Chapter 24: Mew

Even if he wasn't at the quasi-Elite Four level, a High Alpha-level Pokémon was no pushover. At her current strength, Zorua would find it incredibly difficult to defeat that Crobat in a direct confrontation.

Furthermore, it was impossible to tell if the Team Rocket Squad Captain was hiding any trump cards beyond that Crobat. If the man was overly cautious and concealing his true strength, he would be even harder to deal with.

"Fortunately, that big guy over there is quite the powerhouse. I'll have to bring him some treats later to say thanks."

N's emerald eyes swept toward the center of the battlefield. The Ursaring was displaying terrifying, Herculean strength!

Even the Team Rocket grunts hiding behind massive trees weren't safe. With a single Hammer Arm, Ursaring smashed through the trunks and the grunts behind them simultaneously.

In Nichiyo Forest, Ursaring might not have been the absolute strongest inhabitant, but its destructive potential was definitely at the top of the list! Even a High Alpha Crobat couldn't immediately take down the rampaging bear.

"Damn it, this thing is making too much noise! At this rate, even if Mew really is in this forest, it'll be scared off!"

Mew.

Relying on his superhuman hearing, N immediately caught the crucial name from the Squad Captain's shouting. A look of realization flashed through his glowing green eyes.

So that's it. They're hunting for traces of Mew.

Mew was a true Mythical Pokémon. It was believed to have existed since ancient times, a "Legend" that many thought was extinct. Its DNA was said to contain the genetic information of all Pokémon, allowing it to use every move in existence. Because of this, many Pokémon scholars and researchers considered Mew to be the ancestor of all living Pokémon.

It was known as the "Origin."

Team Rocket had some deep, unknown obsession with Mew, constantly hunting for any trace of it. To obtain its power, they had even conducted research using Mew's genetic material, attempting to clone it to create the ultimate Pokémon.

"Regardless of whether Mew is actually in Nichiyo Forest, at least I know why they're here."

The corners of N's mouth curled upward. He exchanged a quick, simple hand signal with Zorua in the distance and immediately swung into action.

Knowing his raw power was lower than his opponent's, a sneak attack was a good option, but for N, it wasn't the most reliable. What he intended to do was utilize every ounce of power available in his surroundings.

The Squad Captain suddenly felt a chill down his spine. He instinctively spun around just as the Team Rocket grunt acting as his guard was struck by a massive, sudden impact, sending the man flying.

"Muk! Protect me!"

Sensing extreme danger, Blackhawk's face darkened. He retreated a step and rapidly released his second Pokémon: Muk.

Under normal circumstances, a Trainer could carry up to six Pokémon, but many chose to travel with only two or three core members. Blackhawk, having deployed Crobat and Muk, clearly belonged to the latter group. For him, this was merely a tracking mission; there was no need to bring a full team. Besides, maintaining two Alpha-level Pokémon was likely his limit. Any more would just be "trash" Pokémon like the ones the grunts carried.

"What is attacking us? Another wild Pokémon?"

Blackhawk's expression soured further. He couldn't understand why a routine mission was plagued by such rotten luck. But now wasn't the time for self-pity; he had to deal with the hidden attacker!

His pupils contracted as he finally caught sight of the Pokémon in the shadows.

It was a large "cat" with purple fur, its body covered in triangular, hollow yellow spots. It sported a long tail shaped like a sickle.

It was a Liepard, a Dark-type Pokémon from the Unova region!

Theoretically, it shouldn't be found in the Kanto region. Its presence here suggested one thing: this Liepard was not a wild Pokémon!

"Liepard, use Sucker Punch."

A calm voice drifted through the air. Muk was struck before it could even react. Even with its exceptional defensive capabilities, the Sludge Pokémon was knocked back by the sudden blow. It was clear this Liepard was no amateur.

"Who are you? Don't you know we are Team Rocket?"

Blackhawk's eyes turned cold. In the background, the Ursaring was barely being suppressed by Crobat and the other grunts' Pokémon. Since Crobat couldn't be diverted to help him, he had to rely on Muk. He hoped to intimidate the stranger into retreating, as he was secretly beginning to lose his nerve.

"Hmm... I'm just a passing Trainer. There really isn't any conflict of interest between us."

The figure hidden in the trees gave a helpless shrug. In the dim light of the forest, Blackhawk couldn't make out the stranger's face, making it impossible to judge his background.

If it was a League International Police officer or a Ranger who had tracked them down, things would be bad...

"Since that's the cas—"

"Liepard, use Night Slash."

Taking advantage of the conversation, the agile Liepard struck again. Seizing the momentary opening, it swung its razor-sharp claws, slashing deep into Muk's body.

After two consecutive critical hits to its vitals, even a defensive powerhouse like Muk was clearly beginning to buckle.

"I'll kill you...!"

Blackhawk was so furious he nearly spat out a curse. Who was the real Team Rocket member here? He had tried to talk, but the opponent had used the distraction to launch a sneak attack without a word. This level of deviousness made even a criminal like him feel uncomfortable.

That Liepard, currently licking its paws, was likely Alpha-level as well. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to heavily injure his Muk in just two hits. The balanced situation had instantly tilted against him.

"Wait, wait."

N, still hidden in the brush, raised a hand as if to call for a ceasefire, but the other side wasn't falling for it again.

"Muk! Use Mud Shot!!"

"Ekans! Poison Sting!"

"Houndoom, use Flamethrower!"

Blackhawk wasn't about to believe another word. He ordered Muk to fire immediately, while his two guards commanded their Pokémon to join the fray.

However, they didn't realize that this very retaliation was the catalyst for the real danger.