Chapter 383: Dangers Lurking Everywhere
Sharpedo is a Water/Dark dual-type Pokémon, and theoretically, it cannot fly.
However, this Sharpedo, relying on its superb water control, used Aqua Jet to propel itself a hundred meters into the air, opening its cavernous mouth to bite. Crucially, this Sharpedo was genuinely fast; from breaking the water's surface to entering within thirty meters, it took only a few seconds.
If not for Bronzong's wide psychic range, fast reaction speed, and the enhancement from Celebi's essence, Basalt would have been hit by now. After all, at the same rank, Psychic-type moves are almost ineffective against Dark-type Pokémon. If it had been any other Psychic-type Pokémon, Basalt would have been done for.
"Sha-ark~"
The Sharpedo, restrained by psychic power, looked shocked. It was restrained by psychic power? That's scientifically impossible! It was a Dark-type Pokémon!
But after the initial shock, Sharpedo quickly thrashed its body, trying to break free. Fortunately for it, although Bronzong's psychic power affected it, the effect was still poor. When it channeled its Dark-type energy, the binding force dropped instantly.
"Sha-ark~"
Sharpedo opened its mouth wide, while the fins on its sides and back glowed with a dark, ominous light, like sharp guillotines, radiating menace.
Dark-type move, Night Slash!
Normally, Bronzong would have chosen to meet it head-on without hesitation. But unfortunately, carrying Basalt meant it had to be cautious, cautious, and cautious again.
Hum!
A transparent white shield appeared, blocking Sharpedo.
Defensive god-tier move, Protect!
At the same time, Bronzong adjusted its body and retreated rapidly, putting distance between itself and Sharpedo again.
"Sha-ark~"
Seeing this, the water currents around Sharpedo surged again, propelling it quickly closer. In terms of speed, Bronzong was far inferior to Sharpedo.
Sharpedo's strengths lay in its mixed attacking power and speed, while its weaknesses were its defenses. Its defensive base stats were pitifully low, only 40 each. So if Bronzong got a chance to catch its breath, things would turn very bad for Sharpedo.
"Bronzong, Speed Swap!"
Basalt's gaze sharpened as he countered. At the same time, he pulled a second Pokéball from his belt and threw it forcefully: "Pupitar, Stone Edge!"
Although Dark-type Pokémon were immune to Psychic-type damage to a certain extent, status moves were still effective. So when the light of Speed Swap descended on Sharpedo, its body suddenly halted, and its speed plummeted.
"Sha-gi~"
Just then, Pupitar's Stone Edge arrived. Unable to dodge, Sharpedo was struck, blood staining the sky as its body plummeted straight into the water.
Whoosh!
At that moment, a dazzling red beam appeared, hitting Sharpedo, turning it into light, and recalling it.
"This Sharpedo... isn't a wild Pokémon!"
Basalt was shocked. He followed the red beam and saw a figure standing on the water's surface, though the face was unclear. The red light returned to the Pokéball in their hand.
Beneath the figure's feet was a massive Gyarados, flanked by an Empoleon and a Kingdra.
"Good reaction speed!"
The figure smiled at Basalt, then signaled the Pokémon to dive back underwater, disappearing without a trace.
Basalt frowned slightly. Although this mysterious person had sent Sharpedo to attack him, Basalt felt no malice from them. It was as if they were just doing their job.
"Could it be... an examiner?"
A thought flashed through Basalt's mind.
The Pro-level Secret Realm assessment had three main sources of danger.
First, wild Pokémon.
Second, infighting among candidates.
Third, surprise attacks from "enemies."
The first point is self-explanatory.
The second point simulates situations where trainers exploring the wild together might fight over treasure distribution.
The third point represents hostile forces, or enemies. As enemies, they would naturally use ambush, traps, poison, and other underhanded tactics. Since there were no real enemies in the assessment, examiners had to simulate them.
If Basalt hadn't blocked Sharpedo just now, he would likely be out of the assessment.
"The Pro-level assessment really is the closest simulation to real wilderness conditions!"
Basalt sighed. "Pupitar, Sandstorm!"
Although he had Bronzong's psychic power, Basalt added a layer of Sandstorm for safety before continuing to fly toward land.
Shh-shh-shh~
Even with the moist air, Pupitar managed to whip up a sandstorm. A terrifying sandstorm space formed instantly, a hazy yellow patch conspicuously visible in the air.
Behind a reef in the distance, a young man was attracted by the sound of the sandstorm. He poked his wet head out, clicking his tongue in wonder. "Who is this guy? So brave! Such a huge sandstorm is as conspicuous as a signal flare. Will the wild Pokémon and examiners tolerate such arrogance?"
While admiring Basalt's courage, the young man also secretly cursed him for being an idiot. However, he wouldn't warn him. Rumor had it that this exam had an "elimination quota." The more people eliminated, the higher his own chances of passing.
Five minutes later, Basalt finally saw land. Coincidentally, the fog in the air began to thin, and Basalt's visibility improved.
It was a huge island. From Basalt's perspective, he could only see part of it. The far end of the island was still shrouded in mist. Even so, the island was massive, dozens of kilometers long and seven or eight kilometers wide, shaped like a long strip. The island was covered in dense green vegetation, with mountains, water, and forests.
Basalt landed, and the sandstorm naturally descended upon the forest. The wild Pokémon living in the forest were instantly thrown into chaos as the sandstorm continuously chipped away at their stamina.
Weaker Pokémon chose to flee. But some powerful and grumpy Pokémon angrily charged toward the center of the sandstorm, ready to teach the instigator a bloody lesson.
Basalt had anticipated this, so immediately upon landing, he released all his Pokémon.
"A swarm of Beedrill, two Arbok, a Nidoking and Nidoqueen pair, three Pinsir, and five Ariados are approaching."
"There are also Pokémon lurking underground, waiting for an opportunity to ambush!"
As the information hub, Bronzong quickly relayed the situation to Basalt for decision-making. Pokémon in the air couldn't escape the sandstorm's detection. Pokémon underground couldn't escape Excadrill's seismic sense.
"Then let's get ready for a big fight!"
Basalt rubbed his neck, eager for action.
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