It was a Shiny Pinsir.
And it was bigger than normal—easily a head taller than a typical one.
Its massive yellow-green horns only made it more intimidating. Just looking at them was enough to make anyone think twice.
...
"Holy shit, that's a Shiny Pinsir!"
"Seriously… why have I never run into a Shiny Pokémon!?"
"You're dreaming. The odds are already insane, and actually finding one? Even worse. You think it's that easy?"
"I'm so jealous… Shiny Pokémon are seriously strong."
"Screw it, I'm heading back into the forest. Maybe I'll get lucky too."
"Wait up, I'm coming with you!"
...
The crowd erupted, voices full of envy and disbelief.
Shiny Pokémon weren't just rare—they were widely seen as stronger, and perfect for showing off.
His gaze sharpened slightly.
This Pinsir was no joke.
Its data panel appeared in front of him:
[Name: Pinsir (Shiny)]
(Shiny Effect: Physical Attack +10%)
[Gender: Male]
[Nature: Brave]
[Type: Bug]
[Ability: Mold Breaker]
[Base Stats Total: 500]
[Level: Elite (Late Stage)]
[Pokémon Potential: Champion]
[Moves: Vise Grip (Mastery), Focus Energy (Proficient), Seismic Toss (Proficient), Harden (Proficient), Vital Throw (Proficient), Double Hit (Proficient), Protect (Proficient), X-Scissor (Proficient), Brick Break (Proficient), Swords Dance (Proficient), Rock Slide (Proficient), Stone Edge (Proficient), Submission (Beginner), Thrash (Beginner)...]
[Description: Pinsir, a stag beetle Pokémon with immensely powerful horns. Once it clamps down on its target, escape is nearly impossible.]
...
Champion-level potential. Late-Stage Elite strength.
Still, something felt off.
A memory surfaced—Pinsir swarming Beedrill.
His brows tightened. Why would an Elite-level Trainer show up to a small tournament like this… for just 500,000?
It didn't add up.
Was this guy connected to that swarm?
Or was he overthinking it?
"Bzz—!"
Beedrill's tone turned sharp the moment it locked onto Pinsir, its wings beating with restless agitation.
"Beedrill."
At his voice, it settled slightly, but its gaze stayed cold, fixed on its opponent.
"Krrr…"
Pinsir didn't look away. A hint of disdain showed in its eyes as it let out a low, mocking cry.
These two clearly had history.
"This match begins!"
Simon waved his flag, and the final battle kicked off.
"Pinsir—Stone Edge!"
The Bug Catcher moved first.
"Krrh!"
Yellow energy surged around Pinsir as jagged stone spikes formed and shot forward.
"Beedrill, dodge."
Calm. Cold.
He could feel the hostility coming off it—this wasn't just another opponent. If anything, this was personal.
"Bzz!"
With its speed already pushed to the limit, Beedrill slipped past the incoming stones without effort.
"Poison Jab."
This time, no rush to finish it in one move.
Let it take this back.
"Bzz!"
A violet glow gathered at the tip of its stinger—then it vanished.
A blur—
and it reappeared beside Pinsir, striking clean.
A sharp piercing sound cut through the air.
"KRRRH!"
Pinsir cried out as purple fumes began to rise from its body.
Poison spread through its body. Poison Jab hit hard—and now it was ticking.
"Pinsir—Rock Slide!"
The Bug Catcher's expression tightened. If anything, this was on him. Letting Beedrill stack speed had turned it into a nightmare.
"Krrrh!"
Pinsir pushed through the poison and called down a barrage of falling rocks.
"Beedrill, dodge—then Pin Missile."
It weaved through the incoming stones with ease, wings buzzing as it held position midair.
Its abdomen lit up—and a volley of sharp needles fired straight down.
"Pinsir—Protect!"
A translucent barrier snapped into place just in time.
Tap, tap, tap.
Every hit was blocked.
...