"This mission is temporarily abandoned. The target has yet to display their full strength during battle. Judging by the evidence left at the scene, they're clearly adept at wilderness combat," Neon announced, his voice heavy with frustration. "I'll take responsibility for this decision. For now, remain vigilant and focus on getting back to Saffron City alive."
Having weighed the risks, Neon made the difficult call to retreat.
"That's final. If anyone has concerns, we'll address them after we return. Let's move."
Although the others wanted to share the burden of responsibility, Neon raised a hand to stop them. The longer they lingered, the greater the danger. Sensing his urgency, the group had no choice but to follow.
Before they could get far, Kadabra suddenly used Ally Switch and Teleport, replacing one of the six team members with a decoy.
Screams tore through the forest.
"Everyone, release your Pokémon and stay alert!" Yasuji commanded, releasing his two elite Pokémon as he rushed toward the source of the commotion.
As the group moved through the dense undergrowth, Kadabra struck again, swapping targets with another quick Teleport. This time, the move isolated the Pokémon of their rear guard.
Charizard, prepared and poised for battle, emerged from the shadows. Enhanced by Swords Dance, its attack power was pushed to its limit. With razor-sharp claws gleaming, it tore through the unprepared Pokémon with devastating precision.
The trainers froze in fear as their Pokémon were struck down one by one.
"Keep the formation tight! Retreat to the edge of the forest immediately!" Neon's voice carried over the chaos, grounding the group.
But the damage was done. Between Kadabra's tactical teleports and Charizard's relentless assault, the team's strength was rapidly dwindling.
In Neon's mind, the situation grew graver. Based on the precise attacks and stealthy eliminations, he concluded that Tyson must command not one but multiple elite-level Pokémon. The evidence—the fallen Pokémon, the corpses of Willy's team—painted a grim picture.
Unbeknownst to Neon, Tyson was fully aware of their assumptions. He had no intention of correcting them. Each misstep by the enemy made his systematic strategy all the more effective.
True to Neon's fears, Tyson pressed the attack. Every move from Kadabra spelled the loss of another Pokémon. The team's remaining elite Pokémon were cut down systematically until only two were left.
"Prepare for a full-on assault," Tyson ordered. "Kadabra, Teleport Charizard and Sylveon into position. Charizard, use Dragon Rush as soon as you arrive. Sylveon, start with Yawn."
The command was executed flawlessly. Kadabra teleported the group into striking range. Charizard roared down from above, its Dragon Rush shrouded in explosive energy. At the same time, Sylveon's Yawn washed over the enemy trainers and their Pokémon, lulling them into momentary lethargy.
That brief lapse in focus proved fatal. The force of Charizard's attack devastated the Pokémon at the center of the formation, incapacitating their trainers in the process.
Only Neon and one other trainer managed to escape the blast. But Kadabra was waiting for them. Bolstered by the power of Trick, Kadabra's psychic prowess had reached Advanced levels of strength. Against an opponent of this caliber, the two trainers stood no chance.
Sylveon's Yawn ensured that even the remaining elite Pokémon were vulnerable. Charizard, empowered by Swords Dance, delivered the final blows. The battle ended swiftly.
Tyson emerged from the shadows, collecting the fallen trainers' valuables and Poké Balls before departing with his team.
After Tyson had left, a middle-aged man arrived at the scene. He surveyed the destruction—the shattered remains of Neon's team, the fallen Pokémon—with a flicker of astonishment.
"I didn't expect him to be this strong. No wonder the League is interested in recruiting him," the man muttered. He glanced toward the direction Tyson had gone.
"It's a pity Mizutani Raima's incompetence left me with nothing to do. But after this, the Mizutani family won't let things rest. If they send someone capable, I may not be able to protect the kid."
Shaking his head, the man turned back toward Saffron City. He was one of Michael's operatives, sent to ensure Tyson's safety. But Tyson's performance had far exceeded expectations.
Meanwhile, at the Mizutani estate, Mizutani Taki fumed.
"How dare a commoner humiliate the Mizutani family like this!" His voice echoed through the study as he slammed his fist on the desk.
The earlier failure had been a result of his underestimation of Tyson's capabilities. But Taki's pride couldn't acknowledge that truth. Instead, he fixated on the damage to the family's reputation.
"Tell Raima this: No matter what it takes, Tyson must be eliminated. If he fails again, I'll start considering alternatives for a successor!"
With that, Taki gave his son full authority to handle the matter. This time, the stakes were higher than ever.
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