The ordinary Ekans has round yellow eyes, a yellow belly for swallowing eggs, and black stripes across its purple scales. Its tail rattles softly when it moves.
But this one—this thing—was nothing like the others.
It was massive, nearly four or five times the size of a normal Ekans.
Two sharp horns jutted from its head, and its body shimmered with faint draconic scales, as if part of its serpent lineage had evolved toward something ancient.
Its eyes, glowing blood-red under the moonlight, were pure malice.
[Ding! System alert — a mutant Arbok detected 100 meters ahead.]
[Type: Poison]
[Description: Normally timid, it will bite any perceived threat. Ekans venom is mild before evolution, but this mutation changes everything. It prefers feeding on Pidgey and Spearow eggs.]
[Moves Learned: Acid, Haze, Glare, Sludge Shot, Poison Sting, Wrap]
[Combat Power: 3,500]
Raj's face went pale. "Three thousand five hundred!? You've got to be kidding me!"
[System reminder: this Arbok mutated after swallowing a cosmic meteor fragment. Its abilities exceed the host's current capabilities. Recommend retreat.]
Before Raj could even respond, Melony screamed, "Oddish, Paras, Staryu, Caterpie, everyone—run!"
The Pokémon she had been caring for scattered in panic.
Raj glanced back at her—she was only wearing a light nightgown, her body framed by the flickering glow of the collapsing cabin behind her.
He swallowed hard, ears flushing red despite the chaos.
"Shit... focus, Raj, focus!"
The mutant Arbok slithered closer, its massive body crushing trees with every movement. The air thickened with poison.
[Ding! New system quest triggered — Defeat the Giant Mutant Arbok. Reward: 100,000 points.]
Raj blinked. "What?! A hundred thousand? That's great and all, but I'll be dead before I can spend it! System, give me something useful—now!"
[System shop update: Ability Enhancement Device available. Greatly increases Pokémon power. Consumes all remaining points.]
Raj scowled. "That's all my points! How is that supposed to be enough for something this strong?"
[Clarification: this is a prototype. The official version costs 50 million points. Warning: once used, the Pokémon can no longer evolve—similar to holding an Everstone.]
Raj's mind raced. "Damn... that's risky. I can't use it on Haunter—it hasn't evolved yet. Beedrill's already fully evolved, but it's weak against Poison-types. That only leaves Shiny Grimer..."
Before he could decide, the Arbok's tail came crashing down, smashing Melony's wooden hut to splinters.
A terrified Oddish squealed as venom gathered in the serpent's throat.
Melony screamed and threw herself between the Arbok and the Pokémon.
Raj's eyes widened. "No more hesitation—System, use the enhancer on Shiny Grimer! Activate!"
[Enhancement device installed. Shiny Grimer ready for combat.]
"Go, Grimer! Use Body Slam! Crush that thing!"
The purple sludge Pokémon surged forward, its aura exploding outward.
Its size doubled instantly as the enhancer pulsed through its body. When it collided with Arbok, the ground cracked beneath the impact.
The mutant serpent roared, momentarily stunned. Melony seized the chance to grab Oddish and retreat to safety, tears glimmering in her eyes as she looked back at Raj.
"Come on, Grimer, stay on it!" Raj shouted.
But the Arbok recovered fast. It coiled tightly and unleashed Glare, its crimson eyes freezing Grimer in place. The sludge Pokémon shuddered, its body stiffening.
"Damn it, paralysis! Grimer, use Double Team and Mud Bomb! Fill the whole field!"
Multiple clones of Grimer split apart, launching barrages of Mud Bombs.
The air filled with explosions of dirt and sludge—but the Arbok countered with Haze and Sludge Shot, filling the area with poison smoke.
Raj coughed, eyes narrowing. "This thing's smart... it's using the fog to hide."
Then—Melony screamed again. "Raj! It's behind you!"
The Arbok had burst from the smoke, fangs bared, coiling around Grimer in a crushing Wrap!
The serpent hissed, triumphant.
Raj smirked. "You think you've got it? Grimer—melt!"
Grimer's form liquefied instantly, dripping between Arbok's coils like oil. It reformed beside the serpent and dove into the earth.
"Now! Dig! Give it everything you've got!"
The ground exploded beneath the Arbok, sending it flying. It crashed down hard, its massive body twitching before going limp. The red in its eyes faded to white.
[Ding! Host has defeated the Giant Mutant Arbok. Reward: 100,000 points.]
Raj let out a shaky laugh. "Holy crap... that actually worked."
Grimer wobbled weakly, exhausted. Raj returned it to its Poké Ball before turning to Melony.
She ran up to him, clutching Oddish tightly. "Thank you... thank you for saving us," she said softly, cheeks flushed.
Raj smiled, removing his jacket and placing it over her shoulders. "Don't mention it. You should put on something warmer—forest nights can get cold."
Her face turned redder, and she looked down shyly. "You're... really kind."
Before Raj could reply, the defeated Arbok stirred again. But instead of attacking, it slithered toward him and rubbed its head against his leg like a pet.
Raj blinked. "Looks like it wants me to catch it."
He tossed a Poké Ball—and the Arbok was caught instantly.
Then, as he bent to examine the battlefield, he noticed a glowing meteorite fragment lying among the debris.
"So this little rock caused that mutation, huh?" he muttered, picking it up. "Better keep this safe."
He stored it in his system space.
When he turned back, Melony smiled softly. "I still don't know your name... or where you're from."
Raj chuckled. "Name's Raj. I'm from Pallet Town."
"Pallet Town?" Her eyes lit up.
"Then you must know Ash! He passed by recently and took the Bulbasaur who used to guard this forest. He's such a kind trainer."
Raj's grin widened. "Yeah... Ash and I go way back. People from Pallet Town are built different."
Melony laughed lightly, the tension finally fading.
Raj gave her one last reassuring nod. "Keep the Arbok here—it'll protect you and the others. I've got a gym to challenge."
And with that, he turned toward the distant lights of Vermilion City, the promise of his next badge gleaming in his eyes.