"Ding!"
As if responding to Shidou's complaint, a light screen automatically expanded beside the little mantis, displaying its detailed data.
[Spirit: Darr]
[Source: "Seer" World]
[Introduction: A powerful Combat-type spirit with unparalleled innate potential. They are a race highly specialized in battle; no one knows where they originated. This is the primary form of Encaros.]
"Wait... Encaros?"
Seeing that name, Shidou froze for a moment, and memories buried deep in his mind flooded out like a broken dam.
He remembered now!
Encaros, also known as the Radiant Mantis, Male, a spirit from the game "Seer" and its spin-offs. He was the exclusive spirit of Station Master Justin, the very first Combat-type spirit, and the evolved Light-form of Hilda. He was famously called the "Radiant Mantis" or "Radiant Grasshopper."
Encaros could be said to be one of the most mysterious spirits in the early days of "Seer." His image and name appeared in the introduction of Station Master Justin when the game first launched. Because Encaros often achieved exaggeratedly magnificent victories in the early plot, yet his actual stats remained a mystery, he triggered infinite speculation among players.
Once, someone saw him appear on Vulcan Planet. Because people initially guessed he was a Grass-type, players joked that "this grasshopper has already been roasted and smells delicious."
In later plots, players could only roughly learn from various battles that he was a Combat-type spirit with several powerful skills.
Encaros is the ancestor of the Combat-type, the first Combat-type spirit to appear in the Spirit Dex. Even the first obtainable Combat-type spirit, Kubo, and the King-level Combat-type, Gaea, do not have a history as long as his.
Furthermore, later plots indicated that Encaros is likely a descendant of the Zerg race from the Clio Star Domain, containing the power of the primal Zerg bloodline within his body—though he hadn't mastered that power yet.
On February 9, 2018, Encaros became obtainable and evolved into the "Encaros · Retribution of Light" form on February 13.
He represents the peak combat power of all spirits, the eternal existence of justice. When evil rages and the universe is in crisis, he finally breaks through his limits, evolving brilliantly to deliver the retribution of justice!
To put it simply, in terms of setting, "Encaros · Retribution of Light" is directly comparable to the ultimate boss of that game—
Holy Spirit Puni!
What does Holy Spirit Puni represent?
In the Pokémon world, that's a Creator-level God on the level of Arceus!
No, even if Arceus showed up, he might not be able to do anything to these two spirits.
One is a Holy Spirit type, and the other is a Light + Fighting type. Within Arceus's eighteen plates, these two attributes do not exist!!
Talk about... a powerful enemy from another dimension!!
Thinking of all this, Shidou sucked in a cold breath, his eyes bulging. His gaze toward the little mantis instantly turned from disdain to intense heat, as if he were looking at a priceless treasure.
"System-bro, Great System Lord, I was wrong! My voice was a bit too loud just now! You're truly my blood brother! This newbie gift pack is way too generous! You directly sent me a future God-tier spirit?!"
Shidou's attitude pulled a complete 180-degree turn as he repeatedly apologized to the system, unable to suppress the wild joy on his face.
The "Cat System" was actually quite capable, not as chaotic as those shitty "Tomato" systems.
Shidou impatiently pulled up the detailed data panel for Darr:
[Spirit: Darr]
[Type: Fighting]
[Level: 18]
[Ability: Sharpness (Increases the power of slicing moves by 50%)]
[Skills: Fury Cutter (40 Power, Bug), Quick Attack (40 Power, Normal), Bulk Up (Status, increases Physical Attack by 1 stage), Blade Aura (Fighting, ranged attack, 50 Power), Icicle World (110 Power, Ice, 10% chance to Freeze target)]
[Base Stats:]
HP: 60
Attack: 60
Defense: 50
Sp. Atk: 55
Sp. Def: 50
Speed: 55
[Total: 330]
"A base total of 330 for a starter form? He mastered a 110-power Ice-type ultimate move like 'Icicle World' at level 18? And he has the 'Sharpness' ability to boost slicing moves?!"
Looking at this panel, Shidou was almost drooling.
These stats would crush most Pokémon of the same level!
And after level 20, he can evolve into the intermediate form, Hilda. Only one stage left after that until Encaros.
This isn't just some caterpillar; this is a diamond that hasn't started glowing yet. If trained well, he'll be kicking Lance's ass and stomping Arceus in the future... sweeping the League audit will be a piece of cake!
"I've hit the jackpot. I've really hit the goddamn jackpot."
Shidou rubbed his hands in excitement, carefully squatting down and trying his best to look amiable. "Uh... your name is Darr, right? Hello! I'm Shidou. I'll be your partner from now on. Please take care of me!"
Little Darr tilted his head, his black eyes flickering. Seeming to feel the goodwill Shidou radiated, he gently raised one sharp arm blade and carefully touched Shidou's outstretched finger. A slight "clack" sounded, marking the pact of friendship.
"Great." Shidou stood up, his confidence exploding. "Come on, Darr, let's test your skills and get used to battle."
Shidou looked around the Dojo and saw a Machop working hard, practicing Karate Chop on a punching bag.
"You're the one, Machop! Come over here and help us out. Do a practice battle with our new partner!"
Hearing this, Machop stopped, looked curiously at Shidou and the never-before-seen green mantis, and nodded, taking a fighting stance.
Although it wasn't strong, it was considered a "veteran" among the leftovers in the Dojo.
"Alright, Darr, this is our first time fighting together. The opponent is a Machop. A Fighting-type mirror match. Don't be afraid, go!"
Darr immediately leaped forward, crossing his blade-claws in front of his body. His gaze became sharp as he entered a combat state.
"Machop, strike first! Use Karate Chop!"
Shidou commanded.
Machop gave a low shout and rushed forward, his palm glowing white, chopping toward Darr.
"Darr, dodge with speed, then use [Fury Cutter]!"
Shidou didn't choose to clash head-on; he wanted to test Darr's actual combat capability.
A sharp glint flashed through Darr's eyes, as if he had seen through all of Machop's movements. His body tilted with extreme agility, dodging the Karate Chop by a hair's breadth.
At the same time, his right arm-blade instantly lit up with Bug-type energy, slashing toward Machop's side!
Slash!
The first hit landed!
Sharpness ability triggered, increasing the base power by 50%!
Machop groaned in pain, his body stiffening.
Darr's [Fury Cutter] trait activated, and the second slash followed immediately—faster and seemingly more forceful.
Bang!
The second slash hit accurately again!
Machop was knocked back two steps, stumbling. His face showed a strained expression; just two hits of Fury Cutter had dealt more damage than he expected.
"So fast! Such strong combos!" Shidou's eyes lit up. He continued to command: "Darr, press the advantage! Use [Blade Aura]!"
Darr stabilized his stance and crossed his arm-blades over his chest. Fighting-type energy quickly condensed, followed by a violent forward swing. A crescent-shaped blade of aura flew out, accurately striking the off-balance Machop!
Bang!
The Fighting-type energy exploded. It was super effective!
Machop finally couldn't hold on and collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness.
"Well done, Darr!" Shidou ran over excitedly.
The battle was clean and decisive. Darr's speed, skill chaining, and power far exceeded his expectations. Those slicing moves boosted by the [Sharpness] ability dealt visibly high damage!
Darr retracted his arm-blades, the blue light in his eyes softening as he walked to Shidou's side and gently nudged him.
Looking at the high-potential Darr and then the Dark Bracelet on his wrist, the gloom in Shidou's heart vanished, replaced by unprecedented confidence and fighting spirit.
"League audit? Sabrina? Psychic Gym? Just you wait! With Darr, it's time for our Fighting Dojo to rise!!"