NOVEL NEXT Chapter 111: Chapter 111: The Raid
"Village Chief, two more Heracross have gone missing, and this time, it's a pair of Elite-level Heracross," reported Thomas grimly as he handed the documents to Jovanni in the village chief's office.
Jovanni frowned as he reviewed the papers. Since Ron arrived in the village, Heracross had been disappearing daily for three consecutive days.
If it weren't for Ron being constantly accompanied by Daniel in battles and corroborated by Lugo and others, Jovanni might have suspected that Ron was involved.
"I see. Notify everyone in the village to remain on high alert. Have the security team patrol the outskirts and maintain constant communication. Report immediately if anything unusual happens," Jovanni instructed.
"Yes, Chief!" Thomas responded, swiftly setting the plan in motion.
As the head of the village's security team, Thomas couldn't allow Heracross to disappear mysteriously without intervention.
It wasn't unusual for Heracross in the village to be captured by passing Trainers, but the numbers disappearing now were alarming.
Not only was Moonshade Village remote, with few Trainers venturing there, but the Heracross were typically cautious. If they encountered a threat, they would often flee rather than risk being caught.
Losing 20 or 30 Heracross in just three days was highly irregular, suggesting the possible presence of Pokémon poachers.
After Thomas left, Jovanni contacted the Rangers, ensuring that reinforcements would be ready if they encountered poachers.
Years of training had prepared the villagers for immediate response.
Beyond the security team, other villagers also heightened their vigilance. They sparred with their Pokémon to maintain combat readiness, preparing to fend off any potential attacks.
Ron and Daniel quickly noticed the village's tense atmosphere. Ron, abandoning further battles, offered to let Kirlia assist in protecting the village.
Since verifying his identity, Ron had experienced Moonshade Village's simple, genuine community and the close bond between the villagers and their Heracross. He couldn't stand by and let someone destroy it.
Perhaps sensing the village's heightened defenses, no further Heracross disappeared over the next two days. However, the villagers, especially Jovanni, remained uneasy, as if a storm was brewing.
Setting aside his paperwork, Jovanni walked into the forest where the Heracross resided.
For two days, all was calm. But on the third afternoon, the village's security team was suddenly attacked!
The already-alert village sprang into action immediately.
A group was sent to the forest to use the terrain to their advantage, cooperating with the Heracross in battle.
Notably, these villagers had Water-type Pokémon, a precaution against the enemy setting fires in desperation.
Others remained to guard the village perimeter, ready for combat.
Jovanni contacted Lugo for reinforcements, but the outcome was uncertain.
Ron, though a guest, joined the village's defensive efforts. In contrast, Daniel and other less-experienced villagers were protected within the village.
Given their limited strength, involving them in the defense would do little good. Keeping them safe might even preserve hope for the village should the worst happen.
Jovanni and Ron guarded the village's front entrance, leaving other areas to Thomas and the village's Trainers.
Fortunately, Moonshade Village was backed by a rocky mountain, sparing them from being surrounded on all sides.
Soon, Kirlia detected a large group approaching, gradually encircling the village.
Upon receiving Kirlia's report, Jovanni disseminated the information, urging everyone to prepare.
A large group emerged from the forest, Pokémon leading the way.
Observing their attire, Jovanni quickly identified them.
"We're in serious trouble. It's the Crimson Flame Poaching Group, the Cold Night Poaching Group, and the Gale Poaching Group—working together."
"The Gale Group's leader, Omar, was formerly a Trainer at the Quasi-Elite Four level and is rumored to have reached Elite Four strength."
"Ron, I have a favor to ask. Please have Kirlia keep an eye on my reckless son. If danger arises, I beg you to save him," Jovanni said in a hushed tone, as if preparing for the worst.
The alliance of three poaching groups placed immense pressure on Jovanni.
"Don't worry. I'll protect Daniel. Besides, we haven't lost yet, have we?" Ron replied, his determination invigorating Jovanni.
"Well said!"
"Villagers! Behind us are our homes and families. Beside us are the partners we trust most."
"Now, someone seeks to destroy our home and harm our loved ones and partners. Tell me, how will we respond?"
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Their thunderous cries reinvigorated the slightly subdued morale.
"Unexpectedly, they still have the courage to fight. Unfortunately, it's a futile struggle," commented Omar, leader of the Gale Group, to his subordinates.
"Inform everyone to advance. Have the Crimson Flame and Cold Night groups begin their assault."
"But remind our people to engage them slowly, wearing them down. Leave the direct assault to the other two groups."
A volley of attacks rained down, reminiscent of an arrow storm—but far more devastating.
"Counterattack!" Jovanni commanded.
From the village's walls, under the Trainers' direction, Pokémon launched a retaliatory strike.
Countless moves collided midair, bursting like fireworks across the sky.
Following the initial exchange, the poachers refrained from further ranged attacks. Any prolonged conflict might risk the Rangers closing in.
Directing their Pokémon, poachers pressed the attack. In the forest, members of the Crimson Flame Group ignited fires, hoping to crush Moonshade Village quickly.
With its abundant Heracross, Moonshade Village now faced its greatest crisis since its founding.
Amid the chaos, neither Ron nor his Pokémon showed a trace of fear.
In such a dire situation, Ron felt exhilarated yet remained perfectly composed.
"Let's go, Machamp, Persian!" Ron shouted.
With that, Machamp and Persian charged forward, marking the start of an intense battle.
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