"Not gonna fight," Natsuhiko said directly.
Lance: "???"
He's not stupid, and definitely not Master Ash. Knowing he'd lose, why seek humiliation?
Even though Lance was not yet the future Champion, nor one of the Elite Four, Natsuhiko was just a semi-novice who had been exposed to Pokémon for less than half a month.
Even though Weedle had a significant boost in strength due to fortunate encounters, its potential hadn't been fully converted into power. There's no need to clash with this Dragon-type specialist Trainer.
Dragon-type Pokémon undoubtedly possess the strongest initial talent among all Pokémon; most Dragon-type Pokémon's species values are the peak among ordinary Pokémon.
You can see this from the fact that in various regions, most Quasi-God Pokémon are Dragon-types.
Dragonite in the Kanto Region, Salamence in the Hoenn Region, Garchomp in the Sinnoh Region, Hydreigon in the Unova Region, Goodra in the Kalos Region, and even in Alola and Galar Regions, where either it hasn't been announced or hasn't been fully incorporated into the league's territory yet, Hakamo-o and Dragapult.
Except for Quasi-God Banjira in the Johto Region and the other Quasi-God Metagross in the Hoenn Region, which give face to other types, out of the eight regions, seven Quasi-God Pokémon are Dragon-types.
To possess Dragon-types is to possess the future; this saying is not mere talk.
As a genius from the Dragon Taming Race in the Kanto Region, Lance is also a Dragon-type Pokémon specialist Trainer, self-proclaimed as Dragon Tamer Lance, though others might prefer to call him Dodo.
Trying to stubbornly use Weedle for a collision would only damage Weedle's confidence and serve no other purpose.
Weedle has experienced failure; it doesn't need another known failure to awaken it.
"I... you..."
Why doesn't he play by the rules?
Lance was momentarily speechless.
When challenged by others, shouldn't one accept with delight and engage in a grand battle of the century?
Isn't that something every Trainer is enthusiastic about?
"I don't have much time; today, due to some matters, Weedle's training hasn't been completed. I must finish it and return for training soon," Natsuhiko thought and explained.
"Oh?"
Lance's eyes suddenly lit up.
He thought Natsuhiko refused because he disliked battles, but it turned out he was such a diligent Trainer.
Every day, he must complete a certain amount of training tasks.
Diligent people are always more likely to garner others' goodwill.
Especially when the other party is also a diligent person.
"Then do you want to train together?" Lance asked again.
Natsuhiko: "..."
So, are you actually Master Ash in Lance's shell?
He knows Lance is a passionate and cheerful person; back in the game, Lance frequently appeared to give gifts to the protagonist, earning the nickname "Wealth-Bestowing Boy."
Especially now, before he becomes an Elite Four and Champion, when there's no identity barrier between him and Natsuhiko.
But such enthusiasm was unexpected.
This time, it couldn't be refused again; the person has already been so proactive, can he really decline again?
Anyway, he's the future Champion, the league's chief investigator, and befriending such a person is certainly the right move.
So Natsuhiko nodded and said, "Okay."
After speaking, he continued browsing the books on the bookshelf.
"What book are you looking for? Maybe I can give you some help," Lance said, seeing Natsuhiko so keen on the books.
"Books on cultivating Poison-type Pokémon. I want to know how to enhance the toxicity of Poison-type Pokémon using some rather special methods," Natsuhiko said cryptically.
He didn't directly mention the idea of enhancing toxicity by consuming Poison Sacs from other Poison-type Pokémon; after all, this method isn't widely accepted by the league.
Lance understood if he understood, and if he didn't, it was fine.
"You're talking about... those rather extreme... methods?" Lance asked hesitantly.
"Hmm?" Natsuhiko was taken aback. "You know?"
Lance pursed his lips, his expression somewhat complex. "The league doesn't recommend that Trainers use such extreme methods, but... a friend of mine mentioned these to me before. In fact, it's an ancient, effective method, albeit somewhat cruel.
The league doesn't reject it, just doesn't promote it, and only a minority possess this knowledge."
The league doesn't reject it but doesn't promote it, leaving such methods to slowly fade away in the river of history?
No wonder.
No wonder he hadn't seen such books; it was because few knew, not because of the league's deliberate cover-up.
Lance's friend?
Natsuhiko's mind flashed with a few images: Ghost-Type Elite Agatha? Her ace Ghost-type legion's lead, Gengar, is a Ghost and Poison-type Pokémon.
Or... the current Gym Leader of Light Red City, Aju? He's currently known as the strongest Poison-type Pokémon specialist Trainer in the entire Kanto Region.
"Do you know about Raising Gu?" Lance continued, "In times of lesser civilization, some were enthusiastic about using this method to cultivate Poison-type Pokémon, but with the emergence of the league, such cruel methods have gradually been discarded; only some families with ancient histories still hold on to these practices."
"You don't reject it?" Natsuhiko countered.
"A little... resistant," Lance admitted straightforwardly, "But can't deny that existence is reasonable. This method has been passed down for thousands of years, possibly maintaining its historical lineage; it's the basic form of humans' initial exploration of Pokémon.
Moreover, natural selection and survival of the fittest are the essence of Pokémon's survival; we Trainers may choose not to accept, but we can't deny it. Though outsiders don't know, many families use breeding methods similar to this..."
As he spoke, Lance's expression grew profound and complicated, seemingly touched at a vulnerable point within him.
Probably referring to the Dragon Taming Race's methods of raising offspring... Natsuhiko thought to himself.
Phew—
Lance exhaled and tucked away his unusual emotions, re-displaying his smile, "The knowledge you want won't be found in these books; follow me."
Natsuhiko followed Lance's curious gaze and proceeded to the "Fascinating Readings" bookshelf.
His eyes flicked up and down until he quickly pulled out a not-so-thick book from the bookshelf and handed it to Natsuhiko.
"Try this one; my friend said it's written quite well."
"Tales of Gu Pokémon Transformation," Natsuhiko read the title as he accepted the book.
"I don't know if it contains what you're looking for, but my friend likes this book and claims it captures the essence of Poison-type Pokémon, maybe you'll find it helpful," Lance said.
The seemingly glamorous league is, after all, cultivating top-notch Trainers with a Raising Gu-like method, with layers of selection and elimination, just not as overtly as the Rocket Team.
Not born into the Dragon Taming Race, Lance has a firmer grasp on matters obscured by the league.
"Thank you," Natsuhiko expressed gratitude.
Indeed, Lance is a person full of stories; Natsuhiko could sense it.
"Alright, should we go train now? Show me your training methods for Weedle!" Lance once again excitedly chimed in.
"Okay." Natsuhiko no longer refused and responded.