Release That Pokémon!

Caleb and Dragonite spent the entire morning surveying the area around their campsite...

First, they observed the Pokémon living nearby.

Though there were many species, their levels were relatively low, so they didn't pose much of a threat. In fact, a few timid ones were even scared off by Dragonite's intimidating aura.

Next was the issue of Dragonite's food...

Compared to human food, Berries contained energy far more suitable for a Pokémon's growth.

Fortunately, the soil here was exceptionally fertile, perfect for growing fruit trees. In just this small area alone, Caleb had already discovered over a dozen Berry trees.

The types of Berries varied, and thanks to the knowledge he'd gained in the last Instance, he easily recognized their names and effects.

For example, there were Cheri Berries for curing paralysis, Pecha Berries for poisoning, and Oran Berries for restoring energy and stamina.

Caleb marked simple signs along the paths leading to each tree. After roughly memorizing their locations, he headed back with Dragonite.

The iron pot that had been on Dragonite's head was now cradled in its arms, filled to the brim with colorful freshly picked Berries.

All in all, he was quite satisfied with the morning's haul...

The only downside was that the nearest river was two kilometers away from the campsite. Getting water was going to be inconvenient.

"Let's take a break." Seeing the sweat on Dragonite's forehead, Caleb took the pot from its arms and sat down under the shade of a tree.

It was sweltering...

Under the scorching sun, even the leaves overhead drooped limply, and the breeze that blew past felt uncomfortably hot.

*Roar!*

Just as he was about to take out a couple of Berries for Dragonite to quench its thirst, a loud roar suddenly came from the bushes behind them.

Exchanging a glance with Dragonite, he turned and pushed aside the foliage to look in the direction of the noise...

In a small clearing, a towering Ursaring was locked in battle with a nimble Scyther.

The fight between the two Pokémon was fierce and primal... slashing, biting, charging, and brutal throws... every move brimming with raw untamed instinct.

It was a stark contrast to the carefully strategized battles commanded by trainers.

Scyther was clever, using its speed to dart around Ursaring in guerrilla-tactic attacks. Each strike from its bladed arms was swift, precise, and ruthless, targeting vital spots.

Soon, Ursaring was overpowered, collapsing to the ground, unable to fight any longer.

Scyther snorted arrogantly, retracting its gleaming blades. Just as it was about to leave, it suddenly tensed, as if sensing something, and sharply turned its gaze toward Caleb's direction...

Caleb and Dragonite, two innocent bystanders, had been caught red-handed...

Scyther eyed Dragonite warily, its blades trembling slightly as its translucent wings buzzed at high speed.

It was a stance ready for combat at any moment.

Caleb understood the warning.

He studied Scyther's razor-sharp blades and said, "Don't worry, we're just passing by. No ill intentions here."

Scyther seemed to understand as its tense posture relaxed slightly. After a brief glance at the human beside Dragonite, it turned to leave.

But Caleb wasn't about to let it go that easily. Seeing Scyther move away, he immediately called out, "Wait!"

Scyther's body stiffened again, and it let out a warning hiss.

Caleb noticed the injuries on its body and stepped forward, saying, "You're hurt. I can help treat you. Relax, we really mean no harm."

He wasn't sure if Scyther was nervous, but Dragonite certainly was, sticking close to him and glaring at Scyther with a threatening growl.

Caleb touched Dragonite's claw and immediately sensed its thoughts... it was warning Scyther not to make any sudden moves.

After a moment of silence, Scyther weighed its options and finally lowered its blades.

Caleb approached, then used his Viridian Power to restore Scyther's health.

Scyther stiffened in surprise, then stared in disbelief at the human smiling kindly at it.

Unbeknownst to it, Caleb could already read its thoughts: >...Why is he helping me? Does he want to capture me?..<

Caleb smiled wryly... Even if he wanted to, he couldn't. He had no empty Poké Balls, and there were no shops on this island selling them.

So he said, "Don't overthink it. I'm helping you because I'd like to ask for a favor in return."

Scyther was puzzled: >...What favor?..<

Caleb ran a hand along the sharp edge of its blade and asked, "Can you cut down trees with these?"

Scyther hesitated. Cutting trees… it had never tried that before...

Seeing that the healing was complete, Caleb stood up and returned to Dragonite's side.

Pointing at a nearby tree, he said, "Why not give it a try? Use Fury Cutter or Slash. Oh, and do you know Air Slash?"

It did...

Scyther relaxed slightly, seeing that the human had no intention of attacking.

"Perfect. Help me with this, and if you ever get hurt, you can come to me for healing," Caleb coaxed.

Using the Viridian Power cost him nothing... He only needed just a bit of rest to recover. Trading that for temporary labor was practically free.

He thought it was a great deal...

Scyther didn't overanalyze. In its mind, if someone helped you, you repaid the favor. So it agreed immediately.

With that, it walked up to a medium-sized tree, crossed its blades, and unleashed a cross-shaped wind blade straight at the base.

*CRACK!*

With a crisp sound, the tree toppled over.

Caleb raised an eyebrow. Now the question was... how were they going to carry the logs back?

He turned his gaze to the unconscious Ursaring nearby...

Two minutes later, Ursaring blinked awake in confusion. It sat up halfway, scratching its head with a dazed expression.

But the moment it spotted Scyther, its guard shot up again...

Caleb smiled, "Relax, we're all friends here."

Ursaring glared at him fiercely, thinking: >...Who the hell are you?!.<

Caleb got straight to the point: "I'm the one who healed you."

Ursaring froze, then realized its condition had been fully restored.

It immediately shoved Caleb aside and roared at Scyther.

Scyther's blades snapped out with a sharp click, and glared back coldly.

Seeing the two about to clash again, Caleb sighed and called for backup: "Friday!"

Dragonite instantly swooped between Scyther and Ursaring, unleashing an overwhelming aura...