémon alone wasn’t enough – move combinations and strategies were equally important to achieve unexpected results.

“That’s right. And you also need to combine them with items. Different items unleash different powers, depending on the situation. Pokémon battles hold infinite possibilities!”

“I have plenty of great items on me right now. If you want to buy them, I’ll give you a discount. These aren’t on the market yet.”

“Soon, these items will be updated into the Battle Company’s virtual software. Then you can test out more combinations.”

“Don’t think that just relying on raw power is enough to win. In battle, power is just a bonus. Sometimes, if you can’t even hit your opponent, that power is meaningless.”

“Wow! That sounds amazing! I’m super interested!” Hilda’s eyes sparkled as she was completely pulled away from her earlier irritation, but Professor Juniper coughed to get her back to focus.

“Now, choose your partner from these three.”

“I want Tepig!” Hilda chose the Fire-type Pokémon without hesitation.

“Before setting out, I had already made my decision. Tepig’s flames always burn bright – it matches my fighting spirit perfectly!”

“And now…” Hilda looked at Hikaru.

“Hikaru-sama, please battle me! This time, it won’t be a virtual match. This is a real challenge.”

This was her battle of revenge!

[Celebration Quest: A Challenge From Another Hero]

[Reward: Release Orb x2, Overwhelming Presence x1, Fighting Spirit x1, Victory Fragment x1, Free Travel Ticket x1]

[Description: Perhaps in the future, this battle will determine the heroes’ paths forward. In one’s own world, not a hero, but in another’s world, perhaps becoming one. Who are the true twin heroes?]

Another hero?!

Hikaru thought silently.

N hasn’t even obtained the stones for Reshiram or Zekrom yet, and the Tree of Connection has already chosen heroes?

If Hilda was also a hero, then what about Hilbert, the canonical protagonist?

Are these childhood friends monopolizing the hero roles? What about big N-sensei?

“Hmm, but my Pokémon are too strong…” Hikaru hesitated. Fighting a beginner felt like bullying, but Hilda waved dismissively, her fighting spirit burning brighter.

“A true Trainer gives their all no matter what! Win or lose, the experience gained remains. Victory and defeat are just results.”

“In short, just battle with your instincts!”

I see.

Hikaru understood her intention.

Someone once said the same – always go all-out, never reject the weak just because you’re strong. Before every champion became one, they were once weak themselves.

Though… this kind of makes me feel like the protagonist’s rival.

“I understand. Then, Aegislash will battle you.”

Hikaru looked at Aegislash, but it stared right back, and after a silent moment:

“Giveuhhh (Can I use that skin-change item again?!)”

“Ah, fine, you…!”

With that, Hikaru used the Shining Charm again, and under Hilda’s shocked gaze, Aegislash transformed into a black giant sword!

“Wha?! What is this?! But… it looks even stronger now!”

Hilda’s shock was so intense even Professor Juniper nodded silently.

No psychic power could disguise something like this!

The little Tepig by Hilda’s side looked up at the transformed Aegislash with awe. Its gaze then shifted to Hikaru’s hand.

Ah, is that an amulet that makes you look cooler?! What color would I become… black and gold too?

Tepig began fantasizing but was quickly snapped back.

Hilda picked out some items to test, and they moved the battle outside the lab, where the massive black sword faced off against the tiny piglet.

The giant sword and the little pig made for quite the comedic and contrasting sight.

Before the battle began, some townspeople approached. Hikaru’s gaze shifted and he finally saw the familiar trio.

Hilbert, Cheren, and Bianca.

“Is that Hilda? Who’s she battling?”

“She still loves battling so much, huh…”

“That Pokémon… looks so cool!”

Human nature was to gather where excitement brewed, and this trio was no exception. In the manga, they often borrowed adults’ Pokémon to battle even as children. In the games, though they set out relatively late, they had plenty of time to research battle theory.

That’s why, two years later in Black and White 2, Cheren and Bianca became a Gym Leader and a Professor’s assistant respectively – both requiring deep knowledge of Pokémon.

“Hello, Professor Juniper!”

Hilbert greeted her as they gathered by her side, watching the battle with interest.

“From a theoretical standpoint… no, even without theory, the power gap here is obvious.”

Cheren analyzed calmly. Though Hilda loved battling everyone, challenging such a powerful Pokémon…

“With all due respect, her Pokémon is still too weak.”

Hilbert smiled. “That’s exactly why she’s challenging a strong foe. Hey, Hilda, want me to lend you my Braviary?”

“Eh?! Hilbert? No, it’s fine! Just watch!” Hilda waved him off energetically, while Hikaru’s expression grew odd.

So not only did Hilda have partners before getting a starter, but Hilbert too?

Starting off with Braviary… that’s Black’s plotline, isn’t it?

This world really is stitched together from everywhere!

So they already have level 54 Braviary, but still come get a starter just to fill their Pokédex and achievements?

“Tepig, Ember!”

With a fiery swing of her hand, Hilda commanded, her spirit blazing. At that moment, Hikaru could sense and almost see an extraordinary power rising from her!

The power of mental clarity gained from psychic futures – Perception +20%!

A spiritual energy that appears when one’s will burns bright!

“That’s… Fighting Spirit?”

“Ah, Tepig has it too!”

Hikaru saw the wondrous sight – Hilda was synchronizing her fighting spirit with Tepig, projecting her mental energy into her Pokémon, rapidly boosting its level and strength!

This was… very similar to the “Viridian Power”!

Indeed, this battle wasn’t just a curb stomp. As a hero candidate, Hilda had her own unique powers. In Pokémon Masters, she even paired with Victini!

Though such mystical energy seems vague, it’s not unvisualizable – Alola’s Z-moves are a perfect example. The Pokémon world’s spiritual powers are strong.

Tepig’s power surged, its Ember exploding like Flamethrower, scorching the field!

Hey, that’s no Ember anymore – it’s Flamethrower!

Aegislash was shocked. This little pig didn’t look strong, but it was!

Then—

King’s Shield!

Aegislash raised its massive shield, blocking all the flames behind its dark gold barrier.

“So powerful!” Bianca’s eyes sparkled. She dreamed of becoming a Trainer and had prepared for years.

Cheren pushed his glasses up, eyes reflecting the flames. “Theoretically, Tepig shouldn’t have this much power…”

“Haha, it’s Hilda’s fighting spirit boosting it,” Hilbert explained, then looked at the massive black sword with thoughtful eyes, muttering:

“That shield stance… is it Protect?”

“And the Trainer didn’t give any orders? The Pokémon acted on its own?”

“Orders were probably given,” Cheren observed Hikaru. “He’s a psychic. He likely uses telepathy to communicate with his Pokémon. I saw him do that earlier.”

Professor Juniper nodded, explaining to the trio.

Their expressions varied upon learning Hikaru was psychic.

Hilbert was excited, eager to challenge such a foe.

Cheren contemplated how to defeat a psychic.

Bianca was filled with admiration, wanting to be a powerful Trainer too.

“One more year… no, nine months, then it’s our turn to set out,” Cheren whispered to himself.

Meanwhile, Hilda checked her Pokédex for Tepig’s moves.

“Tepig, Flame Charge! Circle the field!”

The little pig dashed off, flames swirling around it. Hikaru silently complained – learning Flame Charge at level 15? That’s busted. With this, no Bug Catcher would stand a chance.

Professor Juniper really raised them well.

Aegislash watched Tepig run, knowing it was seeking an opening amid the smokescreen. Receiving Hikaru’s mental command, it used Air Slash!

Countless blades of air shredded the smoke, and then—

Aerial Ace!

Using its weight rather than agility, it mocked its opponent before slashing down, guaranteed to hit!

The black sword swung, slicing the air with a deafening roar, sending the circling pig flying!

Tepig crashed down, but instead of fainting, it immediately used Flame Charge again!

“Tepig’s holding a Focus Band!”

Honestly, Hikaru didn’t expect Hilda to choose the band over the sash. After all, the band only works on luck. It can trigger repeatedly, but lucky people aren’t common.

This time, Flame Charge hit Aegislash precisely!

“Now, Fire Spin! Then pull back!”

Flames erupted from Tepig’s nose, trapping Aegislash in a blazing vortex as it rolled away to gain distance!

“Wait, that Pokémon doesn’t look hurt at all?!”

Bianca noticed something off, looking to Cheren, who was equally puzzled.

“If it’s Steel-type, Fire-type attacks should be super effective. Why… is it unfazed?!”

“Ember!” Hilda continued commanding.

The fiery bursts sprayed like machine gun bullets. Aegislash blocked them with King’s Shield, and in the next instant, Tepig used—

Flame Charge again!

Its spiritual energy burned ever brighter. This little pig wasn’t weak anymore.

Then… let’s end it here.

As Tepig slammed into Aegislash, just when Hilda thought victory was hers, Aegislash’s body vanished.

The black giant sword appeared behind Tepig, its shield transformed into solid rock, slamming down—

Head Smash!

The massive blow, doubly effective against Tepig’s fragile body, knocked it out cold, embedding it into the ground.

“It escaped the Fire Spin?! How?!” Cheren was astonished, while Hikaru explained to the confused Hilda:

“Fire Spin traps a Pokémon, but Substitute can negate that effect. You guys didn’t know?”

“Wha… there’s such a mechanic? I’ll remember it.”

Cheren nodded, storing the knowledge in his mind.

“Amazing. I’ve never seen anything like that,” Hilbert said as he began simulating battle scenarios in his head.

As for Hilda, having lost her first Pokémon only fired her up further!

“I’m burning up!” she declared, her expression turning fierce, prompting Hilbert to tease, “Her battle face always turns scary.”

Hilda: “If you don’t take it seriously, you’ll lose. I may say victory isn’t important, but who doesn’t want to win?”

“Then… my second one!”

“Darmanitan!”

Hikaru saw the red, flame-browed Pokémon appear and remembered… this was her Battle Subway team.

So Hilda had Tepig + Darmanitan. Hilbert should have Braviary + Axew. And his starter… would be Oshawott.

Unova’s rookies really had premium setups. Even a small town like Accumula was full of hidden talents!

“Taunt!” Hilda commanded. Darmanitan taunted Aegislash, preventing status moves. Then—

“Belly Drum!”

Darmanitan pounded its chest, halving its HP but maximizing its Attack!

Its attack power soared to 13,000!

“Flare Blitz!”

Like a fiery meteor, Darmanitan charged forward, but Aegislash did not flinch.

Its shield rose.

Hilbert frowned. “Defending is impossible, status moves are blocked, even Iron Defense is…”

“Wait, the shield is glowing?”

Three lights lit up sequentially on its dark gold shield, before a massive silver-white beam shot forth!

Steel Beam!

With a Steel Gem equipped, boosting the move’s power by 30%, the silver beam overwhelmed Darmanitan’s flames completely!

The battle was decided!

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep