Natsuhiko does not deny that he has a fondness for this group of Mudsdale.
Of course, it's not because Mudsdale can not only serve as a mount and carry goods, but also solve food problems on its own, including rocks and grass.
Well, at least that's not the main reason.
The main reason is that he remembers Mudsdale is known to produce an item called "Light Clay."
Light Clay: When a Pokémon holding this item uses Light Wall, Reflection Wall, or Aurora Curtain, the duration will be greatly extended.
Light Wall, Reflection Wall, and Aurora Curtain are actually very practical techniques, which can integrate well into various systems, and thus the price of "Light Clay" is quite high.
Although the probability of Mudsdale producing "Light Clay" is not high, it is still a harvest of sorts.
Moreover, they had just entered the third layer when they were attacked.
They made the first move.
"Yujira, Psychic Arena."
"Beedrill, Doublade, Sword Dance."
"Togetic, Magic Leaf."
There's nothing to hesitate about, not only can he save on consumption, but also gain rewards, so Pokémon that can be effective must not be missed.
Upon hearing his command, the four Pokémon immediately entered battle mode.
"Hiss-ly-ly!!"
Seeing Natsuhiko launch an attack, Mudsdale's leader raised its hooves to send instructions to its tribe members.
Thud thud thud—
Suddenly, the crisp sound of horse hooves colliding with rocks rang throughout the third layer.
"Ying Treasure~~"
Cherrim released Sunny Day, transforming its form and triggering the "Flower Ceremony" trait.
Scattered cherry blossoms fell on the four Pokémon, greatly enhancing their abilities.
Capturing Cherrim as a support and a group BUFF "tool," Natsuhiko felt the decision was very wise, as it had a significant effect on enhancing the overall strength of the Pokémon.
Togetic's Magic Leaf shot out like a long snake, hitting the closest Mudsdale that first charged at them.
It endured the Grass-type technique and fell into a Wither state, but its massive size and bomb-like impact didn't halt its actions; it continued to charge forward.
"Haa!!"
Doublade swung its giant blue ghostly sword, slashing heavily on the Mudsdale, which was forced to stop only after being pushed a distance.
'Although Doublade is a Steel-type Pokémon, due to its size, its weight and mass are lacking,' Natsuhiko thought to himself seeing this.
He actually prepared something for Doublade to make up for this deficiency, only to be delayed by this trial.
The metal film of the same quality as Registeel's body materials picked up from the place Regigigas created the Regi Trio, if coated on Doublade, would undoubtedly greatly enhance its defense, weight, and body hardness.
But such a change would inevitably require time to adapt to, and it's not suitable at this moment.
Retract his thoughts.
Refocus attention on Mudsdale.
It was visibly apparent that Mudsdale attacked had exuded orange-red soil, covering itself to increase its defense.
Natsuhiko squinted his eyes.
"Endurance Ability."
As far as he knows, this ability is unique to Mudsdale and Mudbray among Pokémon.
Endurance: When attacked, its defense will increase, and even when suffering continuous attacks, each hit will boost its defense.
With such an ability, combined with Mudsdale's already considerable physical defense and stamina, it would certainly be an excellent physical shield Pokémon, also boasting decent physical attack ability with good potential for cultivation.
But it's unfortunate its characteristics overlap with Doublade, so Natsuhiko never had the real intention to capture one.
Besides the battle utility of Endurance Ability, it also has everyday use.
As the name implies, Endurance Ability can strengthen Mudsdale's inherent outstanding stamina, making it effective for cargo pulling or as a mount.
"Hiss-ly-ly!!"
While recalling the role of Endurance Ability, each Mudsdale fell one by one under the perfect cooperation of Natsuhiko's four Pokémon.
The Mudsdale leader finally couldn't hold back, stepping its forehooves on the ground, snorting white jets of air from its nose.
Suddenly.
The Mudsdale leader leapt into the air, silver halos swirling around its body, carrying a terrifying aura as it charged towards Doublade.
Heavyweight Collision!
A technique whose power increases as the difference in weight between itself and its opponent increases, with maximum power reaching up to 120 points.
Bear in mind, an adult Mudsdale can weigh close to a thousand kilograms, or one ton. This Mudsdale is even bulkier and larger, clearly weighing more.
This massive impact coming forward, Doublade's small stature is simply disproportionate.
Moreover, even if Togetic's attack causes it to Wither, the charge will continue.
"Tch."
Doublade swept aside the ordinary Mudsdale nearby with a sword, blinking at the charging leader.
However, Natsuhiko and the other Pokémon weren't worried; such a leaping attack couldn't hit Doublade, even though its Defenseless trait increased the chance of being hit.
But.
Doublade was slow to use Shadow Assault, instead just staring at the approaching Mudsdale with its head held high.
Its small eyes still showed fear and worry, though there was also a hint of stubbornness.
The sort of stubbornness that allowed it to train its Techniques to the extreme without going outside for decades, repeating a single move from morning till evening without finding it boring, the kind of stubbornness that had gradually faded since it followed Natsuhiko...
"Hmm?" Natsuhiko furrowed his brow, intently watching Doublade that seemed to have given up dodging.
What is it doing?
"Yongji." Yujira raised its spoon, ready to use Exchange Arena and Instant Movement to get Doublade out of harm's way.
But Natsuhiko raised a hand to stop it.
"Yongji?"
Yujira looked at him in confusion.
Under Natsuhiko's tightly knitted brow, a faint smile and admiration appeared in his bright eyes.
He whispered, "Trust it."
Indeed.
Trust it.
As companions, just choose to trust it.
Upon hearing this, Yujira paused momentarily, then nodded firmly.
Yet its spoon remained raised, not for rescuing Doublade, but ready to harvest the Mudsdale leader after Doublade's plan took effect.
What exactly is Doublade up to?
It's actually been waiting for an opportunity ever since Natsuhiko had a heart-to-heart conversation with it in Shenhe Town.
Upon entering this Alternate Space and immediately proceeding into the complex underground tunnels, faced with groups like Salandit and Excadrill without opportunities, facing the powerhouse Turtonator also provided none, and going against the Krookodile group was also unsafe for Natsuhiko's well-being.
During the showdown with the Hoshino Ryuzaki Sandstorm Team, it was a life-and-death battle, leaving no chance.
But this time, it felt opportunity was upon it!
The Mudsdale group isn't large; apart from the Mudsdale leader, the rest have mostly been dealt with by Beedrill and others.
Moreover, the Mudsdale leader's Heavyweight Collision brought considerable pressure.
All it needed was to wait.
Wait for what?
Wait for another part of itself to emerge!
Doublade's other personality.
Because Natsuhiko had said, letting "them" talk might better maximize the Combined Techniques of Continuous Slash with Holy Sword.
No one knew when it started, but Doublade's timid, cautious, and overly thoughtful nature had been slowly altered by Natsuhiko's influence.
If it were the old Doublade, it would never engage in what seemed to be suicidal crazy behavior.
But now, with Natsuhiko's words held in the highest regard, Doublade had broken free from the confines of its inherent nature, changing itself for Natsuhiko.
This change offers every Trainer a deep sense of achievement.
Natsuhiko saw what Doublade wanted to achieve, thus stopping Yujira's actions.
Failure?
Consequences?
They don't exist!
As Doublade's Trainer, trusted entirely by Doublade, he reciprocates with absolute trust.
It's this mutual trust that forges the unbreakable bond between Trainer and Pokémon.
"It's happening."
Natsuhiko's words fell.
"Tch?!"
Doublade's tightly shut other eye suddenly opened, and an almost explosive phrase emanated from it.
"Damn it..."
The cranky brother, online!
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The eighth update! Thanks to Qinggu Laoshi for the grand reward, thanks to Basement Zonggai Laoshi for the five thousand reward, and many thanks to all the buddies for the support and monthly votes! Full of enthusiasm!