NOVEL NEXT Chapter 113: Chapter 113: A Fight to the Death
"Pidgeot, use Air Cutter!"
"Heracross, counter with Focus Blast!"
As the aerial battle unfolded, Pidgeot flapped its powerful wings, sending multiple Air Cutters slicing through the air toward Thomas.
Leaping off the wall, Heracross retaliated with a Focus Blast. Fighting-type energy gathered and condensed into a brilliant blue sphere, which shot out and shattered the incoming Air Cutters one by one.
"Pidgeot, Air Slash!"
The swirling winds coalesced into a single blade-like strike, cleaving through the weakened remnants of the Focus Blast. The impact exploded midair, scattering countless azure sparkles, resembling fireworks fading into the sky.
Suddenly, two Air Cutters approached Thomas from either side of the wall.
Having already grown accustomed to the sneak attacks of Marko, the leader of the Cold Night Poaching Group, Thomas reacted without hesitation.
Even before he issued a command, the Farfetch'd by his side stepped forward, cutting down the incoming Air Cutters with a precise Slash.
The Cold Night Poaching Group's members predominantly commanded Flying-type or airborne Pokémon, forcing Thomas's team into a largely defensive position. Of the three battlefronts, this one was suffering the most casualties.
Especially early on, Marko's initial ambush had caught Thomas completely off guard. If not for the quick sacrifice of two village guards, who shielded him with their lives, Marko might have already breached Moonshade Village's defenses.
"Still resisting? Your Heracross is at a quadruple disadvantage against my Pidgeot. You can't win."
"If you surrender now, I'll spare your life. You could even take your family and friends and leave unharmed. What do you say?"
As Pidgeot continued its relentless barrage of Air Cutters and Air Slashes, Marko tried to persuade Thomas to give up.
From the outset, the Cold Night Poaching Group had gained the upper hand under Marko's leadership, seizing control within minutes. Yet Marko remained uneasy.
Before attacking Moonshade Village, the three poaching crews had thoroughly scouted its defenses, concluding that a direct assault would be difficult due to the village's robust fortifications.
It was only after Omar suggested psychological warfare that they decided on this strategy. However, the results so far were less than ideal, and Marko suspected that Jovanni, the village chief, had already contacted the rangers.
Even though Moonshade Village was remote, Marko estimated that the rangers could arrive within an hour if they rushed.
Thus, the crew needed to break through the village's defenses, complete the raid, and retreat quickly—otherwise, they risked being cornered by the rangers.
"Heracross, Aerial Ace!"
Ignoring Marko's offer, Thomas focused on commanding Heracross to launch another offensive.
High in the sky, more Heracross began to appear—not just those belonging to the village guards and residents but also the wild Heracross that inhabited the surrounding forests.
Despite facing Pokémon that had a quadruple advantage against them, the Heracross stood firm, their sole objective to protect their home.
For their sake, Thomas found no reason to surrender.
Unless he died, Thomas vowed that not a single member or Pokémon of the Cold Night Poaching Group would step foot into the village.
"Stubborn fool! Pidgeot, full power! Take down that bug! Use Air Cutter to maintain distance and prepare for Sky Attack!"
Seeing Thomas's resolve, Marko abandoned any further attempts at negotiation and commanded Pidgeot to unleash its full strength.
"Heracross, break through! Use Aerial Ace!"
As Thomas's orders rang out, Heracross charged forward at top speed.
"Intercept him! Fearow, use Drill Run!"
Knowing that Sky Attack required time to charge, Marko had prepared for such a situation.
Just as Heracross closed in on Pidgeot, a Fearow suddenly swooped in, intercepting the attack.
A flash of red light marked Fearow's return to its Poké Ball after being struck down by Heracross.
Though Fearow's Drill Run was powerful, the mid-tier Elite Pokémon couldn't withstand the might of Heracross, a high-tier Elite.
However, Fearow's mission was accomplished. The brief delay allowed Pidgeot to complete its Sky Attack charge.
"Heracross, use Focus Punch!"
Knowing Heracross couldn't outrun Pidgeot, Thomas ordered it to meet the attack head-on. Fighting energy concentrated in Heracross's fist, radiating a staggering force as it swung upward.
Encased in glowing Flying-type energy, Pidgeot transformed into a massive bird-shaped aura and dived from above.
The two forces collided in an explosion of energy that rippled outward, halting the battles around them momentarily.
Both attacks shattered upon impact. While Pidgeot flapped its wings rapidly to recover from the recoil, Heracross plummeted onto the wall, temporarily immobilized due to Focus Punch's aftereffects.
"Farfetch'd, it's up to you now!"
Thomas's voice rang out, and Farfetch'd stepped forward without hesitation.
Realizing the opportunity, Marko ordered an all-out attack. Until Heracross could recover, Farfetch'd was likely to face a grim fate.
Elsewhere, the battle raged on. Rain Dance and Sunny Day neutralized each other, leaving Magmortar visibly battered. Despite Wesson's Blastoise holding an advantage, the rest of the village defenders were steadily losing ground.
Even with the help of wild Heracross, the gap in combat strength was insurmountable.
Scarlet blood mingled with the river water, staining the muddy ground a dark red.
"Blastoise, Hydro Pump!"
Determined to end the battle quickly, Wesson commanded Blastoise to finish off Hog's Magmortar and turn the tide.
"Magmortar, Fire Blast! Keep your distance and whittle it down!"
Flames surged, and the two Pokémon appeared to have swapped roles. Blastoise, typically suited for prolonged battles, attacked with uncharacteristic aggression, while Magmortar, known for its overwhelming power, focused on evasive maneuvers and counterattacks.
Amid the chaos, Wesson could hear the sounds of blood splattering and bodies falling. His attacks grew increasingly frantic, leaving Blastoise vulnerable.
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