SWNOVELXO Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Community Responsibility
Chapter 16: Community Responsibility
The life of Scyther was very monotonous. Apart from foraging every day, it was solely focused on training.
As the newly appointed leader of the tribe, Scyther knew that its current strength was insufficient to ensure the survival of its people. It had to become stronger.
Scyther was accustomed to attacking with the scythes on its arms, and its unique body structure made it particularly adept at slashing techniques.
Today was just another routine day of repetitive slashing practice for Scyther.
That is, until an unexpected visitor disrupted its peaceful daily routine.
"Scyther, come and fight with us!"
In Scyther's eyes, a weak human accompanied by a Pokémon at a lower level than itself challenging it was undoubtedly reckless.
But since there had been no battles today, this human's challenge was a welcomed opportunity.
This human seems somewhat likable. I'll just defeat him without causing fatal harm.
With its decision made, Scyther raised its arms, pointing the cold, gleaming blades directly at Victor and Carbink.
Seeing Scyther accept the challenge, Victor immediately issued his command.
"Use Reflect, then Harden!"
Unfamiliar with the extent of Scyther's power, Victor opted for a cautious approach, having Carbink bolster its defenses first.
While Carbink was preparing its moves, Scyther wasn't just standing idle. It flapped its wings lightly, propelling itself swiftly toward Carbink.
A dazzling white light began to radiate from Scyther's blade—it was preparing to use Slash!
As the rapidly approaching Scyther closed the distance, Carbink remained composed. After calmly setting up Reflect and strengthening its defenses with Harden, it refrained from directly enduring the attack. Instead, it used Ancient Power, condensing rocks around itself and launching them at Scyther.
The Ancient Power attack cut through the air, forming a barrier against Scyther's advance.
"Chaaa!!!"
Roaring, Scyther swung its glowing blade, cutting through the barrage of rocks with precision, splitting every obstacle in its path.
Witnessing Ancient Power fail to deter Scyther, Victor quickly issued another command.
"Use Ancient Power again to slow it down, then boost your attack power with Sharpen!"
"Carbiiink~" (Got it!)
Carbink swiftly launched another Ancient Power attack, seizing the opportunity to strengthen itself with Sharpen while Scyther was temporarily delayed.
Undeterred, Scyther slashed through the Ancient Power once again, its wings accelerating it further with Agility as it closed in on Carbink. The emerald glow of its Dual Wingbeat attack illuminated its blades as it prepared to strike.
"Take the hit, then counter with Takedown!" Victor ordered.
Scyther's combo attack, slightly dampened by Reflect, still landed squarely on Carbink. Despite the strength behind the move, the scythe blades—sharp enough to cleave through wood—left only shallow marks on Carbink's fortified defenses.
Though Scyther's assault inflicted some damage, it was far from enough to defeat Carbink.
With a resounding thud, Carbink retaliated by conjuring a massive stone. The Knockdown attack struck Scyther hard, sending it plummeting to the ground like a kite with a broken string.
After suffering a super-effective hit, Scyther struggled to rise.
"Chaaa..." (I... lost…)
The exhausted Scyther couldn't believe that it, an elite-level Pokémon, had been defeated by an ordinary-level Pokémon and a human.
Yet, despite its disbelief, Scyther accepted its defeat with dignity.
"Now it's my turn," Victor said, stepping forward.
With Scyther conceding, there was no need to prolong the battle. Victor crouched beside Scyther and met its gaze.
"Would you like to join us? I promise I'll help you grow stronger," Victor offered.
Scyther stared into Victor's clear eyes. Its heart raced with excitement, and for a moment, it was tempted to accept. However, the images of its tribe and the responsibilities it bore as leader flashed through its mind.
"Chaaa…" (Sorry, I can't join you.)
Victor was surprised by the refusal but wasn't upset. He asked gently, "Can you tell me why?"
"Chamo… Chamo…" (I have a family to protect. My tribe needs me. As their leader, it's my duty to safeguard them. Even though I want to go with you, I can't abandon my responsibilities.)
Understanding the reason, Victor sighed but didn't press further. "Alright. If you ever need help, come find me. We can still be friends, right?"
"Chaaa~" (Yes, we'll be friends~)
Carbink also expressed its goodwill toward Scyther.
"Chamo!" (Thank you! Feel free to visit the tribe and spar with me in the future!)
After becoming friends with Scyther, Victor treated its wounds, bid it farewell, and resumed his exploration of the area.
---
By evening, after defeating several wild Pokémon, Carbink reached level 22.
Pokémon: [Carbink] [Mutation: 21%]
Type: [Rock, Fairy]
Gender: [♀]
Ability: [Clear Body]
Level: [22]
Item: [Diancite]
Moves: [Tackle, Harden, Dazzling Gleam, Meteor Beam, Reflect, Light Screen, Ancient Power, Guard Split, Double-Edge, Sharpen, Knock Down, Stealth Rock, Protect]
Overcoming stronger opponents was the fastest way to grow. With the system's digitized experience tracking and consistent daily training, Carbink could potentially reach elite-level strength before school started!