Faced with the sudden attack from the wild Pokémon, Honchkrow showed no fear.
Instead he was excited.
Battle… conflict… domination ,These had always been his instincts.
With a sharp cry, Honchkrow flapped his wings, instantly generating powerful gusts of wind from both sides. The compressed air currents surged forward, rushing toward the approaching Sawsbuck below.
Honchkrow was currently holding a SharpBeak, further amplifying the power of its Flying-type moves. Combined with its natural type advantage, the pressure it exerted was immediate.
Sawsbuck didn't retreat.
Its autumn-red antlers shook violently as emerald-green energy gathered around them. Lowering its head, it charged forward, meeting the attack head-on.
Wood Horn.
A rare Grass-type physical move capable of both dealing damage and restoring stamina.
The collision shattered the incoming gusts.
Without slowing down, Sawsbuck pushed forward, its hooves digging into the ground before launching itself into the air toward Honchkrow.
Silas remained calm.
"Drill Peck. Meet it head-on."
Honchkrow moved instantly.
Its body tilted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the incoming strike before its sharp beak began spinning at high speed. Like a drill, it pierced directly into Sawsbuck's side.
A sharp cry rang out.
Sawsbuck crashed to the ground, blood seeping from the wound as it struggled back to its feet. Its gaze locked onto Honchkrow, now filled with visible rage.
Autumn form.
Aggressive.
Irritable.
Unstable.
Silas didn't pause.
"Follow up, use Sucker Punch."
Honchkrow vanished from sight.
Boosted by Tailwind, his speed surged to the limit as he closed the distance in an instant. Before Sawsbuck could react, its dark-coated wings slashed forward, tearing open the previous wound.
Blood sprayed.
Yet instead of backing down, Sawsbuck grew even more violent.
Its hooves scraped against the ground as it gathered strength Then suddenly leapt.
Its body shot upward like a spring, reaching the same height as Honchkrow. Mid-air, it twisted its body and launched a powerful kick with its hind legs.
Honchkrow responded instantly.
A translucent barrier formed–Protect.
The attack was blocked completely But Sawsbuck had made a mistake.
Airborne.
No footing.
No control.
Honchkrow's body shifted mid-air, faint blue flames beginning to gather across his wings.
Brave Bird.
With a sharp cry, he dove down.
At the exact moment Sawsbuck began descending–Impact.
The attack struck directly against its face.
The force sent it crashing into the ground, its body motionless.
The battle was over.
Honchkrow hovered above, his eyes filled with clear disdain.
This level Wasn't enough.
Silas stepped forward and quickly captured the fallen Sawsbuck, storing it without hesitation But he didn't leave.
The battlefield remained untouched.
Blood soaked into the ground.
The scent spread And that Was intentional.
Honchkrow let out a harsh cry, his voice rough and excited. The more he fought, the deeper he sank into his instincts.
Silas watched silently.
Satisfied.
But not yet.
This wasn't enough.
If Honchkrow wanted to break through he needed more.
More battles.
More pressure.
More enemies.
Wild Pokémon began to appear one after another, drawn by the scent of blood. Each encounter turned into another battle, another step forward.
For Honchkrow This forest had become a training ground.
A proving ground.
A path built on fallen opponents.
"Brave Bird."
Silas' voice remained cold and steady.
Honchkrow rose higher into the sky, his body igniting once more with blue flames before diving down at terrifying speed.
Another opponent fell.
Then another.
His momentum continued to build. His aura sharpened and his presence grew heavier But Silas suddenly raised his hand.
"Enough."
He could already sense it Too many eyes.
Hidden in the darkness.
Watching.
Waiting.
Even with Crawdaunt nearby, staying any longer would be dangerous.
They withdrew immediately.
Not long after they left, the forest erupted into movement. Numerous wild Pokémon emerged from the shadows, drawn by the lingering scent of blood But none of that mattered anymore.
....
Break through
Silas stopped beside a large rock.
Honchkrow landed beside him, his feathers stained with blood and sweat, no longer carrying his usual pristine appearance.
Without hesitation, Silas took out the prepared potion.
"Drink."
His tone softened slightly.
Honchkrow didn't hesitate.
He grabbed the vial and swallowed it whole—bottle included.
A harsh crunch echoed.
Moments later The effect began.
Energy spread rapidly throughout his body.
Warmth.
Power.
Expansion.
Honchkrow's wings spread instinctively as he lifted into the air.
The energy within it surged Then broke through.
A pressure burst outward.
His aura changed completely.
Sharper.
Heavier.
Dominant.
His speed increased drastically, his movements becoming almost impossible to track—only a fleeting shadow remained visible in the sky.
Honchkrow Had reached Elite level.
Silas watched quietly, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Not bad."
"You've caught up."
Even now, the energy within Honchkrow continued to stabilize, the potion's effects not yet fully dissipated.
Silas' expression turned thoughtful.
This…Would be his hidden card.
Until the right moment It wouldn't be revealed.
"Keep your aura suppressed," he instructed calmly.
Honchkrow let out a low cry in acknowledgment.
In dangerous missions ,A hidden strength was often more valuable than an exposed one.
Silas lifted his gaze toward the darkening sky.
This mission…Involved a Legendary Pokémon.
Even if their role was only to collect blood and fur It was still dangerous.
Very dangerous.
...
"BOOOOM!"
A thunderclap tore through the sky.
Night had already fallen.
Dark clouds gathered densely above, lightning flashing continuously across the horizon. The storm intensified, as if the heavens themselves were raging.
Across Mauville City, countless people were awakened.
They stepped outside.
They looked up And as lightning illuminated the sky again and again ,An uneasiness spread silently through their hearts.
The storm Had only just begun. 🌩️
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(End of chapter)