Not far from them, a Heracross was hiding in a patch of grass. Its strength was too low, and to avoid being injured by the battle's residual energy, it could only shelter far away.
Slowly, Nidoking was being overpowered by the other Pokémon's offensive, gradually falling into a disadvantage. Nidoking had no choice but to use its strongest technique, launching a Hyper Beam at its opponent.
Its opponent started to dodge, but then suddenly remembered Heracross hiding behind it. If it dodged Nidoking's Hyper Beam, Heracross, with its current strength, would not be able to withstand it and would likely be killed. Thinking this, it didn't dodge, choosing to take the full force of Nidoking's Hyper Beam head-on.
The sheer power of the Hyper Beam was immense, and even at its Level, the Pokémon felt a great deal of pain. However, it endured it all without a sound.
Heracross, hiding behind its older friend, watched as the Hyper Beam struck its brother. Worry filled its eyes.
***
Eichi and Tetsu were walking towards the classroom. Along the way, most students they encountered would greet Eichi. Although Eichi did not know them, he was now famous. After the Freshmen Tournament, nearly the entire grade knew who Eichi was, and as he walked, people would often point and discuss him. He was like a big celebrity, though this phenomenon wouldn't last long.
"Eichi, you've become a huge star now," Tetsu teased.
Eichi pushed Tetsu lightly and smiled. "Aren't you too? One of the top eight contestants in the Freshmen Tournament." In this tournament, the first class had miraculously produced two students who made it to the top eight, attracting a lot of attention.
Today, there was a very important matter: meeting Professor Kant. Eichi had just received a notice that, after class, Miss Lin would take him to the Breeding Department's teaching building to see Professor Kant about customizing Pokéblocks and Pokémon food. Eichi was looking forward to it.
The last time he saw Professor Kant was at the food store, and he hadn't known his identity then. This was good, though; he could ask Professor Kant any questions about breeding in the future. Furthermore, the Beginner Breeder exam was not far away, and Eichi did not have much time left.
Time quickly passed, and in the blink of an eye, the class was over. As soon as the dismissal bell rang, Miss Lin closed her textbook and said, "Alright, class dismissed. Also, Eichi, please come with me."
Eichi put his book into his backpack and followed Miss Lin out. Once they were outside, Miss Lin said, "We'll go find Professor Kant now. Director Yanagi mentioned that you know Professor Kant?"
"I've met him once, and we talked for a while," Eichi replied with a smile.
Miss Lin smiled. "Let's walk while I tell you about him. Professor Kant is one of the three Senior Breeders at our school. He is completely obsessed with breeding Pokémon. If you bring up breeding issues with him, he could talk for three days and three nights. Furthermore, his favorite thing is constantly researching Pokéblocks and Pokémon food. Director Yanagi mentioned that you plan to specialize in Bug-type Pokémon in the future. Conveniently, Professor Kant is very proficient in the breeding of Bug-type Pokémon. When we see him, you can ask him any questions you have."
After Miss Lin said this, Eichi suddenly asked, "I plan to specialize in Bug-type Pokémon? Did I tell Director Yanagi that? How did he know?"
This question stumped Miss Lin. She paused and said with uncertainty, "Did you perhaps forget, Eichi?"
Eichi pondered. "Maybe I did forget. By the way, Miss Lin, please continue." Though he said that, Eichi knew very well that he had not told Director Yanagi. He had only told Teacher Arno. It must have been Teacher Arno who told Director Yanagi. Now, what only one person knew, everyone seemed to know.
"Okay, I'll continue," Miss Lin said. "Right, where was I?"
"Professor Kant likes to research Pokéblocks and Pokémon food," Eichi reminded her.
Miss Lin quickly remembered. "Right. Aside from breeding Pokémon, the Professor is very amiable in everyday life. Furthermore, he doesn't lie; he is straightforward and honest about everything."
As they were talking, they arrived at the Breeding Department's teaching building, at the same address Professor Kant had mentioned to him that day. They arrived at Professor Kant's office door, and Miss Lin knocked.
"Knock, knock."
A male voice came from inside. "Come in."
Miss Lin turned the doorknob and opened the door. Looking into the room from the doorway, Eichi saw that the interior decoration was completely different from Director Yanagi's office. It was cluttered with all sorts of documents and books, along with piles of Pokéblocks and Pokémon food. While not messy, it was certainly not neat. If Director Yanagi's office was a genuine, Western-style office, Professor Kant's office resembled a research laboratory.
At that moment, Professor Kant was looking at a document, with three bowls of Pokémon food set out on his desk.
Miss Lin and Eichi walked in, and Professor Kant finally looked up. Miss Lin explained the reason for their visit. "Professor Kant, hello. I brought him here so you can specially create Pokémon food and Pokéblocks for his Pokémon."
"Good, I understand," Professor Kant said. He then turned to Eichi and smiled. "Eichi, we meet again."
"Professor Kant," Eichi greeted him.
Professor Kant put down the document. "Director Yanagi told me about it. When I heard you won the Freshmen Tournament, I was a bit surprised. I didn't expect you to have talent not only as a Breeder but also as a Trainer."
Hearing Professor Kant's praise, Eichi felt a bit embarrassed. "You flatter me."
Professor Kant continued, "However, I hear you have a particularly powerful Beedrill, and that it defeated your opponent's Charizard in the finals. I'm curious. Could you let me see your Pokémon?"
"Of course, no problem," Eichi replied. "Come on out, Scyther, Beedrill."
Eichi took out the Poké Balls, and two beams of white light shot out. As Scyther and Beedrill emerged, Professor Kant's eyes lit up. He immediately rushed over to examine them.
Beedrill and Scyther became wary when someone approached and tried to touch them. Seeing this, Eichi quickly said, "Beedrill, Scyther, don't worry. This is Professor Kant." The two Pokémon lowered their guard and allowed Professor Kant to touch and observe them. However, they still felt uncomfortable with someone staring at them constantly.