"In this Arena of Death, no one is allowed to step down until a result is achieved."
"Once you sign the life-and-death warrant, there is no room for regret."
"One of you must remain on this stage. If neither of you has the stomach to finish the job, my Feraligatr is more than happy to oblige."
Augustus patted the Feraligatr's head. The massive beast opened its maw, exuding a terrifying pressure reminiscent of a prehistoric monster. Its thunderous roar caused the surrounding Rocket members to tremble in their boots.
"The rule of the ring is survival. I don't care what methods you use—just kill your opponent."
Augustus sat back on his stool and pulled a silver flask from his coat. It was palm-sized, embossed with a silver lion. Inside was high-proof vodka. He unscrewed the cap and let the amber liquid flow into his mouth.
A heavy scent of alcohol soon filled the air. Feng Che caught the aroma, but his sharp nose detected more than just spirits.
Rosemary, Leppa berries, Paralysis Banana, and Magu Grass.
He cataloged the ingredients instantly. Combined, they formed a powerful analgesic.
It seems this man, Augustus, suffered injuries so severe that even Team Rocket's technology couldn't fully heal them. He can only manage the pain with strong narcotics.
"Hey, kid! Why are you daydreaming? This is a death match!" Hongsheng, the official member, shouted tauntingly.
"I'm an official member with two Pokémon. My Alolan Rattata loves gnawing on bone marrow. I'll make sure it feeds on every last bit of yours!"
Hongsheng laughed twistedly. He derived a sick pleasure from tormenting newcomers.
"Don't speak so soon. It's not over until it's over," Feng Che replied calmly, though a clear look of derision flashed in his eyes. "You might be the one staying on this stage permanently."
"Big words. I hope your strength matches your mouth. Well? Where's your Pokémon?"
Hongsheng pressed him, urging him to release his partner. Feng Che had hesitated because his Ditto was currently in Arbok form. This was a bit tricky. He could see Instructor Viper watching from the sidelines.
Whatever. If anyone asks, I'll just say the Ekans connected with my heart during training and underwent an emotional evolution, he decided.
While the Ekans line didn't technically evolve through high friendship in the games, the real Pokémon world was full of anomalies that science couldn't explain—just as Jessie and James once triggered evolutions through mere tears.
"Come forth, Arbok!"
Feng Che released the three-meter-long serpent. As the Arbok burst from the ball, it flicked its tongue, looking utterly menacing.
"An Arbok? No way!" "You're kidding... how can a reserve have such a powerful Pokémon?" "Look at that thing—it's a monster!"
The crowd erupted into hushed whispers.
"Strange. Did we give Feng Che an Arbok?" Viper muttered, genuinely confused. "If we had, he should have been demoted to a laborer immediately for picking an evolved form."
"Reporting, sir," Viper's adjutant spoke up. "Didn't he show you his Pokémon earlier today? It was definitely an Ekans then. Perhaps the Ekans had high levels from the ranch, and shortly after he tamed it, it evolved."
Viper tapped his head. "You have a point. I remember now—it was an Ekans. This kid really is favored by Boss Giovanni. To evolve a Pokémon that quickly... some members have an Ekans for years without it changing. Pure luck."
Viper crossed his arms, satisfied with the explanation. "If it's an Arbok, that Alolan Rattata shouldn't be much of a problem."
"So what if it's an Arbok? I have two Pokémon!" Hongsheng bolstered his own courage. "Alolan Rattata, use Focus Energy!"
The move significantly boosted the Rattata's critical hit ratio.
"Arbok, use Glare!"
The Arbok unhinged its jaw, revealing fangs dripping with venom. It flared its hood, using its terrifying patterns to lock eyes with the Alolan Rattata.
The black rat felt Arbok's gaze pierce its pupils like cold daggers. It began to shiver violently, consumed by an intense, primeval dread.
[Alolan Rattata: Oh god! Not this monster! This is the one that ate all our companions!][Alolan Rattata: I went through so much to escape that ranch just to avoid becoming its lunch!]
Paralyzed by the Glare, the Rattata shook as golden electric arcs coursed over its fur. Every time it tried to move, a sharp crackle echoed through the air.
Strange. This Rattata seems to recognize Ditto... or rather, the Arbok Ditto is mimicking, Feng Che noted.
It thinks its friends were eaten by this snake. What exactly did this Ditto do back at the ranch?
He tuned into Ditto's thoughts.
[Ditto: Slurp. That black rat looks nice and plump. Bet it tastes delicious.][Ditto: No, too many people watching. If I eat it, I'll blow my cover.][Ditto: It was worth the three days it took to devour that Arbok corpse. Now I can copy its power perfectly, and these rats treat me like their king.][Ditto: They're terrified I'll sneak out and wipe them out.]
Hearing this, Feng Che finally understood the grim truth of his partner's past.
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