Next, many students released their mount Pokémon. One by one, massive Pokémon appeared on the ground. The students climbed aboard, and with a vigorous flap of wings, the creatures kicked up gusts of strong wind. Director Yanagi and the others quickly raised their hands to shield themselves from the gale. Eichi released Heracross and, with a single leap, landed directly onto its back. Heracross's wings began to vibrate as Eichi watched the others fly ahead. Sato's Charizard and Asen's Aerodactyl vanished into the distance with loud roars.
Once everyone had entered the forest, Director Yanagi moved to a large sunshade set up nearby. Underneath it, the ground was covered with various instruments, and five tables held computers. Two of the computers displayed screens similar to television radar. On a web-like pattern, twenty red dots suddenly appeared. They started in one location but gradually spread out; these dots clearly represented the participants from both academies.
Director Yanagi watched the screen intently before asking the staff, "Are the drones ready?"
Nearby to his left, six or seven staff members held remote controllers. One of them replied, "Director Yanagi, everything is set up."
Immediately, monitoring feeds appeared on the computers atop the other three tables. These scenes showed the forest from an aerial perspective. Director Yanagi nodded and kept his eyes fixed on the monitors. Teacher Joylin, Director Kimura, and the other teachers also came over, sitting in front of the computers to watch the unfolding events.
"Roar!!"
Eichi had not been flying for long when he heard the cries of Pokémon and the sounds of battle. A fight broke out that quickly?
The forest was lush with trees and greenery, filled with the scent of earth and flowers. As the sunlight filtered through the canopy, the forest's vitality seemed to increase. Eichi felt the Bug Force active within his body. After a long period of continuous cultivation, one-third of his Bug Force had already converted into a liquid state.
Eichi did not release his Bug Force yet. He wanted to see how many badges he could obtain through his own efforts without relying on it first.
"Heracross, let's fly," Eichi commanded.
"Heracross!" the Pokémon chirped.
Heracross vibrated its wings and began flying forward. Before long, Eichi's eyes narrowed. Although he hadn't released his Bug Force, his perceptions had been tempered by it. Even without specific training, his ability to sense danger was constantly strengthening.
Suddenly, a Pokémon lunged from his right. Anticipating the move, Eichi leaped off Heracross and leaned against a tree. Simultaneously, Heracross crossed its arms in front of itself.
Bang!
Heracross successfully blocked the attacker. Seeing the strike fail, the Pokémon retreated a short distance, facing off against Heracross while looking for another opening. Eichi looked closely and saw it was a Houndour. Using his Eye of the Bug Emperor, he saw the Houndour had Good talent and was at the Experienced rank. Most importantly, a black mechanical collar was fastened around its neck. It featured a red button and a slot where a Bronze Badge was embedded.
The Houndour bared its teeth as it watched Eichi. He smiled and gave the order:
"Heracross, Pin Missile."
Countless needles of light formed in the air and shot down toward Houndour. Seeing this, Houndour opened its mouth and released a large burst of flames to counter the needles. When the needles hit the fire, they were instantly incinerated. However, the gap in their levels was too great. Compared to the swarm of light needles, Houndour's flames were merely a tiny spark. Only a portion of the needles was blocked; the rest struck Houndour's body.
"Howl!"
Houndour let out a cry of pain as the needles hit, then collapsed to the ground, losing its ability to battle. Eichi saw the Houndour fall and told Heracross, "Go and take the badge from its neck."
"Heracross!"
Heracross flew over to the Houndour and pressed the red button on the collar. With a click, the badge popped out. Heracross retrieved it and handed it to Eichi. He took the badge, noted it was nothing unusual, and placed it in his waist pouch. He glanced at the fallen Houndour. Pokémon had incredible self-healing abilities; it would wake up perfectly fine before long.
"Heracross, continue."
The pair continued deeper into the forest. There were plenty of Pokémon to be found. Fifteen minutes later, a Donphan collapsed on the ground. Heracross skillfully flew over and pressed the button on the collar around the Donphan's trunk. A Bronze Badge fell out. Eichi took it and placed it into his pouch.
Fifteen minutes had passed. In that time, he had encountered six ambushes, all from Experienced rank Pokémon. Their badges were now in Eichi's pouch. Since these Pokémon had all initiated the attacks, Eichi guessed this was an arrangement by the academy. However, so far, he had only encountered Experienced rank opponents; he hadn't seen any Elite or even Gym Leader level Pokémon yet.
Suddenly, Eichi sensed a Pokémon approaching. His eyes narrowed as he told Heracross, "Go."
He hopped onto Heracross's back, and it flew toward the source. Eichi released his Bug Force to wrap around himself, completely hiding his presence. They landed on a tree thick with foliage, hiding within the leaves. Below them in the grass, he spotted an Aipom.
It had Excellent talent and was at the Elite rank—a rare find. Its talent was quite good as well. The Aipom was hopping around, and on one of its hands, it wore a collar. Embedded in it was a Silver Badge featuring a Lugia design.
Eichi's eyes lit up. Finally, an Elite rank Pokémon had appeared. Heracross was currently at the peak of the Experienced rank, just one step away from breaking through to Elite. This was the perfect opportunity. Defeating this Aipom should be enough to trigger the breakthrough.
The Aipom hopped onto a tree, happening to turn its back to Eichi. Now was the chance!
"Heracross, Horn Attack."
"Heracross!"
Heracross vibrated its wings and dived down, aiming its large horn directly at Aipom. Sensing danger, Aipom froze for a split second before spinning around to see Heracross charging toward it.