CHAPTER 16

016 Pokémon Hunter, Save the Shiny Fomantis

The battles had come to an end, and Kirlia needed time to digest the experience gained from these fights, converting her combat encounters into practical growth.

"I'm sorry for the trouble, but the battle is over,this is for you."

Since the incense had attracted many Pokémon, Qin Yun wouldn't let them leave empty-handed. He took out the prepared Pokéblocks and distributed them to each Pokémon.

The gathered Pokémon happily accepted the treats.

Most Grass-type Pokémon are gentle by nature, and rare treats like these made them ecstatic. Seeing their joyful reactions lifted Qin Yun's mood as well.

Qin Yun had a deep-seated love for Pokémon, not just as battle partners but as lifelong companions.

This sincerity was one of the reasons Kirlia adored Qin Yun so much,she could sense his genuine care for Pokémon.

"Kirlia, when using Finger Gun earlier, try raising your right hand slightly. It'll improve the release timing and accuracy."

"Also, when we battled Oddish, if we adjusted our approach, the fight could have ended even more efficiently."

"And another thing..."

Kirlia listened attentively, absorbing every bit of Qin Yun's advice.

For nearly half an hour, they reviewed and discussed their battle strategies while enjoying energy cubes.

This was Qin Yun's method of training constant reflection on weaknesses and improvements, refining techniques to grow stronger.

"Alright, let's head back for today."

"Chiru!"

Kirlia chirped excitedly. Even though she loved traveling with Qin Yun, she missed the relaxing warmth of a Scalding bath.

Since Monday night, they had stayed outside the city, relying on Pokémon Centers only when necessary.

Holding Kirlia's hand, Qin Yun activated the Pokédex map and began making his way toward Jiangcheng.

After walking for a while, Qin Yun suddenly noticed something odd there were distinct traces of struggle in the area.

"Are these tire tracks?"

From their depth and width, Qin Yun deduced that they belonged to a heavy-duty vehicle one that didn't belong in this dense forest.

"Trainers wouldn't drive here under normal circumstances… unless..."

A troubling thought surfaced in Qin Yun's mind.

"Pokémon hunters."

Only Pokémon hunters used modified vehicles to navigate the wilderness.

Most Pokémon hunters were ruthless, capturing wild Pokémon indiscriminately to sell them on the black market.

To them, Pokémon were nothing more than commodities.

Any captured Pokémon that didn't meet their standards typically those below the junior level would be discarded or worse, eliminated.

A grim look crossed Qin Yun's face.

Pokémon hunters weren't just cruel to Pokémon they were equally dangerous to trainers who stumbled upon their operations. Many rookies who crossed their path never made it back.

"I can't let them take any Pokémon."

Qin Yun made his decision.

Of course, he wasn't reckless if the situation was too dangerous, he would prioritize survival and report the hunters later.

No matter how strong his protagonist aura was, recklessness could still get him killed.

"Kirlia, be alert. There's danger ahead stay close to me."

"Chiru!"

Kirlia immediately moved in front of Qin Yun, spreading her arms protectively as if shielding him from harm.

Qin Yun's heart warmed at the sight.

"As expected of my Kirlia."

But he couldn't allow her to act impulsively.

"Listen to me carefully, Kirlia. If things go south and I tell you to run, you must go find help."

Kirlia shook her head in defiance.

Qin Yun knew she wouldn't leave him behind, so he softened his approach.

"Kirlia, I need you to escape not to abandon me, but to get reinforcements, okay?"

Kirlia hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.

"Good girl."

Qin Yun gently patted her head.

"Alright, let's go."

Moving cautiously, Qin Yun followed the tracks for about ten minutes before hearing voices up ahead.

"Boss, we caught a bunch of Pokémon this time! And we even got a Shiny Fomantis! It might have high potential if we sell it, we'll be set for a long time!"

"Hah, yeah! Shiny Pokémon are rare. Even if it's just a Fomantis, the lowest potential it could have is mid-tier. That alone raises its market value compared to normal ones. If it had multiple evolutions instead of just turning into Lurantis, the price would skyrocket!"

Qin Yun's eyes gleamed with surprise.

A Shiny Fomantis?

Fomantis, the Grass-type Pokémon, evolves into Lurantis a Pokémon known for its powerful Solar Blade attack.

A Shiny Fomantis… if I can get my hands on it and apply my hundredfold talent multiplier, its minimum potential could reach high top-tier!

His heartbeat quickened at the thought.

And if its Ability is Contrary…

Contrary, the rare Hidden Ability, reverses stat changes turning moves like Leaf Storm into devastating power boosts instead of stat reductions.

With this Ability, Lurantis would essentially become a walking turret, gaining immense power with every attack.

Qin Yun carefully peered ahead.

A modified pickup truck sat in a clearing, its cargo hold filled with caged Pokémon.

Two Houndoom stood guard, growling menacingly.

Qin Yun activated his Pokédex scan.

[Pokémon: Houndoom]

[Type: Dark / Fire]

[Ability: Flash Fire (Absorbs Fire-type attacks, boosting its own Fire-type moves.)]

[Strength: Entry-level Peak]

[Potential: Mid-tier]

[Moves: Inferno, Nasty Plot, Thunder Fang, Ember, Bite]

[Dex Entry: Its eerie howl sends shivers down the spines of Pokémon, driving them back into their nests.]

Qin Yun frowned.

"Both are at peak entry-level strength and know a variety of strong moves… this won't be easy."

"And Houndoom's Dark typing resists Psychic moves, meaning Kirlia's strongest attack, Psychic, is ineffective."

"Thankfully, Fairy moves are super effective against Dark types, but Kirlia only knows Charming Voice."

Qin Yun ran multiple battle simulations in his mind.

This isn't a game. There's no second chance if we mess up.

One mistake, and they could be the ones caged next.

He took a deep breath, steeling his resolve.

It was time to act.

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