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In the forest of clouds and mist, the deeper you go, the taller the trees become, towering into the sky. Each tree is vast enough to provide shade for dozens of people.
Thick vines resembling roots grow from the trees, hanging down and intertwining with the surrounding trunks. They cascade like mountain streams, while overgrown thorns and weeds seal the already dense forest tightly.
Jack and Psyduck were walking cautiously through the forest. In the distance, low-pitched buzzing from insects and Roselia's melodious calls echoed, each sound hinting at Pokémon nearby. Jack moved carefully, scanning his surroundings while maintaining vigilance.
Although the Forest of Clouds and Mist is said to be a peculiar woodland formed after an environmental shift, its location is uniquely situated. It is surrounded by several cities in China, making it accessible from multiple urban areas.
Despite its dense and pristine condition, the nearby Pokémon Alliance conducts annual cleanups to prevent the emergence of overly powerful Pokémon. For rookie trainers, the forest serves as a training ground, but even so, some trainers meet their end here each year.
Wild forests are always fraught with danger.
Trainers must not only guard against wild Pokémon that may attack maliciously but also be wary of plants that have mutated due to environmental changes. It's said that in forests far from human domains, some mutated plants are capable of overwhelming even Elite-level Pokémon.
Still, the Cloud Forest is an inland forest bordered by human cities, so it is relatively safe.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
As Jack and Psyduck moved forward, observing their surroundings, a sudden loud roar echoed from the distance, followed by a series of sharp crackles.
Jack started, then quickly composed himself. "That's a Pokémon battle!"
Listening carefully, he realized the roars weren't particularly strong. It seemed the battling Pokémon weren't very powerful. Thinking of this, Jack signaled Psyduck with a glance.
Psyduck nodded and took the lead, with Jack following closely as they rushed toward the source of the noise.
…
"I'm a Spinarak.
I've lived in this forest for as long as I can remember.
This forest is vast, but I guard my little corner, and my life has been decent.
The only thing I dislike is when powerful bird Pokémon occasionally soar through the sky. I always have to be very cautious and hide."
"What? Why powerful bird Pokémon? If it were just small birds, they'd meet their end in my web. My greatest wish is to live peacefully here with Mitsumi."
"Oh! Mitsumi is my childhood companion, also a Spinarak. We've shared this forest for many years. Not to brag, but I think Mitsumi has feelings for me."
"After all, how many Pokémon are as strong, handsome, family-oriented, and capable as me? Through countless storms, I've stood firm, protecting Mitsumi from every threat. The prey I catch daily is enough to sustain us for a long time."
"Everything is so perfect lately! I've decided to confess my love to Mitsumi. But as a gentlemanly spider, I mustn't arrive empty-handed."
"I discovered a flower garden not far from here, home to several Cutiefly. My plan was simple: catch two of them and present them to Mitsumi as gifts."
"But life, as always, threw a curveball. Just when I was about to execute my plan, an uninvited guest disrupted the peaceful life Mitsumi and I had shared. To me, this intruder was more intolerable than the large birds I so despise."
"It was another Spinarak. When it appeared in front of Mitsumi and me, it was riddled with injuries. It must have fought another Pokémon before stumbling upon us. Its pitiful state moved us, and we took it in without hesitation, even sharing all our stored food."
"However, it didn't take long for me to notice something off. Mitsumi and this stranger began spending more time together. What began as mutual care for a sick Pokémon escalated into something more, and before I knew it, they were sharing the same web."
"What's going on? I'd even planned out the perfect confession! How long has it been since I crafted my web of hopes?"
"I confronted Mitsumi and told her about my feelings. She responded calmly, 'I'm sorry, you're a good Spinarak, but we just aren't meant to be.'"
"I was furious. I had taken in this ungrateful intruder, shared everything, and it had the audacity to steal Mitsumi's affections. I resolved to settle this with a battle."
"Hmph! I'm confident in my strength. For years, I've defended this land and fought off countless Pokémon. I've always stood at the forefront in every battle."
"That so-called rival? When I first encountered it, it was nothing but a battered mess. Just another weakling. During its time here, I hunted and provided for all of us, enduring a history of hardship."
"When I confronted the interloper and Mitsumi, I shouted out my challenge. Mitsumi seemed like she wanted to intervene, but the Spinarak stopped her. Our grievances needed to be resolved, and it accepted my challenge."
"Hmph! Little spider, you've clearly duped Mitsumi with sweet words. But once I thoroughly defeat you in front of her, exposing your true nature, she'll understand who the better mate is."
The gentle breeze stirred as we faced off, glaring intently at one another. A fierce battle was about to commence.
"Staring down at the rival, who had been freeloading this whole time, I couldn't imagine losing. There was no way this white-eyed scoundrel could win."
"Just as I prepared to strike the first blow and end this quickly, a sudden burst of white light erupted from the intruder, dazzling and brilliant."
"Uh... what's happening?"
I stared across, utterly dumbfounded.