"Machamp, use Dynamic Punch!"
"Scizor, use Air Slash!"
The white-glowing fist shot out, and the Air Slash was instantly crushed. However, looking at Scizor not far away, Machamp only grew more irritated. As a Fighting-type Pokémon, Machamp preferred a head-on battle, not endless entanglement and time-wasting like Scizor.
At this point, Kawaguchi had allowed Blastoise to attack freely, while he focused solely on commanding Scizor to tie down Gul's strongest Pokémon, Machamp.
Without even looking, Gul knew his subordinates were starting to be routed. Gul had learned how vast the gap between Ace Rank and Senior Rank was during numerous operations to surround and capture Ace Rank wild Pokémon. Yet, Gul had no way to break the current deadlock. Continuing to stall would only ensure he was left here as well.
At this moment, Gul had made a decision.
On the battlefield, Alakazam and Annihilape appeared. Alakazam suddenly replaced a Pokémon beside its trainer, then used Psychic to knock the trainer unconscious. While killing before could be argued as being forced by circumstances, now that their side held the advantage, Gu Yuan naturally could not allow others to think he was bloodthirsty.
The Pokémon transferred to the air saw Annihilape appear before it, which then delivered a punch to its chest. The intense pain instantly rendered it unconscious, which was arguably a mercy.
After succeeding, Alakazam and Annihilape vanished again. Beyond the casualties caused by Alakazam and Annihilape, the pressure created by their elusive style undoubtedly accelerated the collapse of the Poaching Group.
"Machamp, use Scary Face, then Mega Punch!"
"Scizor, Air Slash, then use Agility and fall back!"
As Air Slash shot out, Machamp's offense was again neutralized. The speed reduction imposed on Scizor was compensated for by the boost from Agility. However, what Gul wanted was this precise moment when Scizor actively pulled away.
"Golem, use Self-Destruct!"
A Poké Ball was thrown. Machamp immediately rushed back. To protect itself, Scizor also had no choice but to retreat.
"Boom!"
An explosion sounded. Using its speed, Scizor successfully escaped the blast radius. Machamp, being slower, was somewhat affected. However, Machamp clearly ignored this, as escape was the most important thing. Machamp scooped up Gul and immediately fled.
Looking at the battlefield, Kawaguchi wanted to pursue, but he knew Scizor could not carry him while chasing, unlike Machamp. Furthermore, Kawaguchi was afraid to send Scizor alone, fearing it would fall into Gul's trap.
"If you trust me, I can take Scizor with me."
"I guarantee you that even if I can't capture Gul, I can bring Scizor back unharmed."
While Kawaguchi was conflicted, Gu Yuan suddenly appeared beside him, led by Alakazam. Hearing this, Kawaguchi's eyes lit up. Kawaguchi already knew a lot about Gu Yuan's capabilities from the traces found throughout the area and the intelligence received. If Gu Yuan could take Scizor to pursue, it would certainly put his mind at ease.
"Alright, I'm entrusting Scizor to you."
"Regardless of the result, you must first ensure your own safety."
With that, Kawaguchi handed Scizor's Poké Ball to Gu Yuan, showing complete trust in him.
"Yes!"
Gu Yuan first recalled Scizor to its Poké Ball, then had Alakazam lead him in pursuit.
Using the system's detection function, Gu Yuan quickly directed Alakazam to Gul's location. Instead of attacking directly, Gu Yuan used Gul's line of retreat to preemptively Teleport to a location Gul would pass through.
"Scizor, I need you to temporarily follow my instructions. When I tell you to attack, charge Machamp directly."
"Right now, use Agility to increase your speed and gain an advantage in the upcoming fight."
Scizor nodded at Gu Yuan's instructions and immediately began to execute the move. Seeing that Scizor was willing to follow his commands, Gu Yuan was confident he could easily capture Gul.
Soon, Machamp appeared in Gu Yuan's line of sight, carrying Gul. Although Gul was quite burly, he was still slightly smaller than Machamp. Being carried by Machamp while fleeing gave him a strangely awkward, delicate appearance. Especially since Gul dared not get down, fearing Kawaguchi and the others would catch up.
Before Gul could relax, Scizor charged out on Gu Yuan's command. Scizor used Air Slash to clear the path, then followed up with Aerial Ace toward Machamp. Machamp did not have time to gently put Gul down, so it simply threw the burly man aside, then punched the Air Slash.
Golem's Self-Destruct earlier had affected Machamp, and Scizor had already boosted its speed with Agility. This meant Machamp was hit before it could even react. Alakazam used Teleport and appeared in front of Gul, then used Psychic to knock him unconscious.
Looking at the eager-to-fight Scizor, Gu Yuan decided to let it have its fun, even though he already had Machamp's Poké Ball. At least it didn't come with me for nothing, he thought.
Silently giving Gu Yuan a thumbs-up in its mind, Scizor focused entirely on dealing with Machamp. So you called me too evasive earlier, huh? Come try my sharp blades now!
Fueled by its resentment toward Machamp, Scizor struck with exceptional ferocity. Machamp was already injured, and Scizor's speed was astonishing, plunging Machamp into a disadvantage right from the start. Gradually, as its stamina failed and its injuries mounted, the disadvantage turned into a rout.
A final use of X-Scissor ended the battle, finishing off Machamp.
"That was an excellent fight. Now, let's go back. Otherwise, your trainer will start to worry."
Hearing this, the satisfied Scizor returned to its Poké Ball. Alakazam used Teleport to take Gu Yuan and the unconscious Gul back.
Returning to the battlefield, Gu Yuan saw that the fighting had ended. Only Rangers remained, clearing the final scene. Seeing Gu Yuan return safely, Kawaguchi sighed in relief.
"I am pleased to report mission success."
Tossing the unconscious Gul aside, Gu Yuan returned Scizor to Kawaguchi.
"The success of this operation and the significant results we achieved are largely thanks to you. I will definitely petition for you to be commended, and you will receive every bit of the reward you deserve!" Kawaguchi patted Gu Yuan's shoulder, his voice full of praise.
"This is just what I should do," Gu Yuan replied instinctively, being modest.
"Excessive modesty is a form of pride. Don't rush off. Come with me and see how the Rangers work."
"Also, the next time you encounter Pokémon Hunters, you can contact me directly."
Putting an arm around Gu Yuan's shoulder, Kawaguchi smiled and began introducing the work, looking as if he intended to recruit Gu Yuan. Gu Yuan, however, politely declined. For his future plans, Gu Yuan wanted to consult Agatha's opinion, as she was one of his influential connections.