The shape of Cryogonal resembles a snowflake, with its entire body composed of ice crystals. Two blue eyes peek out from gaps in the ice, and a lock-like structure created by ice crystals forms in the gap resembling a mouth.
Ice-type Pokémon.
Cryogonal mostly live in extremely cold caves. They possess a strong freezing ability and can completely freeze their prey at temperatures below minus one hundred degrees.
Natsuhiko and the others' actions of disturbing the ice and snow covering the cave undoubtedly irritated Cryogonal, causing it to perceive them as enemies.
That's why it launched an attack without hesitation.
Although Cryogonal is an Ice-type Pokémon, there's an aspect of this Pokémon that intrigues people.
That is their pure Ice type, and despite appearing unrelated to other attributes, they can learn one of the ultimate techniques of Grass-type Pokémon, Sunlight Beam.
People unfamiliar might think they are Ice and Grass-type Pokémon.
"Doublade, continue," Natsuhiko said.
Since Doublade has found its rhythm, let it continue hacking.
"Hiss!"
Upon hearing the command, Doublade immediately drew another sword. A Shadow Assault appeared behind Cryogonal, and the virtual shadow of Holy Sword, utilizing the special technique of Continuous Slash, cut right onto Cryogonal without hesitation.
Bang!
Cryogonal was smashed directly onto the ground, and the hard ice layer cracked in layers. A single slash rendered it unable to fight.
Fighting-type Techniques are effective against Ice-type Pokémon, and the power of the second sword with Continuous Slash combined with Holy Sword doubles.
"Senior Level Cryogonal."
Natsuhiko made the preliminary assessment of this Cryogonal's strength.
Not particularly strong.
"If the Pokémon in this cave have such strength...."
Then it is possible to continue exploring.
However, he hadn't finished his sentence.
Clang, clang, clang——
The crisp sound of ice crystal collisions came from deep within the cave.
Immediately, dense masses of Cryogonal poured out of the cave, resembling snow pouring out from the cave.
Except that these snowflakes are somewhat large, and their destructive force is relatively strong.
Natsuhiko's face slightly changed.
So many?
The sight prompted Doublade to immediately lash out with another slash.
But perhaps due to the sudden and abundant appearance of Cryogonal, even the strongest slash couldn't catch the full effect of the Combined Techniques in time.
Ordinary Holy Sword can threaten Cryogonal, but it's insufficient to deal with them one by one, especially given Doublade isn't naturally a Fighting type.
"Buzz!"
Faced with so many Cryogonal, Beedrill immediately rushed out to relieved Doublade from the pressure.
Yujira also quickly used Psychic Arena, attacking with Spirit Blade without needing to lock onto a specific target; just aiming into the cave would surely hit several Cryogonal.
Togetic soon released Divine Power, targeting those few rushing at the front.
Still, no matter how hard they tried, Cryogonal seemed endless, continuously pouring out from the cave.
Moreover, as the numbers increased, stronger Cryogonal also appeared.
Starting from Senior Level, gradually a few Elite Level appeared, then almost all became Elite Level, and their emergence hadn't stopped.
Perhaps, given more time, Gym Leader Level Cryogonal would appear.
"Retreat!"
Natsuhiko yelled.
Time was running out.
If he wished to take down this large group of Cryogonal head-on, it was doable as long as Gym Leader Level didn't come in bulk.
But the required time wouldn't be short, and the Pokémon would have to pay a price, either by consuming a lot of energy or suffering some injury.
Under ordinary circumstances, it might be acceptable, but tomorrow marks the beginning of the league trial, entering the unknown Alternate Space. If the difficulty is as high as Regigigas's Alternate Space, all Pokémon must be in prime condition before entry.
No one could guarantee that upon entry, they wouldn't be chased down by a swarm of Yanmega like last time.
Even those as strong as Hilona must calmly prepare today.
Moreover, even if they broken through the Cryogonal assault, it's uncertain that they would immediately locate the object pointed by the spoon.
Retreating now is the most rational and suitable choice.
After all, with such a group of Cryogonal here, anyone wanting to enter must consider whether their strength is sufficient.
Hearing Natsuhiko's words, Beedrill aggressively performed Cross Cut, and Doublade also followed with Holy Sword, briefly pushing back the mass of Cryogonal before returning beside Natsuhiko.
Yujira activated Instant Movement, wrapping them with psychic power, instantly transporting them away.
At the moment of Instant Movement transporting them, Natsuhiko finally noticed one particularly larger Cryogonal squeezing out from the mass—it floated out.
This feeling...
Gym Leader Level!
Luckily they left early. Had they delayed until the Gym Leader Level Cryogonal appeared, along with those Elite Level and Senior Level ones, escaping wouldn't have been so easy.
Another time.
After returning from the league's Alternate Space trial and having ample time to fully prepare, they'd return.
However, just as Natsuhiko caught sight of that Gym Leader Level Cryogonal, he missed the sight of a heavy, swaying figure stepping from behind, along with the rapidly dropping surrounding temperatures.
...
...
Shenhe Town.
Returned once more.
Though today's exploration wasn't completed, at least the location and the Pokémon inhabiting the cave were confirmed.
Obtaining useful information ensures that the next journey will be fully prepared.
"Back already?" Hilona, smoothing out Glaceon in the courtyard, called out upon seeing the suddenly appearing Natsuhiko.
"Yes." Natsuhiko promptly dusted off the snowflakes and ice crystals from his body, looking a bit disheveled.
"That paper of yours... is brilliant." Hilona suddenly said, her expression somewhat complicated.
"You've seen it, huh." Natsuhiko replied with a smile.
He spent quite a bit of time and effort on that paper, so of course it wouldn't be subpar.
Hilona pursed her lips, "So, do you know what happened?"
Upon hearing this, Natsuhiko was taken aback, "What happened? Oh, you mean the paper? Probably created quite a stir, since there aren't too many but not too few Trainers with an Eevee either."
"I suggest you go check it out yourself."
"Hmm?"
"And be mentally prepared."
The more he listened, the more Natsuhiko felt something was amiss?
Could it be his paper was criticized by others? Rebutted by certain individuals?
But he meticulously reviewed it multiple times, though the writing didn't take as long, the preparation was very time-consuming. Except for the conjectures regarding Leafeon, there shouldn't be major points to question.
Thinking this, Natsuhiko rolled up his sleeves, striding towards the house.
Seems there's a need to let the people in the Pokémon Realm experience the skills of a professional "keyboard warrior."
Hilona watched as Natsuhiko stormed towards the room, eyes flashing with curiosity.
What's he angry about?
Soon.
Natsuhiko's barely restrained "elegant" voice echoed from within the house.
"What the heck?!"
Seeing his paper thread—the one that took ages to open—with thousands of comments, and the chief hot-topic comments authored by Oak, Dr. Yamanashi, Professor Oak, and several renowned doctors, Natsuhiko's eyes lit up.
Sakuragi, Dr. Yamanashi, Professor Oak, and an array of famous professors.
What truly made him astonished was the league's official recognition, the small suffix "Eevee Authority" following "Dodo" on the official website.
This was genuine and certified by the authorities!
If put in terms of Natsuhiko's previous life, then he'd even... gone viral!
From now on, others may even refer to him as Dr. Natsuhiko? No, he hasn't become a doctor yet; he hasn't obtained any academic certificates.
According to unwritten rules in some "exclusive circles," going viral means any Tom, Dick, or Harry can be called "teacher." Doesn't this mean his title should be elevated?
Essentially...
Teacher Natsuhiko, you've gone viral?!
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Fourth update! Requesting monthly votes!