There's Something Off About My Pokémon. [48]

Following Grandpa's command, the slumbering Tauros let out a thunderous snore. Lu Cheng's expression grew serious. Although Tauros was incredibly strong, the move it used through Sleep Talk would surely be weaker in power and speed. Under these circumstances, his two Pokémon might have a chance to dodge it!

Lu Cheng shouted, "No matter what move it is, dodge in different directions!"

The powerful energy had already gathered. Tauros wobbled to its feet, hooves digging into the dirt, its mouth wide open—though its eyes remained tightly shut! A scorching flame erupted from Tauros' mouth—it was Flamethrower, a move learned through a TM!

Even though this move didn't appear in the system's move list, Tauros could still use it. The system only displayed the moves a Pokémon had fully mastered, and even a Champion-level Pokémon could only master up to eight moves.

But this didn't mean they couldn't use other skills! Although Tauros wasn't proficient in Flamethrower, the sheer power of the flames was still not something the two Pokémon could handle head-on!

"Treecko, dodge! Vulpix—" In that critical moment, a sudden flash of inspiration hit Lu Cheng, and he quickly revised his command, shouting, "Charge forward!"

Both Pokémon reacted swiftly, a testament to their innate battle instincts. Treecko instinctively used Quick Attack, launching itself toward the field in a flying leap, narrowly escaping the flames. As for Vulpix, it bathed in the scorching flames, its body shimmering with a beautiful glow!

Vulpix's ability—Flash Fire! This ability nullified the effects of fire-type moves, and when hit by one, Vulpix's attack and special attack increased by 1.5 times! Engulfed by the Flamethrower, the little fox wasn't harmed at all; in fact, it seemed to revel in the fire, as if it were a perfect supplement.

Grandpa watched the scene with a smile. The weakened attack from Sleep Talk fell within the threshold of what Lu Cheng's Pokémon could handle, making this an excellent opportunity to sharpen their battle instincts. Although Flamethrower was an unexpected move from Sleep Talk, it turned out to be a satisfying outcome.

As the Flamethrower subsided, Vulpix stood unharmed, shaking its six vibrant tails, its fur and even the charcoal pendant around its neck gleaming.

"Vulpix!" Lu Cheng called, his voice brimming with excitement. "Remember this feeling!"

Seeing Vulpix in such prime condition, Lu Cheng decided to seize the opportunity, encouraging Vulpix to attempt a brand-new move!

"Vulpix, use Flamethrower!" Vulpix opened its mouth, and although the first spark was still in the shape of a small flame, its entire body suddenly radiated a blazing red glow. The flames surged, forming into a thick, powerful column of fire. Flamethrower, complete!

The fierce fire column shot straight toward Tauros. In its sleep, Tauros had no way to dodge and was forced to endure the attack. A small patch of scorched skin appeared on its neck, barely a mark. Despite the powerful Flamethrower, combined with Vulpix's Flash Fire boost, it had only caused such minimal damage. Lu Cheng couldn't help but gasp in shock. Tauros' endurance was terrifying!

"Treecko, take off the competitive vest and use Quick Attack followed by Slash!"

Treecko, who had been waiting for the right moment, dashed forward, shaking off the weighted vest mid-run. Its eyes filled with determination, and its Unburden ability activated, further increasing its speed. Treecko shot forward like a deadly assassin, targeting Tauros' weak spot—its broken horn!

"Not good," Grandpa muttered, then shouted, "Tauros, restrain yourself!"

Facing the rapid assault, Tauros abruptly opened its eyes, revealing a blood-red glare. The sight made Lu Cheng's heart skip a beat. But Treecko pressed on, undeterred, its branch glowing intensely with blinding white light. Slash! Targeting the broken horn!

Neither Lu Cheng nor Treecko had realized the gravity of the situation. Tauros' ability was Anger Point, and that broken horn was its critical point. If Treecko hit it, Tauros' rage and attack power would be unleashed beyond control. At that point, even Grandpa might not be able to hold Tauros back!

Seeing the situation about to spiral out of control, Grandpa bellowed, "Tauros, use Protect!"

Treecko's Slash landed squarely on a shimmering green barrier—Tauros had managed to shield itself just in time!

Tauros coldly stared at Treecko, who had fallen from the air, its large bull eyes filled with a deadly aura. If Treecko had truly struck its horn, Tauros would have defied its trainer's command and used that same horn to pierce through the little gecko! That traumatic moment from the past, the one Tauros still couldn't face, had been close to repeating itself!

"Treecko!" Lu Cheng shouted, rushing to his partner's side. He had sensed something was off with Tauros earlier, but by the time he realized it, it was too late for Treecko to withdraw its attack. Fortunately, Treecko was unharmed. Otherwise, Lu Cheng would have regretted it for the rest of his life!

The match could no longer continue. Grandpa walked over, furiously hitting Tauros' rear with his smoking pipe. Tauros lazily flicked its tail in response, as if to say the incident had nothing to do with it.

"Treecko!" Treecko called back to Lu Cheng but kept its eyes locked on Tauros. That Pokémon was unbelievably strong! But one day, I will defeat it!

Tauros, absentmindedly swatting at flies with its tail, happened to notice Treecko's gaze, and for a split second, it hesitated. Was it seeing the same Pokémon it had once faced long ago? The one it never wanted to encounter again?

Treecko's eyes shifted from fear to an unwavering resolve. I will become stronger!

Suddenly, a startling change occurred. Treecko's body began to glow with an incomparably radiant light. Though it was dusk, the entire field was illuminated as if it were midday!

"Treecko's evolving?" Lu Cheng exclaimed in surprise. Grandpa silently nodded. He had thought that the momentary violence from Tauros would leave an indelible scar on Treecko's heart. But this Treecko seemed unaware of what fear even was. It reminded him… it was just like that person's Pokémon.

Grandpa gazed at the fiery sunset, his heart suddenly filled with boundless nostalgia. The era of those old timers had long passed. Now, it's the world of the young!

As the brilliant white light faded, Lu Cheng marveled at Treecko's—no, Grovyle's—new form. Its elongated limbs, sharp eyes, and the three leaves on its arms, capable of cutting through concrete, were stunning. The thin, long tail even gave Grovyle the ability to glide through the air. Without needing a Pokédex, Lu Cheng could see that Grovyle's new body was filled with elegance. Though its face resembled a lizard from ancient times, Lu Cheng quickly grew to appreciate its fierce charm.

Grovyle stood proudly in the fading sunlight, staring at Tauros—not in challenge or fear, but with excitement. The thrill of facing strong opponents and growing ever stronger!

---

If there are any mistakes let me know!

Read up to 30+ Chapters! [patreon.com/WiseTL]