A crimson object reminiscent of the sun hangs high in the alternate space, continuously emitting light and warmth, nurturing all living things within it.
Spotted sunlight sparsely scatters across the ground, occasionally accompanied by the sound of insects and birds, indicating the vitality of this place.
Walking amidst the scattered shrubs, Natsuhiko is unaffected by the terrain and vegetation.
The tireless Mudsdale seems to have a natural affinity for being a mount, quietly and stably stepping forward without causing any jostling for Natsuhiko on its back.
Some things really are harmful without comparison.
Although Tyrantrum also disregards terrain, its rough personality often leaves chaos in its wake.
The most important thing.
Tyrantrum only has two feet; no matter how much it controls its posture, walking inevitably involves swaying from side to side.
Conversely, Mudsdale is gentle, its walking restrained; when two legs lift, the other two stabilize, allowing Natsuhiko to feel virtually no swaying, requiring no psychic power for stability.
The sturdy hoofs surrounded by mud eliminate concern about sinking into mud or marshes.
Natsuhiko finally understands why Mudsdale is popular in Alola, not just for its temperament, but also for its stable stride and moderate pace.
It's been some time since entering the forested area.
Experiencing different feelings from various mounts.
Tyrantrum: Mudhorse, let's duel!
However.
The forest is unlike a barren desert.
Here wild Pokémon are notably more plentiful and active; Natsuhiko encountered no fewer than five hostile wild Pokémon attacks.
In the end, all became nourishment for the Death God Coffin.
Clatter—
Suddenly.
A tiny green particle slowly floats down as Mudsdale carries Natsuhiko, landing on its back.
Thought it was a small leaf, but soon tendrils sprout, clinging tightly to its broad back.
A stumble.
Mudsdale nearly loses its balance, yawning longly, two teardrops squeezing from the corners of its eyes.
"Hm?"
Natsuhiko furrows his brow, using psychic power to peel the tiny thing off Mudsdale.
"Neigh—"
Mudsdale shakes its head, regaining its footing.
Wrapped in psychic power, the tiny mushroom-like entity twitches, its tendrils still active, as Natsuhiko raises an eyebrow.
Considering Mudsdale's previous reaction.
"Mushroom Spores?"
A special spore inducing sleep in affected Pokémon or humans.
With a slight exertion, Natsuhiko crushes the spore, squeezing out its green sap.
However.
His action initiates a chain reaction, numerous tiny particles cascading from tree branches and leaves, densely appearing like rain.
"Beedrill." Natsuhiko calls softly.
"Buzz."
Beedrill understands, stirring Tailwind, appearing above Natsuhiko, spinning rapidly.
Shield of Retribution.
Stirred by airflow, the lightweight spores can no longer settle, scattered on either side.
"Interesting." Natsuhiko gently rubs his chin.
Few Pokémon use the Mushroom Spores technique, most commonly Paras and Parasect, along with Shroomish and Amoonguss.
Paras and Parasect aren't proactive attackers; Shroomish is timid, and there's no sign of Amoonguss along the way.
"Breloom!"
Suddenly, a green silhouette darts from the forest, its fierce fist wrapped in crimson light, moving swiftly with a sound-breaking whoosh.
Sonic Fist!
"Yongji."
Floating mid-air, Yujira reacts quickly, blue light flashing in its eyes, its spoon slightly bent forward, three Spirit Blades appear, aiming at the attacking Pokémon from three angles.
The Pokémon attempting to strike Natsuhiko senses danger, halts its Sonic Fist, twists mid-air, dodges two blades, but is hit by the third.
Bang—
Crashing against a nearby tree.
The attacking Pokémon reveals its form.
"Breloom."
Shaped like a kangaroo, its body primarily green and beige. Strong arms, red claw tips, a mushroom resembling a hat on its head with two red spheres symmetrically placed, pores in the middle, its tail encircled by four green spheres.
Shroomish's evolved form, Grass and Fighting Type Pokémon, Breloom.
Breloom jumps up immediately, takes a stance, glaring at Natsuhiko and his Pokémon with apparent hostility.
Natsuhiko isn't unfamiliar with Breloom.
Breloom boasts excellent traits, whether "Sporing," "Poison Healing," or the hidden "Technique Master."
The "Spore" trait inflicts poison on contact-related Pokémon, ideal for Fighting Type close combat.
"Poison Healing" trait recovers health when poisoned, especially effective when paired with a "Highly Poisonous Treasure Pearl."
The "Technique Master" trait excels further, boosting techniques with a base power of 60 or less by fifty percent; the Sonic Fist with base power 40 becomes 60 under this trait.
Essentially, "Technique Master" enhances Breloom's low-power Basic Attack techniques substantially.
Currently, Natsuhiko is curious why this Breloom launched an attack upon seeing him.
Though Breloom isn't overly gentle, it shouldn't actively attack in such hostility.
"Shroom—Shroom—"
Moreover.
With Breloom's appearance, many Shroomish emerge, hiding behind tree trunks or shrubs, calling to Natsuhiko and Breloom.
The entourage's support strikes Natsuhiko as amusing.
Suddenly, changes arise again.
Whoosh—
An ice cone abruptly shoots from dense woods, aimed directly at Natsuhiko's position.
Buzz—
Beedrill swiftly appears beside Natsuhiko, crosses its needles, swiftly flicking off the incoming ice cone.
Yet this is only the beginning.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh—
Three more ice cones fire from the same direction.
Cross Cut!
A vivid cyan light emits from Beedrill, facing the three ice cones with a technique.
Natsuhiko's face turns solemn upon witnessing this.
The attack isn't from wild Pokémon, but from a trainer's Pokémon.
Narrowing his eyes, a chilling sharpness emerges.
Without the three kings' guard, trainers in alternate space have unreservedly begun attacking each other?
——————
Fifth update! So tired, yesterday's major move drained my energy, my state took time to recover~~ Month ticket needed~