CHAPTER 19: THE SECOND POKEMON?

Professor Furtido's Monologue

Oh, the report arrived earlier than I expected.

What?! Unknown Pokessence? He has those?!

Just like the nine kids, huh?

Interesting!

Well...since you're here, then I will just use this opportunity to learn more about your...kind.

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Beldum, Helioptile, Rowlet, Dwebble, Croagunk, Gastly Iron Head(Steel-Attack), Thundershock (Electric-Attack), Razor Leaf (Grass-Attack), Fury Cutter (Bug-Attack), Revenge (Fighting-Attack), Shadow Ball (Ghost-Attack)

Result: Success - Great Shadow Ball (Rank A) - Ghost (Attack)

So, this is it, my second attempt. I suspect that I'm not gonna pass this with flying colors but at least, I've learned a lot about combination skills. Whatever will be, will be then.

LUNALA (99,762.5/100,000 HP) - LEGENDARY POKEMON Pokemon Typing: PSYCHIC/GHOST Would you accept?

Just like the first time, Archer directed his chosen Pokemon to attack in accordance with the formula in creating the Great Shadow Ball, and prayed that at least the damage will go beyond 100. Like Deino, Gastly was incapacitated as its Pokessence was drained and had no more energy to even float back into the air. He looked at the Email Prompt and read the details of the attack.

SYSTEM PROMPT Lunala (HP): 99,625/100,000

Great Shadow Ball

Base Damage: 50 Ghost

Damage Against Lunala: 50 x 4 (Ghost VS Ghost/Psychic) = 200

Additional Damage (from Transferred pokessences) = 60 Ess (12.5+7.5+7.5+2.5+30)

Actual Damage: 200 + 75 = 275/ 2 (from Shadow Shield) = 137.5

Beldum uses Iron Head (25 Steel Ess)/ Steel Pokessence remaining = 75/100 Helioptile uses Thundershock (15 Electric Ess)/ Electric Pokessence remaining = 85/100 Rowlet uses Razor leaf (15 Grass Ess)/ Grass Essence remaining = 85/100 Dwebble uses Fury Cutter (5 Bug Ess)/ Bug Ess remaining = 95/100 Croagunk uses Revenge (30 Fighting Ess)/ Fighting Ess remaining = 40/100

Warning: Total Foreign Ess Received is more than the tolerable range when compared to Pokessence Limit.

If a combination skill is attempted, it might be knocked out after it executes the attack.

Ghastly uses Shadow Ball (30 Dark Ess)/ Dark Ess remaining = 40/100

Great Shadow Ball Activated.

Gastly fainted.

Archer was dismayed by the abysmal result. More than 100, at least I've exceeded my expectation. The only way for him to pass now was for other examinees to fail miserably. Nevertheless, he resolved his heart and mind to face every single test in here, and gather knowledge, in order for him to be effective as a Trainer.

SYSTEM PROMPT 1st Skill: (237.5 Power Rating) 2nd Skill: Great Shadow Ball (137.5 Power Rating) Total: 475.0 Power Rating Remarks: Your score is not included in the top 20.

Sighing in disappointment, Archer toggled on the Escape Button to logged out of the Virtual Reality. Soon, the coliseum disappeared and everything was pitch-black, when suddenly dazzling lights emerged just above his head, shining until it became so bright that it made him squint, almost to the point of blindness. He stood still as he waited for the experience to pass, knowing that it was just part of the exiting process, when he heard a voice that he was familiar with.

"Mr. Archer Sullivan, how are you?" Frank asked.

"I'm fine, Mr. Furtido." Archer removed the helmet and kneaded his neck, his eyes drooping down. 'It was a very novel experience for me, and I feel elated despite my lackluster performance."

Frank opened the folder he was carrying and showed Archer its content, which made the latter wide-eyed. "Whoever told you that you had a bad result?"

"Wow, is this serious?! Did I really pass the first exam?" Archer asked in disbelief. "It's not that I am complaining, but I just can't seem to agree with the result."

"Yes, this is all true." Frank closed the file folder and took a seat.

"Why?"

"Because I say so? Well, if you want an answer, it is because of your impressive deduction skills and methodical approach in your investigation. Like I said earlier, it is not about winning, but is about how you 'do' it," Frank answered patiently, still smiling in a relaxed manner. "I endorse your case to the panel, and everyone agreed on my evaluation that you are worthy of passing it. Especially when they saw your findings in your notepad, that was pleasing for them."

"Well, that's good to hear. So, do I get to take the second exam?" Archer grinned as he continued on his interrogation. "Would my previous score affect my total result?"

Frank did not bother answering him. Instead, he took out his phone and called someone, asking, "Is everything ready?...Good. How about tomorrow?...Fine. Tell Albert that everything will go as planned....Okay, thank you. Bye."

Archer stared at the scientist as he contemplated on his situation. "Fine, then. As long as I am still eligible for the job, I'll just accept it wholeheartedly," he said to himself.

"Mr. Sullivan. the panel have agreed that you will not be taking the second part of the simulation exam," Frank interrupted his thoughts. " Anyway, I want to ask you something. I only hope that you answer me as truthfully as you can."

"What is it, Mr. Furtido?" Archer

"What are your connections with the Plankas?" Frank pried for information as he stood up.

"What made you ask that?"

"I've seen your files. Sorry for the invasion of privacy, but it needed to be done since it is about the Plankas."

"You are the second person to ask me that. If you want a concrete answer, then no, I am in no way connected to those alien invaders."

"How can you prove it?"

"I don't know how to prove it to you, nor do I have to prove anything to people. It's not my fault that I have that 'Unknown' inside my body. And I never did asked for it, anyway."

Frank gazed at him intently, and smiled after a minute had passed. "I hope so. Anyway, the second exam will be the Battle Royale, which will be disclosed tomorrow. If you want to label it, the first exam is purely theoretical, and the second part is the application of those theories."

"Nice. It's good to know that I can still have some rest. My head is throbbing in pain, and my body feels tired. I need my pain relievers."

"Pain relievers? Are you...sick?"

"Nope. Just hungry."

Frank raised his brows as he stared at Archer attentively. "Whatever the case, just rest well and be back in time for the test tomorrow, in good shape."

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"Girana, how are you?" Archer burped loudly, tossing an apple toward the flying beetle-like Pokemon as they walked back home.

...Me...okay....

He snickered as he saw it gobbling up the whole fruit. "Do you know anything about combination skills?"

...Me...no idea...

"How about we test something? Are you game for it?"

...Me...ready...if Master wants it...Me does it...

"Then, let us catch a Pokemon to be your new team mate. Are you excited?"

...Me...happy to do it...meet other Pokemon...

"That's good to hear, Girana." Archer hurried towards the Millan Mansion, the place where Kenneth lived, and went inside. As he entered the house, he noticed that the place was exactly like the way he left it.

"Kenneth! Are you here?"

The place was in still silence. I wonder where's Kenneth. Archer shook his head and reached for the fridge to cook some food. It took him for about thirty minutes to prepare the dishes and ate them together with Girana. His body was now in good condition to do some Pokemon hunting, and escape if he encountered anything that he couldn't overcome.

I've promised to Sir Ehveret that I'll visit the Police Station to give my statement. I think I have to do it now so that it would not interfere with my plans.

"Girana, I have to go somewhere else." Archer patted its head, an apple was still lodged on its mouth. "You need to stay inside the Pokeball for now."

...Me...understood...

He returned the Pokeball to his belt after Girana went inside. Securing the bat on his back, he then phoned Ehveret to inform him of his visit, and exited toward the Police Station.

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What kind of Pokemon should I have? Hmm...I need to get a Pokedex of my own. This limited knowledge of mine really prevents me from understanding how to advance further.

Archer stopped his pondering as he saw the Police Station, minus the Growlithe. He searched around to see if there was any suspicious individual or Pokemon that might attack him, and exhaled deeply as he noticed there was none. Reaching for the door, he went inside and saw Ehveret talking with another young Police in uniform.

"Oh, it's you, Archer." Frank said as he dismissed the young Policeman.

"Yes, just like I've promised." Archer sat down without waiting for his permission and crossed his legs. "So can I give my statement now? I have to do something very important after this."

"Would you mind if I know what's the 'important thing' supposed to be?" Ehveret enquired.

Archer shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's not that confidential anyway. I will be going into the forest to catch my second Pokemon."

"Oh? I never thought that you were really that novice, considering your age."

"Well, I'd appreciate it if you can help a novice like me, maybe like an advice or a gift." Archer pleaded.

"You are really shameless, noh?" Frank chuckled.

"A little."

"If you want, I can give you an egg. My Snorlax had laid three of them three days ago, and I've been looking for someone to take care of them. A Snorlax requires a lot of food to eat everyday, and I can't afford to feed another mouth , much more three."

"Oh yeah. You've just told me earlier this morning that I eat less than your Snorlax."

Ehveret tapped his fingers on the table. "I know. So, you want one?"

Wait, could I afford to have a voracious Pokemon just like myself? Archer thought for a while before replying, "Yes, please."

"Okay, wait here." Ehveret stood up and went inside a room. After five minutes, he returned to the office, but this time he was not empty-handed anymore.

"What's that?" Archer asked, pointing at the square-shaped apparatus.

"This is an Egg Incubator, a shock-proof device that is created using the latest technology," Ehveret explained. "It requires a Trainer's Pokessence to nourish the egg while inside this device. All you have to do is press this button every morning and evening, and the Incubator will automatically absorb some of your Pokessence and feed it to the egg. You must not forget to feed it or else it might die. That is why it is advisable for a Trainer to carry the Egg Incubator with him at all times."

"Well, thank you for this wonderful gift."

"I never told you that this was a gift." Ehveret set the Incubator on his table, his lips grinning, as if mocking him.

"Ugh, I should have known better." Archer slapped his forehead softly. "Then what do I have to do?"

"Let me fight with your Pokemon."

"What?! My Girana against your Snorlax?"

"Nope, I have this with me." Ehveret took out his Pokeball and called out his Pokemon. Soon enough, a cat-like Pokemon that Archer frequently encountered appeared.

"Meowth."

Archer took out the book and read its details.

Meowth Height: 1'04" Weight: 9.3 lbs. Type: Normal

Description: A Scratch Cat Pokemon

It is fascinated by round objects. It can't stop playing with them until it tires and fall asleeps.

Ability: 1st (Pickup)

2nd (Technician)

Hidden (Unnerve)

Weakness:

Fighting

Strength:

None

No Effect:

Ghost

ERROR Evolution

Persian

(from Meowth)

Via

Natural Evolution

(No Stone Needed)

"Why do many Trainers have Meowth as their Pokemon?" Archer ruffled his hair as he looked at the Pokemon.

"Well, they are adorable. They can be easily turned into housepets as well. A very common Pokemon and easy to train. What's not to like about them?" Ehveret summarized.

"Sure. Is that the only thing I needed to do as part of the deal?"

"There's still another one, but this is related to Kenneth. Are you amenable with this deal?"

"No problem. But let me add another condition," Archer requested.

"What is it?"

"I need you to help me train my Girana using your Meowth. I need to do some research, and I really needed Normal Attacks to achieve what I wanted."

"No problem," Ehveret agreed. "So only Normal Attacks. Let's do this here?"

"Inside the office? Fine by me." Archer smirked as he shouted, "Girana, come out!"

...Master...

"All you have to do is stay floating here, and don't attack. Do not worry, it will not hurt you, I think. And while you're at it, you need to tell me what you feel everytime you receive an attack from that cat," Archer instructed.

...Me...gets it...

"Sir Ehveret, can we start using Meowth's weakest attack?"

"Sure." Ehveret shifted his gaze on Meowth and commanded, "Mimi, use Scratch attack."

"Meowth." Mimi bared his claws, its tip covered with White Pokessence. It scratched Girana, creating a white streak on its belly. "Meowth?"

Girana stayed calm despite the attack, as if it was not hurt at all, its wings fluttering.

"Your Pokemon does not seem hurt by Scratch. Is your Girana by any chance, a Ghost type?" Eheveret asked,

"Yes, indeed."

"Now, I understand what you are trying to do. You've been learning combination skills?"

"Uh huh. Do you have any idea about it?"

"I have my share of combination skills, but I won't tell you since it's one of my trump cards. All I can say is you're right on track. Familiarity is the key, and the Pokemon must be familiar with the different Pokessences it receives so as to execute a simple skill," Ehveret advised.

"Can you use the enemy's Pokessence in creating a Combination Skill?"

"A good question. The answer is yes, you can. In fact, you can counter enemies after they are attacking your Pokemon. The only condition is that your Pokemon is very familiar with the enemy's skill it used to attack, and knows the combination skill it can produced using such combination."

Archer grabbed his notebook from his bag and started scribbling down. "I see. So if I let Girana be subjected to Scratch, making him used to it and knows the new combined skill beforehand, then he can easily counter an enemy that uses Scratch Attack using the new combined skill instead of its normal moves."

"Yes." Ehveret answered mirthfully, as if amused by what he was seeing.

Archer turned around and asked, "Girana, how did you feel when Meowth attacked you with a Normal-type Attack?"

...Me...feels the Normal Pokessence...from the Scratch Attack...went inside me...moved like a whirlwind...but disappeared after...

"Did you feel any pain?"

...Me...did not feel pain...at all

"For how long did the Normal Pokessence stay inside you until it disappeared?"

...Me...needed another Scratch...

Archer wrote some additional findings on his notebook before moving his attention back to Ehveret. "Uhm, Sir Ehveret, can you please tell Mimi to Scratch him once every ten seconds? Maybe for a duration of two minutes."

"Sure. Just tell me when it's ready," Ehveret cooly responded.

"Thanks," Archer honestly replied, now facing his hovering Pokemon.

"What skills do you know right now, Girana?"

...Hypnosis...Slash...Hex...and Lick...

Hypnosis (Psychic - Special Support) Base Power: -

Hypnosis puts the target to sleep, if it hits. The user employs hypnotic suggestion to make the target fall into a deep sleep. Sleeping Pokémon cannot move (with some exceptions such as Snore). Pokémon with the abilities Insomnia or Vital Spirit, or those behind a Substitute cannot be put to sleep.

Slash (Normal - Physical Attack) Base Power: 70 The target is attacked with a slash of claws or blades. Critical hits land more easily. Slash deals damage and has an increased critical hit ratio (1⁄8 instead of 1⁄16). Hex (Ghost - Special Attack) Base Power: 65 Hex inflicts damage, but if the target has a major status ailment (i.e. is burned, poisoned, paralyzed, asleep or frozen) it will double in power to 130. Lick (Ghost - Physical Attack) Base Power: 30

Lick deals damage and has a 30% chance of paralyzing the target. Electric type Pokémon, those with the ability Limber or those behind a Substitute cannot be paralyzed.

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CHAPTER 20: THE TRUE SITUATION AT THE OTHER SIDE