Machop remained unmoved.
Even after Yozora refused it outright, the little fighter's grin didn't fade. It kept negotiating, neither hurried nor flustered.
"What? If I don't hand it over, you'll just take it by force? How outrageous…"
Yozora couldn't help but laugh. He glanced around—the other wild Pokémon looked completely cowed, heads down, no fighting spirit at all. "Why don't you ask your companions? See if they dare to lift a finger."
Machop, undeterred, barked out: "Chop! Chop!"
It had learned to be clever. Realizing Yozora seemed able to understand its words, it didn't bother gesturing anymore—just shouted outright.
"What? They don't dare, but you do?" Yozora's lips twitched. This guy really was thick-headed…
Charmander he could understand—but didn't it feel the overwhelming auras of Beedrill and Kangaskhan nearby? How could it still not be afraid?
"Fine, since you insist, I'll grant your wish. Nidoran, battle!" Yozora declared, sending out his Pokémon.
This Machop was only at the Senior Level.
No need to send an Elite to fight—it was enough for Nidoran to handle.
After recent training, Nidoran had grown much stronger, also reaching Senior Level.
In terms of pure rank, it was evenly matched with Machop.
"Raaah!"
Nidoran emerged with a cry, planting itself firmly before Machop.
[Pokémon]: Nidoran♂
[Type]: Poison
[First Ability]: Poison Point
[Second Ability]: Poison Point
[Third Ability]: Poison Point
[Rank]: Senior Level
[Potential]: Pseudo-Legendary
[Notes]: Possesses venom far surpassing its level. Even Elite-level Pokémon at the lower stages can be poisoned with ease.
This Nidoran of Yozora's possessed triple Poison Point.
Not only was it larger than others of its species, but its spines were denser, sharper, and far more numerous.
Especially the massive horn atop its head—so huge and deadly it was even more terrifying than that of a Nidorino.
Yes—triple Poison Point!
Ever since defeating Brock and earning the Pewter Gym's Boulder Badge, Yozora had cleared the "Rookie Debut" achievement. His Pokémon could now unlock a third ability slot. (Beedrill, with maxed intimacy, even had a fourth.)
So, Yozora had experimented—attaching Poison Point a third time to Nidoran. He hadn't expected much, yet it worked!
To his surprise, abilities could indeed stack.
However, through testing he learned only the first ability, the natural one, could stack. Added abilities could not.
For example—Beedrill's first ability was Sniper, and Yozora had added Huge Power as its second. But when he tried to add Huge Power again, it failed.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, Machop roared. Its eyes turned blood-red, and a crimson aura burst from its body, cloaking the battlefield like a war zone.
Nidoran was trapped within it, clearly affected. Yozora could feel its aura surge violently, as though riled to madness.
From behind, he couldn't see Nidoran's eyes—but they too had turned crimson like Machop's.
Of course—ordinary people couldn't see this aura at all. Not even Machop itself.
It was energy. Aura. Something only an Aura Guardian could perceive.
"So that's it… this crimson aura must be the manifestation of Machop's No Guard ability."
"Within this field, even its opponent is infected by the warlike spirit—reckless and headstrong to the extreme."
Yozora smiled slightly, intrigued.
"Shhhht!"
At that moment, Machop lunged. Its arm gleamed with brilliant white light, cleaving toward Nidoran like a blade.
That was the Fighting-type technique—Brick Break!
Nidoran, caught up in the frenzy, had no thought of dodging or defending. With blood burning, it only wanted to charge straight in!
For most trainers, this was the dangerous part—they might give the wrong order: "Dodge!" or "Defend!"
But under the influence of No Guard, their Pokémon would ignore such commands, stand still, and get knocked down.
Yozora, however, had already understood the ability's essence.
One word—fight!
"Nidoran, Poison Sting!"
His order rang out. Nidoran, eyes blazing red, charged headlong.
In the clash—
Machop's Brick Break slammed squarely into Nidoran's face.
At the same instant, Nidoran's horn drove deep into Machop's left side.
Both were thrown back from the impact, grievously wounded, each grunting from the pain.
Yet even as they groaned, their eyes only grew bloodier, fiercer.
"Machop!"
It bellowed again, arm lighting up white for another Brick Break.
But before it could close the distance, agony suddenly surged through its body. Machop shuddered violently, stumbling to one knee.
Sweat poured across its face as it fought to stay upright. Looking down, it saw its left side marred with a spreading purple mark. The pain was excruciating.
It was obvious—Nidoran's horn had unleashed venom of terrifying potency.
Just one strike had already crippled Machop!
Unlike the games, reality wasn't just numbers ticking down.
In games, poison only meant gradual HP loss. No other effects.
But here—poison meant burning pain, numbed nerves, drained stamina, and often a complete collapse of fighting spirit.
And this was Nidoran with triple Poison Point. Its venom was far deadlier than ordinary poison.
Now Machop was drenched in sweat, panting, half-kneeling.
After only three seconds of resistance, it finally shut its eyes and toppled face-first into the dirt.
Yozora exhaled softly. There was no doubt—Nidoran had won.
This was the perfect chance to throw a ball and capture Machop.
And truth be told, he was interested. He wanted this Machop.
Yet he didn't move.
Because Machop was deeply poisoned. It needed immediate treatment.
Otherwise, lingering damage could be permanent.
Capture first, treat later? Possible—but problematic.
Yozora already had a full team of six. Capturing Machop would mean its Poké Ball was instantly transmitted to Professor Oak's lab.
Professor Oak was diligent, always at his post. But right now was evening. Dinner time.
What if Oak was mid-meal and treatment was delayed?
Yozora wasn't about to take that gamble.
He would detoxify Machop himself. That was the safest path.
And besides—he believed in his own charm. Winning Machop's trust and recruiting it afterward wouldn't be difficult at all.
(End of Chapter)