Seviper and Zangoose were mortal enemies.
The memory of their blood feud was carved deep into their very genes. For countless generations, their species had clashed without end. Whenever they met, it was always a fight to the death.
Researchers had long puzzled over one question: how could Seviper and Zangoose coexist in the same ecosystem?
Silas smirked as he crouched in the undergrowth. "Looks like I'm destined to play the fisherman today."
From what he'd studied, Seviper and Zangoose would never retreat on their own. They would fight until one side fell.
"Ssshhhhaa!"
The Seviper hissed, its forked tongue flicking as venom dripped from its fangs. Its tail, sharp as a steel whip, lashed out with deadly force as it coiled and struck again and again.
"Zan-goooose!"
Zangoose snarled, claws gleaming with cold light as it darted aside, swift and relentless, countering whenever an opening appeared.
The clash grew fiercer — venom sprayed through the air, the acrid stench burning Silas' nose even from a distance.
"Given the matchup… Seviper's chances are slim," Silas murmured. He knew Zangoose's abilities inside and out:
Immunity: Complete resistance to poison.
Toxic Boost (Hidden Ability): Converts toxins into strength, powering up physical moves.
Either trait made it a nightmare for Poison-types.
Even so, this Seviper refused to yield. Its scales bore countless fresh wounds, yet its aura burned undimmed.
By noon, the sun blazed high, scorching the forest floor. Both Pokémon were exhausted — blood soaking into fur and scales, breath ragged, bodies trembling.
Still, their eyes stayed locked, unyielding. This fight could only end in death.
"This is hatred written in their bloodlines…" Silas thought.
Just then, he broke the tension with a shout:
"Fearow, use Drill Run on Seviper!"
"FEAAROW!"
Fearow burst from the bush like a thunderbolt, wings slicing the air, wind screaming in its wake. Its long beak glowed with earthen energy, spinning as its entire body whirled like a living drill.
The exhausted Seviper widened its eyes in horror. It tried to dodge, but it was far too slow.
"FEAAAAAROW!"
The strike landed with crushing force.
BANG!
"Ssshh!"
Seviper was hurled across the clearing, smashing against a tree trunk before slumping limply to the ground, unconscious.
"Zangoose…"
For a moment, Zangoose froze, then quickly turned tail, leaping away in long, powerful bounds until it vanished into the forest.
Silas made no move to chase it. "Not worth the risk. In Petalburg Woods, charging into unknown territory could mean stumbling into something far worse."
He steadied himself. "One is enough. Resisting greed is the mark of a strong trainer."
He tossed a Poké Ball.
"Go!"
The ball struck Seviper, light engulfing its body.
Shake…
Shake…
Ding!
Capture complete.
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Pokédex Entry:
Seviper — the Fang Snake Pokémon. Poison-type.
For generations, it has clashed with Zangoose. The scars on its body mark countless battles. Attacks using its venomous tail are feared by all.
Height: 2.7 m
Weight: 50 kg
Ability: Shed Skin
Known Moves: Wrap, Swagger, Bite, Lick, Poison Tail, Feint, Screech, Venoshock, Glare, Poison Fang, Venom Drench, Snatch
Inherited Move: Iron Tail
_________________________________________
Silas grinned. "Lucky. Level 27, with Iron Tail inherited? This one will fetch a good price."
Seviper were especially valued on the black market — fierce, cruel, and dangerous.
"Which means its lair can't be far…" Silas thought. "If I'm lucky, I might even find shed skin."
He ordered Fearow to scout, and soon enough, they located a hidden cave a few hundred meters away.
The air was thick with foul stench. Inside lay two rotting snake skins — and one fresh, dark-scaled piece, shed less than half a month ago.
Silas inspected it with satisfaction. "Perfect. Another task item."
Though he wasn't certified as a professional breeder yet, he trusted his knowledge. His skills in collecting materials were no less than any junior breeder.
"Time to head back. Better to reach the city before sundown."
Mounting Fearow, Silas took flight. The Fearow's wings beat heavily, carrying him back toward Petalburg City.
By the time he reached the Pokémon Center, dust-covered and weary, the sun was dipping low. He dropped his backpack but didn't rest because fresh materials degraded quickly.
"Seviper skin spoils with time. Better to submit it right away."
He strode to the self-service mission terminal. The Poké Ball containing Taillow was drawn in and transmitted away, completing his earlier mission.
A notification chimed. Task complete. Reward: 180,000 Pokédollars.
Silas smiled faintly. The price was fair, just as expected.
"Sir, this way please."
An appraiser in a white coat guided him to a small room. The man donned gloves, carefully unrolling the Seviper skin.
"Hm… Seviper, shed within the last two weeks. Not a scratch. Excellent work, sir."
The appraiser nodded approvingly. "We can offer you up to 20,000 Pokédollars for this. If that's acceptable, we'll settle immediately."
"Fine by me," Silas replied.
Moments later, the funds were transferred. Together with the Taillow mission, his account had grown by another 200,000 Pokédollars.
At last, his once-shrunken wallet swelled full again.
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(End of chapter)