The battle between Haunter and Houndoom had ended.
Houndoom, which held the advantage in type, had actually not won. Its original "kingly~" bearing had now turned into a passionate and upward fighting spirit!
Houndoom continued its daily biting exercise.
Crunch, Fire Fang, Thunder Fang… after just a short while, a large amount of toxins seeped out from its fangs, somewhat different from Houndoom's usual poison toxins.
It was more like… Haunter's poison!?
This Houndoom had ruled in this miasma forest, naturally facing many challenges from Poison-type Pokémon, as well as the poisonous miasma that filled the air. To become a king, it naturally had its own extraordinary qualities.
Its body had already developed to the point of expelling toxins from its Poison Gland. It seemed that this Houndoom needed to further strengthen its physique and biting strength.
In his previous life, Tetsuya had also conducted some research on Houndoom. The inspiration came from a battle between Houndoom and Salazzle. He found that a Houndoom that lived with Salazzle for a long time was not afraid of Salazzle's poison.
It seemed that Houndoom itself had strong resistance to poison, and it could also produce it itself. This would vary depending on the environment Houndoom lived in, resulting in differences in the amount or potency of its poison.
Houndoom still had great potential for growth!
Haunter's power, on the other hand, made him feel pleasantly surprised. Seeing Haunter's victory also aroused Piloswine's competitive spirit.
Now, the strength of these two was truly difficult to judge, but without a doubt, they were the two strongest among his Pokémon.
Piloswine benefited from the powerful destructive force of its Ice-type moves, as well as the boost from Hail, giving it an absolute advantage in destructive power.
Haunter, on the other hand, excelled in Speed. Whether it was evasion, movement speed, attack speed, or the speed of move condensation, all were extremely strong, especially with the addition of its powerful psychic power.
Different characteristics would naturally spark intense battles.
However, Haunter had already fought one battle today, so it could only be postponed.
---◓---
After resting for a day, Tetsuya set out with all his Pokémon. The main reason was that Beedrill's "food supply" was no longer sufficient, and one Gloom had even been directly "dealt" with by Beedrill.
Therefore, he had to go to that flower field to capture a few more Grass-type Pokémon, and at the same time catch a Flying-type to exchange for Poké Balls.
The thirty Poké Balls he had exchanged for the first time were almost used up.
He was still very familiar with the direction of the flower field, but he had to bypass the miasma forest.
Tetsuya glanced at the purple miasma-filled forest.
'In another half year, I will definitely flatten this place! I want to see what is inside. Haunter's evolution will depend on this.'
In the flower field, Tetsuya smoothly caught six Gloom. There was no suspense. All were one-hit KO. Their purpose was also very simple, to produce nectar.
Tetsuya only had two Poké Balls left. He had to catch two Pokémon to exchange, otherwise there would be no way to maintain a sustainable cycle.
While wandering in the forest, a Noctowl appeared before him.
Noctowl, a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon, and also skilled in Psychic-type moves, could be said to be one of the most troublesome Pokémon for Haunter. Ghost-type moves had no effect on Noctowl, while Noctowl's Psychic moves could effectively counter Haunter.
"Haunter!"
Tetsuya called out, and Haunter had already risen from beneath him.
Noctowl turned its neck and glanced at Haunter with disdain. The number of Haunter it had killed could circle this island once!
"Sludge Bomb, Dark Pulse."
Tetsuya gave the command, and Haunter casually hurled three purple shuttle-shaped poison spheres, smashing toward Noctowl.
Noctowl flapped its wings and successfully avoided Haunter's attack.
However, just as Noctowl thought it was already safe, layers of black energy waves spread directly toward its position.
Caught off guard, it was hit by Haunter's follow-up Dark Pulse, and a few feathers fell.
Only now did Noctowl realize that this Haunter was different!
Its eyes focused, and its long brows began to flicker with blue light.
"Foresight" was indeed a divine move for dealing with Ghost-type Pokémon, but it required concentration, and this Noctowl's concentration speed was so slow…
'Then sorry about that.'
"Embargo."
Haunter suddenly let out a dry howl, instantly shocking Noctowl, which froze on the spot, and also interrupted the use of Foresight.
"Sludge Bomb."
Since Shadow Ball could not be used, Sludge Bomb was used instead.
The stunned Noctowl naturally found it difficult to dodge this attack.
Three Sludge Bomb struck Noctowl's body!
Crackling sounds rang out.
The feathers on its chest had already been blown away, blood flowed freely, and Noctowl also fell into a poisoned state, crying out in pain.
Now that it had fallen into a poisoned state, things became much easier.
Unfortunately, Hex had no effect on Noctowl. Otherwise, with its doubled damage against Pokémon in abnormal conditions, it could have knocked Noctowl down in one hit.
…Since it was poisoned, it might as well make it more thorough.
"Clear Smog."
Tetsuya chose a move with relatively lower power. After all, he wanted to capture it, not kill it.
Purple poisonous smoke spewed from Haunter's mouth, about to envelop Noctowl…
Suddenly, a red light flashed in Noctowl's eyes, and then it flapped its wings, beginning to disperse the poisonous smoke.
Haunter also showed a slight discomfort, but it did not suffer any damage.
Looking at Noctowl again, it was no longer in a poisoned state.
That was Noctowl's "Psycho Shift" just now. It could transfer its own status conditions to the opponent, so Noctowl transferred the poisoned state to Haunter. However, Haunter could not fall into a poisoned state, so it only experienced slight discomfort.
Psychic-type moves were the hardest to understand. It seemed that only those who could use Psychic power would know their principles.
Noctowl successfully cleared Haunter's poisonous smoke, and immediately flapped its wings fiercely, charging toward Haunter.
Along the path of its charge, its head was gradually wrapped in red light.
'Zen Headbutt.'
It seemed that this Noctowl at least knew what Haunter was afraid of.
Psychic moves?
"Haunter, hold it."
Then let you see what true Psychic is.
Tetsuya had not allowed Haunter to use Psychic all along, because he was worried that this Noctowl would not be able to withstand the intense pain in its head and would commit suicide.
Haunter stretched its claws forward, and red light burst from its eyes. Instantly, Noctowl could not move at all, and the energy above its head dissipated.
Only now did Noctowl realize the danger… it flapped its wings desperately, opened its mouth to cry out but could not make a sound, only revealing a look of fear.
Noctowl's psyche had been completely destroyed. Now was the best time to capture it.
Tetsuya threw out a Poké Ball.
After being absorbed into the Poké Ball, Noctowl suddenly felt safe and relieved. Finally, there was no more danger…
He picked up the Poké Ball and searched for the next target.