Chapter 106: Extinct Volcano

Fine... just because you guys managed to keep the book in the top 100 monthly for one day... Well, if you want another one, I just need one more review for the '1 ch for every 2 reviews until we reach 10' deal. Is It Wrong to Pick Up Reviews in a Chapter?

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After Ariados successfully defeated one of the Peak Elite Golduck, the battle on Sato's side finally stabilized.

More than half an hour later, dozens of Golduck had all been defeated, their bodies piled up near the lakeshore.

From time to time, a few Psyduck peeked their heads out of Dripping Lake, but they quickly ducked back in, filled with fear.

Rose quickly restored the stamina of the Water-type Pokémon.

The two Gyarados, Seadra, Dragonair, and Sato's Carvanha formed a team and dove underwater to explore.

Unfortunately, they found nothing.

The group wasn't discouraged, treasure hunting had always been about luck, while battle training was their true objective.

Without lingering, they left Dripping Lake shortly after. 

Just minutes after they departed, the fallen Golduck began to regain consciousness.

At that moment, a hunched-back, elderly Golduck emerged from the lake, accompanied by a Slowpoke.

Slowpoke looked as if it was daydreaming, taking a long moment before realizing what it needed to do. Then, it slowly began using Heal Pulse, helping the Golduck recover.

"Gooold…"

The old Golduck let out a quiet cry, gazing in the direction where the Brave Fights the Evil Dragon Team had left, as if deep in thought.

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Sato and the others had a lavish meal as usual. He couldn't help but wonder if White's storage (spatial) backpack was custom-made, since every meal was different, meaning he must have stored an incredible amount of ingredients.

After lunch, they had an hour of free time to handle personal matters.

White continued handling logistics work without complaints.

The others joked that if he ever failed as a Breeder, he'd just go back home as a rich second-generation heir.

Rose roamed the area with Wigglytuff and Blissey, occasionally gathering herbs and crafting emergency potions.

Clair had already fallen asleep on Lance's lap, a small trail of drool glistening at the corner of her mouth, she was completely out cold.

Lance, leaning against a tree with his eyes closed, remained motionless despite Clair sleeping on his leg. Although he didn't say anything, it was clear he cared about her.

Will and Sato used the break to train.

Since their next mission location was the nearby mountain, there was no need for additional planning.

Sato also let Pupitar out, since it needed sunlight to absorb calcium and aid its growth.

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"Zoroark, Night Slash! Gengar, dodge at full speed!"

Sato moved away from the others, leading his two strongest Pokémon to battle.

Since the overall team strength was high, Sato and his Pokémon had to push themselves harder to keep up.

As a result, Zoroark and Gengar spent the most time in battle. Sato had a strong feeling that Zoroark was close to a breakthrough, the thought excited him.

After their midday break, the group set off again. This time, their target was the mountain, where they would battle Magcargo.

The mission was to capture ten Peak Elite Magcargo, not too difficult, but not easy either.

Magcargo were scattered across this barren mountain, a place that was said to be an extinct volcano.

Although it hadn't erupted in ages, there were still magma flows beneath the surface, which was why Magcargo gathered there.

However, despite occupying the volcano, Magcargo were not social Pokémon, so they would need to track them down one by one.

Following their agreed strategy, the six split into three teams: Lance & Clair, Will & White, Sato & Rose. Each team would search separately for Magcargo and regroup at 5 PM.

All six started from the southern base of the mountain, with Sato and Rose choosing the rightmost path.

As they walked, Sato remained silent, and Rose was also quiet, simply focusing on keeping up with his pace.

When Sato casually glanced back, he saw Rose struggling, biting her lip as she kept moving forward.

It made him feel a bit awkward.

"Let's take a break."

"Huh? Oh-okay."

Rose responded between breaths, then sat on a half-meter-high rock, wiping sweat from her forehead.

"Houndoom, scout the area."

Houndoom immediately ran ahead, enjoying the fire-type energy radiating from the volcano. This kind of environment suited it perfectly.

"Sorry… I'm slowing you down," Rose muttered, thinking Sato had sent Houndoom because he was impatient.

"That's not it. Houndoom is just better suited for finding Magcargo," Sato replied stiffly. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "They're all Fire-types, so… yeah."

Rose nodded, still wiping away sweat, unsure how to continue the conversation.

The atmosphere became awkward again.

"Pfft-!"

Sato turned to see Rose suddenly laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"You're just so adorable, Sato!"

…Meow, meow, meow?

"Arf!"

"Houndoom found something!"

Sato immediately stood up, and Rose quickly stifled her laughter, standing up as well and following behind him.

"Boom! Boom boom!"

Following the sound of battle, Sato and Rose quickly rushed forward, soon spotting Houndoom locked in combat with a Magcargo.

Overall, Houndoom was at a disadvantage, the Magcargo was at Peak Elite level!

"Protect!"

Hearing Sato's command, Houndoom instantly activated Protect. The next second, massive boulders rained down, burying Houndoom completely. Move: Ancient Power!

"Houndoom, Nasty Plot!"

Though Houndoom was trapped inside the rocks, thanks to Protect, the inside was left hollow.

As Protect faded, Houndoom immediately used Nasty Plot, the surrounding rocks acting as a natural shield!

"Mag!"

Magcargo looked visibly frustrated. Even though the pile of rocks showed no movement, its instincts screamed that something was off. So, it unleashed Flamethrower!

"Houndoom, Dark Pulse!"

Flamethrower and Dark Pulse collided with the rock pile, one from inside, one from outside!

The explosion sent rock fragments flying, lightly injuring Houndoom.

"Again, Dark Pulse!"

A black energy wave shot toward Magcargo.

With Nasty Plot's boost, the damage output skyrocketed! Magcargo, whose Special Defense wasn't as high as its Physical Defense, was blown away!

"Maaaaghhh!"

Sent flying, Magcargo immediately withdrew into its rocky shell, reducing the impact damage.

After landing, it stuck its head back out, staring at Houndoom in a daze, it seemed completely disoriented.

No, it was Amnesia!

"Houndoom, Roar!"

Sato commanded loudly, and Houndoom let out a ferocious roar, startling Magcargo.

Its Amnesia was interrupted!

"One more time. Dark Pulse!"

With its slow movement speed, Magcargo had no chance to dodge, it was blasted into the air once again!

Sato quickly pulled out an empty Poké Ball and threw it forward! The Poké Ball shook violently for a few seconds... then fell still.

Magcargo: captured!

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