Chapter 174: Rising to the Challenge (Part 1)

The remaining members of the Granite Poachers stood in silence, their gazes fixed on the lifeless bodies scattered on the forest floor. Tension hung heavy in the air as all eyes turned to Jack, the leader who had guided them through countless narrow escapes from the rangers. Their hope rested on him once more, praying he could lead them out of this dire situation.

The crushing weight of their expectations bore down on Jack. Faul opened his mouth, intending to shoulder the blame for the disastrous failure, but Jack spoke first.

"It was my mistake in command that led to the deaths of twelve of our brothers at the hands of that vile ambusher," Jack declared solemnly.

He continued, his voice steady and resolute. "But I promise you this: I will find that shadowy attacker and take his head to honor our fallen brothers."

Jack's voice rang with determination. "Now, bury our comrades. Once that's done, we leave this forest and head to an open grassland. Let's see if that coward dares to show himself there!"

Jack's unwavering tone rekindled a flicker of morale among the Granite Poachers. Faul, especially, felt a wave of emotion swell within him, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Faced with such a steadfast leader, Faul found himself thinking that even dying for Jack would be worth it.

Under Jack's orders, the poachers began burying their fallen comrades, ensuring they could rest in peace.

Meanwhile, Ron worked diligently to heal Machamp and the others, restoring their stamina and treating their injuries.

It was only thanks to the power of Fighting Aura that Ron had been able to hold his ground against the Granite Poachers thus far. Without it, he would've been forced to retreat the moment Machamp unleashed its first Daytime Tiger attack.

Once regrouped, Jack led his men onward. As experienced poachers, they knew the terrain well and quickly plotted the shortest route to the grasslands, where cover was scarce.

Jack walked at the front, his senses on high alert. His caution was soon justified.

The moment Machamp's Daytime Tiger roared toward them, Jack wasted no time. "Rhydon, use Rock Shield to block it!"

The combined power of Rock Tomb and Stone Edge formed an impenetrable wall, absorbing the brunt of the attack before shattering into fragments that scattered in all directions.

Jack's gaze sharpened as he focused on Machamp. A smirk crept across his face.

In the next instant, Dodrio and Fearow burst from their hiding spots on either side, speeding toward Machamp.

Having learned from their losses, Jack had ordered his faster Pokémon to remain hidden and wait for the right moment to ambush Machamp.

But Jack failed to notice the smirk that Machamp returned.

With a flash of speed, Machamp used Shave to vanish from its spot, reappearing beside Dodrio. Using Finger Pistol – Thunder Blade, it struck a fatal blow, piercing Dodrio's heart.

As for Fearow, it was swiftly taken down by Bellossom, whose blade-like leaves slashed through it in a single, elegant motion.

"Rhydon, use Earth Power to cut off their escape route!" Jack commanded.

"Keep a portion of our forces on guard. The rest, attack Machamp and Bellossom with everything you've got!"

Jack barked orders as Rhydon unleashed a wave of earthen pillars, sealing off Machamp and Bellossom's movements.

The remaining poachers directed their Pokémon to join the assault, while eight of them stayed vigilant, their Pokémon protecting the perimeter.

Effortlessly evading Rhydon's Earth Power, Ron used Kirlia's Telepathy to coordinate Machamp and Bellossom's counterattacks from a distance.

Machamp leapt forward, launching an air-shattering Daytime Tiger that tore through the second wave of enemy Pokémon, halting them in their tracks.

Meanwhile, Bellossom's Leaf Blade shimmered as it wielded the dual swords with the grace of a master swordsman, charging toward the enemy's Pokémon.

Though poaching seemed like a lucrative trade, it was fraught with danger. Most poachers could only afford to train three to four Pokémon, focusing on their core team. Jack's Granite Poachers were no exception.

Now, facing Machamp—the cause of their devastating losses—Jack released his second Pokémon, Sandslash.

The other poachers followed suit, summoning their secondary Pokémon to overwhelm Machamp and Bellossom with sheer numbers.

"Bellossom, use Shave – Hexagram Formation!"

"Machamp, jump and unleash Finger Pistol – Daytime Tiger! Stop the advancing Pokémon and then focus on Rhydon with the same move!"

Ron's voice rang clearly in the minds of his Pokémon. Bellossom, once moving gracefully, suddenly vanished, reappearing as a glowing green hexagram formed in mid-air.

Machamp leapt high, releasing a ferocious Daytime Tiger. The sonic boom echoed as the white tiger roared, halting the approaching Pokémon in their tracks.

It wasn't done yet. Machamp followed up with another devastating blow, targeting Rhydon with precision.

"Rhydon, use Megahorn to counter!" Jack shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.

Rhydon roared, its horn glowing with power as it charged head-on into the attack.

But the tiger's relentless force swallowed Rhydon whole, leaving Jack to watch in horror as his Pokémon was overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, Bellossom weaved through the battlefield with blinding speed, using Shave to outmaneuver the poachers' Pokémon. However, without the ability to use Moonwalk, it struggled against the overwhelming numbers.

Rhydon eventually broke free from the Daylight Tiger. However, though it barely managed to withstand the assault, Rhydon was left with numerous scars and even more pain radiating from within its body.

The impact of the air cannon caused even the thick-skinned Rhydon to feel as though its muscles were protesting.

"Persian, use Shave · Blink Step to charge forward and Finger Pistol · Phantom Claw for a quick kill!"

"Bellossom, use Shave – Hexagram Slash to block those Pokémon!"

"Machamp, Finger Pistol – Daylight Tiger combo!"

A shadow darted forward. Using the power of Blink Slash, Persian, who had been observing for a long time, bypassed the Pokémon guarding the area with Shave and began its slaughter.

Taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, Bellossom pushed its power to the limit, continuously executing Shave – Hexagram Slash to hold off Jack's Pokémon.

Two white tigers roared out in succession, charging left and right to attack Rhydon.

Roaring in defiance, Rhydon retaliated, clashing with Machamp's Daylight Tiger head-on.

With all its strength, Rhydon barely managed to block Machamp's attack. Just as it thought it could breathe a sigh of relief, it suddenly saw Machamp appear right before its eyes. A chilling sensation spread across its throat.

Jack, who had just driven Persian away from the crowd, looked up just in time to witness Machamp deliver the finishing blow to his Rhydon.

-----

Want to read ahead of schedule? 

Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635