Approaching cautiously.
It was almost nightfall now, and it was essential to determine the place to stay before complete sunset and ensure the safety around it.
Previously, it had been considered that once night fell, the danger level of this forest was definitely something that even Natsuhiko dared not try lightly.
"As long as there are no more than three, and no Gym Leader Level Pokémon, it can be taken down!"
Mega Evolution could be used if necessary.
But if a Gym Leader Level Pokémon appeared, he would just have to choose another place with lesser conditions, and make do for one night, then consider other options tomorrow.
"The footprints on the ground are large, but not complicated, and they seem to be about the same size, highly likely there's only one."
As he approached, upon observing the footprints on the ground, Natsuhiko felt much relieved.
As long as it's not Gym Leader Level...
Even if it's just recently reached Gym Leader Level, it's worth trying!
And as they approached, they finally caught the attention of the Pokémon inside the cave.
"Roar!!"
An angry roar came from within the cave, and just the gust brought by the roar blew the shrubs outside the cave to sway back and forth, emitting painful groans.
Natsuhiko's brows furrowed.
One!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Accompanied by heavy footsteps, the Pokémon in the cave slowly walked out.
"Ready yourselves," Natsuhiko said in a low voice to several Pokémon.
The Pokémon also felt considerable pressure from the Pokémon that walked out of the cave.
The Beedrill and Honedge both used Sword Dance together.
As the Beedrill and Honedge communicated more, their proficiency in the Sword Dance technique kept increasing, and although the Beedrill's use of Sword Dance was not as skilled as Honedge's, it had made considerable progress.
As for Yujira, it directly floated in the air, sitting cross-legged while meditating to enhance its strength, while simultaneously quickly setting up a Psychic Arena.
Togetic was also waving its little hands, constantly blessing the other Pokémon with techniques like Prayer, Lucky Spell, and Mysterious Guardian.
However, while using these techniques, Togetic suddenly had a strange feeling, though it couldn't immediately pinpoint what was strange. With little time, it didn't dwell on it much either.
Just like that, as the Pokémon were all prepared, the Pokémon from the cave finally slowly walked out.
Standing over 2.5 meters tall, its entire body was dark red, with hexagonal scales the size of half a fist clearly visible, and orange rocky protrusions around its eyes and on its tail, resembling a golden crown. A circle of white fur marked the junction of its neck and body. Its sturdy legs walked upright, a massive tail balanced its movements, and its short but powerful arms.
At first glance, it looked like a ferocious Tyrantrum.
Tyrantrum!
A ruthless and ferocious Pokémon of the Rock Type and Dragon Type.
Another Pokémon that was supposed to be extinct in the Pokémon Realm.
Its golden eyes swept over Natsuhiko and the Pokémon beside him, showing disdain and condescension.
If Yanmega was the top predator in the forest, then this Tyrantrum was definitely the apex of the food chain.
Moreover, carrying the Dragon-type bloodline, it had an unmatched strong body.
Especially with that gigantic mouth filled with sharp teeth, its bite force was absolutely not something ordinary Pokémon would dare to challenge lightly.
Seeing Tyrantrum, Natsuhiko's expression became increasingly grim.
This was definitely not an easy opponent to deal with.
Roar!!
Tyrantrum roared again, declaring sovereignty over this territory.
Elite Level?
Gym Leader Level?
Impossible to determine.
This was the first time Natsuhiko had seen such a Pokémon, and he couldn't make an accurate assessment of its strength, remaining mostly reliant on his understanding of the game for Tyrantrum, as descriptions of this Pokémon were nearly non-existent in the Pokémon Realm.
But at this point, even if it was Gym Leader Level he could only brace himself and face it.
The first move was made by Natsuhiko's side.
Togetic's Divine Power activated first.
"Chakari!"
As the technique was cast, Togetic immediately sensed its Divine Power couldn't control the target, promptly alerting Beedrill and the others.
However, Togetic's attack managed to ignite Tyrantrum's already violent temper.
Roar!!
With another roar, it charged towards them at a surprisingly rapid pace considering its heavy steps.
Buzz—
The big brother Beedrill led the charge, its wings vibrating as it quickly closed the distance with Tyrantrum.
Seeing that Beedrill dared to actively approach, Tyrantrum immediately shifted its target from Togetic to Beedrill.
Opening its menacing maw, a dense black light covered its sharp teeth, and with formidable bite force, aimed at Beedrill.
Bam!
The massive jaw closed, and the "Beedrill" dissipated into an illusion under its mouth.
Shadow Clone!
The real Beedrill had appeared behind it.
The Long Needle held horizontally, with an earth-toned aura swirling and gathering on Beedrill's Long Needle, transforming instantly into a golden Long Spear.
Direct Charge Drill!
Bam!
The Ground Type's Direct Charge Drill had excellent attribute suppression effect against the Rock Type Tyrantrum.
Struck by a tremendous impact, while Tyrantrum was in pain, it staggered a few steps forward.
Meanwhile, its thick tail swung, the wind force from the Dragon Tail sweeping towards Beedrill, who had just finished attacking and could not dodge quickly.
And just a second before it launched the attack, Honedge used Shadow Assault to appear behind it.
Intending to launch an attack, but seeing that Beedrill was the target of the attack.
Despite the fear in its eyes, even Honedge didn't expect itself to do such a thing, Flashing beside Beedrill.
The rapidly snapping Dragon Tail was like a terrifying whip, and just the gust it brought while swinging could cause sharp pain.
The cautious Honedge unhesitatingly blocked in front of Beedrill, which completely contradicted its usual cautious nature and behavior.
Unexplainably, when seeing Beedrill about to suffer a severe attack, images of Beedrill learning the "Sword Dance" technique with it flashed through Honedge's mind.
The scene of one stronger than itself yet still humbly seeking guidance. That kind of attitude acknowledging Honedge's abilities brought some changes in Honedge's inner self.
If, within Natsuhiko's team, there was anyone Honedge acknowledged best and favored, it was definitely Beedrill.
It admired Yujira's efforts, not lacking when compared to itself, but Yujira was not one for spoken words, and conversely, Togetic's excessive chattiness and fondness for interaction diminished its training focus. Only Beedrill was Honedge's preferred first point of contact for exchange.
Now, when Beedrill was in danger, Honedge involuntarily stood in front of it.
Perhaps, when Yujira and Togetic faced danger it would do the same, but that would definitely be a conscious, subjective choice, unlike its subconscious behavior towards Beedrill, which required no thought.
In its view, among Natsuhiko's four Pokémon, its defense was top-notch and even without Natsuhiko's signals, it knew when it was needed.
No matter how scared it was inside.
Bam!
The mighty Dragon Tail struck Honedge, successfully delaying the speed of its whipping, buying Beedrill time.
Honedge was directly sent flying, knocked away from beside Beedrill.
"Zzzzip!!"
Beedrill's eyes turned crimson with rage, and its Leader's Aura surged.
Simultaneously.
A multicolored glow emitted from Natsuhiko's pocket.
The Super Evolution Stone felt Beedrill's emotional turmoil.
And Natsuhiko, at that moment, could clearly feel Beedrill's anger.
Without hesitation.
He tossed the Super Evolution Stone towards Beedrill.
Empowered by the Super Evolution Stone, Beedrill and Natsuhiko, gripping the Keystone, burst forth with intense Super Evolution Energy.
Seeing the once timid Honedge shielding Beedrill without his prompting, Natsuhiko was both surprised and aware of Honedge's change.
He pronounced solemnly, "Beedrill."
"Mega!"