Boom!
A loud crash echoed.
Two Sandslash —one large and one much smaller, with a huge difference in size— collided violently against each other.
However, in the next instant, the massive body of the larger one was overwhelmed by the smaller one, who spun backward at an even greater speed than before, crashing directly into a giant rock.
A deafening rumble shook the entire area!
After that fierce impact from the Spin Drive move, even with the Totem Sandslash's immense endurance —far greater than that of a normal one— he couldn't withstand it any longer: he fell to the ground, completely losing the ability to fight.
With that, the entire tribe of Sandshrew within that Secret Kingdom had been defeated by him alone.
"SSHHAAAA!"
Ethan's Sandslash stood atop the fallen Totem Sandslash's body, looking down at his opponent. After a few seconds, he slowly shook his head, without any enthusiasm.
The one who had always been above him since birth, his eternal superior, now lay at his feet. Just as expected... power decides everything!
"Sandslash, how do you feel?" Ethan asked with a smile, approaching his partner.
"Sha!"
Sandslash shook his head.
"I see..." Ethan replied, still smiling. "So, what do you plan to do with this Sandslash?"
"Sha!"
Sandslash shrugged, as if to say he didn't care.
"If you don't mind, I plan to capture it and hand it over to the guild," Ethan said. "After all, a Totem Pokémon has incredibly high research value. Besides, I'm really curious to know why it became a 'dominant' one. Maybe we can uncover the method to achieve that state."
Ethan's eyes gleamed with determination. Although his Sandslash was already quite strong, his species limited his physical capacity.
That's why, without using combo moves, his strength barely matched that of an Advanced-level Pokémon.
But if he could become a Totem Pokémon, his body would improve tremendously, and his potential would rise, laying the foundation for even greater power in the future.
Upon hearing that, Sandslash nodded without hesitation. If he could become a Totem Pokémon... his strength would increase incredibly!
With his partner's approval, Ethan took out a Poké Ball and captured the Totem Sandslash without hesitation.
Afterward, he and his Pokémon explored the entire Sandshrew Secret Kingdom. They found a few fruit trees and some common Pokémon, but nothing particularly interesting. No wonder the Sandshrew lived so poorly there.
Finding nothing else of value, Ethan and his Pokémon returned to the real world.
They had spent half a day in that place, and when they came out, it was already dawn.
Perhaps due to having frequently drunk the nutrient juice made by Shuckle, Ethan felt full of energy. Despite not sleeping all night, he didn't feel the slightest bit tired.
Back home, he had lunch with his parents, then released Pidgeot and mounted its back, heading toward the Sky Secret Kingdom.
Speaking of Pidgeot, it was truly an excellent Pokémon: gentle, easy to care for, and even after being confined for a long time in its Poké Ball, it never showed irritation. It always obeyed the guild president's commands faithfully —so disciplined that Ethan even thought about capturing one for himself.
"Ethan, did you come again because you discovered something new?" President Beckett asked with an intrigued smile when Ethan hurried into his office.
"Yes, I had a little discovery this time," Ethan replied with a smile, taking out a Poké Ball. "I was lucky enough to capture this Pokémon."
President Beckett looked at him curiously. Every Pokémon Ethan brought back had never disappointed him.
"That's... a Totem Pokémon?" he asked in surprise, seeing the massive Sandslash inside the Poké Ball.
"So, the president knows what's going on with this Sandslash?" Ethan asked curiously.
"Yes," President Beckett nodded. "Although these kinds of Pokémon are very rare, they aren't unknown. In the past twenty or so years, over a hundred of these Pokémon have been found in different Secret Kingdoms around the world, and research on them began quite some time ago."
"Unlike Shiny Pokémon, which only differ in appearance, Totem Pokémon possess extraordinary strength and are born as true leaders. Their aura can intimidate and summon their companions. They are truly powerful Pokémon."
President Beckett calmly explained everything he knew, making it clear that humans had been studying Totem Pokémon for quite a while.
"I see..." Ethan nodded. "No wonder it's such a hot topic. If the method to turn a Pokémon into a Totem Pokémon could be discovered, its power would skyrocket... the benefits would be immeasurable."
"That's right," said President Beckett. "Even so, they remain extremely rare. Even our guild only possesses two Totem Pokémon."
"That's why bringing us one is of tremendous value. Tell me, what do you want in return?" he asked with a smile. Though years of research had yielded little progress, this new specimen might open up a whole new line of study.
"What do I want...?" Ethan thought for a few seconds. "Right now, I don't need anything. But, if you manage to discover the origin of the Totem Pokémon condition or the method to reach that state, I want you to help my Sandslash become one."
President Beckett thought for a moment, then nodded decisively.
"All right. If we manage to develop a stable method for a normal Pokémon to become a Totem Pokémon, your Sandslash will be the first to try it."
Ethan smiled at that, gently touching the Poké Ball on his belt. Inside, his Sandslash shook it lightly, as if responding with excitement.
Sandslash: (┗(＾0＾)┛)
(End of Chapter)