"Abra—"
Abra opened its eyes, looked at Natsuhiko, and reported the latest information it had gathered.
"Five Rhyhorns and one Rhydon?"
Natsuhiko, understanding Abra's meaning, was somewhat surprised by the herd of Rhyhorn approaching rapidly.
Unexpectedly, so many wild Pokémon had silently entered Goldenrod City. What on earth was the alliance of Goldenrod City doing?
But now, it seemed not to be the time to hold the alliance accountable.
"A Rhydon is much more valuable than a Rhyhorn..."
Natsuhiko threw out a Pokeball.
Screech—
The Pidgeotto that appeared in the red light spread its wings and soared, circling above Natsuhiko's head.
"Pidgeotto, check the surroundings, and come back if there's any danger."
Pidgeotto nodded, its wings vibrating as it shot straight into the sky.
Next, Natsuhiko threw another Pokeball, summoning the recently purchased Shuckle.
Although the initial intent was to buy it for making Energy Blocks, Shuckle also possesses certain combat capabilities, and with Pokémon coordination, its support role is more pronounced.
Natsuhiko commanded continuously:
"Beedrill, Triple Combo."
The so-called Triple Combo is a combination of the three techniques: Tailwind, Qi Gathering, and Sharpening, which is currently Beedrill's most commonly used enhancement technique before fully mastering Sword Dance.
"Togepi, Prayer, Lucky Spell."
"Togepi!"
Understanding Natsuhiko's intention, Togepi shook its body, emitting crystalline specks that entered Beedrill, while softly chanting unknown phrases, transforming mysterious incantations into a strange force, enveloping Beedrill.
Finally.
"Shuckle, use Defense Redistribution on Beedrill."
Shuckle's expression was obviously dazed, and its response to Natsuhiko's command was somewhat slow, but thankfully, before the Rhyhorns arrived, it successfully completed the Defense Redistribution with Beedrill.
Defense Redistribution: Uses psychic powers to add the user's and the target's physical and special defenses, then equally redistributes them to both sides.
In terms of defense, Shuckle can be said to be the most unique among all the Pokémon in the Pokémon Realm.
Apart from changes brought by later-stage training.
Judged solely by initial species values, Shuckle's defense can be considered outstanding in the Pokémon Realm.
Beedrill, apart from decent special defense, has always been weak in physical defense. Now, after redistribution with Shuckle, its defense has greatly improved, even approaching its attack power.
Having gained assistance from two Pokémon, coupled with its own enhancements, Beedrill suddenly felt an endless power surge within.
"Bzzzz!!"
Facing the oncoming Rhyhorns, its eyes full of intense confidence.
Active attack!
Beedrill's wings vibrated, the golden stripes on its wings flashing, leaving a golden arc in the air as it folded its form, charging towards the rushing Rhyhorns.
Even in its current state, facing the Rhyhorns head-on wouldn't be easy for Beedrill.
Therefore, in Natsuhiko's plan, Beedrill chose to attack from the flank.
In a flash.
Parallel to the side of a Rhyhorn, its Double Needle crossed, scanning up and down with scarlet compound eyes to find the weak spot.
Unfortunately, the armor covering the Rhyhorn was too dense, with no entry point found.
No choice.
Had to go for a frontal assault.
Bang!!
The long-charged Cross Cut was unleashed with a mighty strike, landing squarely on the Rhyhorn's armor.
A cross-shaped crack gruesomely marked it.
At the same time, the immense force sent this Rhyhorn flying, slamming against the wall of the neighborhood pathway.
With their companion attacked, the Rhyhorns grew even more furious, eyes burning red, yet their nature drove them not to halt, choosing to charge ahead.
"Bzzzz!"
Beedrill growled and wanted to provide support.
But Natsuhiko shouted, "Finish it with Deadly Needle Stab!"
To win against this group of Rhyhorns, Beedrill is the key.
And Natsuhiko quietly nodded to Abra.
"Abra."
Abra understood, its control over psychic power improved greatly through continuous practice over this period.
Wrapping Natsuhiko, Togepi, and Shuckle, they gently floated into the air.
Seeing that Natsuhiko's safety required no concern, Beedrill realized that Natsuhiko was no longer just surrounded by it alone; he had many worthy companions.
With this thought, the Long Needle shot out without hesitation, covered in a dense green energy, the Deadly Needle Stab launched, piercing through the cross crack in the Rhyhorn's armor.
Pshhh—
Deadly Needle Stab completed the finish.
An endless power surged forth from Beedrill's body, its gaze changed again.
On the other side, the remaining four Rhyhorns ran beneath Natsuhiko and his team.
"Roar!"
Suddenly.
A roar echoed from afar.
The Rhyhorns stopped in their tracks, leisurely turning their direction.
And in such a time lapse, Natsuhiko certainly wouldn't miss the opportunity.
"Togepi!"
Togepi gathered the Water Fluctuation, a massive water sphere stirring tides erupted from above, directly hitting the Rhyhorn that turned the quickest.
The next moment.
Swoosh—
A golden arc flickered abruptly, standing out in the hazy night.
With a flash of a crisp green light, Beedrill quickly arrived, taking advantage of the damage caused by Togepi's Water Fluctuation on the Rhyhorn, once again the Deadly Needle Stab completed the finish.
Deadly Needle Stab buff maxed out!
At this moment, Beedrill, in attack was maxed with Deadly Needle Stab, and in defense had the buff brought by Shuckle, was undoubtedly at its strongest state!
At this point, the three turned Rhyhorns, feeling yet another comrade fallen, were instantly furious.
They lifted their front hooves, stomping fiercely on the ground, the earth cracked, shooting out dozens of rock shards of varying sizes, aiming towards Beedrill and Natsuhiko floating in the air by psychic powers.
Rock Blast!
"Abra." Before the Rhyhorns launched their attack, Natsuhiko had already asked Abra to prepare.
The emerging azure psychic halo enveloped them.
Sudden flicker, appearing behind the Rhyhorns out of thin air.
Abra's Instant Movement technique wasn't fast enough in release speed, but under some anticipation, managed to neatly dodge the Rhyhorns' Rock Blast.
Meanwhile, Beedrill's body spun at high speed, its wing motion stirred air currents continuously surging from it as the center, forming a self-protective rotational airflow.
Shield of Retribution!
Bang bang bang—
Rock Blasts were blocked in mid-air, stopped without doubt by the Shield of Retribution elemented in airflow.
And as the Rock Blast ceased at an instant, Beedrill followed the rotational airflow, gliding with the wind, drawing a graceful arc in mid-air, bypassing the Rhyhorns' front.
Another flank attack.
The shiny green Cross Cut hit the unguarded side of the Rhyhorn.
Boom!!
The heavily weighed Rhyhorn was blasted away directly, covered with the maxed out effect of Deadly Needle Stab, now a single attack couldn't be resisted even by Rhyhorns with amazing defense.
Instantly losing battle capability.
Four Rhyhorns defeated successively by Natsuhiko and his Pokémon, two remains, and...
Thud—Thud—
At this moment, appearing from the corner with heavy steps, was the tardily arrived Rhydon!