Xia Yu treaded through the forest, contemplating the nature of this secret realm.
Every secret realm typically brimmed with a few dominant energy types, and this one was unmistakably rich in Grass-type energy. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers lined the path, pulsing with life—a hallmark of a Grass-type realm. Such a place promised frequent encounters with Grass-type Pokémon, their potential generally surpassing those in the outside world, ranging from Common to as high as Overlord or beyond.
There was also a notable undercurrent of Bug-type energy, which Xia Yu inferred from Scizor's behavior.
As a Bug-type Pokémon, Scizor was keenly attuned to Bug-type energy. When Xia Yu called it forth, Scizor buzzed with excitement, clearly thriving in this environment.
Whether other energy types lurked within, Xia Yu couldn't yet discern. He'd need to venture deeper to uncover the realm's full secrets.
As he pondered, voices suddenly pierced the air ahead, prompting Xia Yu to freeze and cautiously advance.
"Liao San, we're rich!" A flat-haired youth in a black shirt, practically vibrating with excitement, addressed a burly bald man named Liao San. "So many rare Pokémon—this is a goldmine!"
Liao San's scarred face twisted into a greedy smirk, his eyes alight with avarice. Secret realms were indeed the path to wealth. "Haozi, let's act fast. We can't let others find this. One haul like this, and we're out of here."
Before Liao San and Haozi stood four Treecko, evidence of a thriving Treecko colony within the realm.
[*Ding! Mission triggered: Grass-type Overlord.*]
[*This secret realm is dominated by Grass-type energy, with Bug-type energy as a secondary force. Two major Grass-type colonies inhabit the forest: a Sceptile clan and a Venusaur clan. These clans have long vied for territory, neither prevailing. As the realm merges with the real world, its balance will shift. Before the realm is fully claimed, capture a Pokémon from either clan and train it to become the Grass-type Overlord.*]
[*Mission Requirements: Capture a Treecko or a Bulbasaur.*]
[*Mission Rewards: 1. Rewards based on the captured Pokémon; 2. Clue to a mysterious treasure.*]
[*Failure Penalty: Randomly reduce one Pokémon's potential by one rank (e.g., from Gym Leader to Lord).*]
[The abrupt mission startled Xia Yu. The penalty was dire—if he failed, his Noibat's potential could drop from its current rank to Gym Leader, a loss he couldn't bear. This mission was non-negotiable. His eyes locked onto the four Treecko.]
Overlord rank, Lord rank, Lord rank, Lord rank.
Influenced by the realm's potent Grass-type energy, the Treecko boasted impressive potential, with the lowest at Lord rank and one reaching Overlord—higher than most outside Pokémon, which often lingered at Common or Rare. Yet, none met Xia Yu's stringent capture criteria. Despite their potential, their combat strength was merely Rare rank, making them vulnerable.
At that moment, Liao San and Haozi summoned their Pokémon. Liao San deployed a Dark/Flying-type Honchkrow, while Haozi called forth a Fairy-type Granbull.
**Honchkrow**
Gender: Male
Type: Dark/Flying
Potential: Lord rank
Combat Strength: Lord rank
Ability: Insomnia
Moves: Wing Attack, Haze, Astonish, Sucker Punch, Night Slash, Air Cutter, Peck, Night Shade, Pursuit, Taunt, Nasty Plot, Confuse Ray, Superpower
---
**Granbull**
Gender: Female
Type: Fairy
Potential: Lord rank
Combat Strength: Lord rank
Ability: Quick Feet
Moves: Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Tackle, Tail Whip, Charm, Bite, Lick, Headbutt, Roar, Taunt, Thunder Wave, Play Rough, Heal Bell
Both Honchkrow and Granbull wielded Lord-rank combat strength, respectable for a modest city like Starlight City. But Xia Yu was unfazed. His team—Scizor at Overlord-rank strength, Charizard and Heracross at Gym Leader rank—was a cut above, rivaling the best in Starlight City. They could handle Liao San and Haozi with ease. Still, Xia Yu remained vigilant. Secret realms drew powerful trainers, and Heavenly King or Champion-rank experts would soon arrive, outclassing his current lineup. Time was of the essence.
"Scizor, Heracross, prepare to engage," Xia Yu whispered, summoning both Pokémon.
Having raised them himself, Xia Yu shared a deep bond with Scizor and Heracross, ensuring their unwavering loyalty.
Liao San and Haozi had already unleashed their Pokémon. Honchkrow and Granbull lunged at the Treecko.
Honchkrow struck with Wing Attack. Bolstered by its Lord-rank strength, a same-type attack bonus, and a type advantage over Treecko, it felled one with a single blow.
Granbull matched it, unleashing Fire Fang. Its flaming jaws dispatched another Treecko instantly.
In a flash, two Treecko lay defeated.
"Honchkrow, chase them down!"
"Granbull, don't let them get away!"
As Liao San and Haozi shouted, Honchkrow and Granbull pursued the remaining Treecko, while the men hurled Poké Balls at the fainted ones.
"Now! Scizor, Bullet Punch on Granbull! Heracross, Megahorn on Honchkrow!"
Scizor surged forward, its crimson pincers shimmering with Steel-type energy as it darted through the trees.
*Bang!*
Bullet Punch struck with blinding speed, catching Granbull off guard.
[*Bullet Punch*: A Steel-type physical move, delivering a rapid, iron-hard fist. Always strikes first.]
In the games, Bullet Punch's base power was a modest 40, but Scizor's same-type attack bonus boosted it by 1.5x. Its Technician ability amplified low-power moves by another 1.5x, and Steel's double damage against Fairy-types like Granbull compounded the impact. With Scizor's Overlord-rank strength surpassing Granbull's Lord rank—roughly a ten-level gap in game terms—this hit could theoretically knock out Granbull.
Yet reality diverged from games. While bonuses and type advantages held, damage wasn't fixed. Some Pokémon could train to lessen weaknesses, like the anime's Pangoro overcoming its fear of water. This Granbull's robust stamina absorbed the blow, leaving it heavily wounded but standing.
Xia Yu was momentarily surprised but undeterred. Another Bullet Punch would finish the job.
Meanwhile, Heracross's Megahorn roared with power. Its base power of 90, enhanced by a 1.5x same-type bonus, was formidable. Heracross's Gym Leader-rank strength outstripped Honchkrow's Lord rank by two tiers. Though lacking a type advantage, the sheer power gap allowed Heracross to knock out Honchkrow in one hit.
[*Megahorn*: A Bug-type physical move with high power, usable only as a first-strike move upon entering battle.]
In a single clash, the battle's outcome was decided!