Chapter 6: Caught in the Palm

In the darkness ahead, the number of crimson eyes multiplied, and before these bloodthirsty hunters even reached them, a piercing soundwave echoed through the air.

"My God, who angered these terrifying creatures? They're a swarm of Zubat! We need to run, or we'll all be turned into husks!" Being a Golbat trainer, Brian knew all too well the habits of these greedy creatures.

At the sight of the Zubat swarm, Brian's face turned white. He forcefully shook off Bruno's arm and fled back the way they came, his Golbat in tow.

The others also paled at the sight of the Zubat swarm but didn't move. In such darkness, evading the Zubat's pursuit was impossible. These creatures used echolocation; once they locked onto you, escaping them was futile. How could an ordinary person outrun a flying Zubat?

Dwayne also wanted to run but knew his size would make him the first to be caught. His short legs couldn't possibly outrun the others.

If everyone ran, he'd be the first to die. Moreover, he noticed that Noah and Vivian didn't show any panic or despair, so he reluctantly stayed. However, he did shake off Bruno's arm and moved closer to Noah and Bianca, trying to curry favor. Having survived a compulsory mission, he wasn't a fool.

Dwayne understood the group's dynamics well. Lacking strength, he had to go with the flow. Compared to the reckless Bruno and the scheming Vivian, he felt his chances of survival were better with the composed and calm Noah and Bianca.

"That dwarf dares to betray me! Just wait, I'll deal with these pests first, then settle the score with you." Bruno was disdainful of Brian's desertion. But what infuriated him more was Dwayne, who he considered an ally, now fawning over Noah. If it weren't for the imminent threat, he'd have turned Dwayne into mince right there.

"500 points per person, and we'll keep you alive," Noah said coldly, watching Dwayne approach him with a pleasing expression. Flattery wouldn't work; only tangible benefits could secure his help.

Hearing this, Bianca was surprised but stayed silent, tacitly agreeing.

"500 points... Fine, I'll pay," Dwayne wanted to haggle but froze when Ekans's cold eyes locked onto him. A chilling sensation gripped his heart, and he nodded quickly, breaking into a cold sweat.

"Good. Bianca, Dwayne, I'll distract them. Attack when you get the chance," Noah instructed, moving ahead and leaving his back to them. Ekans turned its gaze to the approaching Zubat swarm.

Bianca cast a complex glance at Noah before decisively giving her orders to Jynx.

"Jynx, use Safeguard on him," Bianca said gently. Jynx obeyed, enveloping Noah and Ekans in a white shield.

"Unnecessary. Come out, Koffing. Use Taunt. Ekans, use Swagger," Noah commanded coldly, momentarily stunned by the shield.

Several Zubat, having arrived first, got excited at the sight of five fresh humans and prepared to use Supersonic. But Koffing's Taunt and Ekans's Swagger threw them into disarray, causing them to attack each other.

The other four watched Noah effortlessly manipulate the Zubat, their estimation of his strength rising. Bruno and Vivian's faces darkened. Despite their experience, they swiftly commanded their Pokémon to attack the confused Zubat.

"Grimer, use Mud Bomb."

"Hitmonchan, use Ice Punch."

"Venonat, use Confusion."

"Jynx, use Blizzard."

The orders were given, and the vanguard Zubat were swiftly defeated.

Noah repeated his tactic, controlling the incoming Zubat and Golbat, while the others attacked. Soon, the Zubat retreated, their leader Crobat's special soundwave signaling their withdrawal.

"Transfer the points," Noah demanded coldly, glaring at Dwayne, who had contributed little during the fight.

Dwayne, terrified, transferred the points immediately. He couldn't afford to provoke Noah, who possessed two elite-level Pokémon.

"One more time, and I'll kill you," Noah warned after confirming the transfer via his Team Rocket-issued watch.

Dwayne, filled with resentment, stayed silent, knowing better than to provoke Noah.

"Shall we proceed? The destination is close," Vivian said, smiling as she tried to get the group moving.

No one moved, though, as Noah sat against the wall, feeding his Pokémon leisurely.

"What's the meaning of this, little brother? Why aren't we moving?" Vivian's smile froze, frowning at Noah's behavior.

Noah ignored her, focused on his Pokémon. The others followed suit, feeding their Pokémon.

"No need to rush, Miss Vivian. Our Pokémon need rest after such a battle," Dwayne said, smiling at Vivian.

"Indeed," Vivian forced a smile, realizing no one would follow her. She glanced at Bruno, expecting support, but found him wary of Noah and feeding Hitmonchan, stealing glances at Noah.

"Damn, this kid is strong, having two elite Pokémon. I shouldn't have underestimated him," Bruno thought, regretting his earlier arrogance.

Seeing no one willing to follow, Vivian angrily sat down to feed her Grimer.

After a tense ten minutes, the silence broke with the sound of a person covered in black sludge running towards them, shouting for help.

"It's Brian!" he collapsed, muttering about Grimer chasing him, and a foul stench followed.

To be continued.