If you want to calculate the difference between different qualifications, at the same level, use a Level 50 red-qualified Pokemon as the baseline.
A Level 50 Pokemon with orange qualification, higher than red, can theoretically defeat eight Level 50 red-qualified Pokemon. Similarly, a yellow-qualified Pokemon can defeat eight orange-qualified Pokemon, and so on. After reaching cyan qualification, the strongest of the three top tiers, the power gap becomes immense—nearly 30,000 red-qualified Pokemon would equate to one cyan-qualified Pokemon in an ideal state.
However, even cyan-qualified Pokemon have limits, such as exhaustion, so this is only theoretical.
In contrast, as long as their stamina isn't completely depleted, red-qualified Pokemon of the same level are essentially ineffective against cyan-qualified ones. This is the overwhelming power of qualification differences.
Of course, exceptions exist, such as skilled trainer strategies or exploiting type advantages. Weak-to-strong victories are not uncommon, adding to the Pokemon world's appeal.
That said, if there is a significant difference in qualifications—such as red versus green—it is nearly impossible for the weaker to overcome the stronger, no matter how much effort the trainer puts in.
Back to the main topic.
If this Gengar was placed here, the old Gastly's explanation makes sense.
Since it was put here, it has been absorbing Ghost energy from the surroundings. This is likely the main reason for Gengar's presence.
According to the old Gastly, this place originally had abundant Ghost energy. There was enough for the entire group, and some Gastly even managed to evolve into Haunter because of it.
But since Gengar arrived, the energy has been depleting rapidly. Even those who had already evolved into Haunter regressed back into Gastly due to the energy scarcity.
It's important to note that when Pokemon regress in evolution due to external factors, it damages their core potential.
As the final evolution of Gastly and Haunter, Gengar exerts immense pressure over them. This Gengar, with its cyan qualification, is far superior to the generally red-qualified Gastly. They can't muster any resistance.
To avoid being drained further, the Gastly were forced to flee to the outskirts of the cave. Even though the Ghost energy is sparse there, it's still better than nothing.
Aoki gently picked up the Gengar's Pokeball, which bore the "R" logo of Team Rocket. The Pokeball's release mechanism had been locked, ensuring that Gengar remained inside, continuously absorbing energy.
As soon as the Pokeball was lifted from its groove, a faint black mist began to rise from the hollowed-out stone platform.
"This is... such dense Ghost energy?" Aoki remarked, observing the dark mist.
As if to confirm his statement, the black mist drifted toward the Pokeball and was immediately absorbed into it. Through the semi-transparent top of the Pokeball, Aoki could see Gengar resting comfortably while consuming the Ghost energy.
The system's scan of the Pokeball showed slight fluctuations in Gengar's stats. Although subtle, there was a clear improvement.
"Is this Gengar here to train and increase its level? Or is it recovering from an injury?" Aoki wondered. These were the only explanations that seemed plausible.
He dismissed the idea that Gengar was left here to test him.
This wasn't Aoki's concern. His only task was to return this Pokeball.
Still, he considered whether to dig into the stone platform to uncover the source of the rich Ghost energy. After a moment, he decided against it.
For one, this wasn't like the Tyranitar cave, which was isolated. Anything done here could have unintended consequences.
Looking back at the Gastly group gathered at the cave entrance, Aoki realized they would be furious if their sanctuary was disturbed.
If Aoki tampered with the stone platform, the Gastly would view it as a direct threat to their survival. Ghost-types don't need conventional food; their sustenance comes from energy. The stone platform was the foundation of their existence. Destroying it would devastate the Gastly population.
Moreover, even if the energy source intrigued a trainer of Shadow's caliber, he hadn't dared to move it. Aoki, still a beginner, wouldn't risk doing something so reckless.
Letting the thick Ghost energy linger in the air, Aoki decided to leave things as they were. Perhaps he could return in the future to explore further.
Aoki shrank Gengar's Pokeball and attached it to his belt.
The Gastly began to cautiously float closer, relieved as the Ghost energy began to thicken again. They eagerly absorbed it, visibly revitalized.
However, Slowpoke, who had been by Aoki's side, frowned. With the Ghost energy spreading, Slowpoke became increasingly uncomfortable, as though its psychic powers were being suppressed.
It felt like ice melting slowly in warm water.
"Thank you, human trainer," the old Gastly said sincerely.
Noticing Slowpoke's discomfort, Aoki signaled the Gastly to follow him outside.
The old Gastly, realizing the situation, quickly led Aoki to the cave entrance.
Once outside, Slowpoke finally relaxed, the oppressive atmosphere lifting.
"Human trainer, now that you've done this for us, what would you like in return?" the old Gastly asked, sounding eager. Discover more novels at novel⁂fire.net
It wasn't clear if the urgency stemmed from wanting Aoki gone quickly or from wanting to return to absorbing the thick Ghost energy themselves.
Aoki's expression became slightly amused.
At first, he didn't realize what the Gastly wanted. Now that the task was done, the Gastly was asking what Aoki was looking for.
"Hmm… let's see. Have you seen a palm-sized stone containing a large amount of energy? It could be any type—Fire, Water, Electric, and so on," Aoki asked thoughtfully.
Deciding to ask about something else, he let the moment pass.