To evolve into the brilliant Gholdengo, a Gimmighoul must collect exactly 999 of its own special Gimmighoul Coins—coins infused with mystical ghostly energy.
These can't be ordinary gold coins; only those nurtured through Gimmighoul's own aura and spirit will resonate with it enough to trigger evolution.
Gary scrolled through the Pokédex entry, his eyes flicking over the glowing text.
"Only coins filled with Gimmighoul's energy can become part of its collection…" he muttered.
"That's going to take… forever."
"Each Gimmighoul emits a faint spiritual energy that seeps into metallic objects, forming a connection over many months. When it gathers 999 coins infused with its own energy, it merges with them—transforming into the Pokémon Gholdengo, the Spirit of Wealth."
Gary leaned back with a small sigh. "A thousand coins over a thousand years, huh? Not the most time‑efficient strategy."
According to historical records, humans once used gold coins as currency. But now, most had stopped using them altogether. Gold coins were antiques—locked away in collections, museums, and vaults.
Because of that, Gimmighoul's natural supply of coins had nearly vanished, making evolution almost impossible in the modern day.
No wonder so few people had ever seen a Gholdengo in person.
Gary rubbed his temples. "So, if gold coins are that rare, Gimmighoul either has to find old ones or make its own. But making that many alone would take centuries."
He looked thoughtful for a moment, reading aloud:
"The more coins a Gimmighoul possesses, the heavier it becomes. As it guards its collection, it slows to a crawl, making it vulnerable to thieves."
Gary went straight to the Pokémon Center's travel kiosk to plan his next move. Nurse Joy greeted him warmly, her Chansey carrying stacks of files behind her.
"Looking to travel, dear?" she asked.
"Yeah," Gary replied. "I need a flight to the Paldea Region."
"Let's see..." She typed for a moment before smiling. "The next direct flight leaves from Veilstone City's airport, bound for Mesagoza. One flight departs every three days."
"Perfect timing," Gary said. "Veilstone's on my route anyway. I can take down the Gym there before I go."
He gave her a polite nod of thanks, then turned toward the city map displayed on the wall. "Veilstone… eastern Sinnoh. That's a half-day train ride."
By afternoon, Gary set off aboard the monorail, watching as Sinnoh's sprawling fields rolled by outside the window. The scenery blurred into streaks of green and amber as the train wound toward Veilstone's rocky skyline.
Veilstone was bustling when he arrived. Towering skyscrapers and neon-lit shops filled the city, with trainers of all ages rushing between the Department Store, the Game Corner, and the famous Veilstone Gym.
"It's really inconvenient sometimes," Gary muttered, glancing at his small color‑screen phone and rubbing his temples. Current mobile technology was still too primitive; he couldn't easily book tickets or pay online.
He made his way to the airport and purchased a single ticket for the next morning's departure:
Flight #274 – Destination: Mesagoza, Paldea Region. Departure: 9:00 AM.
"Mesagoza," he murmured, rolling the name on his tongue. "That's the one built inside a natural crater… the heart of Paldea."
The clerk smiled politely. "Mesagoza is beautiful this season—lots of festivals around the academy."
"Oh yeah," Gary recalled. "Naranja Academy—the oldest Pokémon school still in operation."
He remembered reading that Naranja Academy accepted anyone, regardless of age, letting both promising kids and veteran researchers study together. "Guess that's where a lot of new Trainers got their start lately," Gary mused.
Gary checked the time after buying his ticket.
"It's already past three… If I go to the Gym now, I might not finish the battle before closing."
Reluctantly, he decided to save the Veilstone Gym challenge for later. Instead, he went to a Move Tutor and exchanged for the move Phantom Force. Most Ghost‑type Pokémon specialized in special attacks, but Phantom Force was invaluable—it allowed them to vanish into another dimension, avoid incoming attacks, and strike from unexpected angles. It was a very practical move for his ghostly teammates.
The morning flight soared smoothly over the ocean, clouds glowing under the rising sun. Around midday, land came back into view—the sprawling highlands and plains of the Paldea Region. The aircraft descended toward the shining rooftops of Mesagoza, its massive central academy like a crown above the city.
Gary stepped out onto the terminal's bridge, a warm breeze brushing his face. "Finally made it."
The air itself felt alive, vibrant with something different—something humming just beyond normal sense.
He reached into his bag and drew out a smooth crystal orb—the Tera Orb, glowing faintly translucent. In Sinnoh, it had remained dull and lifeless, but now…
It pulsed with radiant hues of red, green, and sapphire, tiny starbursts flickering inside. The familiar hum of power pricked at Gary's skin like faint static.
"So this is Terastal energy..." He held it up, the light shimmering across his eyes. "I've read about it—but feeling it firsthand is something else."
He turned in a slow circle, taking in Mesagoza's golden sunlight and the city's lively streets. Pokémon and people moved freely together in wide plazas.
Somewhere in the distance, a group of students cheered near the Academy gates as a trainer's Floragato performed an elegant flourish.
The heavy hum of Terastal energy filled the air—pure, natural, and ancient. It wasn't like electricity or aura energy; it was something crystalline, flowing across Paldea's atmosphere like invisible sunlight.
Gary began exploring the city, heading into its older districts, where the architecture turned to stone and narrow alleys led to quiet corners. He knew that Gimmighoul—the "Treasure Seeker Pokémon"—tended to appear near ancient coins or valuable relics. That meant one thing: antique shops.
Mesagoza's market square was packed with colorful stalls. Merchants shouted above the crowd, selling everything from battle items to regional souvenirs. But tucked between two busy cafés stood what Gary was looking for—a dimly lit antique shop, its wooden sign hanging slightly askew.
"This looks promising," Gary murmured.
He stepped inside. A small bell jingled overhead. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of dust and polished metal. Rows of shelves held trinkets, fossil fragments, and neatly arranged coins glinting under lamplight.
An elderly shopkeeper looked up from behind the counter. "Oh? Welcome, young man. Looking for a souvenir?"
Gary smiled. "Actually… I'm looking for a Pokémon. One that might hang around places like this."
The man blinked. "A Pokémon? Boy, this is an antique shop, not a breeding house."
"I know," Gary replied casually, his tone confident. "But the Pokémon I'm after—well, it likes antiques. Especially gold coins."
"Young man, what Pokémon are you talking about?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"It's called Gimmighoul," Gary said. "You might know it as a 'coin seeker' or 'wealth seeker' around here. Do you ever see one in your shop?"
Recognition dawned on the owner's face. "Ah… that greedy little ghost," he muttered. "So you're after a Gimmighoul."
Gary nodded. "Gimmighoul. Ever seen one around here?"
He shook his head. "They sneak in from time to time and try to steal my gold coins. When that happens, I chase them off right away. I'd never just let one stay here in the store."
"So there isn't one here right now?" Gary confirmed.
"No," the boss replied firmly. "If a Gimmighoul comes in to steal, we drive it out immediately. Letting it hang around would be asking for trouble. It's impossible one would be allowed to stay."