The countless clones surrounded Heracross, staring intently at it. However, it did not panic at all. It continued to use Hidden Power, sweeping the water pillar across the clones.
The water pillar rotated widely and eliminated all the clones, but none of them was the real one.
Heracross questioned, "Hera?"
Then, a sharp pain struck its head. When they were trading Hidden Power attacks, Scizor had realized that its Hidden Power could not compete with Heracross's. Therefore, it had already prepared to use Double Team.
While Heracross was sweeping the area with its Hidden Power to eliminate the clones, Scizor quickly moved behind it and then stealthily climbed onto Heracross's head.
It allowed Heracross to continue using Hidden Power, constantly draining its stamina, and after Heracross eliminated all the clones, Scizor positioned itself above it and delivered two Bullet Punch attacks.
Heracross was instantly heavily damaged. However, Heracross's reaction was quick. It was not dazed and quickly formulated a countermeasure.
To use Double Team!
Heracross also used Double Team, producing over a dozen clones. Scizor couldn't distinguish which was the real one, so it did not move forward to attack.
In those few seconds, Heracross's dozen or so clones created a considerable distance from Scizor, and when all the clones vanished, Heracross's true body was revealed.
Heracross began to pant. The battle was truly difficult and had severely drained its stamina.
After resting for a while, Scizor continued its attack, flapping its wings and flying low at a high speed toward Heracross. Seeing this, Heracross took a fighting stance, ready to meet Scizor's charge.
Just as Scizor was about half a meter away from Heracross, Heracross actively moved toward it. Scizor paused slightly, caught off guard.
Heracross didn't waste this opportunity and grabbed Scizor, diverting it so that it moved past half of Heracross's body. Then, Heracross used a move with its other arm.
Brick Break!
The attack struck Scizor heavily, hitting its vital point and inflicting severe damage.
Eichi was amazed. Heracross's timing for that move was incredibly precise, reaching a very high level of mastery. It seized the smallest opportunity to deliver a potentially fatal blow to Scizor. Furthermore, he suspected that Heracross might have discovered Scizor's weak point through the battle. Heracross is truly formidable!
Despite this, Scizor did not lose its ability to battle. It turned its head and immediately hit Heracross with a Hidden Power. A pillar of fire struck it fiercely, pushing it back a distance.
Heracross painfully hit the energy barrier. It managed to stand up and wanted to continue the battle, but this time, it couldn't remain standing. It slumped onto the ground.
At this moment, Eichi announced, "Alright, the battle is over. Heracross loses, Scizor, you win."
Heracross sighed with relief upon hearing that the battle was finished and completely relaxed.
Battles really are unpleasant; I don't like them.
Scizor's feelings were mixed when it heard it had won. I finally won. My Big Brother was just too strong; it wasn't that I was too weak. A surge of confidence filled Scizor's heart. I must keep working hard. I must avenge my parents!
Eichi praised Heracross. "Heracross, your power is really excellent. To reward you, I'll take you to buy your favorite tree sap tomorrow."
Heracross immediately cheered with joy. Eichi then praised Scizor. "Very good, Scizor! You finally defeated Heracross. This shows you are fully grown."
Beedrill also nodded, confirming its approval of Scizor. Scizor raised its two large pincers and let out a long cry, then walked step by step back to Eichi's side.
Eichi stroked Scizor's head and said, "Both of you are quite injured now. Return to your Poké Balls and rest."
He then recalled Scizor and Heracross into their Poké Balls, removed the surrounding energy barrier, and injected Bug Force into both Pokémon to heal them.
Eichi said to Beedrill, "Beedrill, continue your training." Beedrill said nothing and silently went to train.
***
Today was another clear day, with clear skies and bright sunshine. Eichi had to go out to purchase supplies. It was a holiday, a festival supposedly, so the entire academy had no classes.
When he arrived at Silver Town, the entire town was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. The air was filled with the spirit of the holiday. People were wearing clothes they normally wouldn't, there were parade teams, and cheerful music was playing.
While walking, Eichi ran into Tetsu.
"Eichi, you're out, too? I thought you'd be staying in the Training Room," Tetsu said.
Eichi explained, "I just came out to buy some things. I didn't expect the town to be so lively."
Tetsu asked, "Eichi, do you want to join us for some fun?"
Eichi politely declined. "No, thank you. You all go enjoy yourselves. I still need to buy some things."
Seeing that Eichi was unwilling, Tetsu didn't insist. "Alright, you go ahead. I'll continue playing."
"Have fun," Eichi replied.
"Mhm," Tetsu answered.
Eichi arrived at the Snorlax Food Store. Because it was a holiday, the store was running a promotion with various discounts. I really timed this well, Eichi thought.
He began browsing the first floor. Heracross loved drinking tree sap, which the store sold. Eichi had seen it on his last visit. This tree sap was made by mixing in various Berries, making it both delicious and nutritious, with several flavors. Eichi bought every variety.
Next was Scizor. Compared to Scyther, its taste had changed slightly. Eichi picked out several types of Pokémon food for it. These foods contained various metallic elements, which were perfect for Scizor's appetite.
After buying food for Scizor and Heracross, Eichi went directly upstairs to the second floor. A poster hung at the entrance, reading: "60% Off Storewide."
Eichi needed to buy two types of Pokéblock: Steel-type Pokéblock and Fighting-type Pokéblock. This was where Eichi's Bug Force would come in handy. He went to the Steel-type counter. These Steel-type Pokéblock were silver-white, looking more like metal chunks than edible food. He activated his Bug Force and used his self-developed selection method. In just over ten minutes, Eichi finished selecting them.
Next, he went to the Fighting-type area to choose Pokéblock. While Eichi was making his selection, a voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Eichi, what are you doing?"