Dynamax Energy

After using up the last of his strength, Xiao Wu finally collapsed and fell into a deep sleep. That Dragon Rush had drained everything he had left, yet even unconscious, he still kept Chu Xin tightly sheltered beneath him.

Once the paralysis needle's effects wore off, Aier finally stood up and flexed her fists. Her movements still felt a little stiff. Looking at Xiao Wu and Chu Xin lying unconscious on the ground, she could only lower her head and grit her teeth.

"Chansey, hurry and help!"

"Mumu!"

Chansey emerged from the Poké Ball and began treating the unconscious Xiao Wu and Chu Xin.

"So you have a Chansey. I thought I'd have to help."

A Vespiquen appeared among the trees, followed by a sleazy-looking old man.

"So it really was you!"

Chen Huan shrugged as he looked at Aier.

"That's right, it was me. But this was a misunderstanding. Would you believe me?"

Aier clearly had no time to chat with Chen Huan. If not for him, Chu Xin might never have been hurt!

Garchomp suddenly appeared in front of Chen Huan and slashed at him twice with sharp claws.

Several Combee blocked the blows.

That was Defend Order!

"Fall back, Garchomp!"

At Aier's command, Garchomp quickly retreated to her side and glared fiercely at Chen Huan.

"There's no need for this between us. I mean you no harm."

Chen Huan looked helplessly at Aier, but his words only made her sneer at him.

"Are you insulting my intelligence by saying that now? Garchomp, Hyper Beam!"

At Aier's command, Garchomp opened his mouth, unleashing the energy gathered inside. An intense beam instantly shot toward Chen Huan, its tremendous power affecting even their surroundings.

Hyper Beam struck Chen Huan and sent thick smoke billowing up, but he remained completely unharmed. Vespiquen had directed a swarm of Combee to shield him from every side.

Was... was that really Defend Order?

Aier stared at Chen Huan in shock. Just a few Combee had blocked Garchomp's full-power Hyper Beam. Was this really the strength of a Gym Leader?

After being blasted by Hyper Beam, Chen Huan's expression had soured as well.

"You don't want to hear me out? Looks like I'll have to beat you into submission before you'll listen. Vespiquen, Confuse Ray!"

"Garchomp, dodge it, quick!"

At Aier's command, Garchomp moved to evade Vespiquen's attack, but unleashing Hyper Beam at full power had slowed him down. In the end, he failed to dodge Confuse Ray and became confused.

"Vespiquen, use Air Slash on Garchomp!"

The terrifying energy gathering on Vespiquen's two pairs of wings turned into two sharp blades of air that shot toward the confused Garchomp. The attack was super effective!

After taking that hit, Garchomp's eyes instantly spun, and his massive body collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

What?! Garchomp went down in just one hit. Could that even be called a Vespiquen anymore?

"Now will you let me explain?"

Chen Huan spoke helplessly, while Aier could only glare at him with a cold snort. Her strongest Pokémon had been defeated. She had no way to resist him now.

Chen Huan walked over to Xiao Wu and touched the Dragonite scale hanging from his neck.

"Mumu!"

Chansey jumped in alarm at the sight. She was only a doctor-please don't hit her!

Ignoring Chansey, Chen Huan picked up the Dragonite scale on Xiao Wu.

"That couldn't have come from an ordinary Dragonite, could it? I've seen Monsters like Dragonite before, and they're nowhere near this terrifying. Just the energy leaking out was enough to stand up to my Garchomp."

Chen Huan made no attempt to hide it. Holding the scale, he nodded.

"It certainly wasn't an ordinary Dragonite. This is a Dynamax Dragonite's reverse scale."

"A Dynamax Dragonite?!"

Aier looked at Chen Huan in confusion. What was Dynamax? She had never heard of it.

"Experts discovered a peculiar kind of energy in the Western Plateau Region. It's quite remarkable. The energy alone can warp space, and Monsters affected by Dynamax grow larger and become more violent. Their moves and physical abilities also improve dramatically. It's a very dangerous kind of energy."

"Don't tell me that's a Dynamax Dragonite's reverse scale."

Aier forced down her anger as she questioned Chen Huan.

"You guessed right."

Aier stared coldly at Chen Huan.

"I really want to punch you a couple of times! How could you let Xiao Wu use something so dangerous?"

Chen Huan looked at Aier unconcernedly.

"Don't be so nervous. Sure, Dynamax Energy is dangerous, and it affects a Monster's emotions, but it really does help them. Look at Xiao Wu. He only mastered a little Dynamax Energy, and he learned a new Dragon-type move. Isn't that great?"

If I could beat him, I'd have sent this bastard flying by now.

"How many Monster Handlers have successfully used this energy?"

"None. The moment a Monster masters it, it slips out of its Monster Handler's control."

"Then... then why did you let Xiao Wu use it?!"

Chen Huan scratched his head helplessly.

"Besides, this wasn't the scale I meant to give him. I mixed them up."

Aier gritted her teeth but did not question him any further. What else could she say?

But Garchomp, who had been receiving treatment from Chansey, forced himself to his feet and stood in front of Aier.

"Roar!"

Seeing Garchomp make his feelings clear through his actions, Aier felt much better.

Garchomp, thank you.

Garchomp's actions, however, surprised Chen Huan.

"I never imagined the bond between you two was so strong. Looks like I underestimated you."

"Take that scale and get out of here! I will never let the young master touch something so dangerous!"

Chen Huan pursed his lips and reluctantly put away the Dragonite reverse scale, then prepared to leave with Vespiquen.

Among the trees, Chen Huan turned back to glance at Chu Xin.

There was no need for him to hurry. He knew Chu Xin was the same kind of person he was. Sooner or later, Chu Xin would seek him out and take back that Dragonite reverse scale.

Until then, though, he and Vespiquen would have to return to a life of poverty.

"Ji."

Chen Huan sighed helplessly and patted Vespiquen's head.

"It's all right. We still have three hundred Pokéblocks at home. We can last another month, so let's enjoy that month while we can."

Neither man nor Pokémon had any of their earlier arrogance left. They looked utterly dejected.

Ah, it had been such a good opportunity. Who knew it would all come to nothing in the end!