Summer's second opponent was Bell from Pot Forest, the gourmet who had made the wonderful thick soup with Mido the previous day.
"Summer, thank you for the Sitrus Berry yesterday, but I won't go easy on you," Bell said, holding his Poké Ball with a confident smile.
"The soup was delicious, so I'll give it my all too."
This time, Summer sent out the two Lilligant again, while Bell's Pokémon left him stunned, as they were Pokémon he had never seen before.
The first Pokémon had two heads resembling chili peppers—one red and one green—with a fierce expression. Its lower body was entirely dark green, and it brandished its short arms menacingly.
The other Pokémon resembled a jellyfish but with a black cap and pale yellow tentacles, standing upright on the ground. It looked more like a mushroom than a jellyfish.
Indeed, this world is vast, and there are many Pokémon beyond my knowledge, Summer mused, as his ranger assistant chimed in.
"Toedscruel, use Bind, and Scovillain, use Fire Fang on the bound Pokémon!"
Toedscruel's tentacles burrowed into the ground, and Scovillain's red head opened its mouth wide, its sharp teeth ablaze with fire.
Hmm, Toedscruel's type is unclear, but Scovillain should be a Grass-type Pokémon, yet it can use Fire-type moves. This suggests it might also have a Fire-type. Summer noticed a slight tremor in the ground beneath Hisuian Lilligant.
"Now, Hisuian Lilligant, use Victory Dance, and Lilligant, use Charm on Scovillain."
As Summer anticipated, ten tentacles burst from the ground, aiming to bind Hisuian Lilligant. However, the rapidly spinning Hisuian Lilligant, performing Victory Dance, evaded the tentacles with ease.
Lilligant's eyes sparkled as she made a charming gesture, adorably gazing at Scovillain. The normally aggressive Scovillain immediately closed its mouth, its green head showing a captivated expression.
But only the green head was charmed; the red head remained fierce, still intent on biting Hisuian Lilligant.
Whack! The green head controlled the small hand to slap the red head, angering it. The red head retaliated with a fiery blast, attacking the green head. The green head fought back, its head enveloped in purple light, and hammered the red head. The scene became chaotic.
"Uh..."
"Uh..."
Both trainers were bewildered. They never expected Charm to cause an internal conflict in Scovillain.
Bell sighed and decided he needed to find a companion for Scovillain once he returned, while Summer realized that Scovillain might be similar to Doduo, with each head having its own thoughts.
"Lilligant, use Helping Hand, and Hisuian Lilligant, use Low Sweep." Summer didn't intend to miss this valuable opportunity to attack.
Lilligant danced gracefully, enveloping Hisuian Lilligant in white light. With the boost from Victory Dance, Hisuian Lilligant's speed and attack power increased. A swift kick landed on Scovillain's knee, toppling it and releasing a burst of flames.
Toedscruel's tentacles were still underground, unable to act. It watched helplessly as the fierce flames engulfed it, its black cap turning charred, filling the air with a roasted mushroom aroma.
"Sorry, we lost. I surrender, Summer." Facing this scene, Bell raised his hands in defeat, seeing no way to turn the tide.
"Oh, um, I understand." Honestly, Summer didn't expect Lilligant's Charm to be so powerful, even determining the victory.
Summer had only intended to reduce the power of Fire Fang. Judging by the previous flames, Scovillain could use Flamethrower. Bell refrained from using this move, likely to avoid harming Toedscruel and due to his ranger duties.
Fire is a forest's worst enemy, and as a ranger, he would naturally limit the use of high-powered fire moves.
"Haha, it seems I don't know my Pokémon well enough." Bell scratched his head awkwardly. He had trained Scovillain and Toedscruel for his culinary research, after all.
It seemed he needed to pay more attention to his Pokémon's mental states to avoid such embarrassing situations.
The Toedscruel pulled its tentacles from the ground, separating Scovillain's still-fighting heads. Bell approached, stuffing a white object into each head, finally calming them.
Bell then placed his hands on both heads of Scovillain and solemnly asked, "What type of Pokémon do you like? I'll find one for you."
As Bell awaited an answer, he felt something touch his shoulder. Turning, he saw Toedscruel, its expression seemingly asking for a companion too.
Watching Bell discuss important matters with his Pokémon, Summer called back his Lilligant and praised them. Their performance in their first battle was commendable.
Taking advantage of this time, Summer summoned his ranger assistant to verify his battle analysis.
[Scovillain, Grass/Fire-type Pokémon. Abilities: Chlorophyll/Insomnia/Mood Swing. A fierce and irritable chili pepper Pokémon that converts spiciness into fire energy, spewing flames from its red head. Its incisors are among the spiciest ingredients in the world.]
[Toedscruel, Ground/Grass-type Pokémon. Ability: Mycelium Might. A group-dwelling wood ear mushroom Pokémon that dislikes outsiders, absorbing their energy with its tentacles. The pleats of its cap are a popular delicacy.]
Summer's deductions were mostly correct. The Toedscruel was indeed a Ground and Grass-type Pokémon. Both Pokémon had food-related traits, fitting Bell's identity as a gourmet.
"Summer, that was impressive~" Annie's voice interrupted Summer's thoughts. "You won easily, but you've only been a ranger for a month. You might feel your skills are lacking~"
"But don't worry, listen to this. I asked some Gym Leaders to help with your training~"
Annie waved behind her, and Summer saw three individuals: a muscular man, a sweet-smiling woman, and a weary-eyed gentleman. They were elite trainers and Gym Leaders from three different regions.
Farm Fighter Milo! Smile-Chasing Photographer Viola! Transcendent Office Worker Larry!
Summer swallowed nervously, sensing their enthusiasm. He nodded solemnly and replied, "Please guide me."
(End of Chapter)