Froakie:The Beedrill is fast, but thanks to these water pillars, I can finally detect its movement trajectory!
Corvisquire flapped its wings, generating precise gusts of wind that skillfully avoided the water pillars, showcasing its exquisite control over Flying-type energy. Aerodactyl let out a sky-shaking roar as jagged, earthy yellow stones rose from the ground, floating in mid-air to create obstacles for the Beedrill's flight.
"This Aerodactyl is different from the common ones. Feng Che has incredible luck; its physique is remarkably robust," Giovanni mused. "I thought the Litten I gave him was his strongest, but it seems every Pokémon in his hand is on par with it. Once he grows more, I truly want to have a peak duel with him."
Giovanni's eyes were unreadable as he watched Feng Che. His intuition told him that this boy's future strength would be beyond measure.
"Beedrill, use Twineedle!"
Giovanni felt Feng Che was prepared and ordered the attack. He intended to destroy the floating stones first to prevent them from exploding and disrupting Beedrill's high-speed movement. Beedrill became a golden streak of light, lunging at the stones. As it passed, the stones shattered, creating shockwaves that began to destabilize Froakie's water pillars.
Froakie:Almost... just a little more and I'll have its path locked! Hold on, hold on!
Froakie trembled, sweat pouring from its brow as it strained to keep the water pillars from collapsing. Finally, it locked on. Froakie and Corvisquire both widened their eyes, signaling Ivysaur to strike.
Sixteen vines erupted from Ivysaur, weaving into a massive net to trap the Beedrill. Simultaneously, Litten transformed into a fireball—Flame Charge—and bolted toward the target.
Beedrill:Foolish. To think a Flame Charge can touch me...
A flash of cold light—Ivysaur's vine net was shredded into pieces. But Litten was already inches away. Just as Beedrill prepared to dodge, a spray of golden-yellow liquid erupted like a rain of needles.
Beedrill:This liquid?! Why do I feel like I can't dodge this?!
Beedrill used Aerial Ace to narrowly avoid Ditto'sAcid, while also slipping past Litten. But before it could breathe, Ditto (in Arbok form) appeared at its flank, its hood patterns shifting rhythmically. Glare.
Beedrill:When did Arbok get so close? I didn't sense it at all!
Golden sparks of paralysis crackled across Beedrill's body. Stiffened, it was slammed into the ground by Litten's returning Flame Charge. The smell of scorched protein filled the air.
Giovanni's Beedrill was a classic glass-cannon assassin—high speed, high attack, but paper-thin durability.
"Ah... well." Giovanni looked at his scorched Beedrill, momentarily speechless. He had planned to give Feng Che a lesson; instead, Feng Che had given him one. His smiling face took on a slightly more ominous edge.
"Everyone, return!" Feng Che recalled his team instantly before Giovanni could retaliate with his other heavy hitters.
Giovanni waved a hand. Beedrill, despite its injury, became a golden blur. Before Feng Che could blink, a cold sensation pressed against his throat. Beedrill's stinger sat right against his skin, a single drop of purple venom glistening on the tip.
"Why recall them so fast? Do you think I'd kill you for defeating my Beedrill?" Giovanni's smile remained, but his voice carried a chill.
"With Lord Giovanni's magnanimity, such a thing would never happen," Feng Che said calmly. "I recalled them because I know they are no match for your true power. We only landed a hit through the element of surprise. In a real battle, none of them could stand against Beedrill for long. I have learned much from this guidance and realize how much further I have to go."
You used a Level 85 Beedrill, of course they couldn't win, Feng Che thought. But it confirms Giovanni is already at the Champion level.
"Interesting. Truly interesting," Giovanni suddenly burst into laughter. "You are a genius, Feng Che. But remember: a trainer must face overwhelming odds without flinching. Stay here. Two days of training under me will give you a foundation unlike any other."
Two Days Later.
Feng Che emerged from the training rooms looking refreshed. "The training was brutal, but Giovanni taught me the core secrets of skill mastery. Litten and Froakie are now just one step away from evolution."
He saw Sabrina waiting for him at the base entrance. Her black hair fell like a silken waterfall, and she was idly twirling a strand around her finger. A rare, peaceful smile played on her lips.
"Let's go. Moltres resides in the Magma Tunnel of the Indigo Plateau. The Pokémon there are high-level," Sabrina said. She released her Alakazam. "Are we teleporting?"
"Yes," Sabrina nodded. "Grab my arm. It's easier to focus the energy for long-range jumps that way."
Feng Che hesitated, then gripped her slender arm. Even through her sleeve, Sabrina felt a warm, tingly sensation spread from where he held her. Feng Che gulped. Real teleportation... I hope we don't end up fused into a rock.
"Relax. I'll guide the energy," Sabrina smiled.
In a flash of blue light, they vanished, reappearing on a high peak overlooking the Indigo Plateau.
"The Magma Tunnel is in the center. The Elite Four are currently away, making this the perfect time," Sabrina noted.
Feng Che realized he was still holding her arm and quickly let go, feeling a bit flustered. Sabrina's cheeks flushed a soft pink.
"Lady Sabrina, I suspect the League's hidden strength is deeper than just the Four Kings," Feng Che cautioned. "President Goodshow has his own 'Shadow' protectors."
"It doesn't matter. After the Lavender Tower, my power has reached a new level. I can handle a hidden Elite," Sabrina said confidently. "I've even brought along an old senior's Pokémon—a peak Quasi-Elite Psychic type. Plus, with the Master Ball the Boss gave me, the capture is guaranteed."
She closed her eyes, preparing to teleport them directly into the tunnel. Suddenly, her expression shifted to one of shock.
"That's strange... I can't teleport into the tunnel. Has the League set up a psychic barrier?"