After safely arriving at the marked location, Icarus and Takashima led their Pokémon forward and began searching for the burrows.
"Found one! Captain Icarus!"
"I've got one too!"
After a bit of deliberate searching, they uncovered six burrow entrances in total—exactly what you'd expect from cautious Rattata.
More exits meant a better chance of escape.
Never underestimate wild Pokémon. Survival had made them sharp.
---
"But humans have tools."
Both trainers pulled out prepared burning materials from their backpacks, ready to smoke the Rattata out.
"Takashima, take some of this too." Icarus handed over half of his paralysis powder. "Mix it into the smoke—it'll help."
"Got it! Captain, you really think ahead!"
They lit the fires, feeding the powder into the smoke.
On the side, Pidgeotto began fanning its wings, guiding thick smoke into the burrows.
---
Soon—
"Cough! Cough!"
A purple Rattata burst out of one of the openings.
"Machop, Karate Chop!"
"Boom!"
The strike landed cleanly. The Rattata dropped instantly.
---
Icarus observed quietly.
Low-tier Normal level… makes sense. Fighting-type advantage plus a clean hit.
Still, he held back judgment. One move wasn't enough to gauge real strength.
---
More Rattata began pouring out—four in quick succession.
All of them were intercepted by Machop, knocked out one after another.
---
Then… silence.
Icarus narrowed his eyes.
"They've realized something. They won't keep coming out like this."
He gave quick orders.
"Weepinbell, take one entrance. Pidgeotto, take another. If too many come out, don't force it—let them pass."
"Geodude, you too—guard another one!" Takashima added.
---
A few minutes later—
"Rattata!"
Multiple Rattata burst out at once.
This time, they didn't scatter.
They rushed straight toward Machop.
---
"Boom! Bang!"
Even though Machop knocked several away, the sheer numbers overwhelmed it.
Three or four were sent flying—but more slipped through.
They latched on.
---
So that's his limit, Icarus assessed calmly.
Speed isn't much higher than Pidgeotto's… strength is decent, but nothing special.
---
"Pidgeotto, support Machop! Use Quick Attack to pull it out—then Gust to scatter them!"
"Weepinbell, Vine Whip—support!"
He moved immediately. No hesitation.
---
"Geodude, assist! Rock Throw!" Takashima shouted anxiously.
---
After a brief struggle, the four Pokémon regrouped.
At the same time—
Two Raticate emerged from the burrows, completely unharmed.
---
Icarus counted quickly.
"One mid-tier, one low-tier… twelve remaining Rattata."
Even after earlier losses, it was still a dangerous group.
No wonder they didn't flee—they regrouped to fight.
---
"Takashima," Icarus said quickly, "your Geodude tanks, Machop attacks. Hold them off first."
"My Weepinbell and Pidgeotto will spread powder and weaken them."
He kept his tone calm—but this setup also let him observe more.
---
"Got it!" Takashima nodded without thinking further.
---
"Geodude, stop the ones charging! Machop, support—low kicks and chops!"
"Boom!"
Geodude slammed into the ground, shaking it slightly.
Some weaker Rattata staggered.
But Icarus noticed something—
Even Weepinbell flinched slightly.
Poor control… he can't limit the impact area.
---
"Now—powder!"
"Bell~!"
A cloud of yellow paralysis powder spread across the battlefield, covering most of the Rattata—even the female Raticate.
---
"SKREE!"
Suddenly—
A sharp cry.
Machop screamed in pain.
---
The leader Raticate had slipped through.
A Quick Attack followed by a Bite—enhanced with Focus Energy—landed directly on its leg.
"Machop!"
Takashima panicked. "Icarus, help! Please!"
---
Icarus had seen enough.
Time to act.
---
"Pidgeotto, Quick Attack—target the Raticate! Then follow with Peck!"
"Weepinbell, Vine Whip—be ready to catch it when it's knocked back!"
---
Now, the real fight began.
---
(End of Chapter 130)
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