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The central lake of Misty Fog Forest was the main habitat of the Slowpoke clan. Since Slowpoke disliked conflict, this area was typically the most peaceful part of the forest.
But today was clearly different. A loud explosion was coming from the lake, and based on the wild Pokémon frantically fleeing outward from the forest center, it was evident that something terrible was happening there.
Boom! Boom! Boom~~~
Thunderous explosions continued to echo intermittently from the central lake. When Sato and Thomas reached the lake's edge, just as they had suspected, the explosions were caused by a clash between two powerful Pokémon.
Hovering above the now-violently disturbed central lake were two Psychic-type Pokémon, each radiating powerful psychic waves as they repeatedly clashed. Their moves collided and triggered terrifying energy explosions.
"Slowking and Alakazam? Why are they fighting?"
Sato looked up at the fierce mid-air battle and exclaimed in surprise.
He recognized both of the Psychic-type Pokémon currently exchanging attacks. Slowking was the leader and guardian of the Slowpoke clan in Misty Fog Forest.
The reason the normally docile and low-combat Slowpoke clan was able to claim this prime spot at the lake center wasn't just because they were Water-types—Slowking was the true key.
This guardian of the Slowpoke clan was a powerful Level 67 Psychic-type Pokémon, just three levels shy of ascending into the Elite Four level that could dominate an entire area.
Perhaps due to its wisdom and long lifespan, this naturally insightful Slowking had mastered many moves of various types, making it one of the most powerful Pokémon in the entire forest.
However, Slowking had retained the Slowpoke clan's disinterest in conflict. Despite its great strength, it never sought to expand its territory and instead led a slow, peaceful life guarding its little domain at the lake's center.
On most days, Slowking's favorite thing to do was stand with its hands behind its back atop a tiny island in the middle of the lake, gazing at the sky in meditation.
As for Alakazam, it was a powerful Level 64 Psychic-type Pokémon that had taken up seclusion in Misty Fog Forest.
Sato had previously encountered this Alakazam once. The powerful Psychic-type had shown no hostility, and even engaged in a calm telepathic exchange with him.
From that brief conversation, Sato had come to see Alakazam as a wise and kind elder. After offering it some rations as a sign of respect, he had unexpectedly gained valuable intel about the mysterious island from Alakazam.
Sato later verified much of the information through firsthand experience. Though the details had been vague, most of it proved accurate. Thanks to that intel, he had managed to avoid several dangers and even obtained rare treasures otherwise impossible to find.
Among those, the most precious was a Trileaf Revival Herb, a miraculous plant capable of reviving a dying Pokémon without any side effects. Sato had retrieved it from a ferocious Victreebel clan, and it was now his ultimate trump card for survival.
But now, these two normally peace-loving Psychic Pokémon were going all out, seemingly ready to fight to the death. Why? The cause deeply puzzled Sato.
After observing carefully, Sato found nothing nearby that seemed worth such a ferocious fight. Instead, he noticed many Psychic-type Pokémon he hadn't encountered earlier in the forest.
These Psychic-types made no real effort to conceal themselves. They were spread out among the trees surrounding the lake, intently focused on Slowking and Alakazam's battle. Their eyes burned with intense longing.
"Judging by their expressions, they're all hoping to obtain something from Slowking and Alakazam's fight. What could be so valuable that it's drawn nearly all the strong Psychic-type Pokémon in Misty Fog Forest here?"
Sato scrutinized the surrounding Psychic-types, all of which were at least Level 40. His suspicions only deepened. Something about the situation felt off. A familiar sense of danger began rising in his chest.
"Long time no see, human. Since you fed me good food last time, here's a warning—run. If you stay and the treasure surfaces, you'll be the first target these locals attack. You won't even get the chance to escape."
Just as Sato was beginning to feel the situation had gone awry and was about to signal Thomas to retreat, a childish voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
Startled by the familiar voice, Sato looked around and soon spotted a small Natu with a black star-shaped spot on its yellow beak perched on a tree branch to his back-left.
The moment she noticed Sato's gaze land on her, the Natu tilted her head up haughtily and stared at him with a proud expression.
"So it's you, little one. Tell me—what exactly is happening here?"
Sato's eyes lit up when he recognized the haughty female Natu. He quickly had Arcanine move beneath the tree, then looked up and asked with a smile.
This female Natu was a Psychic-type Pokémon he had once encountered and taken a liking to in Misty Fog Forest. She was still young and low-leveled—around Level 15 back then, and still the same now, nearly a week later.
Despite her low level, she had outstanding talent. Even at her young age, she could already communicate telepathically.
In terms of aptitude, she ranked among the top three Psychic-types Sato had encountered in the forest. Her individual value was an impressive 172—just shy of qualifying for the golden-tier category.
She was also one of the very few Psychic-type Pokémon in the forest who didn't immediately Teleport away upon seeing Sato.
In fact, this Natu was both a glutton and a master thief. Thanks to her Teleport and mastery of Trick, she once stole Sato's storage backpack by replacing with a piece of wood while he was preoccupied commanding his Pokémon in battle—and made a clean escape.
Fortunately, she was more greedy than malicious. Only interested in the high-grade Psychic-type food in Sato's backpack, she had eaten five packs, and after satisfying herself, returned the backpack.
Because of this, Sato had a lasting impression of her. When she returned the bag, she even used telepathy to toss a few proud remarks his way before Teleporting off again.
Later, she seemed to develop a fondness for the food in Sato's backpack. But due to his heightened caution, she never managed to steal again. Eventually, Sato used a few packs of high-grade food to exchange some brief telepathic chats with her.
Over time, he and this Natu became somewhat familiar with one another. Sadly, she showed no desire to join him, something that Sato deeply regretted.
"Hmph, I'm not telling you anything. Hurry up and leave, human."
Her tone grew even more tsundere as she responded via telepathy, tilting her head higher with a huff.
But her beady little eyes were locked onto Sato's spatial backpack, gleaming with mischief and hunger.
"Here, consider this payment."
Sato couldn't help but laugh. Understanding her perfectly, he reached into his backpack, pulled out two packs of high-grade Psychic-type Pokémon food, and offered them with a grin.