Cain gently stroked Sneasel's head, feeling its soft fur. His expression was complex.
Everything Sneasel had done, Cain had noticed—it was so similar to how Murkrow had been before!
Cain felt fortunate; every Pokémon on his team was highly competitive. Despite this, there was no dissatisfaction or complaints among them; they simply worked harder, learned to grow stronger, and put in immense effort.
Perhaps this had much to do with Honchkrow's presence.
Although Murkrow had always been the team leader, in terms of aptitude, it wasn't one of the most talented. But its hard work hadn't gone unnoticed by the other Pokémon.
Now that Sneasel was one of the less apt Pokémon on the team, the first thing it did was increase its effort, learning from the former Murkrow.
"I see everything you've done," Cain said, kneeling down and looking into Sneasel's eyes.
Sneasel stared at him for a moment before turning its head with a slight hint of embarrassment.
This little one was a bit stubborn.
Cain smiled as he patted its head again.
"So from now on, I'll try to understand you better, help you more, and together we'll keep growing."
Sneasel, which had seemed a bit shy earlier, now looked at him intently. Its eyes revealed determination and fervor, something it couldn't hide.
Cain smiled, satisfied. In this life, he'd been lucky to have a team of Pokémon that never disappointed him.
As their trainer, he wouldn't let them down either.
"Are you ready to evolve, Sneasel?"
Cain led Sneasel straight into the dangerous nighttime forest.
Sneasel stayed alert, fully aware of the lurking dangers.
Entering the forest at night as Cain and Sneasel did would likely be seen as a provocation by the wild Pokémon.
It wasn't long before a Persian attacked them.
It was a nocturnal hunter Persian of the forest.
As soon as it appeared, Cain used his system to gather its data.
A light green-grade Persian, level 36, considered a formidable hunter in this forest.
Many Pokémon had already fallen prey to this Persian.
Cain didn't appear nervous or attempt to dodge the attack.
Using telepathy, he connected with Sneasel and gave the order:
"Sneasel, use Hone Claws, followed by Ice Claw (Ice Punch + Metal Claw)."
Sneasel was equipped with a Razor Claw, increasing its critical hit chance. Combined with Hone Claws, its power was significantly boosted.
Sneasel stared coldly at Persian while quickly sharpening its claws. In an instant, a metallic layer covered its claws, followed by a thick layer of ice that formed over them, creating something akin to large gauntlets.
Boom!
Sneasel delivered a direct punch to the charging Persian.
The blow landed squarely on its face.
Persian was sent flying, a visible wound on its face. However, the icy energy froze the wound, preventing further bleeding.
Though it was in pain, Persian couldn't show much emotion.
Seizing the advantage, Cain gave another command:
"Sneasel, use Agility followed by another Ice Claw to finish it off!"
Sneasel vanished in an instant, reappearing in front of Persian as it was still falling from the tree.
Under Persian's terrified gaze, Sneasel landed another Ice Claw strike directly on its face.
Striking the face might not seem very noble, but Sneasel enjoyed it.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Three strikes later, Persian lay lifeless on the ground.
Sneasel glared at it disdainfully.
"With that level, you dare attack?"
Cain ignored Persian's body. The smell of blood in the forest would attract other wild Pokémon, making it easier for them to handle the remains.
Sneasel was already fired up, completely immersed in the battle—a state that pleased Cain.
But it wasn't enough. Sneasel needed more battles!
"Come, wild Pokémon, become stepping stones for Sneasel's progress!"
As they ventured deeper, the number of wild Pokémon increased. Many were drawn by the faint scent of blood emanating from Sneasel.
Some Pokémon were manageable for Sneasel, but others surpassed its abilities.
When faced with those Pokémon, Cain didn't hesitate to retreat.
Training Sneasel was important, but risking its life wasn't an option.
For instance, they encountered a level 48 Shiftry—something impossible for Sneasel in its current state.
Choosing the right opponents was crucial for Cain as a trainer.
It seemed that fate was on Sneasel's side.
A Breloom with bloodshot eyes appeared in front of Cain and Sneasel, staring at Cain hungrily.
Sneasel quickly moved, positioning itself in front of Cain.
Cain's system identified the Pokémon:
Pokémon: Breloom (green) (in a state of rage)
Gender: Female
Level: 39
Type: Grass + Fighting
Ability: Technician
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Worry Seed, Wake-Up Slap, Bullet Seed
Basic Moves: Mach Punch, Absorb, Tackle, Stun Spore, Leech Seed, Mega Drain, Headbutt, Feint, Counter, Force Palm, Mind Reader, Sky Uppercut
Learned Moves: Drain Punch, Synthesis, Snatch
TM Moves: None
Breloom was clearly in a state of fury.
Regardless of its condition, it was now the perfect opponent for Sneasel—the best sharpening stone.
"Sneasel, use Agility followed by Low Sweep!" Cain commanded.
"Snee~~!" Sneasel cried out, propelling itself forward and kicking up dust and roots from the ground.
Sneasel could also feel the pressure Breloom was exerting on it, but instead of feeling intimidated, it was exhilarated, so much so that it couldn't contain the boiling blood within.
Something important was happening inside it, gradually affecting its body.
Sneasel charged at Breloom at high speed.
Breloom, in its rage, made no attempt to dodge. Confident, it raised its fist to use Drain Punch against Sneasel.
(End of chapter)