ALL NOVEL Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Nidorino
Nidorino stood before them, its appearance somewhat rabbit-like but far from cute. It was significantly larger than Charmander, sporting a prominent horn on its head and a purple body marked with deep violet spots.
"Nido!"
Nidorino!
Maki gasped sharply. Was this a joke? He was just a rookie trainer—did they really need to greet him with such a spectacle? They might as well throw in a Life Orb-wielding Sheer Force Nidoking to finish him off.
"Wasn't this supposed to be a beginner's test?"
Maki's mouth twitched as he pointed at the towering Nidorino, whose height nearly rivaled his own when standing upright. This was far from the welcoming challenge he had envisioned for a new trainer.
"You're not expected to beat it. Just make sure the result satisfies me," Luca replied, waving his hand nonchalantly.
Maki had a general understanding of the league's rules but was unaware of the "special pathways" newly introduced to the system. Giovanni might have known about them, but this minor detail was apparently not worth mentioning to Maki.
Standing on the opposite side of the field, Maki racked his brain for everything he knew about Nidorino.
Nidorino's abilities:
Poison Point
Rivalry
Hidden Ability: Hustle
This Nidorino was clearly male, as was Maki's Charmander. Since Nidorino didn't react specifically to Charmander, the likelihood of Rivalry being its ability was slim.
As for the remaining two abilities, neither seemed particularly favorable for Charmander.
Charmander's ability was Solar Power, but there was no sunlight to utilize indoors. Outdoors, at least, there would be a minimal stat boost. Here, Solar Power was effectively a blank slate—arguably worse than Blaze.
Even before the battle began, the odds were stacked heavily against Maki. Nonetheless, he prepared for the fight.
"Charmander," he called, prompting the little Pokémon to nod confidently.
"Char!" (We'll crush it!)
Over the past few days, Nathan occasionally brought his Cyndaquil to spar with Maki's Charmander. Through these battles, Charmander had developed a sense of camaraderie and an unshakable self-confidence.
Seeing the determination in Charmander's eyes, Luca stood up, a gesture of respect for both Charmander and Maki as opponents.
As the battle commenced, Maki refrained from commanding an immediate attack.
"Smokescreen!"
A thick, dark smoke spewed from Charmander's mouth, enveloping Nidorino and its surrounding area. The smoke expanded as it traveled, obstructing Nidorino's vision.
Maki knew that engaging in a direct confrontation would be futile. Nidorino's abilities and inherent strength gave it a decisive edge in close combat.
Poison Point had the potential to poison any opponent that made contact with it.
Hustle, though it lowered accuracy, significantly increased the power of physical attacks.
If this Nidorino indeed had Hustle, a single hit could end the match, especially given the level disparity.
Luca's eyes flickered with approval. He had seen plenty of rookie trainers, each brimming with overconfidence, only to be defeated swiftly. Maki's strategy was a refreshing change.
Shrouded in smoke, Nidorino grew visibly agitated, struggling to navigate its obscured surroundings.
"Nidorino, stay calm. Use Focus Energy!"
Hearing Luca's command, Nidorino steadied itself, its focus sharpening as a faint blue light surrounded it.
Maki's brow furrowed. A critical hit would spell disaster for Charmander.
"Charmander, Ember!"
Maki ordered Charmander to interrupt Nidorino's preparation, but the opponent had already completed its move. The embers struck Nidorino, dealing minor damage but failing to inflict a burn. Maki hadn't expected miracles—Charmander didn't have the Serene Grace ability, after all.
"Charmander, keep using Ember!"
Since direct combat wasn't an option, Charmander's only viable ranged attack was Ember.
"Nidorino, attack the area directly ahead with Poison Sting!"
In a Pokémon battle, a skilled trainer could serve as their Pokémon's "eyes." Following Luca's instructions, Nidorino unleashed a barrage of poisonous needles toward the designated area.
"Charmander, dodge… Keep using Ember!"
Maki instinctively began to shout the classic "Dodge it!" command but quickly realized there was no need. Nidorino's Poison Sting attack missed by over a meter, thanks to the combined effects of Hustle and Smokescreen.
Luca's expression darkened. He had anticipated some inaccuracies but not to this extent.
Charmander unleashed another Ember, striking Nidorino again. However, the effects of Smokescreen were beginning to fade.
The increasing visibility gave Nidorino a clearer view of the battlefield. Luca seized the opportunity. While this was only a test, losing to a rookie trainer would be embarrassing, not to mention the awkward explanations he'd owe his boss back home.
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