"Kyle, I didn't expect to find you here."
In the break room, Ethan Black held Shuckle's Pokéball and smiled at Kyle Miller, who stood before him.
"This bug-hunting zone belongs to my family, so running into me here is the most normal thing in the world." Kyle Miller cast an annoyed glance at Ethan Black.
Ethan Black smiled faintly, then shifted to a more serious expression and said: "Thanks for the Shuckle."
Hearing this, Kyle Miller's smile grew even wider, though he replied: "I didn't help you at all, that was something you earned by right."
Ethan Black said no more, though he knew he had obtained Shuckle legitimately, he also sensed that the permissive attitude of the hunting zone was due, at least in part, to Kyle Miller.
Even if Kyle Miller claimed he hadn't done anything, Ethan Black couldn't just take it for granted.
Kyle Miller, on the other hand, looked at Ethan Black with an expression of appreciation; clearly, Ethan Black's words had pleased him greatly.
"By the way, I actually have something I'd like to ask of you." Suddenly, Kyle Miller changed the subject.
"Tell me, if it's within my power, I have no reason to refuse." Ethan Black nodded quickly, determined to return the favor to Kyle Miller right away.
"Good, that's what I like to hear!"
"It's nothing complicated, I just need your Cacnea to help me catch a Pokémon."
Kyle Miller nodded and stood up, motioning for Ethan Black to follow him.
The two walked out together. Then, Kyle Miller pulled out a jeep, with which they circled the hunting zone and ventured deeper into the forest.
After half an hour of travel, they arrived at a valley surrounded by mountains on three sides. Before them appeared another bug-hunting zone.
However, unlike the public area where the tournament was being held, this one was not open to the public: it was a private reserve owned by the Miller family.
Once there, Kyle Miller greeted the staff, and after confirming their identities, both were allowed inside.
"That is..."
"Scyther, Heracross, and Pinsir!"
"This really looks like the true Bug zone!"
Ethan Black couldn't help but be amazed seeing so many rare Pokémon like Scyther and Heracross appear along the way.
"Of course. This is the foundation of my family's livelihood!"
Kyle Miller smiled proudly at Ethan Black's astonished expression, then added: "But most of these Pokémon you see here actually belong to family members who leave them in custody. Besides Bug-types, there are also other types living here."
"I see, so this is what they call family background."
Ethan Black nodded. Though surprised, he knew that a reserve like this couldn't be compared to Ironvale City's Pokémon University.
"We're almost there. That Pokémon is just ahead. You just need your Cacnea to use Ingrain to force it out. Leave the battle to me."
Ethan Black nodded at Kyle Miller's words, then pulled out Cacnea's Pokéball and released it at his side.
Soon, they reached the area indicated by Kyle Miller. Following instructions, Cacnea used the move Ingrain, quickly spreading its roots through the ground.
"So this is how your Cacnea uses Ingrain?"
"Although I had already seen it in recordings, seeing it live is far more impressive."
"You really are a training genius. What you did with Sandslash was already insane, but now this Cacnea is a monster too!"
Kyle Miller marveled at the special way Cacnea used its ability.
"Shhh shhh shhh..."
At that moment, a strange creaking sound came from underground, and both held their breath.
Shortly after, under Ethan Black's astonished gaze, a yellow figure emerged from beneath the soil.
"Is that...?"
"A Nincada?"
"Or rather... a Shiny Nincada?!"
Seeing the Pokémon clearly, Ethan Black's eyes filled with amazement.
Normally, Nincada is white in color, with brown forelegs, white hind legs, two antenna-like appendages near its mouth, and small green wings.
But this Nincada's entire body was earthy brown! Moreover, its size was twice that of a normal one, with remarkable physical development.
"Hahahaha, I finally managed to lure you out!"
"Today I'll definitely catch you. Go, Scyther, get ready to battle!"
Kyle Miller, upon seeing the Nincada, couldn't hide his excitement. He threw his Pokéball, and Scyther appeared with its bright green body.
Seeing Scyther, the Nincada twitched its antennae, then raised its claws and began to dig.
However, Cacnea was already prepared and quickly extended its roots to block Nincada's escape route.
"Well done!"
"Scyther, don't let it get away, use Slash!"
Kyle Miller was delighted to see this and immediately gave the command.
Scyther became a fleeting shadow, appeared next to Nincada, and slashed down its scythes with great speed.
Sensing the attack, Nincada let its claws shine with a metallic glow and struck back at Scyther.
"That's Metal Claw!" exclaimed Ethan Black from the side, astonished.
Boom, boom, boom!
The two Pokémon began a fierce battle. The sound of metal clashing did not cease.
"This Nincada is so strong!"
Ethan Black couldn't help but frown at how well Nincada was fighting against Scyther.
In his experience, Nincada had never been a particularly strong Pokémon.
But this Nincada, clearly Shiny, surprised him with its strength.
Surely, being different, it had been rejected by its group, and to survive, it had to grow stronger on its own.
Just as Ethan Black had supposed before: Shiny Pokémon are not necessarily stronger, but those who were expelled from their groups and still managed to survive... definitely possess extraordinary abilities!
(End of chapter)