Chapter 290: Capturing a Hatchling

Upon landing, Bagon merely shook its head before charging again at Combusken, showing that Combusken's Brick Break had not caused any significant harm.

Charging at Combusken with a fierce determination, Bagon bit down, giving off the impression that it wouldn't stop until it defeated Combusken.

Seeing Bagon's audacity, Combusken decided to teach it a lesson. Supporting Bagon's head with one hand, Combusken unleashed Double Kick, sending Bagon flying.

After rolling several times on the ground, Bagon got back up and charged at Combusken again. Clearly, its tough physique meant that Combusken's Double Kick had little effect.

It was expected—Bagon was known for its habit of cliff-diving. Without a strong body, it wouldn't have survived its usual activities.

Rex observed the battle between Combusken and Bagon from the side. Initially, he thought Combusken would easily defeat Bagon, but he was surprised by the young Bagon's resilience and strength.

This only strengthened Rex's determination to capture it. He was confident that if Bagon evolved into Salamence, it would rank among the strongest of his Pokémon team.

While Rex didn't like to admit it, Pokémon with higher base stats had an undeniable advantage in terms of potential and growth ceiling.

Take Rex's Swellow, for example. Even with Rex's life energy to aid it, Swellow could only barely match Beach's Salamence. However, while Swellow's progress had slowed, Salamence continued to grow rapidly, thanks to its higher potential.

"Wah!"

As Rex contemplated, Bagon was already reduced to tears under Combusken's relentless attacks.

Despite its resilience, Bagon's strength was still far from Combusken's. Once Combusken got serious, Bagon was overwhelmed.

At first, Bagon endured and fought back, but as injuries piled up, it struggled to even defend itself.

"That's enough, Combusken!"

Seeing that Combusken was about to strike again, Rex hurriedly stopped it.

Although Bagon had yet to lose its fighting capability, it had lost its will to fight. Continuing would feel like bullying a child. From its appearance, Rex deduced this Bagon was still quite young.

Hearing Rex's command, Combusken lowered its arm. Its battle lust had been stoked by Bagon, but now it realized it might have overdone things and scratched its head awkwardly.

At this moment, Rex took out an Ultra Ball and threw it at Bagon's head. Though Bagon still had some energy, it was frightened by the prospect of further attacks from Combusken. The Ultra Ball barely wobbled before locking shut, signifying that Rex had successfully captured Bagon.

"Phew!"

Seeing that the capture was complete, Rex let out a long sigh of relief. Thankfully, nothing unexpected happened this time.

Picking up the Ultra Ball containing Bagon, Rex released it again. The disoriented Bagon emerged, only to cry in pain upon feeling its injuries.

"Alright, Bagon, I'll heal you now!"

Rex gently patted Bagon's hard head and activated his life energy. A wave of rich healing energy flowed into Bagon, mending its injuries and even addressing the latent damage from its cliff-diving habits.

Bagon stopped crying and closed its eyes, enjoying the soothing warmth of the life energy as it healed. After a while, Bagon reopened its eyes, feeling not only refreshed but also stronger than before.

Grateful for the immense benefits, Bagon fully accepted Rex as its Trainer, happily clinging to his leg.

"Guu-guu!"

Suddenly, Bagon's stomach rumbled. The battle and healing had depleted its energy reserves, and it needed food.

Rex, prepared for this, quickly placed a plate of basic energy cubes in front of Bagon.

Starving, Bagon devoured the cubes enthusiastically. Only after finishing the entire plate did it lie on the ground, rubbing its full belly. It was clear it had overeaten.

"Looks like I've got another glutton to take care of!"

Watching Bagon finish the entire plate of energy cubes, Rex couldn't help but chuckle.

After letting Bagon rest for a while, Rex returned it to its Poké Ball so it could recover.

Rex then briefly explored the depths of the chasm. Finding nothing of interest amidst the rugged terrain, he flew back to the surface on his Swellow.

"Rex, you're finally back! I was just about to come down and find you!"

Mai, who had been waiting at the edge of the cliff, greeted him excitedly as he emerged.

It had been over an hour since Rex descended. Mai had grown worried and was preparing to descend on her Altaria when Rex returned.

"Sorry for worrying you, Mai," Rex said, touched by her genuine concern.

"So, what kept you down there for so long?" Mai asked curiously.

"Come out, Bagon!"

In response, Rex released Bagon from its Poké Ball.

The little Pokémon glanced briefly at Mai before running to cling to Rex's leg. It was completely won over by Rex's life energy and energy cubes and refused to leave his side.

"Don't tell me… you captured a Bagon down there?" Mai asked in disbelief.

When Rex confirmed it, Mai felt like slapping herself. If she had joined Rex earlier, the ownership of this rare Dragon-type Pokémon might not have been so one-sided.

Bagon was a rare and valuable find, far more so than any Mega Stone. Its worth couldn't even be quantified.

Mai looked at Rex with a mix of envy and resignation, vowing never to explore with him again. His incredible luck only served to highlight her misfortune.