A Chill to the Core

"Rumble, rumble—"

Deafening thunder exploded one after another across the night sky, like enraged beasts roaring.

Silver lightning snakes tore through the dense darkness. In an instant, pale lightning illuminated the entire scene as bright as day, revealing the twisted, greedy grins on A Ping's companions' faces.

"Hahaha, you can't run! Ekans, get him..." The Masked Man's shrill voice grew ever more unrestrained amid the howling wind and torrential rain. Each flash of lightning seemed poised to tear this rainy night apart completely.

"Hisss, hisss." Receiving its trainer's command, Ekans's thick body twisted rapidly across the muddy ground like a black giant python, splashing up mud and water.

Its vertical pupils glimmered with cold light as it opened its bloody maw. Terrifying venom dripped from its sharp fangs as it lunged viciously at Shingo.

Shingo showed no fear. Determination flashed through his eyes as he decisively commanded his Pokémon to meet the attack.

He knew very well that this Ekans was merely Elite-level. With his and his Pokémon's strength, they could barely handle it.

"Come help already! How long are you going to stand there watching?!" Seeing A Ping spacing out nearby, the Masked Man flew into a rage and shouted at the top of his lungs. He cursed A Ping inwardly, calling him a useless burden who ruined more than he accomplished.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming." A Ping seemed to snap out of his thoughts, an almost imperceptible chill flashing across his face. He swiftly threw out two Poké Balls. With two loud pops, Victreebel and Gyarados appeared on the battlefield.

Victreebel's massive leaves shook violently in the wind and rain, while cold light gleamed along the edges of its serrated jaws.

Gyarados threw back its head and roared. Its enormous body churned through the rain, sending water several