Indigo Plateau. Apex Mimicry Zone. Origin Forest.
The massive tree that blotted out the sky appeared majestic, but its roots had long been hollowed out by an Ursaring, turning it into its personal den.
Until one day, that Ursaring met Sato. From that moment on, the bear den… cough, the tree hollow, changed ownership and became Sato's temporary residence in the Origin Forest.
Looking at the countdown watch flashing rapidly on his wrist, Sato knew that his remaining time in the Origin Forest was running out.
Five days ago, Sharpedo's Dark-type potential had jumped from Elite Four to Champion level.
Three days ago, Honchkrow's Dark-type potential rose another half-level, giving it the same chance as Sharpedo to become a Champion level Pokémon.
As for how Sharpedo managed to catch up… it was entirely because it had been under [Dark Energy: Blood Nourishment] since long ago. Its breakthrough after long-term buildup wasn't surprising.
Then Sato and his team spent another three uneventful days. Watching Gardevoir's loosened bottleneck still fail to break through, Sato made a silent decision in his heart.
"Today, we go deeper!"
The Pokémon sat in a circle inside the spacious tree hollow. Hearing Sato's decision, they all looked up in surprise.
"Toto, we can't go any further!"
Gardevoir was the first to object. The others didn't speak, but all nodded rationally; even battle maniac Hydreigon was no exception.
The original owner of the tree hollow, that Ursaring, had already been at Peak Ace level. It had taken quite a bit of effort for Sato's team to drive it out.
If they wanted quality training, they could simply circle the forest and find wild Pokémon around the same level as Ursaring. That was more than enough for most of Sato's Pokémon.
But not for Gardevoir…
To help Gardevoir break through, she needed the pressure of opponents at the same level or even higher. And the only way to get that was to keep moving deeper.
"Don't worry. You have to learn to trust in your teammates' strength!" Sato reassured her.
With that said, Sato led his well-rested team out of the tree hollow and strode boldly into the deeper forest.
Under the cover of towering trees, the forest felt dark and damp. Sato and his Pokémon were on high alert, knowing that they could encounter Elite Four level Pokémon at any moment.
Before entering the Origin Forest, Sato had always thought it was rare to encounter Ace level Pokémon in the wild. But now, they were cautiously bracing for potential ambushes from Elite Four level Pokémon.
A wild Elite Four level Pokémon…
Here it comes!
No sooner said than done, Gardevoir was the first to notice. She tilted her head toward the front-left, unleashing her Psychic powers without reservation, calmly awaiting the enemy's arrival.
Soon after, Gengar and Zoroark also picked up on it. Their opponent made no effort to hide its presence.
"Gardevoir, get ready to fight!"
"Voir!" 'Leave it to me!'
Sato touched the Key Stone pendant hanging from his neck, ready to use either Dark Energy or Mega Evolution to assist Gardevoir at a moment's notice.
The next instant, a two-meter-tall Typhlosion suddenly charged out, the flames blazing on its back radiating a powerful fighting spirit!
Its strength… Low Elite Four level!
"TYPHLOOOO!"
A rough, intimidating growl echoed. Sato didn't even need to guess what it was saying: "Get out!!"
"Cool it down. Use Captivate."
Gardevoir turned and rolled her eyes at Sato, then reluctantly threw a flirtatious glance at the Typhlosion~
A single flirtatious glance instantly melted the tension between them. Pink heart-shaped energy filled the area, even flooding Typhlosion's eyes.
Then, the flames on Typhlosion's back blazed even fiercer…
This wasn't cooling down.
This was throwing oil on the fire!
"TYPHLO!"
With a fierce cry, Typhlosion's dazed, lovestruck expression twisted as it charged wildly toward Gardevoir.
Gardevoir's eyes turned cold. Looking at the lecherous overgrown rat before her, she raised her hand and unleashed a full-powered Psychic!
The battle seemed to freeze instantly; even the flames on Typhlosion's back stopped flickering. But the stillness lasted less than a second before Typhlosion forcibly broke through Psychic's control with a Throat Chop.
Throat Chop: Dark-type. It inflicted excruciating pain like hellfire, delivering a crushing blow and preventing the target from using any sound-based moves for a short time.
As a wild Elite Four level Pokémon, Typhlosion fought with primal instinct, but that didn't mean it charged in blindly.
Even after breaking through Psychic, its Throat Chop didn't stop.
With a sudden kick from its hind legs, Typhlosion exploded forward, instantly closing the gap to Gardevoir.
Throat Chop, followed by a frenzy of Fury Swipes!
Its hands, cloaked in dark energy like black blades, slashed wildly toward Gardevoir in a violent barrage.
One moment it was calling her "sweetheart," and the next, it was mercilessly tearing her apart!
Gardevoir's disgust deepened as she glared at the nasty rodent before her.
Whoosh~
Disgust aside, it didn't stop Gardevoir from using Teleport to vanish from sight.
As she disappeared, Typhlosion only grinned. The flames on its back flared higher once more, and countless fiery Swift stars shot out in all directions.
"TYPHLO~!" 'There you are Poké-chan~'
Somehow, Typhlosion managed to detect Gardevoir's position through the chaotic burst of Swift, and without hesitation, it launched a Flame Charge straight toward that spot!
In the next instant, Gardevoir reappeared right in Typhlosion's direct path.
"Shadow Sneak!"
Sato's order came out as a shout, and Gardevoir immediately followed through without hesitation.
She vanished again; this time diving directly into Typhlosion's shadow.
The enraged Typhlosion unleashed another wave of fiery Swift stars, only to realize they were curving back toward itself.
No… TOWARD ITS FEET!
It had to be said, Typhlosion's reaction speed was the fastest Sato had ever seen from a wild Pokémon.
The moment Gardevoir's hand reached out from its shadow, Typhlosion leapt upward and fired a blazing Fire Blast straight down at the shadow beneath it!
The roaring flames lingered long after, waves of scorching heat rolling outward. Enough to make Sato frown slightly.
This Typhlosion was truly powerful. Its adaptability and battle sense were exceptional; even Shadow Sneak couldn't catch it off guard. 'It was slipperier than Gardevoir herself!'
Thinking that, Sato immediately switched tactics.
"Gardevoir, Trick Room!"
"Got it!"
Telepathy activated! Sato already knew Gardevoir had dodged Fire Blast.
The next moment, a transparent, square-shaped field formed around Gardevoir and Typhlosion, enclosing them completely.
Trick Room activated!
When it came to speed… Typhlosion was finally the Slowpoke!