This time, Heracross broke its usual routine and took the initiative to strike the humanoid target.
With a single palm strike, a sharp gust of wind rose from the ground. The humanoid target swayed violently, leaving deep indentations and marks on its surface.
Arm Thrust, Horn Attack, Brick Break, Tackle, Aerial Ace, and Close Combat.
A barrage of moves was unleashed upon the target for five full minutes. Looking at the tottering humanoid target, it felt as though it was about to collapse. Meanwhile, the scene shifted to Beedrill and Scizor.
The two Pokémon were engaged in a frantic aerial battle, the sounds of their collisions echoing one after another. They had reached the most intense phase of the fight. Beedrill was currently holding back only a small fraction of its power.
One could imagine how fierce its combat capability was as it forced Scizor to retreat continuously through the air. Beedrill's twin needles blurred so rapidly it was impossible to count the strikes. Earlier, Scizor could manage an occasional counterattack, but now it was impossible.
Scizor was being completely suppressed, feeling utterly stifled. Sensing the timing was right, Beedrill allowed its energy to surge. Energy ripples and white light gathered on its twin needles, beginning to twist like wisps of white smoke.
A powerful murderous intent erupted from Beedrill's body, locking directly onto Scizor. Scizor felt a momentary surge of panic, but the energy gushing from within filled it with confidence. The black eye-like patterns on its claws glowed brilliantly, its momentum breaking through Beedrill's lock as it charged forward.
Heracross also felt it was time. Intending to release its energy in one go, its muscles bulged and tightened. Energy gathered across its entire body, making the ripples of power clearly visible. Locking its gaze, it slammed into the humanoid target.
Close Combat!
Bang!
Beedrill and Scizor collided, but Scizor felt an overwhelming force surge toward it. Its body was sent flying backward uncontrollably.
Not far away, the humanoid target was sent soaring by Heracross's powerful strike.
Bang!
It slammed into the wall and was instantly scrapped. Meanwhile, Scizor felt its body suddenly stop. Getting up, it saw that it was encased in a green membrane. In Eichi's eyes, a green light flickered.
The training room fell silent. Eichi suddenly smiled; the results looked excellent.
There were dozens of research institutes at Silver Academy, large and small, scattered throughout the campus. Among them, Teacher Takemoto's institute was one of the most prestigious.
Do not be fooled by the fact that Teacher Takemoto's research into Bug-types appeared less impressive than research into other types. While it was true that Bug-types were slightly weaker in terms of combat, they were not weak at all when it came to making money. Many lucrative patents originated from this laboratory. If one were to rank the most profitable laboratories each year, Teacher Takemoto's would certainly be in the top three.
Before leaving, Eichi planned to visit the laboratory once more to exchange ideas and say his goodbyes. Just like last time, he swiped his access card and entered.
Everyone was busy with their own projects. Today, Senior Hara wasn't doing research on the second floor; for some reason, he had come down to the first floor. Eichi walked up to greet him.
"Senior Hara," Eichi said.
Hara turned around and grinned upon seeing him. "Oh, it's you, Eichi."
This drew the attention of the others as well. Eichi greeted everyone one by one and chatted for a bit. Since they still had work to do, Eichi didn't disturb them for long. Senior Hara could tell Eichi had something to discuss, so without further ado, he led him to his third-floor office.
Though called an office, it also served as his bedroom. The space wasn't large, but it had the essentials. Senior Hara lived and ate there. Like a standard student dormitory, it had a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and a storage room.
The bedroom door was open, revealing a simple bed. Aside from a quilt and a few pillows, it was exceptionally sparse. There was also a desk piled high with data and documents.
They sat on the sofa in the living room. Senior Hara poured him a glass of water, which Eichi accepted. Then, Senior Hara rummaged through the storage room. Eichi could see it was filled with files and documents, though Hara had categorized them neatly so it didn't look cluttered.
Senior Hara pulled out a folder and handed it to Eichi. "There, this contains some data regarding Wimpod. It might be useful to you."
Eichi accepted the folder with pleasant surprise. He had initially thought that since Senior Hara and the others had never seen a Wimpod before, they might not be able to research much. He hadn't expected them to actually find something. Their ability was truly impressive; no wonder Teacher Takemoto kept Senior Hara as an assistant.
He flipped through the folder. Although he couldn't understand all the professional terminology, he could grasp the general meaning.
"This data is incredibly important to me. Thank you, Senior Hara," Eichi said.
Senior Hara adjusted his glasses with a bit of pride and asked, "Let's not talk about that. By the way, is there something you needed to see me for?"
Eichi then explained his plans. Senior Hara didn't have much of a reaction, simply saying, "Then you must be careful and stay safe."
"Mhm," Eichi replied.
After finishing his conversation with Senior Hara, Eichi went downstairs to greet the others. After chatting for a while, he left the research institute.
Over the next few days, Eichi went about his business as usual. Several teachers he had good relationships with also sought him out for a chat. Knowing he was going on a journey, they advised him on things to watch out for while traveling.
And so, it reached April 15th—a fine day. During these past few days, no one in the class besides Tetsu knew about Eichi's leave of absence. Joylin hadn't mentioned it either. Eichi woke up early, washed up, and made himself a quick breakfast.
After the meal, Eichi packed his things. He returned his four Pokémon to their Poké Balls, clipped them to his belt, shouldered his backpack, and changed into his own clothes. He locked the dormitory door and headed out.
The others had already gone to class. Eichi walked alone to the school gate and glanced at the statue there. Once he left, he likely wouldn't return until the next semester.
He walked slowly down the mountain. The weather was clear and cloudless. Ten minutes later, Eichi reached the foot of the mountain, where an old man was waiting patiently beside a car.
Upon seeing Eichi, he called out, "Student Eichi, the Young Master sent me to pick you up."
Eichi stepped forward, and the old man opened the rear door, gesturing for Eichi to get inside.