Chapter 175: Rising to the Challenge (Part 2)

Dragging its exhausted, heavily injured body, Persian used the last of its strength to execute Shave and create some distance. However, two Pokémon continued to pursue from behind.

Nearly drained, Persian mustered all its remaining energy to turn around and face its two pursuers.

The fluctuations of psychic power surged, and Kirlia appeared in front of Persian. Using Psychic, Kirlia momentarily hindered the two Pokémon's pursuit, allowing it to teleport away with Persian in tow.

After defeating the Rhydon, Machamp unleashed another Day Tiger attack, charging directly into the Pokémon surrounding Bellossom.

Even with the assistance of Shave, Bellossom could not avoid being struck amidst the overwhelming numbers. It was sheer willpower that kept it standing.

Driving back the opposing Pokémon, Machamp quickly dashed to Bellossom's side with Shave and launched another Day Tiger, carrying Bellossom away.

Both Persian, who had recklessly charged into the enemy ranks, and Bellossom, who had held her ground against multiple opponents, had done so to buy Machamp enough time to take down Rhydon.

The result: Persian and Bellossom were severely injured, Machamp's energy was more than half depleted, and Rhydon, along with two Pokémon hunters, was defeated.

For Ron, this was a victory worth celebrating. Such overwhelming results with minimal losses were more than satisfactory.

Once Kirlia had teleported them to safety, Ron immediately began treating Persian and Bellossom.

Channeling Fighting Aura, Ron accelerated the healing process. Wounds on Persian and Bellossom quickly scabbed over and internal injuries began to mend, significantly reducing their pain.

Gazing at the devastated battlefield, Jack couldn't decide if he felt anger, sadness, or fear.

Earlier, Jack's rousing words had briefly reignited the Granite Poachers' morale, but now, it was completely shattered.

"Gather the wounded and retreat!" Jack's voice was low and heavy. He no longer had the strength to rally his team; all he wanted was to escape as quickly as possible.

His instincts told him that if they didn't leave now, they might not leave at all.

In a somber silence, the Granite Poachers began their retreat.

Unfortunately for them, the once-sturdy "granite" of their resolve was now riddled with cracks.

Jack consoled himself, believing that Persian and Bellossom had been so gravely injured in the earlier skirmish that they were unlikely to pose any further threat.

Following Jack's group, Kirlia used teleportation to lead Ron and his team in pursuit.

While on the move, Ron used Fighting Aura to expedite the healing of Persian and Bellossom.

When Jack's team finally saw the forest's edge, they felt an overwhelming sense of relief. It was as if stepping out of the forest was the most wonderful thing in the world.

But just as they were about to escape, a new adversary appeared to block their path.

A ferocious Day Tiger, roaring with raw power, emerged from the shadows like a bucket of ice water poured over Jack and his group.

"Rhydon... Sandslash, use Metal Claw!"

Realizing his mistake in calling out Rhydon's name, Jack corrected himself and ordered Sandslash to attack instead.

"Golem, use Heavy Slam and charge!"

Faul knew Sandslash alone couldn't withstand Machamp's attack, so he ordered his Golem to assist.

The Granite Poachers were now down to just 13 members, excluding Jack and Faul.

Seven focused on defense while the other six coordinated attacks with Jack and Faul against Machamp.

After delivering another Day Tiger, Machamp used Shave to retreat, avoiding their combined assault.

Meanwhile, Sandslash and Golem, who had borne the brunt of Machamp's attacks, were both severely injured.

With Machamp's strength, Jack realized they had no choice but to fight aggressively to overwhelm it.

At that moment, Bellossom, defying all expectations, rejoined the fray with Shave – Hexagram Slash.

"Defend yourselves!" Jack shouted, but it was too late—Persian had already taken down two of their members.

Nidoking unleashed a flurry of Blizzards, creating a chilling hindrance for the enemy Pokémon.

Relying on its wide range of attack, Nidoking focused on suppressing the opponents, while Kirlia stayed in the background, ready to teleport and provide support.

Spotting Jack and Faul's Pokémon, Machamp surged forward with Shave.

It executed Finger Pistol – Morning Peacock, a fiery barrage resembling the spread of a peacock's tail, engulfing Sandslash and Golem in flames.

"Faul, have Golem use Explosion!"

"But what about Sandslash—"

"No buts! I'll make that Machamp pay!"

Acknowledging Jack's determination, Faul reluctantly commanded Golem to prepare Explosion.

Before the move could be executed, Kirlia teleported Machamp and itself to safety.

Machamp retaliated with Finger Pistol – Thunder Blade, striking Sandslash and leaving a deep gash across its chest.

Seizing the moment, Kirlia swapped positions with Golem using Ally Switch, relocating it away from its allies just before the devastating explosion occurred.

As the aftermath of the explosion subsided, Ron commanded a final attack.

"Machamp, Finger Pistol – Evening Elephant!"

"Persian, Finger Pistol – Shadow Claw Storm!"

A colossal, elephant-like force crashed down, shaking the very ground. Persian moved like a phantom, slashing through both Pokémon and humans with lethal precision. The scent of blood quickly filled the air.

Clinging to his last breath, Jack stared in the direction of the chaos, hoping to see the face of the one responsible for the destruction of his poaching group.

But Persian didn't grant him that chance. With a swift strike of its claws, it pierced Jack's throat.

After the complete annihilation of the Boulder Poachers, Ron emerged from his hiding spot and began clearing the battlefield.

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