Chapter 112: Growlithe (Please support the first subscription and cast your votes!)

Cyndaquil’s presence was undeniably imposing, yet Chen Ou, who shared an exceptional rapport with Cyndaquil, was fully aware that deep down, Cyndaquil knew its chances of victory were slim. After all, the gap in strength between a Pokémon of Champion rank and one below that tier was vast, not a mere fraction. Under normal circumstances, both Cyndaquil and Charmeleon were far from bridging the chasm to reach Champion-level power.

However, thanks to Chen Ou’s enhancements, their overall qualities had begun to sprint toward the Champion tier. Of course, without Chen Ou’s “cheats,” their strength would still be formidable—certainly not weak—but not enough to truly pressure a Gym Leader’s ace. At best, they could hold their own against the Gym Leader’s secondary lineup.

This revealed just how perfectly calibrated Chen Ou’s enhancements were. It was no wonder Liu Nian admired him. Even if the enhancements were misapplied, Chen Ou still managed to cultivate remarkably strong Pokémon. Now, with Liu Nian’s subtle adjustments to the enhancements, Chen Ou’s team was poised to enter another rapid growth phase. The battle before them marked a turning point.

On the other side, Alakazam showed no intention of holding back against Cyndaquil, launching a psychic strike straight at it. His patience had been worn thin during the previous fight against Charmeleon. That enhanced Charmeleon wielded power far beyond what someone its age should possess, and had inflicted injury on Alakazam that was equally disproportionate.

Alakazam wasn’t about to underestimate this unevolved Pokémon again. While evolution generally signified a higher life form, it was not uncommon for some unevolved Pokémon to surpass many final forms. But an unevolved Pokémon challenging a Champion-level final evolution? That was unprecedented—a shock that could stun Alakazam’s mother for an entire year.

Of course, if Chen Ou knew what Alakazam was thinking, he would tell him he was simply inexperienced. Had he ever heard of a Pikachu beating legendary Pokémon? One already had in Red’s hands, another was about to, under Ash’s care.

“What? Pikachu’s not an unevolved form? Never mind then!”

Still, Chen Ou had no intention of stealing Ash’s opportunities. No matter how gifted Pikachu was, its temperament suited only a passionate, spirited trainer like Ash. Besides, Ash always called him “Brother Chen Ou,” so how could Chen Ou bear to snatch his chances?

He had no dark plans to disrupt Ash’s journey. He thought Ash’s travels were quite fine—though he wondered who would accompany Ash if Misty and Brock weren’t around.

If it was Tracey... better to eliminate him quietly.

Yes, he could call on the Hunter Four Brothers—they were professionals.

(The four burly men: Absolutely not!!!)

Seeing that Alakazam showed no signs of testing, Cyndaquil could only awkwardly begin dodging. This psychic strike was even stronger than the flame blast exchanges with Charmeleon. Cyndaquil’s own flame attacks paled in comparison.

So Cyndaquil backed off decisively, surrounding itself with flames and retreating using Flame Wheel. Of course, this was just a tactical repositioning. Standing toe-to-toe all the time would be suicide for a close-combat fighter like Cyndaquil.

Using Flame Wheel, Cyndaquil evaded Alakazam’s psychic blast. Unfazed, Alakazam calmly unleashed Future Sight, sending another psychic strike into the void. It was undeniably a dirty tactic.

Psychic-type Pokémon could be such rogues!

Fortunately, Cyndaquil had higher defense than Charmeleon, and Chen Ou had prepared countermeasures for this move. With their natural synergy, Cyndaquil executed the plan flawlessly.

Cyndaquil quickly closed in, while Alakazam, unwilling to engage in close quarters, prepared to teleport away. Yet Cyndaquil, ever cunning, anticipated this. The moment Alakazam began to move, Cyndaquil started retreating, a maneuver that momentarily stunned Alakazam and left Nassi perplexed.

Chen Ou, however, understood Cyndaquil’s intention, though he found the tactic frustratingly indecisive—neither advancing nor retreating fully—a slow squeeze, very much like Cyndaquil.

“Woof! (This is just like Chen Ou!)” came Cyndaquil’s bark from within the Flame Wheel.

Chen Ou’s face darkened with three long lines: “Stop! Fight properly!”

Changing direction, Cyndaquil charged once more toward Alakazam. Noticing the approach, Alakazam grew wary. Though Cyndaquil’s previous act seemed erratic, it surely had a deeper meaning. He prepared to teleport again.

As Alakazam began charging his teleport, Cyndaquil suddenly extinguished the Flame Wheel, leapt forward, and before Alakazam could react, three violet will-o’-the-wisps floated swiftly toward him.

Having a diverse team had its perks—the Pokémon learned skills from each other. Charmeleon’s Iron Tail had come from Entei, and this Will-O-Wisp was likewise learned from Entei.

Caught off guard, Alakazam was engulfed by the spectral flames, suffering a solid burn debuff.

A faintly human-like, cunning smile crept across Cyndaquil’s lips.

Cyndaquil had never harbored illusions of defeating Alakazam on its own. After all, Alakazam hadn’t mega-evolved or been enhanced. Cyndaquil’s goal was simply to fight smoothly and weaken its opponent as much as possible.

This was both a strength and a weakness. Like Chen Ou, Cyndaquil always preferred setting a goal beforehand; once achieved, it lost its fighting spirit for what came next.

Charmeleon was different—always striving to give its all rather than maximizing gains.

Chen Ou recognized this flaw and let out a sly grin. He waved toward Nassi, signaling her to read his mind.

Though puzzled by Chen Ou’s antics, Nassi complied.

“Mega-evolve Alakazam, give Cyndaquil a surprise.”

Upon hearing Chen Ou’s thoughts, Nassi quickly grasped his plan. Indeed, Cyndaquil’s temperament needed to be pressured intensely.

Thus—

“Alakazam! Respond to our bond! Mega Evolution!”

“Alakazam!”

Cyndaquil’s smile froze in place...

“No honor in this.”

“Can’t play this game.”

“This is so Chen Ou.”

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