Chapter 58: The Snorlax That Can Surf

As Zhao Fang issued his command, Gyarados opened its massive jaws and unleashed a gust of wind. The lead Ambipom, however, dodged the tornado attack with remarkable agility, then stretched out its claws in excitement, swiping at Dragomessia's body.

Dragomessia looked perplexed, glancing at the claw that had passed right through its body, then at the Ambipom before it. Fortunately, Dragomessia hadn't forgotten to use its abilities; its hands glowed with a dark light, and it launched a surprise attack, striking the opponent's face.

The Ambipom let out a pained cry, recoiling and watching Dragomessia warily. An unusual gleam began to flicker in its eyes.

"Detect? Dragomessia, don't let it use Detect! Interrupt its move with Dragon Tail!" Zhao Fang quickly deduced the technique Ambipom was attempting. If Detect succeeded, Ambipom would be able to strike Dragomessia.

Just as Dragomessia's tail whipped across Ambipom's face, Gyarados rammed its head into another Ambipom attempting Detect, sending it reeling and collapsing to the ground.

"Good! Press the advantage! Gyarados, use Iron Head and continue the attack!" Zhao Fang was pleased; Gyarados was currently his most formidable ally—after all, he only had two Pokémon.

The benefit of this was that Dragomessia could enjoy more time to grow. Zhao Fang needed to think carefully about how best to nurture Dragomessia.

With Gyarados knocking down Ambipom one by one, the four Ambipom soon fled, howling into the distance. Zhao Fang checked his Pokémon for injuries; apart from a swelling on Gyarados's forehead, there were no other issues.

"You two, honestly... Hurry up and eat; the wind's picking up," Zhao Fang said, smiling as he patted his Pokémon, urging them to finish their food quickly.

As Gyarados and Dragomessia finished their meals, Zhao Fang picked up his toasted sandwich, preparing for a simple bite, when a thunderous crash erupted nearby. Turning quickly, he saw a massive splash on the far side of the lake, and a gigantic creature swimming through the water.

"Is that...?" Zhao Fang swiftly pulled out his Pokédex, aiming it at the figure in the lake.

"Snorlax, the Drowsy Pokémon..." The voice from the Pokédex echoed in his ears. Zhao Fang blinked and looked more closely at the creature in the lake. Was Snorlax surfing?

He swallowed hard, activated the Pokédex's video function, and hurriedly packed up his camp. Before Snorlax could approach, he recalled Gyarados and left with Dragomessia.

A surfing Snorlax, and one of impressive size—who knew what its intentions were? Zhao Fang had no wish to be sent back to Kanaz City before even glimpsing the Tower of Phantoms.

About a minute after Zhao Fang's departure, Snorlax lumbered ashore. It squinted at the now-empty campsite, sniffed the air, and scratched its belly in confusion.

Where did everyone go?

Unaware of Snorlax's actions, Zhao Fang was now walking down the path with his backpack and Pokédex. Beyond simply identifying Pokémon, the Pokédex allowed for communication with others and even group chats, though these features were rather primitive compared to those of his previous life. Zhao Fang sent the video he had just taken to Professor Odagawa.

Before long, Professor Odagawa replied.

[Odagawa: Snorlax that can surf? That's amazing! Zhao Fang, would you like to sell this information?] Reading Odagawa's message, Zhao Fang paused in thought. Could rare Pokémon sightings really be sold?

"Is it possible to sell?" he responded.

[Odagawa: Of course! I know a trainer who adores Snorlax. If you're willing, send me the location and I'll inquire about the price for you.] Professor Odagawa was enthusiastic. Zhao Fang didn't hesitate and immediately sent his location.

It was clear—the so-called information was simply the sale of rare Pokémon encounter locations. Interested Pokédex holders could buy the info and try their luck at capturing their favorite Pokémon.

[Odagawa: The information sold for eight hundred League coins. I'll transfer it to your account... By the way, Zhao Fang, the League is holding a conference soon; battle regulations are expected to change. Remember to keep an eye out.] Another message from Odagawa arrived promptly.

Zhao Fang sent a quick thank you and put away his Pokédex.

He didn't know what changes the League's battle system would bring, but for now, he wasn't concerned. As he ventured deeper into the mountains, Zhao Fang reached a place where volcanic ash drifted through the air.

"So this is volcanic ash?" Zhao Fang brushed the soot from his shoulder; rubbing it between his fingers, it turned into gray powder.

He took a respirator from his backpack and put it on. Humans exposed to volcanic ash for long periods risk respiratory illness. The respirator was expensive—twelve hundred League coins. When he bought it, Zhao Fang felt the pain in his wallet; twelve hundred coins could buy a Fog Lotus Berry. Still, for the sake of his own life, he quietly made the purchase.

With the ash swirling, Zhao Fang spotted some Pokémon. Their types gradually shifted toward ground and fire. He was excited—hoping he might encounter a Pokémon he fancied.

He remembered that in the games, volcanic ash could be collected to craft glass, but Zhao Fang had no such intention. He pressed onward at a brisk pace.

As he climbed, the ash grew denser, falling almost like rain. Dragomessia disliked the environment and retreated into its Poké Ball.

[A timid Dragomessia; its path to evolution is fraught with hardship.] That was the assessment from Zhao Fang's golden finger.

He scratched his head. Dragomessia's evolution was indeed troublesome, but for now, Zhao Fang had no solution. He could only hope that after the Hoenn League tournament, he'd be able to travel to Galar and seek out evolution methods there.

That night, Zhao Fang set up camp under the ash. According to the map given by Cuckoo, tomorrow he should reach the location where she had seen the Tower of Phantoms. The thought made him a little anxious.

"I can only hope not to encounter any overly powerful Pokémon. Otherwise, retrieving the fossils might be a perilous task," Zhao Fang muttered, sprinkled powder to ward off wild Pokémon, then slipped into his tent and closed the door.