After capturing the Head Silcoon, Xu Li remembered the system and opened the achievement panel.
[Achievement unlocked: Defeat 1 Head]
[Ability gained: Miracle Eye]
[Extra reward triggered: Unconventional I]
[Loot function enabled]
Although it was just defeating a pathetic Wurmple, who said a Head Wurmple wasn't a Head?
[Miracle Eye]
[Release a beacon on the designated target. Afterwards, within a certain range, your attacks and items will always hit.]
Miracle Eye? If Xu Li remembered correctly, it was a Psychic-type Pokémon move.
[Unconventional I]
To a certain extent, you are immune to paralysis, burns, and frostbite.
Immune to these statuses directly? It would be great if Pokémon could have this ability. Xu Li felt that he would rarely trigger this ability, but an extra reward is always welcome.
Also, there's this Loot function. Originally, the system only had [Quest Achievements], [System Inventory], and [Appraisal Panel]. Now, a new function, [Loot], has appeared on the far right.
Clicking on [Loot] reveals a space similar to the system inventory. Currently, there are three items: [Candy S], [TM: String Shot], and [Bug Gem].
Candy S
A Candy full of power. When given to a Pokémon, it can increase its experience points slightly.
Bug Gem
A Bug-type gem. When used, the power of Bug-type moves will be enhanced once.
These items are clearly related to the Head Wurmple that was just defeated. The String Shot TM... seems useful but also not. However, the other two items are quite good.
After receiving the system's rewards, Xu Li decided to try out his new ability.
Focusing his attention on Oshawott, suddenly, in Xu Li's eyes, the surrounding environment darkened, and only Oshawott's body glowed.
"Oshawott, take this!"
Xu Li held the item in his hand and threw it sharply towards Oshawott, straight into Oshawott's mouth.
"Mee~ow~~~"
Watching Oshawott seemingly enjoying the Candy, Xu Li shook his Head. His vision returned to normal, and he refocused on his surroundings.
Because he had chased the Shinny Ponyta for a long distance earlier, Xu Li didn't know where it was now.
The areas on both sides of Xu Li were separated by a river. This place was like a peninsula, with a bridge-like structure made of rocks ahead, rugged and leading to higher ground. Was this the Grinding Stone Bridge marked on the map?
Since he came to Black Obsidian Field for training, he should try not to go back.
Xu Li said to the Pokémon surrounding him:
"Let's keep moving forward."
"Waga—"
"Axew~"
Climbing the rock bridge, exiting Horseshoe Plains, and continuing deeper into Black Obsidian Field.
Along the way, Xu Li released Eevee from its Poké Ball. Eevee, being in a Poké Ball for the first time, was a bit unaccustomed. After coming out, she clung to Xu Li's chest, whimpering "Eevee~ Eevee~".
This little fellow had become dependent on Xu Li in such a short time.
Now Xu Li's team was growing larger, especially since Xu Li didn't often keep his Pokémon in Poké Balls. Currently, beside Xu Li were Axew, Growlithe, Oshawott, Shinx, and Paras and Eevee on Xu Li's body. The only ones not released were the newly caught Silcoon and Spheal, who wasn't here.
With this scale walking on the grasslands of Black Obsidian Field, ordinary wild Pokémon didn't dare to provoke this group of dark forces.
Only Xu Li was bullying the wild Pokémon.
For example, now, the three Geodude in front of Xu Li were surrounded by Growlithe, Axew, and Oshawott on the outer perimeter, preventing them from escaping, leaving them to fight Eevee, Shinx, and Paras.
Geodude ♦
Type: Rock, Ground
Level: Lv16
Ability: Sturdy
Moves: Tackle, Defense Curl, Rock Polish, Rollout
Affection: 10
"Paras, Spore, then Absorb."
Paras acted first, shaking the mushrooms on its back, and Spore blew towards the Geodude. Two Geodude couldn't dodge and succumbed to drowsiness, falling asleep.
"Eevee, Swift, Helping Hand."
The remaining Geodude curled its body, used Rollout, and after avoiding Spore, rolled towards Eevee.
"Eevee——!"
Eevee opened her small mouth, spitting out many stars that crackled against this Geodude, slightly impeding Geodude's rolling pace and breaking Geodude's Sturdy.
Then, Eevee clapped her two front paws together, and Paras felt a surge of power enter its body, awaiting release.
Without hesitation, it used Absorb on Geodude. Green light was drawn from Geodude's body, flowing into Paras's body. With Eevee's Helping Hand, the power was even greater than usual.
Coupled with the Grass-type move that was quadruple effective against Geodude, Geodude's Rollout hadn't even reached its target before it was directly absorbed by Paras and lost its ability to battle.
For the remaining two Geodude, Xu Li sent out Shinx.
"Shinx, hmm~ Glare then Bite."
Almost all of Shinx's moves were Electric-type, which had no effect on Ground-type Geodude.
One Geodude was dealt with, and Shinx turned to the two sleeping Geodude.
Regardless of their eyes being closed due to Spore, its golden eyes stared intently at the sleeping opponents, unleashing Glare. A surge of energy entered Geodude's body, lowering its defense.
Pokémon moves are truly amazing. Even if the opponent is in a sleep state and cannot see, Glare still has an effect.
Then Shinx opened its mouth, revealing teeth imbued with dark energy, and bit Geodude with a fierce chomp. Geodude hadn't even woken up before it lost its ability to battle after Shinx used Bite several times in a row.
The other sleeping Geodude also lost its ability to battle under Paras's Absorb.
Xu Li directly took out Hisui's Poké Balls and caught the three Pokémon, as three fireworks rose from the grassland.
He put Geodude's Poké Balls into the research-specific backpack, intending to hand them over to Professor Laventon for research.
Pokémon given to Professor Laventon for research, while not necessarily living a very happy life, at least had food and shelter, avoiding the hardships of the wild. Most of the Pokémon used for research in Jubilife Village's pastures adopted a 'lying flat' attitude.
Wild Pokémon that were difficult to tame and unwilling to stay in the pastures were mostly released.
As Xu Li continued forward, he saw a red-eyed Graveler rolling towards him. Upon seeing Xu Li, it accelerated and rolled over.
Golem (Head) ♦
Type: Rock, Ground
Level: Lv33
Ability: Sand Veil
Moves: Rock Polish, Rollout, Stomp, Self-Destruct, Rock Blast, Heavy Slam
Affection: -5
"Prepare for battle!"
As Xu Li shouted, the Head Golem was already close to Xu Li. But with the system's agile body enhancement, Xu Li dodged the Head Golem's Rollout with a dive to the right followed by a roll, causing Golem to crash into the mountain behind Xu Li, stopping its roll.
Xu Li quickly grabbed some Sticky Globs from his backpack, threw a few at the Head Golem embedded in the mountain wall, and then commanded:
"Paras, Spore. Eevee, Yawn."
Paras once again sprayed Spore, and Eevee yawned, sending bubbles flying towards Golem.
"Axew, Swords Dance. Oshawott, Focus Energy."
The Head Golem, affected by both Yawn and Spore, was also groggily about to fall asleep.
But just as its eyes were about to close, the Head Golem let out a fierce roar, emitting a strong wave of energy that knocked Shinx and Paras, who were close to it, flying, instantly waking it up and dispelling the sleep status.
However, this also bought valuable time, as Axew's Swords Dance and Oshawott's Focus Energy were already completed.
"Eevee, Helping Hand."
Eevee clapped her paws again, and Helping Hand energy flowed into Axew's body.
"Leafage, Shell Blade, Double-Edge."
Axew was surrounded by green energy, its speed increased once more, and it charged towards the Head Golem with a raised leg. Oshawott also summoned his scalchop, following behind Axew, while Growlithe lowered his Head and charged fiercely from the side of the Head Golem.
First, Axew's Leafage kicked the Golem Head-on. With the massive attack power boosted by Swords Dance after Helping Hand, Leafage imprinted Golem once again into the mountain wall behind.
Next, Oshawott's continuous critical strikes with Shell Blade and Growlithe's Double-Edge from the side poured onto the Head Golem, embedding Golem even deeper into the mountain wall.
After Axew's Leafage hit, it was also in mid-air due to the recoil. Seizing the opportunity, its tail condensed water, and it used Aqua Tail to smash down on the Head Golem's Head from above.
Even Paras, after getting up, used Absorb on the Head Golem.
Although Golem has excellent defensive base stats, it also has many type weaknesses, and it couldn't withstand these enhanced, quadruple-effective Water and Grass-type moves.
Under Xu Li's Pokémon's continuous offensives, the Head Golem didn't even manage to use a counterattack move and directly lost its ability to battle.
Xu Li took out a Hisui Poké Ball and threw it at the Head Golem, and fireworks rose.
"This counts as beating the young ones and then the old ones, right? A family should be neat and tidy, though I don't know if they're a family."
"This one also goes to the professor for research. He's always talking about wanting to research Heads; he'd be overjoyed to see this. Anyway, Golem doesn't fit my aesthetic."
Due to the commotion of the recent battle, nearby wild Pokémon had all fled far away, so now he could rest quietly with his Pokémon on the spot.
Loot Obtained
Candy M, TM: Rock Blast, Hard Stone
Hard Stone
An absolutely unbreakable Hard Stone. When held, the power of Rock-type moves increases.
Candy M
A Candy full of energy. When given to a Pokémon, it can increase its experience points.
The Hard Stone is quite good, very useful for Growlithe, as it can enhance the power of Growlithe's Double-Edge, Rock Slide, and other moves.
"Waga~"
Xu Li came to Growlithe, brushing away the mud on Growlithe's Head that had stuck during the battle. Growlithe's tail also wagged gently.
He took out the Hard Stone, but then struggled with how Growlithe would carry it. Growlithe's body didn't seem to have any place to carry a Hard Stone.
"Got it."
Xu Li parted the scarf-like fur on Growlithe's chest, stroking the now softer clumps of dog fur, and placed the Hard Stone inside. Then, he wove the clumps of fur around the Hard Stone, ensuring it wouldn't fall out.
Finally, Growlithe's chest bulged slightly because of the Hard Stone, but it wasn't very noticeable from a distance. Growlithe didn't mind. Xu Li rubbed Growlithe's Head and said:
"This will do for now. I'll get a harness made for you when we get back."
"Oh, and this too."
Xu Li took out the [TM: Rock Blast] and had Growlithe use it.
It wasn't Growlithe's first time using a TM. He skillfully absorbed the new move, which became clear to him.
"Waga——"
Feeling the rock energy from the Hard Stone and the new move, he unleashed a Rock Blast towards the river. Large rocks crashed into the water, stirring up splashes and scaring the Magikarp in the river into a frantic escape.
"Waga~ Waga~"
Growlithe was extremely excited. He pounced on Xu Li, wagging his tail and licking Xu Li's face.
"Alright, alright."
After finally calming Growlithe down, Xu Li gave the Candy to Axew. He watched Axew level up on the system panel and listened to Axew's comfortable roar.
"Axew~~"
He pinched Axew's small belly. It seemed that the Candy was very comfortable to eat, and Xu Li also wanted to find an opportunity to try it himself.
"Paras~ Paras (Do you have more of this? Can I eat it?)"
Paras, who also heard Axew's comfortable cry, climbed onto Xu Li's shoulder, rubbing against him to curry favor, wanting to taste the Candy.
Xu Li cupped Paras in his hand, looking at the mushrooms on Paras's back, which had grown more than twice their size since he first met Paras. He felt a bit worried.
The mushrooms on Paras's back and Paras's insect body are two separate parts. The mushrooms stimulate Paras's desire to eat.
After Paras eats, most of the absorbed nutrients are taken by the mushrooms, until it evolves into Parasect. At that point, the insect's consciousness will die, and the giant mushroom will control the body.
Looking at Paras's innocent eyes, this insect was completely unaware of the crisis on its body, still being gluttonous. Is Candy something you can eat? What if it evolves?
Having spent so much time with Paras, Xu Li also liked this gluttonous little insect and didn't want to see it evolve like this. He was already consciously controlling Paras's diet.
Although this might be unfair to the mushrooms on Paras's back, Xu Li didn't care. The one he was interacting with was the little insect, not the mushroom.
"You're not allowed to eat this until I get you an Everstone."
"Paras~"
Although Paras didn't know what an Everstone was, it was a bit disappointed, but it also knew that Xu Li must be doing it for its own good.
"I'll tell you again, if you feel like you're about to evolve, you must…"
Xu Li was halfway through his sentence when Paras finished the words he had heard countless times.
"Paras~ Paras (You must tell Xu Li, and you have to hold it in and not evolve)"
"Yes, you must remember that."
"Paras~"
————
After resting with his Pokémon, Xu Li continued forward.
The Black Obsidian Waterfall was ahead; the rushing sound of the waterfall hitting the water could be heard. The terrain was getting lower and lower, and the grass on the right side was already touching the water. Many Buizel were playing in the water.
Some Buizel floated on the water using the inflated swim bladder on its neck, only its head visible. Others spun its propeller-like tail to create propulsion and swim in the water.
There were also many Magikarp in the river, but even more were lingering at the bottom of the Black Obsidian Waterfall.
"Bui——"
Seeing Xu Li and his group, a large Buizel that was floating on the water jumped ashore and challenged Oshawott.
"Mei Wu~?"
Oshawott was a bit confused, but he took a step forward to meet the challenge.
Wild Pokémon seem to battle whenever their eyes meet.