Three days later, Gu Yuan left Vermilion City without a sound, heading straight for the nearest forest.
Compared to his previous travels, not only had his strength undergone earth-shaking changes, but his information channels were also completely renewed.
Agatha had not only given him a map detailing the distribution of powerful wild Pokémon but had also granted him access to her personal information network. His primary contact was Chika, whom Gu Yuan had met frequently before.
In other words, Gu Yuan now possessed Elite Rank intelligence channels. It was becoming difficult for anything in the entire Kanto region to remain a mystery to him.
Furthermore, Agatha instructed him that while challenging wild Pokémon, he should also pay close attention to any Pokémon hunters or poaching syndicates he might encounter.
If his own strength was sufficient, he could act alone to eliminate them. If he needed assistance, he could contact trustworthy Forest Rangers or Investigators through Chika.
The contributions Gu Yuan made now would one day translate into solid merits, laying a firm foundation for him to become a new member of the Elite Four.
It was clear from Agatha's series of actions that if Gu Yuan truly achieved the strength of an Elite in the future, she would surely step down and yield her position to him immediately. Everything she was doing now was simply paving the way for him.
To live up to Agatha's trust, Gu Yuan had to increase his strength as quickly as possible. A Leader Rank's power was strong, but it wasn't yet enough to stand completely alone!
With Teleport aiding his travel, Gu Yuan quickly reached the first forest.
"Everyone, come on out!"
Upon entering the forest, Gu Yuan summoned Charizard and the others.
"From today, we begin a journey of battle to become stronger. This will last at least a year."
"Unlike our previous travels, we won't have much time for rest. Instead, we will pour most of our time into combat and training. I hope you will all work hard alongside me."
Gu Yuan spoke seriously, scanning his team.
Without hesitation, he received the full support of Charizard and the rest, including Sylveon.
Previously, no matter what kind of attack they faced, Gu Yuan had always given them a sense of being in control.
Only during the last incident was Gu Yuan, as their trainer, forced to risk his life, using himself as a chess piece to barely turn the tide of battle.
If that Hypno hadn't retreated, or if Hunter hadn't cooperated, it was uncertain whether Gu Yuan would be standing here safely today. This fact alone ignited a fierce desire for strength within Charizard and the others.
Even if Sylveon didn't particularly enjoy fighting, its heart was set on protecting Gu Yuan. To possess the strength to keep him safe, Sylveon had absolute confidence that it could persevere.
If even Sylveon felt this way, there was no need to ask what Charizard and the others were thinking.
"Good! Since that's the case, let's start by conquering this forest!"
Gu Yuan declared with a grand wave of his hand. Behind him, Charizard and the team radiated a surging fighting spirit.
At that moment, the wild Pokémon in this forest—those at the Ace Rank or higher—all felt a collective shiver run down their spines, as if something terrible was about to happen.
"Let's go. First, let's introduce ourselves to the residents of this forest!"
Using Teleport, the group moved with extreme speed toward the area where Senior Rank Pokémon were active. The stars of these opening battles were naturally Fraxure and the newer members.
Throughout their long journey, Fraxure and the others had grown significantly stronger and were nearing the Ace Rank.
Before seeking out Ace or Leader Rank wild Pokémon, Gu Yuan wanted Fraxure to battle as much as possible to see if it could trigger an evolution.
To train the coordination of Hatterene and the team, Gu Yuan specifically chose a swarm of Scyther as their opponents.
"Go! This battle is mainly for you. Hatterene is the commander. Unless it's a critical moment, I won't give you any orders."
As Gu Yuan's voice fell, Hatterene and the others entered a combat state with lightning speed.
Releasing Telepathy, Hatterene began directing the battle.
The massive Coalossal took the lead at the front, using Iron Defense to make its protection even more formidable.
Dreepy quietly vanished into the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Fraxure stood slightly behind. If any Scyther attempted to attack Coalossal, Fraxure could launch a counter-attack immediately.
Hatterene remained at the rear, overseeing the entire tactical situation. Having learned Teleport and Ally Switch from Alakazam, it was now a perfectly qualified core.
Sensing the fighting spirit from Hatterene's group, the Scyther swarm didn't hesitate and launched an immediate assault.
"Coalossal, Tar Shot!"
Hatterene's voice rang out through their minds. Sticky tar sprayed out in a wide arc, making it impossible for the charging Scyther to dodge completely.
Once splashed by the tar, the Scyther's speed began to plummet.
Seizing the opportunity, Fraxure charged forward under Hatterene's command. Boosted by Swords Dance, Fraxure's attack power was immense. It unleashed Slash, directly repelling the fastest-approaching Scyther.
Immediately after, Dreepy lunged out using Phantom Force, delivering a second blow to the same Scyther.
The remaining Scyther shifted their focus toward Fraxure, but Fraxure stood its ground and used Swords Dance again. Dreepy had already retreated back into the shadows using Phantom Force.
Just as the Scyther were about to reach Fraxure, Hatterene used Ally Switch, swapping places with Fraxure. It then followed up with Teleport, causing the Scyther's attacks to hit nothing but air.
In the next second, the long-silent Coalossal launched a fierce offensive.
It released Heat Wave, instantly engulfing all the Scyther. The scorching air and the elemental advantage caused the Scyther to cry out in pain.
Stepping forward, Coalossal's body erupted in flames as it used Heat Crash. This move deals more damage the heavier the user is compared to the opponent.
Given the weight ratio between Coalossal and Scyther, the power of Heat Crash reached its maximum potential of 120.
Coalossal's charge shattered the Scyther's formation. Not a single Scyther dared to stand in front of the burning behemoth.
Hatterene's command echoed, and Fraxure began its charge. Psychic energy surged out first, accurately striking the Scyther whose speed was hampered and whose attention was diverted by Coalossal.
Fraxure followed close behind, claws dancing with Dragon Claw. Together with Dreepy's Phantom Force, they quickly defeated the disoriented Scyther.
The outcome of the battle was becoming clear.