As Xia Yu was searching for a Pokémon with the potential to grow into an Elite Four–level powerhouse, a sharp, piercing howl suddenly echoed from deep within the cave.
Before he could react, a purple shadow flashed past like a ghost, tearing through the darkness as it lunged straight toward Xia Yu.
"Volcarona, Fiery Dance—Flame Vortex!"
A scorching wave of heat erupted instantly. Charlotte reacted the moment she sensed danger, her eyes locking onto the purple blur. At her command, Volcarona spread its blazing wings, releasing a spiraling vortex of intense flames that surged forward and blocked the incoming attack, forming a fiery barrier in front of Xia Yu.
"Charizard, intercept it!"
At the same time, Charlotte reached to her waist, throwing a Poké Ball into the air. With a burst of white light, Charizard appeared, letting out a powerful roar as it moved to face the Crobat that had revealed itself.
[Crobat]
Gender: Male
Type: Poison / Flying
Potential: Overlord Level
Ability: Infiltrator
(Can bypass barriers, substitutes, and similar defensive techniques)
Moves:
Absorb, Gust, Supersonic, Hypnosis, Bite, Air Cutter, Cross Poison, Air Slash, Leech Life, Venoshock, Mean Look, Scary Face, Quick Guard, Toxic, Wing Attack, Psychic
The dense and refined move pool made it obvious—this Crobat was nothing like an ordinary wild Pokémon. It was far more like a carefully trained battler that had gone through countless fights.
After its surprise attack failed, the Crobat didn't press forward recklessly. Instead, it flapped its wings and retreated to a rocky outcrop at the far end of the cave. Its crimson eyes fixed firmly on Charizard and Volcarona, filled with wariness rather than fear.
"Jii—ji!"
The Crobat's cry was shrill and piercing, accompanied by a constant release of ultrasonic waves that rippled outward through the cave tunnels, vibrating against the stone walls.
"Xiaoyu, have you decided yet?" Charlotte shouted without taking her eyes off the Crobat. "This Crobat is calling for backup. If too many Zubat show up, even I won't be able to protect you perfectly."
Almost as soon as her words fell, the sound of countless wings flapping echoed from every tunnel connected to the cave. Dense black shadows poured in from all directions as waves of Zubat swarmed toward Charlotte and Xia Yu.
"Almost done," Xia Yu said, his voice tense but controlled. The enormous number of Pokémon Eggs scattered around him made it difficult to focus, and his vision swam as he searched for the one with the highest potential. "Just give me a few more minutes."
"Hurry," Charlotte replied helplessly. The Zubat themselves posed little threat to her Pokémon, but sheer numbers were dangerous. If even one slipped through, Xia Yu could be injured.
Xia Yu no longer dared to waste time. He focused entirely, pushing aside distractions and scanning the final section of the cave.
Then—
There it was.
[Pokémon Egg]
Species: Noibat
Gender: Male
Type: Flying / Dragon
Potential: King Level
Ability: Telepathy
Moves: ???
......
Found it.
After confirming several times that he hadn't mistaken it for another egg, Xia Yu carefully cradled the Pokémon Egg in his arms and retreated to his elder brother Xia Luo's side.
The instant the Crobat saw the egg, it let out a furious, ear-splitting screech. Its eyes burned with rage as it spread its wings and dove straight toward Xia Yu.
"Charizard, Flamethrower!"
A torrent of blazing fire burst from Charizard's mouth, forcibly intercepting the enraged Crobat midair.
"You've chosen?" Charlotte asked calmly, her gaze finally shifting to the egg in Xia Yu's arms. The patterns on its shell were clearly different from the surrounding Zubat Eggs.
"Yes." Xia Yu nodded firmly.
"Then let's leave." Charlotte stepped in front of Xia Yu protectively and gave another command. "Volcarona—Heat Wave, full power!"
A scorching storm of heated air swept through the cave. The overwhelming temperature forced the Zubat swarm to retreat in panic, and countless Zubat were unable to endure the heat, dropping from the air and scattering across the cave floor.