Pokémon: Trainer Paul

"Cha-cha!"

At that moment, Dewott stepped forward, full of fighting spirit, expressing its desire to battle.

Paul glanced at Dewott and nodded slightly.

"Dewott, prepare for battle!"

"Cha-cha~"

Wielding its scalchops, Dewott moved forward, locking eyes with Skorupi.

"Drah~"

Recognizing the opponent's choice, Skorupi raised its two front pincers, emitting a green glow.

The next moment, a barrage of Pin Missiles shot out, blanketing Dewott's surroundings and covering all possible escape routes.

It was no exaggeration to say that even if Dewott attempted to escape underground with Dig, the Pin Missiles could pierce the ground and flush it out.

"Swords Dance." Paul commanded.

"Cha-cha~"

Dewott's scalchops glowed blue as water surrounded its body. It began spinning rapidly on the spot, transforming into a unique water tornado.

The combination of air and water blades formed waves of Sword Energy that collided with the Pin Missiles, attempting to block the first wave.

BOOM!

Explosions erupted in the air. While Sword Energy was powerful, it was no match for the fully-powered Pin Missiles.

The Sword Energy shattered on contact, but the water tornado fortified by Swords Dance exhibited immense defensive power.

Not only did it withstand the barrage, but it even deflected some Pin Missiles back toward Skorupi, rendering the previously invincible attack ineffective.

"Draah~"

Skorupi was stunned, its Pin Missiles had proven useless. A glint of malice flickered in its eyes as it maintained the barrage while secretly mixing a stream of poison into the attack.

The Sword Dance continued, perfectly countering the Pin Missiles. The enhanced Dewott exuded an unbreakable aura.

However, Paul had been closely observing Skorupi's subtle actions, its little tricks evident to his sharp eyes.

"Dewott, use Aqua Jet!"

Following Paul's command, Dewott increased the intensity of the water tornado.

As the poison dispersed, it tainted the water with a dark hue, but under Paul's guidance, Dewott intensified its spin, creating more water to wash away the toxins.

The defensive use of Aqua Jet showcased Dewott's mastery in handling ranged attacks. While its close-combat defenses were weaker, few Pokémon could get close to those employing such techniques.

Skorupi, despite its formidable abilities, failed to recognize this flaw, missing its best chance to defeat Dewott.

When Skorupi attempted to close the gap with Poison Fang and Poison Tail, Dewott's power had already risen to its peak.

"Aerial Ace!"

The water tornado dissipated as Dewott's clam blades gleamed white, slashing toward Skorupi.

As usual, Skorupi relied on its pincers and tail to strike in unison, a tactic that typically overwhelmed opponents, poisoning them before sealing the battle.

But Dewott wasn't just any opponent.

In an instant, Dewott pressured Skorupi, landing a type-advantaged Aerial Ace.

Before long, Skorupi was panting heavily.

"Draah!"

Realizing its inevitable defeat, Skorupi gritted its teeth and endured another Aerial Ace. Suddenly, it made a horrifying face at Dewott.

Scary Face!

"Cha~"

Startled, Dewott hesitated, its speed drastically reduced.

Skorupi seized the moment, coating its tail in a purple glow and lightly striking Dewott, inflicting poison. Then, it burrowed underground with Dig, hoping to create distance.

"Hydro Pump!"

Skorupi underestimated Dewott's resilience. Dewott unleashed a torrent of water into the burrow, blasting Skorupi out the other side.

"Aqua Jet!"

Dewott transformed into a water column, slamming into Skorupi.

BOOM!

Skorupi was launched like a cannonball, crashing into a tree before falling motionless.

"Poké Ball, go!"

Paul tossed a Poké Ball, capturing Skorupi in a flash of light.

Ding~ Ding~ Click!

After two shakes, the ball dimmed, signaling a successful capture.

Paul, however, did not immediately retrieve the ball. He observed Dewott, whose body had turned purple from the poison in just seconds, frowning.

Normally, poison or toxic status wouldn't incapacitate a Pokémon so quickly, especially in a balanced battle. Skorupi's poison, however, was far more potent with a corrosive effect.

"Eat this." Paul said, tossing a Berry to Dewott.

"Cha~"

Dewott quickly ate the berry, its condition improving rapidly as the poison faded.

"Vul~"

Nearby, Vulpix used Psychic to deliver the Poké Ball to Paul.

Accepting the ball, Paul patted Vulpix on the head while retrieving his Pokédex.

Skorupi

Type: Poison/Bug

Ability: Sniper

Gender: Male

Moves: Poison Fang, Toxic, Poison Tail, Pin Missile, Fell Stinger, Hone Claws, Night Slash, Scary Face, Dig

Paul was shocked. "It knows that many moves?"

This Skorupi's potential was impressive, boasting an array of techniques rarely seen in the wild.

Satisfied, Paul pocketed the ball.

As he turned to leave, a figure leapt through the trees with agility, landing beside a boy.

The newcomer was a stylish young man with orange pants, a black tank top, and green hair topped with a distinctive cowlick.

Paul recognized him instantly—the Bug-Type Elite Four member, Aaron!

"Well, Arsen, did you catch it?" Aaron asked, clapping the boy on the shoulder.

Arsen looked defeated. "No… I lost completely."

Aaron blinked in surprise. "What? You had five strong Pokémon. How did you lose?"

"I underestimated it. Skorupi used Hone Claws a few times in the burrow. After defeating Scizor with Fell Stinger, I couldn't fight back…"

Hearing this, Aaron burst into laughter, patting Arsen on the shoulder.

"Don't worry! Losses happen. Even I lose to Flint all the time. Learn from this, and you'll get stronger!"

"There will be more opportunities in the future. Just be careful next time. If it really doesn't work, leave the Skorupi to me."

"But it's already been caught… by him." Arsen glanced bitterly at Paul.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23