Chapter 210: Evolution
Read advance chapters for both of my work, exclusively on Patreon at - www.patreon.com/Sniperwoof
-----------------
Through the battles with the Zubat at the entrance and the current battles with the Carvanha, Nidoran, whose level was slightly higher than these Pokémon, experienced no noticeable change in level.
However, Mudkip, at level 12, showed significant progress.
Although most of the enemies were defeated by Nidoran, Mudkip clearly gained some battle experience as well.
Mudkip's level had now reached 13, and by Sato's estimation, it wasn't far from level 14.
The Carvanha living in the first section of Route 1 were exceedingly aggressive.
Even after six of their companions were defeated, they showed no signs of fear toward Sato and his team. Instead, their ferocity was provoked further.
As the six Carvanha fell, another six leaped out of the water.
This time, all six Carvanha were at level 13 and knew the move Aqua Jet. Their surprise attack using this move was far fiercer than the assault from the previous group.
Moreover, these six Carvanha seemed to have singled out Sato, the "weaker human," as their target, launching their attacks directly at him.
Unfortunately for the Carvanha, they picked the wrong fight. Golbat, perched on Sato's shoulder, narrowed its eyes coldly.
Its right wing glowed with Flying-type energy before it unleashed a powerful gust forward.
In an instant, a gale comparable to level 9 winds formed, scattering the attacking Carvanha. At that moment, Nidoran's Thunderbolt and Mudkip's Water Gun struck them squarely.
Nidoran's Thunderbolt left the six Carvanha barely conscious, and Mudkip's Water Gun finished them off, defeating all six.
This time, the Carvanha in the water seemed to have learned their lesson. They no longer leaped out of the water to attack but instead encircled the natural stone bridge spanning the water.
Their crimson eyes locked onto Sato from the other side, waiting for him to cross.
"They're planning to ambush me once I step onto the bridge. These Carvanha are not only fierce but also quite clever. If they knock me into the water, I'll be stripped to the bone in no time," Sato thought grimly, observing their movements.
"What a vicious bunch of Pokémon. Since you've decided to mess with me, I won't hold back either."
Sato glanced at the twelve defeated Carvanha lying on the shore, their bodies oozing blood. A thought struck him, and his eyes turned cold.
Pulling out the sharp hunting knife he had used in Viridian Forest, Sato mercilessly slashed each of the twelve Carvanha.
Against Pokémon that sought his life, he showed no mercy either.
The blood of the twelve Carvanha pooled on the ground, its scent thick in the air. The blood trickled into the water, dyeing the surface near the shore red.
At that moment, the Carvanha in the water, which had been lying in wait, reacted as if they had consumed a potent stimulant.
Their eyes turned blood-red, and they began leaping out of the water.
However, their target this time wasn't Sato or his team but the twelve bleeding Carvanha on the shore.
"Nidoran, Thunderbolt! Mudkip, use Mud-Slap!"
Seeing dozens of blood-eyed Carvanha leap from the water, Sato retreated with his Pokémon and commanded their counterattack.
This time, the number of Carvanha was overwhelming, and their levels averaged around 12. Nidoran's Thunderbolt weakened them significantly, but none were knocked out due to the attack's distribution among so many targets.
Mudkip opened its mouth, spitting out numerous fist-sized mud balls. These Mud-Slap attacks landed precisely on the blood-eyed Carvanha, covering their heads in a sticky layer of mud.
With their vision severely impaired, the Carvanha flailed blindly on the ground, unable to mount an effective counterattack.
(Mud-Slap, a Ground-type special move with 20 power, has a 100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by one stage.)
Nidoran needed about a minute to recharge Thunderbolt, so Mudkip became the main attacker during that time, continuing to use Mud-Slap against the frenzied Carvanha.
As the mud accumulated, the Carvanha were soon covered completely, becoming clumsy "mudfish" struggling helplessly on dry land.
A few Carvanha, however, managed to use Aqua Jet cleverly, washing away most of the mud on their bodies with the water they propelled.
Still, their numbers were too few. By the time Nidoran's horn began sparking again, it unleashed another Thunderbolt, electrocuting all the Carvanha on the shore. Some even emitted a faintly charred smell.
The battlefield's stench of blood was soon masked by the earthy scent of Mudkip's attacks. The Carvanha in the water, sensing the danger, hesitated and calmed down.
But Sato, now fully aware of the Carvanha's bloodthirsty nature, wasn't about to let them off easily.
After allowing Nidoran and Mudkip to rest briefly, he repeated his tactic, slashing the defeated Carvanha to draw out more.
This time, Sato was more deliberate, drawing blood from only six Carvanha. The scent attracted eight blood-eyed Carvanha from the water.
Through three waves of battles, Nidoran and Mudkip's teamwork had noticeably improved. Nidoran, with Thunderbolt, acted as the main attacker, while Mudkip, with Mud-Slap, disrupted and hindered the enemy.
Together, they swiftly defeated the eight blood-eyed Carvanha.
Sato continued using the same strategy, baiting and defeating the Carvanha repeatedly over the next two hours. The number of fallen Carvanha on the shore grew, while fewer and fewer remained near the stone bridge.
Through this bloody battle, both Nidoran and Mudkip underwent a transformation. Like seasoned soldiers who had seen war, they shed their naivety, becoming more mature.
A palpable aura of subtle killing intent began to radiate from them.
Finally, when the last few Carvanha retreated, recognizing the danger posed by the creatures on the shore, a white light enveloped Mudkip.
The battles with the Carvanha had significantly boosted their levels. Nidoran gained three levels, reaching level 24.
Mudkip, however, experienced explosive growth, jumping to level 18. Now, with the battle against the Carvanha over, the long-restrained light of evolution finally began to shine on its body.
------------------------------------
Bonus Chapter Schedule:
100 Power Stones - 1 Bonus Chapter
250 Power Stones - 2 Bonus Chapters
500 Power Stones - 3 Bonus Chapters
750 Power Stones - 4 Bonus Chapters
1000 Power Stones - 5 Bonus Chapters