According to the records, Garchomp possesses a special ability that allows it to fly at the speed of sound. Its body is covered in small, sharp scales that not only reduce air resistance, but also injure enemies that attempt to attack it.
At the same time, when it runs at high speed, it generates blades of air from its wings, capable of cutting down the trees around it. The two appendages that grow on its head serve as sensors, allowing it to determine with great precision the direction and speed of prey located at great distances.
From this, it can be deduced that Garchomp possesses three special abilities. Among them, speed and perceptive ability are its strongest points, and these attributes can also be perfectly utilized within the desert tactic.
Thanks to its extreme speed and its ability to detect enemies even amid sandstorms, Garchomp can unleash formidable combat power on desert terrain. Moreover, it can coordinate with the desert tactic to become the team's most powerful attacker and finisher.
On the other hand, Garchomp possesses two abilities: Sand Veil and Rough Skin. Among them, the Sand Veil ability allows it to conceal itself during sandstorm weather and increase its evasion, making it an ability that perfectly complements this type of climate.
Furthermore, by combining the Sand Veil ability with Garchomp's other three special abilities, its combat capability becomes even more terrifying.
It is especially worth noting that Sand Veil is a normal ability of Garchomp. The majority of Garchomp possess this ability, so there is no need to deliberately search for it. In this way, finding a suitable Garchomp becomes much easier.
Fuuuu—
As Vibrava approached the Dragon Desert, a sandstorm suddenly broke out.
"A sandstorm?"
"It's not the genuine Sandstorm move, just a sand tempest caused by the desert terrain itself."
Ethan observed carefully and soon understood the origin of that storm. He smiled faintly and said, "Vibrava, let them see what a true sandstorm is."
"Viiibbrraa!"
After hearing Ethan, Vibrava cried out joyfully.
It could be seen that as it beat its wings, rock-type power began to gather in the area. Accompanied by the movement of its wings, the sandstorm weather immediately took shape!
After absorbing a massive quantity of Smooth Rocks, Vibrava had managed to generate a not-at-all-weak sandstorm force within its body.
Then, relying on the method summarized by Professor Harris for learning the Sandstorm move through the use of sand power, Vibrava successfully mastered that move.
At that moment, after unleashing the purest and most authentic sandstorm, Vibrava rapidly beat its wings once more.
Under Vibrava's wind-control ability, the sandstorm suddenly transformed into a violent sand gale that surged forward with tremendous force toward the tempest approaching from the front.
At the midpoint, the two sandstorms collided violently with each other. Shortly afterward, it could be seen that the sandstorm created by Vibrava completely crushed the opponent's with overwhelming force.
Boom!
When the two storms began to dissipate, a Flygon appeared on the scene.
At that moment, the eyes of that Flygon reflected surprise and disbelief. Evidently, it had not imagined that a mere Vibrava's sandstorm could completely overpower the one it had summoned.
"Viiibbrraa!"
After gaining the upper hand in the sandstorm, Vibrava let out a challenging cry toward the Flygon in front of it.
The Flygon showed an expression of hesitation, but in the end chose to retreat and yield the way.
Among dragon-type Pokémon, strength is the most important thing. Although Flygon is Vibrava's evolved form, when faced with an opponent that was clearly stronger, it set aside its pride and chose to withdraw.
"Viiibbrraa!"
After Flygon moved aside, Vibrava carried Ethan and flew swiftly through the area.
However, what caught Ethan's attention was that Vibrava did not return to the area where it had evolved, as planned, but instead flew directly toward the deep desert territory belonging to Garchomp.
"That is..."
"So it's Flygon's egg-laying season..."
While flying over a stretch of sand, Ethan saw something he should not have seen and immediately looked away, while patting Vibrava reassuringly.
"Viiibbrraa!"
Seeing this, Vibrava further increased its flying speed and soon left Flygon's territory, entering Garchomp's domain.
"Vibrava, let's stop here. The Garchomp clan is extremely hostile toward other species that invade their territory."
Once inside Garchomp's territory, Ethan turned and said this to Vibrava.
Immediately afterward, Vibrava descended.
"Whew, it's so hot. No wonder—this is the desert where the Garchomp clan lives."
As soon as Ethan set foot on the sand, he could not help but jump.
Seeing this, Vibrava immediately lifted him up and stirred a gentle breeze to dispel the heat surrounding him.
"Thank you, Vibrava."
Ethan thanked Vibrava behind him.
Then, he fixed his gaze intently on the distant desert.
Wasn't Garchomp, which lived in this scorching desert, precisely the Pokémon he desired most?
"Next, we'll go look for Garchomp!"
Ethan smiled faintly as Vibrava carried him floating toward the depths of the desert.
Ruum, ruum, ruum!
It did not take long before Ethan heard a deafening roar.
After hesitating for a moment, Ethan asked Vibrava to float closer to investigate the situation.
At the same time, he revealed the seven-colored pendant on his chest, proof of his identity as a member of Dragon Valley. As long as he did not actively provoke the Pokémon of the area, they would not initiate an attack.
"That is... Garchomp!"
Upon seeing a silhouette that looked like a mix between a shark and a dragon, Ethan exclaimed in surprise.
Then, his gaze shifted toward Garchomp's opponent. His pupils suddenly contracted, and an expression of astonishment appeared on his face.
This Pokémon was completely covered in armor-like scales. Small fang-shaped spikes protruded from both sides of its upper and lower jaws, and on the top of its head were fine, detailed scales. Its appearance was extremely robust.
It was none other than one of the dragon-type pseudo-legendaries: Hakamo-o!
However, normally Hakamo-o is gray in color, but this Hakamo-o was completely black.
Not only was its body black; even the scales that were originally golden had now turned black.
It was a completely black Hakamo-o!
"A Shiny Hakamo-o..."
After being stunned for quite some time, Ethan finally murmured those words.
(End of chapter)