Swalot, a pure Poison-type Pokémon, could swallow anything whole and secrete highly toxic fluids from its pores.
Seeing that Fantina had brought him Swalot was a total surprise for Tetsuya. Originally, he only planned to stimulate Gastly's Poison Core. But since it was Swalot, he could now push Gastly's Poison typing to the limit.
He had raised such a Gastly in his past life, back before becoming a Gym Leader. But Gastly was still primarily a Ghost-type. Even if all of its Poison potential was fully enhanced, it still couldn't compare to his [Badly Poison Drapion] and similar Pokémon that specialized in Poison.
Still, this was more than enough for now.
Tetsuya nodded and said, "You two, use Poison Gas on Gastly."
Swalot had a gentle temperament and was a bit slow-witted, but its toxicity ranked among the highest of all Poison-type Pokémon.
A dark gray, misty gas completely shrouded Gastly. In truth, most of Gastly's body was composed of gas as well. Now, using Poison Gas was meant to reform its entire makeup.
"Gastly, absorb the Poison Gas. Swalot, keep it coming."
These two Swalot had potent poison. Gastly could barely handle the Poison Gas after inhaling just a little.
But reformation required suffering.
Gastly forced itself to absorb the gas, the toxic mist coursing through its body and being expelled again, its entire form bathed in Poison Gas.
---◓---
The process continued. Around noon, Tetsuya gave 500 Pokédollars out of the 1,000 he brought to Ryuto to get food for the Swalot. Seeing a profitable task, Ryuto ran off faster than anyone.
Swalot had an enormous appetite. Even with two huge piles of Pokéfood, it was only enough to feed them for one day. That was the exact reason Tetsuya hadn't caught Swalot in his previous life, he simply couldn't afford to raise it.
The Poison Gas "purification" continued into the afternoon. Parts of Gastly's body gas began to change, turning into the dark gray color of Poison Gas.
"Good, we're getting somewhere. Hang in there, Gastly. Swalot, don't stop the Poison Gas."
They had reached the critical moment.
The Poison Gas process continued until dusk. Gastly's entire body had turned into dark gray Poison Gas.
Step one was complete.
Tetsuya had the Swalot eat the last of the food. This might be their final meal…
Gastly then went inside Bell Tower and absorbed some vitality.
Once Swalot and Gastly had recovered enough, it was time for step two.
"Swalot, use Toxic on Gastly."
Gastly tilted its face upward as purple poison sprayed onto it. The Toxic liquid seeped through its face, its pupils, and its mouth, penetrating Gastly's gaseous body. The poison stayed inside, stimulating the Poison Core.
This continued until midnight. Tetsuya hadn't felt the slightest hint of sleepiness, keeping his eyes glued to Gastly's transformation.
The Swalot's Toxic attacks gradually weakened until it had nothing left to expel.
At this point, Gastly's Poison Core had been fully stimulated. But reaching its full potential would require one final step.
Tetsuya felt no remorse for what came next…
"Swalot, swallow Gastly."
A cold smile crept across Tetsuya's face.
Swalot didn't understand and foolishly gulped down Gastly.
Tetsuya then sent out Ditto and had it transform into Swalot. He stood far away; what would happen next could provoke a violent backlash.
"Gastly, destroy Swalot's Poison Gland and absorb its core toxins."
Hearing the command, Gastly began to act from inside Swalot.
"Swa…!"
Realizing the danger too late, Swalot lunged toward Tetsuya. But its Poison Gland had already been destroyed, and Ditto stood in the way, its small red eyes locked firmly onto Tetsuya.
Tetsuya knew that Swalot's Poison Gland had been destroyed, its toxicity lost, and that it was no longer a threat. He said, "Open your mouth and let Gastly out."
But this Swalot was filled with hatred and rage. How could it possibly obey the words of the one who had done this to it? It shoved Ditto aside, leapt into the air, and used Body Slam toward Tetsuya.
Tetsuya gave a cold snort. "Looking to die? Gastly, Shadow Ball."
A Shadow Ball exploded against Swalot's belly. Gastly burst out. With a heavy thud, Swalot hit the ground and died on the spot. When Gastly emerged, its entire face had turned a deep, venomous purple.
The other Swalot, seeing its companion killed, fled in a panic.
Tetsuya let out a chilling laugh. "Tehehe… You won't escape. I can let you live.
Gastly, go after it. Use Hypnosis."
There was no way Swalot could outrun Gastly. Gastly darted forward, instantly appearing in front of the fleeing target. Wave after wave of hypnotic pulses invaded Swalot's consciousness.
It fell asleep. Eventually… it slept.
"Ditto, pry its mouth open."
Gastly entered the second Swalot's belly, destroyed its Poison Gland, absorbed its core toxins, and came back out through its mouth.
"I told you… I wouldn't let you die."
Tetsuya recalled the still-living Swalot into its Poké Ball. One had already died, and if both were gone, he'd have a hard time explaining it to Fantina. He had to show a bit of restraint.
This one's Poison Gland was destroyed too. It was basically worthless now, but that no longer had anything to do with him.
Tetsuya examined the color of Gastly and gave a nod of approval. Its face was a deep venomous purple, its gas body now a dark gray Poison Gas, and its Poison Core had been fully stimulated with the toxins of both Swalot. It was nearly perfect.
Dawn was almost breaking. The entire process had lasted an entire day and night.
Tetsuya recalled Gastly and Ditto, returned to the dormitory, took a shower, and after a short nap, headed back to the training grounds.
Morty, Raine, and Fantina were already training when Tetsuya arrived. He walked over and handed a Poké Ball to Fantina. "Here's your Swalot."
"Why is there only one…? I gave you two!" Fantina demanded.
"The other one refused to train last night. I punished it. It attacked me, and Gastly killed it," Tetsuya replied casually.
"You're lying!"
"The body's behind Bell Tower. Go see for yourself," Tetsuya said, completely self-assured.
"Y-You… you… Whatever. You're still going to compensate me!" Fantina snapped. Truthfully, she had never even seen those two Swalot, her father had just bought them from the market. She only wanted to use this chance to put Tetsuya in his place.
"Heh, compensate? I haven't even called you out for trying to get me killed."
Tetsuya's sudden outburst made Fantina take a few steps back, her eyes brimming with tears as she bit her lip.
Morty quickly stepped in to comfort her. "Don't be upset. I'll get you another one later. Tetsuya didn't mean it. If he did, he wouldn't have only killed one. You can't expect something you bought off the market, let alone the Black Market, to be completely obedient."
"Then I don't want this one either…" With that, Fantina tossed the other Swalot's Poké Ball out of Ecruteak Gym.
Even though Swalot had lost its ability to use poison, it still knew some decent Normal-type moves. Whoever found it would be lucky.
"If there's nothing else, I'm going to learn the TM now." With that, Tetsuya waved and walked away.
After he left, Fantina finally broke down and cried.
Matsuba just assumed it was a childish argument and didn't intervene.
Raine furrowed his brow. He could tell… this was no simple matter.