But.
Noivern moved first, and as it rushed out of the clouds, Crobat was only slightly slower, also breaking through the clouds and approaching them at an even faster speed.
At this speed, it seemed likely that Noivern would not reach the ground before Crobat reached Natsuhiko.
Reluctantly, Natsuhiko brushed his hand across his waist.
Alakazam hovered beside him.
And Alakazam understood what to do upon appearing; its spoon bent, sending two "Mental Shocks" straight at Crobat.
Although Alakazam was at Gym Leader Level, and Crobat was an Elite Candidate Level Pokémon, the Psychic Type had an advantage over Poison-type Pokémon, forcing Crobat to dodge, avoiding the two attacks.
This created an opportunity for Noivern.
But Crobat's speed was indeed faster than Noivern's, and even though it avoided Alakazam's attacks, it quickly caught up.
"Gravity."
Natsuhiko's lips parted slightly, uttering the two words.
Alakazam understood, tossing one of its spoons to serve as the center, creating a "Gravity" field instantly.
Crobat's speed finally slowed down.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Noivern flapped its wings repeatedly, flying towards the mountain peak.
However, seeing Crobat being hindered did not bring any relief to Natsuhiko's heart; instead, he became even more vigilant.
If someone was targeting him, there surely wouldn't be just one Crobat; perhaps they were already waiting for him on the ground.
Someone who owned an Elite Candidate Level Crobat would likely have two or three other Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
Moreover, based on Natsuhiko's observation, this Crobat was definitely not one captured in the wild when it was fully developed; it was certainly trained by a Trainer from a young age.
Being able to raise such a Crobat, Natsuhiko wouldn't believe they didn't have other Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
Thinking of this.
A cold frost appeared on Natsuhiko's stern face, his narrowed eyes glinting repeatedly.
Run?
No running!
He wanted to see who exactly was targeting him.
Being blocked even while flying, he'd surely be found eventually, whether it was sooner or later.
If today's matter wasn't resolved, he wouldn't sleep peacefully.
Just as they were approaching the ground, Natsuhiko patted Alakazam.
Buzz—
At this distance, even without leaving a Psychic "anchor" point ahead of time, it was enough for Alakazam to execute precise "Instant Movement."
Pat.
When his feet touched the ground, Natsuhiko's anxious heart settled a bit.
In the dense forest outside Zhuqing City, in a deep and chilly winding path.
Natsuhiko didn't move anymore, only quietly waited.
His fingers gently played with the Pokeball at his waist.
Alakazam's eyes glowed with super ability.
After a short while.
"Hudi."
With a gentle call from Alakazam, a burst of super ability shot towards a certain spot in the dense forest.
Buzz—
An extremely familiar sound of wing vibrations.
Only to see in the direction Alakazam attacked, a fast-moving yellow figure, maneuvering with thin wings that fluttered rapidly, dodged the attack.
But it also lost the best opportunity for a surprise attack.
"Beedrill."
Natsuhiko spoke softly, naming this Pokémon.
Unexpectedly, the second attacker turned out to be a Beedrill, and this Beedrill seemed quite strong.
This was somewhat beyond Natsuhiko's expectations.
His hand brushed his waist.
In a flash of red light, Natsuhiko's Beedrill and Togekiss appeared.
"Szzbb!"
With the appearance of Beedrill, its gaze was quickly drawn to the Beedrill hovering among the trees.
Being the same kind of Pokémon, when they meet as enemies, hostility is naturally at its peak.
The opposing Beedrill also noticed Natsuhiko's Beedrill, its scarlet compound eyes flashing, two long needles rubbing against each other, producing an ear-piercing, tooth-gnashing sound.
The two Beedrill only exchanged a glance, their respective auras becoming unstoppable.
Elite Candidate Level Beedrill!
It's indeed rare to see a Beedrill raised to such a level.
"Hudi!"
Uttered Alakazam, its advantage evident with a low shout, and Togekiss understood, gently flapping its wings, sending two arc-shaped, milky white blades towards Natsuhiko's back.
Thump, thump—
"Air Slash" embedded into the tree trunk with a dull sound.
There was a blue-purple Pokémon relying on its agile form to evade Togekiss's two "Air Slashes."
The red pouch on its chin kept swelling, its yellow, drooping eyes lazily glancing at Togekiss.
Toxicroak!
The third one!
And.
These three Pokémon were all Elite Candidate Level!
Even though Alakazam's super ability sensing prevented Beedrill and Toxicroak's ambush, Natsuhiko still felt immense pressure.
"Ssss—"
On the other side.
A slightly late-arriving Crobat hovered at another point surrounding Natsuhiko, forming a pincer position with the three Pokémon, encircling Natsuhiko and his Pokémon.
Not attacking again, as though waiting for someone.
Only to see.
Under a dimly lit canopy with extremely low visibility, a figure slowly walked out.
Natsuhiko squinted, observing the approaching person.
A tall and slender build, dressed in a tight black and purple outfit, outlining her graceful curves vividly.
However, she looked very competent.
A woman?
Natsuhiko's eyebrows knitted more tightly.
As the person completely emerged from the shadow of the trees, Natsuhiko still couldn't see her face clearly.
Because her face was covered by a ghastly white mask.
Only through the two holes in the mask could he vaguely see a pair of shadowy eyes beneath it.
She held a yellowed piece of paper in her hand, which seemed to have something printed on it.