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Half a month had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. During this period, Jacob had settled into a routine of patrol duties and Pokemon training, though three significant developments had occurred.
First, Gastly's power had reached Elite-level status and was on the verge of evolving into Haunter. However, Jacob had decided to postpone the evolution temporarily. The reason was clear—Gastly currently suffered from a severe type imbalance, with its Ghost-type and Poison-type energies not in proper equilibrium. Evolving under these conditions would result in an imperfect transformation. Jacob planned to find at least a B-grade Poison-type item to supplement Gastly's Poison-type energy before allowing the evolution to proceed. Ideally, he hoped to locate an A-grade or higher Poison-type item for optimal results.
The second major development involved Aerodactyl's intensive training regimen. Under the combined supervision of Iron Valiant and Charizard, the once-rebellious Aerodactyl had undergone a remarkable transformation. What had started as an unruly and defiant Pokemon had become remarkably obedient and responsive to commands from both Jacob and Asher. The dramatic change in behavior had surprised even Jacob. He estimated that after another week of specialized training, Aerodactyl would achieve complete obedience, at which point it could be safely transferred to his older brother's care.
The third significant event was the addition of Caleb and Jacob's older brother Asher to the Patrol Team. Asher had completed a month of intensive training and would be departing alongside Jacob and the other team members. Caleb, however, faced a longer commitment—six months of rigorous training designed specifically to cultivate his potential as a trainer.
...
The noon sun blazed overhead in a cloudless sky as the Patrol Team made their way through the Sky Mountain Range. Jacob, Caleb, and Amelia were currently conducting a routine patrol mission through the mountainous terrain.
"Let's land and take a break," Jacob called out after they had been flying continuously for three hours. Exhaustion was evident on all their faces, and the strain was beginning to show. Recognizing the need for rest, Jacob signaled for the team to descend. "Charizard, bring us down."
Following Jacob's command, Charizard immediately banked and descended toward the forested mountainside below. Seeing their leader's movement, Caleb and Amelia directed their Fearow to follow suit, guiding them down to the ground.
Once they had landed, the three trainers found a comfortable spot to sit and began eating their provisions to restore their energy. The weather was particularly pleasant—since it was a sunny day, the temperature remained warm and comfortable, despite their altitude.
As the group rested on the ground, Jacob found his attention drawn to the imposing peak of Sky Mountain looming before them. His thoughts drifted to the legends surrounding Chien-Pao that were said to dwell within the mountain's icy heights.
Every patrol mission brought the same feeling—a powerful urge to explore Sky Mountain's mysteries. Yet each time Jacob gazed up at the snow-covered peak, he ultimately decided against such a venture. The mountain's treacherous conditions and unknown dangers gave him pause.
Jacob lowered his gaze back to his meal and addressed his companions. "We'll rest for ten minutes. Since the weather is holding up nicely, let's push through and complete our patrol route quickly so we can head back early."
"Understood," both Caleb and Amelia responded with nods.
"What was that?"
Suddenly, a tremendous vibration shook the ground beneath them, accompanied by a thunderous roar echoing from Sky Mountain's direction. All three trainers immediately looked up toward the mountain, where they witnessed a massive avalanche cascading down the distant slopes.
The enormous wall of white snow poured down the mountainside like a tremendous waterfall. The visible avalanche erupted with incredible force, producing a deafening sound that reverberated throughout the entire mountain forest.
"An avalanche?" Caleb asked, following Jacob's gaze toward the dramatic scene unfolding before them.
"That's correct," Amelia confirmed, her academic knowledge coming to the fore. As one of the top students in their group, she provided an explanation for both of her companions. "It's definitely an avalanche. I'm surprised we're witnessing one in this location. Actually, avalanches are quite rare in remote areas like Sky Mountain. According to research data, approximately ninety percent of avalanches are triggered by either human activity or Pokemon."
If humans were responsible, it would most likely be poachers operating in the area. However, if Pokemon had caused it, they were probably dealing with powerful Ice-type Pokemon such as Mamoswine or Abomasnow.
Jacob's mind immediately turned to the stories Maya had shared about Chien-Pao being connected to avalanches in Sky Mountain. His eyes brightened with sudden interest, and he quickly rose to his feet, addressing Caleb and Amelia. "We need to get closer and investigate. Whether this was caused by Pokemon or humans, it's our responsibility to check it out."
Upon hearing Jacob's decision, both Amelia and Caleb nodded their agreement. They immediately began packing their belongings and preparing for departure.
Before they took to the air, Jacob delivered a stern warning to his two companions. "If we encounter any dangerous situations, I want both of you to retreat immediately. Don't worry about me—just get to safety."
Jacob's concern was well-founded. Whether they faced poachers or wild Pokemon, both Amelia and Caleb's current strength levels would provide little assistance in a serious confrontation. In fact, Jacob would likely find himself expending valuable energy protecting them rather than dealing with whatever threat they might encounter.
The three trainers mounted their Flying-type Pokemon and headed toward the avalanche site. Along their flight path, they observed numerous Pokemon fleeing the area in panic. When faced with natural disasters like avalanches, most Pokemon had no choice but to escape to safety. Only the most powerful Pokemon possessed the strength to resist such overwhelming natural forces, and humans certainly couldn't fare any better.
As they drew closer to the avalanche zone, Jacob's sharp eyes identified four figures riding Flying-type Pokemon, circling above the disaster area. Their behavior suggested they were waiting for the avalanche to subside before attempting to capture any Pokemon that might have been caught in the chaos.
The four suspicious individuals also noticed Jacob and his companions at that moment, and their surprise was evident.
"It's the Patrol Team! What should we do, Boss?" The youngest member of the four poachers called out nervously to the middle-aged man leading their group.
The middle-aged man's name was Jett, and he served as a high-ranking leader within the notorious international Pokemon poaching organization known as the Mike Group. His reputation was built on exceptional strength—he was a seasoned Quasi-King-level trainer who commanded multiple Pokemon of equivalent power.
For this particular operation, he had led three subordinates in an illegal infiltration of the Wilderness Area, specifically targeting rare Ice-type Pokemon for capture and smuggling.
Jett remained seated on his Braviary's back, his calculating gaze fixed on Jacob and his two companions as they approached. When he recognized Jacob's distinctive black Charizard, his expression grew troubled, and his brow furrowed with concern.
"That's Jacob," he said grimly. "We're leaving. Now."
After positively identifying Jacob, Jett made the rational decision to retreat immediately. He had absolutely no desire to engage in combat with the young trainer.
Over the past two weeks, news of Peter's poaching group being successfully apprehended had spread throughout the criminal underground. Along with those reports, detailed information about Jacob had found its way to the desks of various poaching group leaders across the region.
The intelligence painted a clear picture: Jacob was the grandson of Scott, a renowned scientific research genius within China, a direct disciple of the Heavenly King Maximus, and the champion of the Starlight City High School Cup. This impressive collection of titles and connections proved that Jacob possessed not only an incredibly powerful background but also demonstrated extraordinary talent as a trainer. Consequently, most poaching organizations had made the strategic decision to avoid any confrontation with him.
Fortunately for these criminal groups, Jacob's assignment to the Patrol Team was only scheduled to last one month. Most poaching organizations had therefore decided to temporarily suspend their illegal activities for the duration of his service, planning to resume their operations only after his patrol duties concluded.
However, Jett found himself in a different position. His client had been applying tremendous pressure, leaving him with little choice but to take significant risks. He had brought three subordinates to the remote Sky Mountain area specifically to conduct poaching operations despite the danger.
Initially, their mission had proceeded smoothly under careful concealment. Unfortunately, their luck had run out during an attempted capture of an Avalugg. The intense battle had triggered the wild Pokemon's desperate counterattack, which ultimately caused the devastating avalanche that had drawn Jacob and his team's attention to their location.
Jacob had also spotted Jett and his accomplices by this point. His eyes narrowed with determination as he immediately commanded his Pokemon to pursue. "Charizard, go after them!"
Rather than attempting to fight back against the approaching Charizard, Jett chose the prudent course of action. He accelerated his escape from the scene, signaling for his three subordinates to follow his lead in a hasty retreat.