Chapter 102:

Slowpoke had been closely observing Murkrow's peculiar behavior and emerged from the lake. Miltank, who had been busy aiding Cain with the food, immediately abandoned her task and dutifully stood beside Cain, awaiting further instruction.

Cain gazed up at the radiant sun, its scorching rays already inching towards the horizon. "If we hasten, we should be able to return before sunset," he declared.

"Lead the way, Murkrow. Let's find the Nidoran," Cain ordered with resolute determination.

This time, every member of the group was mobilized. Even Miltank, who usually avoided battle, joined in, determined to locate the Nidoran.

But, Miltank still couldn't stifle her intrinsic desires. She could defeat her opponents but couldn't bring herself to kill. Cain recognized her predicament and didn't force her to fight. After all, Miltank's most significant role was the team's support.

From time to time, Murkrow and Slowpoke encouraged Miltank, hoping to make her feel like part of the team. Gradually, Miltank assumed an important position within the group. With her superior physical defense and swiftness, combined with the replenishing milk, she functioned as the team's defensive shield for a brief period.

Although Miltank's thick fat had the capability to reduce the intensity of fire and ice attacks, it also lessened the power of some physical moves. She knew that she couldn't offer much aid to the team in battle, so she used her body to defend the team against the inevitable damage.

Ten minutes later, they dashed through the forest at an incredibly swift pace, arriving at the location where Murkrow had previously found the Nidoran.

With Murkrow's detailed account and Slowpoke's telepathy, Cain gleaned that Murkrow was on the hunt for a prized pheasant before he stumbled upon the Nidoran. And upon realizing that his competitor was none other than Nidoran, Murkrow didn't dare engage in a physical altercation, afraid to alert the enemy.

As they arrived on the scene, bloodstains could be seen seeping through the ground, followed by a cluster of corrosive holes which probably resulted from a vicious poison-type attack. With Murkrow's narrative, there was no mistaking it - Nidoran was the perpetrator.

With every ounce of precision, Cain traced the pockmarked trail and the distinct tracks, finally closing in on Nidoran's territory. Meanwhile, the sky was steadily fading into obscurity, with half of the sun already gone below the horizon.

As they advanced into an orchard, they were greeted by a luscious paradise, brimming with an assortment of fruit trees, ranging from red to white, blue to purple, and green to yellow. Various colors and shapes intertwined with each other in this beautiful spot of the forest.

With each step, the leaves on the ground produced a crisp rustling sound. Nidoran, with its pinkish-purple fur and massive ears, could sense the slightest of sounds, alerting them to the presence of their enemies.

It was no surprise that they chose this location to reside. As long as the enemies didn't fly in from above, Nidoran could detect any sound with ease. Even if an adversary did approach from the sky, they would have to control their bodies and fly without making any sound.

Alongside the fruit forest and the remnants of some recently consumed fruits, Cain had an inkling that they had finally found the Nidoran's lair.

"Watch for any signs of movement, Murkrow. Gastly, follow along," Cain commanded, assessing their next move. "Miltank, take a breather in your Pokeball. Slowpoke, use Confusion to cushion our steps. We need to stay silent."

With that, Cain returned Miltank to her Great Ball, while Murkrow and Gastly scampered off to locate Nidoran.

Slowpoke and Cain carefully trod forward, a thin psychic veil enveloping the soles of their feet, making it easier for them to tread silently. Cain could see that Slowpoke had improved his psychic energy control significantly after their recent training session.

Murkrow and Gastly's mobility would make pinpointing the precise location a swift task, assuming the Nidoran was present in this area.

And true to Cain's prediction, they didn't have to wait too long before Gastly materialized from behind a towering tree, his face alight with enthusiasm.

"Did you find it?" Cain's eyes brightened as he approached Gastly.

Gastly grinned in response, nodding eagerly.

Under Gastly's lead, Cain and Slowpoke maneuvered towards a colossal fruit tree. Based on its size and appearance, the tree must have existed for hundreds of years.

Gastly utilized his trademark purple gas to conjure a hand, gesturing towards a small hole beneath the tree.

In order to prevent any disturbance, they remained as silent as possible.

"Slowpoke, use Water Gun to fill the hole," Cain whispered. Slowpoke complied, unleashing a torrent of water, as thick as his arm, ensuring that Nidoran wouldn't be able to use the hole as a hiding place.

With Gastly stationed at its entrance and Murkrow also returning from his unsuccessful search, there was no more need for concealment.

Without any hesitation, Cain ordered Murkrow to use Hidden Power on the hole. By combining the power of water with electric-type moves, they could significantly weaken the Nidoran before it even emerged.

Murkrow drew upon the electric energy hidden within, channeling it into a bright yellow energy ball that crackled with electric sparks. After extensive training, it no longer took him minutes to use this move; instead, Hidden Power was condensed in a mere three seconds.

Murkrow directed the surging energy ball into the hole, and at the same time, Slowpoke stopped using Water Gun.

With a loud "Boom!", the condensed energy ball exploded upon entry, releasing a powerful blast of electrifying energy. Blue and yellow currents discharged in the direction of the water flow, filling the entire hole and sweeping through everything in their path.

Within seconds, several blue and purple figures emerged from the hole, covered in mud and electric sparks. They were in a miserable state as they stood in front of Cain.

One, two, three... A total of nine Pokemon, including his primary target.