As Su Feng had said, he would respect Haunter's choice no matter what. Some Pokémon naturally disliked battling and were better suited as "family Pokémon," akin to homemakers. For example, Ash's mother's Mr. Mime—though capable in combat—preferred cleaning windows and grocery shopping. If Haunter chose to be a family Pokémon, Su Feng would accept it, even if he felt a tinge of regret.
But to his surprise, Haunter answered immediately.
"Gast! Gast!"
"You're choosing the first path?"
"Gast." Haunter nodded firmly.
Su Feng's eyes lit up. "This path is tough. Once you start, I won't let you quit halfway."
"Gast!" Her resolve was unshakable.
Su Feng's tense expression softened into a smile. "Alright. Let's work hard together, Haunter."
"Gast~"
Watching the human who had saved her, Haunter felt this choice wasn't so bad. More than becoming strong, she wanted to stay by Su Feng's side… to protect him.
With Haunter's decision made, Su Feng began preparing her training supplies. First, he stocked up on Energy Blocks, storing dozens of bottles in his system inventory. Haunter's move pool was already exceptional, so TMs weren't urgent.
But then…
Su Feng's gaze lingered on a black data cable in the system shop. After a moment's thought, he exchanged points for it—a Linking Cord, an item that allowed trade-evolution Pokémon to evolve without needing another trainer. Since the concept of "trading" didn't exist in this world, this was his workaround. (As for how wild Haunters evolved into Gengar? Su Feng assumed it involved unique environmental factors.)
He sealed the cord in a waterproof pouch and hung it around Haunter's… neck? (Do Haunters even have necks?)
"Gast?"
Haunter peered at the pouch, sensing a strange allure from the cord inside.
"Don't open it yet," Su Feng warned. "This'll help you evolve into Gengar when you're ready."
"Gast~" She nodded obediently.
The next day, Su Feng busied himself with Pokémon legislation and the Pokédex project. But one Pokémon refused to leave his side.
"Haunter, I'll be back in an hour. Stay here." Su Feng pleaded through the mirror at the Haunter perched on his head. For some reason, she'd taken to nesting there like a living hat—far clingier than Torchic.
"Gast." She shook her head in the reflection.
Su Feng: "…"
With Brother Jin arriving soon, Su Feng gave up and stormed out, Haunter still glued to his scalp.
"New hairstyle?" Brother Jin smirked as Su Feng slid into the car.
Su Feng: "…"
Ignoring the jab, he muttered, "To the research institute."
At the institute, staff eyed the Haunter-on-head spectacle but stayed professional. In a second-floor conference room, Su Feng found Cheng Meng—a genius researcher with dark circles under her eyes, buried in documents about Pokémon form changes.
"Sis Meng, pulling another all-nighter?" Su Feng plopped into a chair.
"Hm." She didn't look up.
"You'll keel over if you keep this up."
"Noted."
Su Feng glanced at her papers. "Studying Castform? It changes forms based on weather—sunny, rainy, snowy. Its cell structure mimics water molecules, shifting passively with environmental conditions. Accuracy for weather forecasting? 99%. Perfect for meteorology."
Cheng Meng finally looked up, exasperated. "How do you know this? I've researched for days, and you just… know."
Her eyes narrowed at the Haunter glaring from Su Feng's head.
"So, why's the internet celebrity here? Not just to nag me about sleep, I hope."
"Can't I visit my favorite workaholic?" He tossed seed packets onto the table.
"These are…?"
"Berry seeds. Pokémon love them. Mass-produce these without altering their effects. When Pokémon integrate into cities, they'll need sustainable food."