Tianchen:Kongjian, we've found a suitable spot—it's a swampland. I have a premonition that a great opportunity lies within these marshes.Tianchen:However, it won't be easy to cross. It's crawling with Poison-type Pokémon. Alice and I are waiting for you on the outskirts.Alice:There are other recruits around. It's dangerous for us to linger in the open. We've gone into hiding; look for the markers we left behind when you arrive.
Feng Che checked the map left by the treehouse's former owner. The area was marked as the Poison Marsh, and the previous resident had drawn a skull and crossbones over it. The warning was clear: Do not enter without absolute preparation.
The marsh is the perfect place to receive the blessing of the Nine-Star Alignment, Feng Che mused. The dense population of Poison Pokémon acts as a natural barrier against other Rocket recruits. But I'll need to stock up on antidotes first.
The next morning, the sun broke through the clouds, dispelling the shadows of the forest. Feng Che had spent the entire night grinding herbs. Pharmacy was a game of precision—the water content and volatile oils varied from plant to plant. One wrong gram and a life-saving antidote could become a lethal poison.
His bracelet was now stocked with "Outstanding Quality" basic antidotes. He stretched his stiff limbs, his joints popping. "Time to check on those Salac Berries Chuzhu mentioned."
He found the location easily. Near the massive Egg-Fruit tree stood a towering ancient cedar. But when he peered through his binoculars and saw the guardian, his heart skipped a beat.
A Pidgeot, Level 45.
Confirming eyes... this is a boss I cannot touch.
Pokémon: Pidgeot Potential: High Elite Level: 45
The Pidgeot was magnificent, with yellow-and-white crest feathers and a vibrant red tail. Its eyes were sharp, radiating a regal aura. It could flap its wings to snap trees and fly at Mach 2. But it wasn't alone. There were two of them—a mated pair—patrolling the berries with their Keen Eye ability.
Feng Che stayed perfectly still. He knew the Pidgeots had likely already spotted him, but since he hadn't made a move, they chose to ignore him.
Just as he considered retreating, he saw a violet-red horn poking out from the brush. The ripening aroma of the Salac Berries had attracted more than just him.
A Scolipede, a Ninjask, and a Yanmega had occupied three corners of the clearing, surrounding the cedar tree.
The Scolipede (Level 43) was a violet-red nightmare, its horns oozing dark purple venom. The grass beneath it withered instantly. If it got ahold of the Salac Berry, its Speed Boost ability would make it untouchable.
The Yanmega (Level 48) was an old veteran covered in scars, its wing-tips tattered. It was clearly dying and looking for one last prize for its swarm. Despite its fading vitality, its sheer level made it the most dangerous presence.
The Ninjask (Level 41) was the "weakest," but its speed was like a blur of light. In the underground world, Ninjask were the preferred tools for assassins—a flash of light, and a head would be gone.
Feng Che eavesdropped on their thoughts.
[Female Pidgeot: This is bad. My pregnancy has drained my strength. Those cowards who used to flee from my gaze aren't afraid of me anymore.]
So that's why they're circling, Feng Che realized. A weakened guardian is an invitation.
He decided to wait and watch the tigers fight from the mountain top. The Salac Berry was too valuable to pass up. It looked like a cross between a sugar apple and a pinecone, turning red as it ripened. It could boost a Pokémon's neuronal activity, drastically increasing their speed. For Feng Che, whose current human body was frail, the berry could also improve his own reflexes and physical limits. It was ranked 5th on the rare berry charts—a single one could fetch hundreds of millions of League Dollars.
[Scolipede: It's true, she's pregnant. I'll avenge my kin and take the tree for my swarm.][Ninjask: Fight, you fools. My partner is already burrowing underground. While you clash, we'll take the prize from below.]
Suddenly, the Salac Berries released a final, intoxicating burst of fragrance.
The Yanmega moved first, snapping a Beedrill's head off in mid-air with its mandibles. The Ninjask became a streak of light, knocking out dozens of surrounding bugs with surgical strikes to their vitals. The Scolipede launched a volley of toxic pins, dissolving any creature they touched into a puddle of sludge.
The smaller bug Pokémon fled in terror. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the scent of the berries suddenly vanished—cutoff completely.
The Salac Berries were fully ripe. The battle was about to begin.
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