Chapter Forty-Seven: Defeat and Camping

Zhao Fang was at a loss. The Onix had completely replicated the previous strategy, forcing Dragomessia to engage in close combat. If it stayed back, Onix would simply use Rock Polish to increase its speed, but if it got close, Zhao Fang had no idea what move Onix had prepared to deal with Dragomessia.

“What should I do... what should I do...” Zhao Fang stared at Dragomessia, his heart torn. He didn’t know how to handle the situation. The sandstorm continued to rage on the field and wouldn't subside anytime soon. Dragomessia was constantly taking damage from the sandstorm, which meant Zhao Fang couldn’t afford to drag things out. If he stalled, he would certainly lose. With Dragomessia’s current set of skills, the only way to deliver a decisive blow to Onix was to use that forbidden Ghost-type move: Curse.

Curse had the power to turn the tide, but the problem was that using it would also inflict significant harm on Dragomessia itself. For Ghost-type Pokémon, using Curse was troublesome; typically, it was only deployed when pushed to the brink. Otherwise, it wasn’t a move one would use lightly.

That left Zhao Fang with just a few usable moves: Double Team, Quick Attack, and Crunch.

“Dragomessia, use Double Team!” In the end, Zhao Fang didn’t let Dragomessia use Curse, but instead called for Double Team.

Despite the pain from the sandstorm, Dragomessia used Double Team, and a duplicate appeared on the field. That was the effect of the move. Skilled Pokémon could use Double Team up to six times, creating seven copies to evade enemy attacks, but Dragomessia could only manage it once—its strength wasn’t quite there yet.

“Continue with Rock Polish.” The burly man was unfazed. Two Dragomessias—even if they actually attacked—wouldn’t be a match for his Onix. He was intentionally forcing Zhao Fang to make the first move.

Zhao Fang was helpless. He didn’t know how many times Onix could use Rock Polish. If its speed truly soared, Zhao Fang might as well raise his hand and admit defeat.

“Dragomessia, charge in and use Dragon Tail!” Zhao Fang had no choice but to try. Not trying meant certain loss; trying at least left a slim chance for victory, even if the odds were low.

“So you’re finally coming in? Onix, seize the opportunity—use Sand Tomb to trap your opponent!” The burly man laughed heartily. Zhao Fang’s heart sank, and he quickly called for Dragomessia to use Quick Attack to dodge.

But with the sandstorm swirling, Dragomessia’s speed was hindered, and Onix had just completed a Rock Polish, boosting its speed as well. Almost as soon as Dragomessia’s tail struck Onix, the gathered wind and sand engulfed both Dragomessias, trapping them within.

Zhao Fang gritted his teeth. He had no good way to break free, so he could only have Dragomessia try using Quick Attack and Double Team.

“Seize this precious moment, Onix—unleash your final move! Use Dragon Breath to end this battle!” The burly man swung his arm. Zhao Fang’s heart clenched—Onix could use Dragon-type moves?

“Quick, dodge!” Zhao Fang cried out in alarm. Dragomessia was a Ghost and Dragon-type Pokémon; if hit by Dragon Breath, the effect would be overwhelming.

But trapped by the sandstorm and Sand Tomb, Dragomessia had no ability to evade. Even as it desperately used Double Team, it couldn’t escape the Sand Tomb. Dragon Breath brewed in Onix’s mouth and then struck the helpless Dragomessia.

“The challenger’s two Pokémon have lost the ability to battle. The challenger has failed.” The staff member who served as referee quickly declared the outcome.

Zhao Fang didn’t care about winning or losing anymore. He rushed onto the field and returned Dragomessia to its Poké Ball.

“Kid, your Pokémon are really impressive. If you weren’t challenging me today, you’d definitely win yourself a room, hahahaha... Hey? Where’s that brat?” The burly man was grinning, expecting to see Zhao Fang’s unwilling expression, but when he opened his eyes, Zhao Fang was already gone.

“The challenger has left, probably headed for the Pokémon Center,” the referee explained, understanding the burly man’s intent.

“Hmph, he sure ran fast. But only trainers who care about their Pokémon deserve to be called trainers.” The burly man pursed his lips—his earlier urge to show off vanished instantly.

Zhao Fang, of course, had no time to worry about the burly man’s feelings. Though he sensed something odd about the man, what mattered most now was to get his two Pokémon treated at the Pokémon Center as quickly as possible.

“Your Pokémon have fully recovered.” Nurse Joy handed Zhao Fang the Poké Balls with a warm smile.

“Thank you so much!” Zhao Fang breathed a sigh of relief; he had been worried about Dragomessia’s injuries. Dragon-type moves were tricky to treat.

“Hello, because we used some special medicine this time, you need to pay a fee. Since you hold a Pokédex, the fee for this treatment is…” Nurse Joy’s next words made Zhao Fang’s face fall.

He even wondered if Nurse Joy had some powerful Psychic-type Pokémon—the price was just right to clean out the rest of his money. If Zhao Fang hadn’t bought Pokémon food and supplies when entering Kanaz City, Magikarp and the others would have run out of rations.

“Earning money… Money really is a wonderful thing.” Leaving the Pokémon Center, Zhao Fang gazed at the starry sky, sighing helplessly.

Now, he couldn’t even afford medicine, let alone a hotel. He’d have to make do by camping beside the lake.

With his backpack slung over his shoulder, Zhao Fang headed for the lakeside where he’d been before. The area was crowded with people, tents lined one after another, and many were fishing. Clearly, the presence of the red Gyarados still held their fascination.

Zhao Fang had no intention of interacting with them, but with so many people around, he had to walk a long way around the lake before finding a secluded spot to set up his tent.

“This place feels a bit chilly… Whatever. Magikarp, you go for a swim and enjoy yourself while I prepare dinner.” Zhao Fang rubbed his arms and released Magikarp.

Though he had a small pool for his Water-type Pokémon, nothing compared to the natural waters—the best habitat for Water-types.