Boom!
At that very moment, a deep and thunderous roar suddenly erupted in the distance.
The Nidoking leader hurriedly lifted its head, only to witness its own tribesman being sent flying by a single, heavy punch from Rhydon, the massive body slamming heavily onto the grass below!
The battle had ended far quicker than it had originally imagined—shockingly fast in fact. Without the use of any special attacks, or complicated strategies, it was purely with bare fists alone that an advanced-level Pokémon had been defeated!
"Nido Nido!"
At the same time, from all around, the startled cries of the Nidorans and Nidorinas echoed out one after another, filling the air with disbelief.
"Lil!"
Petilil hurriedly rushed over to the fallen ones, her small steps moving quickly as she immediately began channeling healing energy to tend to the two injured Pokémons.
Meanwhile, in Aven's hand appeared a bottle of restorative potion. With a casual motion, he gave Rhydon a firm thumbs-up. In response, the massive creature broke into a silly, sheepish grin, letting out a clumsy laugh.
"Nido—"
The Nidoking leader stood there silently, watching the scene unfold before him. In his eyes flickered a subtle light of struggle and hesitation.
Unconsciously, he reached out his large clawed hand toward the pile of Pokémon food before him, only for his grasp to close upon empty air. The sudden absence jolted his consciousness into sharp clarity.
He lowered his gaze toward the empty patch where food had once been, then slowly lifted his head to look again toward the distant figure of Aven, who was currently guiding Rhydon. Finally, he looked back down at his own two hands.
'Why… why is it that I feel a trace of envy toward those little ones…?'
'If… if I too could remain at Lord Aven's side, then… could it be possible that I might also grow stronger again?'
'To the King-level…? Could I perhaps one day break through and reach the King-level? Surely it must be possible, right? After all, under Lord Aven's teachings, they have all become so incredibly powerful, stronger than I had ever thought sooner!'
The Nidoking leader slowly closed his eyes. In his mind, countless scenes flashed by in an instant. When at last he opened them again, the confusion that had clouded his gaze was gone without a trace.
At this moment, Aven was still instructing Rhydon. From the battle just now, it was evident that both of its arms had already completed their tempering process. Its armored skin had undergone transformation, evolving into an ultra-hardened iron hide.
"Next, I will teach you the move Heat Crash. Once you master it, you'll be able to further temper your entire body." Aven rested his chin in his hand, quietly recalling in his mind the methods of training for Heat Crash.
"Rhyyy!"
Right then, Rhydon suddenly let out a low growl, as if to call attention.
Aven turned his head in surprise, only to see the Nidoking leader striding steadily toward him from the distance, finally halting and standing firmly right before him.
"Nidoking? What is the matter?" Aven asked, genuine confusion flickering across his face.
"Nido Nido!"
The Nidoking leader drew in a deep breath, then nodded heavily.
Immediately afterward, his eyes shifted toward Rhydon, and with a deep rumble in his throat, he released another low roar.
"Rhy!"
Rhydon shuddered at once. Its eyes grew gradually solemn, realizing what was being asked.
"Lil!"
"Ralts!"
Petilil and Ralts, sensing the unusual atmosphere, teleported swiftly to Aven's side.
The two Pokémons then froze, both staring at the Nidoking leader before them with astonishment written plainly across their faces.
"Ralts~"
Ralts gave a faint nod. Then, glancing once at the puzzled Aven, she gently closed her eyes, activating her telepathic ability.
Moments later, Aven's eyes widened as he too was struck with surprise. "You mean… you want to become my Pokémon?"
Upon hearing his words, the Nidoking leader nodded firmly once again. Then, without hesitation, he turned and walked toward the open ground ahead. Pausing only for a moment, he turned his head back and deliberately assumed a battle stance!
"I see. Very well, I understand now. Your challenge—I accept!"
Aven drew in a deep breath, speaking with solemn respect to the Nidoking standing before him.
For as long as he could defeat the Nidoking leader in battle, he would then be able to capture it. This, unmistakably, was the meaning the Nidoking wished to convey!
"RHYYY!"
Rhydon immediately rushed forward, eager to fight the Nidoking leader head-on!
Yet the expression of the Nidoking leader did not change in the slightest. His meaning was clear: Aven was to send forth all of his Pokémons in battle.
Even if it were three advanced-level Pokémons—Rhydon, Petilil, and Froslass—they would already be enough to match him evenly. He too wished to witness the strength of these companions.
But Aven only shook his head. "Rhydon, this battle I will entrust to you alone."
Upon hearing his master's command, Rhydon gave an excited nod, declaring through action that it would fight with everything it had to defeat the Nidoking leader!
On the opposite side, the Nidoking leader froze, utterly stunned. Was Lord Aven truly intending to let Rhydon alone battle against him?
Though Rhydon was indeed immensely powerful, there was still a clear gap between their strengths. Could it be that Lord Aven was underestimating him? Or… perhaps… was it possible that Lord Aven did not even wish to defeat him?
But no, that could not be. He shook his head violently. Impossible! He himself was a quasi-King-level fighter!
"Hmm. But your current power is still slightly lacking. You will need some buffs." Aven spoke again, his tone steady.
Hearing this, the Nidoking leader nodded quickly, and in his mind surfaced the image of the Torterra he had once fought.
Although he later came to understand that what he had faced back then had not been the true full strength of Torterra, the memory of being crushed beneath its might still lingered uneasily within him.
Yet he could feel it—his strength since then had grown greatly. If he were to encounter Torterra once again now, he was certain he could stand and fight as an equal!
While the Nidoking leader was lost in these thoughts, Aven carefully placed the Life Orb onto Rhydon. Within the deep violet gem pulsed a rich, overflowing energy.
For all this time, Petilil had been constantly pouring life energy into the orb. As a result, it now brimmed with immense reserves, capable of endlessly converting vitality into power.
"Rhydon, unleash Ancient Power!"
Rhydon roared fiercely in reply.
From its body, rocky energy began to surge and condense, layer upon layer wrapping around its enormous frame.
As the rock energy fully enveloped it, fragments of stone crumbled away, its skin darkening as if forged anew. The aura it exuded suddenly surged to an even higher peak!
Ancient Power was a move that fused both offense and self-strengthening, capable of enhancing a Pokémon's physical qualities in every aspect.
It was precisely because of this all-encompassing strengthening that Pokémons such as Tangela and Yanma had been able to evolve through the power of Ancient Power.
Inspired by Tangrowth's improvement, Rhydon had likewise sought to perfect itself through this move. After countless attempts, it had finally succeeded in forging strength through it!
Now, facing the formidable Nidoking leader, Rhydon no longer held back. Although by nature it disliked relying on external amplification, choosing instead to depend solely upon its own raw strength, this time was different.
Against an enemy so clearly stronger than itself, it did not mind using this method to pull the two of them onto the same level.
This time, its goal was victory—not training. It wished to see where its absolute limits lay, and from that point onward, strive to break beyond them.
"RHYYYY!"
Rhydon howled in exhilaration.
Flames burst suddenly upon its fists, the fire crackling as its massive hands smashed together, sending sparks scattering wildly.
Feeling the overwhelming energy coursing throughout its body, Rhydon fixed its burning gaze upon the Nidoking leader, eyes filled with boundless fighting Pokémon.
"Nidooo…"
The Nidoking leader's eyes revealed a flicker of doubt.
Was Lord Aven truly intending to face him with only Rhydon?
His gaze shifted to the dark violet orb hanging at the beast's neck. Yes, he remembered it well—that same orb had once been worn by Torterra in their previous clash.
Sensing the immense energy radiating from the Life Orb, he dismissed all traces of contempt from his heart, his expression turning serious.
"The battle… begins now!"
Once Rhydon had completed its empowerment, Aven's eyes locked upon the Nidoking leader opposite him, his voice issuing a firm command.
"NIIIDOOOO!"
The Nidoking leader bellowed in response, charging forward with immense speed, his massive fist striking fiercely toward Rhydon!
"RHYYYY!"
Rhydon's eyes lit with excitement. With both fists clenched, its darkened knuckles slammed forward to meet the blow!
Boom!
In the center of the field, the two colossal fists collided.
For an instant, time itself seemed frozen. Then came the deafening blast, shockwaves erupting outward in all directions, the very air trembling violently.
Their gazes locked as they pressed against one another. From the power transmitted through their fists, both could sense the truth—there was barely any difference in strength between them.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Pulling back swiftly, both sides struck again. Fists clashed repeatedly, each collision releasing thunderous roars as shockwaves flattened the grass all around them!
"RHYYY!"
Rhydon grew increasingly excited. Its fists swung in rapid succession, and within its mind flashed once more the familiar image of hammering iron at the forge.
Raising its fist high, it paused briefly in midair, then twisted its shoulder sharply, channeling every ounce of strength into its punch.
Its eyes locked tightly on a single precise point of the Nidoking's oncoming fist. Focus sharpened to a needle's edge—then it struck with full force!
"NIDOOO!"
The Nidoking leader too was exhilarated. Never before had he experienced a battle so fierce and unrestrained.
But just as he intended to savor the clash, sudden pain erupted in a single point of his fist. An instant later, a terrifying force surged through his arm, spreading violently throughout his entire body.
The next moment, his footing gave way. His massive frame toppled backward, his gaze catching only the vast sky above. Then came the crushing impact upon his back as his body slammed into the ground with thunderous weight.
For a heartbeat, the entire field fell utterly silent.
All around, the Nidoransn, Nidorinos, Nidorinas, Nidokings and Nidoqueens stared wide-eyed, mouths agape. None of them had imagined that their leader—their mighty Nidoking—would be sent flying in direct combat, struck down so decisively!
"Nidooo?!"
At Aven's feet, Nidorino and Nidorina too stared in disbelief, their faces filled with shock.
Never had they expected that Rhydon, who once only hammered iron day after day, would one day grow to wield such terrifying power!
"The contest of sheer strength… is evenly matched!"
"It seems the training method of hammering iron has proven even more effective than I had anticipated."
"With such tempering, Rhydon's physical qualities have been raised tremendously. At this point, it can already rival those at the quasi-King level!"
"And in terms of strength—Rhydon stands in complete victory!"
Aven's eyes gleamed as he reflected upon the training plan he had devised. He gave a slight nod. It appeared that even without evolution, the physical strength of his Rhydon might truly reach the level of a Rhyperior!
Moreover, the racial advantages of Rhydon far exceeded those of the Nidoking leader, especially as it had completely abandoned focus on special attack, special defense, and speed. All of its racial potential had been channeled purely into attack and defense.
Finally, with the forging-honed move of strength application and striking precision, Rhydon had been able to seize upon the Nidoking leader's weakness, landing a direct critical strike. Thus, it was able to repel him so decisively and with such shocking ease!
(End of Chapter)