Chapter 22: Defeating the Beedrill Leader

Upon observing the data on the Beedrill leader, Cain couldn't help but feel surprised. He had his own assumptions about the Beedrill leader's situation, but he hadn't expected something like the "Leadership" ability.

In his previous life, as a Pokémon hunter for many years, and having reached the level of a quasi-elite trainer, Cain had only encountered the "Leadership" ability twice.

This phenomenon is incredibly rare, as it can elevate a Pokémon's quality by one minor rank, which is extremely valuable.

Moreover, as the leader of the entire colony, all the resource support is focused on this Pokémon, meaning that those with the "Leadership" ability usually don't have insignificant achievements.

In terms of Pokémon quality, there are seven levels: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, and Black. However, upon closer inspection, each color can be subdivided into three sub-levels based on the intensity of the color.

For example, the quality of the Beedrill leader is Light Green, just at the lowest Green level, meaning there is still a significant difference compared to Green and Dark Green. Murkrow has Green quality, though in a darker shade, very close to Dark Green.

Without the help of special items, Murkrow may never reach the Dark Green level.

Therefore, the Beedrill leader's original quality should have been Dark Yellow, but due to the "Leadership" ability, its quality was raised to Light Green.

As the leader's offspring, the Weedle egg with Green quality is the most valuable in the entire colony. If raised properly, it could become the strongest member of the colony and even improve the overall quality of all the Beedrill.

It's no wonder the Beedrill leader was so furious upon discovering that its best offspring had disappeared. This also explains why the entire Beedrill colony went into a frenzy after the egg's disappearance.

Cain's actions had shaken the very foundation of the Beedrill colony, with more severe consequences than if he had eliminated a large number of Kakuna.

These thoughts quickly passed through Cain's mind.

Meanwhile, after taking down the injured Beedrill, Murkrow received some attacks. Although they weren't severe, they did pose a danger.

"Caw!" Murkrow cried, its sharp screech affecting the nearby Beedrill. Two of them were paralyzed with fear.

Taking advantage of their confusion, Murkrow channeled flying energy between its wings, and with a slight flap, it used the "Gust" ability, enveloping all the nearby Beedrill.

Flying-type energy is extremely powerful against Bug-type Pokémon. After releasing the Gust move, Murkrow didn't stop flapping its wings, increasing the attack's damage and keeping the Beedrill leader at bay.

As the intensity of the attack grew, the Beedrill trapped in the gust were hurled to the ground, knocked out.

"Bang!" Finally, the last Beedrill fell to the ground, unable to continue the battle. With a powerful flap, Murkrow stopped the Gust, and the swirling air dissipated with a dull sound.

Now, only the Beedrill leader and Murkrow remained in the air.

The Beedrill leader was the first to move, transforming into a white flash, its stingers aimed at Murkrow. It was the "Agility" move!

"Murkrow, use Peck," Cain commanded.

With the order, Murkrow's eyes narrowed, its beak glowing with a white light charged with flying energy, and it shot towards the Beedrill leader.

"Bang!" The two Pokémon collided instantly and were thrown back by the force of their attacks.

The Beedrill leader's body showed signs of distortion as an uncontrollable fury began to burn. It activated the "Rage" move, which increases its attack power when it takes damage after using a move.

Cain wasn't concerned about the Beedrill leader's use of the "Rage" move. As long as enough distance was maintained, Murkrow would still have the advantage.

"Murkrow, maintain Tailwind and use Gust," Cain calmly ordered. After the first collision, the two Pokémon distanced themselves again.

In an instant, Murkrow formed another Gust and launched it toward the Beedrill leader.

The Beedrill leader grew increasingly frustrated by the tornado blocking its path, charged with flying energy. With mounting fury, it rushed toward Murkrow, ignoring the Gust. It quickly flailed its stingers, dispersing the wind with its "Fury Attack" move.

Murkrow was startled to see the Beedrill leader ignoring its attack, but before it could react, the Beedrill leader appeared in front of it with another "Agility" move.

"Murkrow, don't just stand there, use Astonish!"

The Beedrill leader struck fiercely with its stingers, causing intense pain to Murkrow, who, enduring the pain, let out a screech that interrupted the Beedrill leader's attack. Murkrow then retreated, keeping a safe distance.

The battle continued like this, with Murkrow retreating and using Gust, while the Beedrill leader pushed through to get close and attack. This cycle repeated seven or eight times. Murkrow began to feel its body growing numb from the pain, and its wings felt heavy.

The Beedrill leader was also exhausted, panting in the air. Despite having Light Green quality and a powerful body as a leader, it had endured multiple Gusts, which were highly effective against its type, yet it still hadn't fallen. Its strength was truly impressive.

Although the Beedrill leader's level was three times higher than Murkrow's, Murkrow had the advantage of speed and attack type.

Cain, who had been watching and directing the battle, continued to give precise orders, "Murkrow, use Roost."

As both Pokémon started losing speed, whoever could last longer would be the victor. There was no denying that the Beedrill leader had remarkable abilities, worthy of a Pokémon raised with the colony's resources.

At Cain's command, Murkrow descended to the ground. Its numb body nearly caused it to lose balance, but the effect of "Roost" quickly began to take hold.

The earth's energy flowed through its legs, spreading throughout its body, and the comforting warmth helped restore sensation to its aching body.

The Beedrill leader didn't understand why its opponent had suddenly landed, but its combat instinct warned that Murkrow was recovering while it weakened. It couldn't allow this to continue.

The Beedrill leader decided to attack immediately to interrupt Murkrow's recovery. Although its decision was correct, its state no longer allowed it to move as quickly as before, and it couldn't even use "Agility."

By the time the Beedrill leader finally reached Murkrow, it had already finished recovering with "Roost" and opened its eyes suddenly, filled with determination. Although they were rivals, Murkrow respected the Beedrill leader as an opponent.

Cain, who knew Murkrow well after so much time together, understood its intentions when he saw the look in its eyes. With a resigned smile, he said, "Murkrow, do as you wish."

"Caw!" Murkrow cried, flapping its wings, and rushed toward the Beedrill leader.

This time, Murkrow didn't dodge. The exhausted Beedrill leader could only attack mechanically.

The blows echoed through the air as both Pokémon's bodies clashed repeatedly.

Little by little, the Beedrill leader lost its strength. The fury in its eyes faded, and it saw the respect Murkrow had for it.

With one final, powerful strike, Murkrow hit the Beedrill leader, who fell to the ground, unconscious.

Murkrow, who had braced for an attack, stared in surprise at the Beedrill leader on the ground, finally realizing it had won.

"Caw! Caw!" it cried in excitement, celebrating its victory over the strongest opponent it had ever faced.

Cain approached slowly, observing the unconscious Beedrill leader on the ground. Finally, he let out a long sigh of relief. Although he had always trusted Murkrow, he couldn't help but worry until the opponent was definitively out of the fight.

Suddenly, Cain was surprised and then smiled. He hadn't expected Murkrow to level up after defeating the Beedrill leader.

The system responded to his thought and scanned Murkrow.

Pokémon: Murkrow (Green)

Gender: Male

Level: 15

Type: Dark, Flying

Ability: Prankster (allows status moves to go first)

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Punishment, Feint Attack, Roost

Basic Moves: Peck, Astonish, Pursuit, Haze, Wing Attack

Learned Moves: Thief, Tailwind, Gust

TM Moves: None

Murkrow had successfully reached level 15 and learned Wing Attack, a Flying-type move with a power of 60, now its strongest flying attack.

After the euphoria, Murkrow nearly collapsed due to the side effects of "Roost." Its body was completely exhausted, and after so many consecutive battles, it barely had any strength left.

Cain quickly caught Murkrow as it fell. With a resigned smile, he gave it a gentle pat on the head, "I told you not to be reckless. See what happened?" His tone was full of affection and exasperation.

Although Murkrow had lost its strength, Cain was satisfied, knowing it had defeated a formidable opponent.

(End of chapter)