Chapter 36: How Can a Human Run So Fast!

There was still some time before the city-level competition in Nichiyo City. After two days without news, Hilda, who was already in the city, finally couldn't hold back and took the initiative to call N.

When she learned that N had secretly gone off to challenge a Gym on his own, and succeeded, she was happy for him, but also a bit miffed. For reasons N couldn't quite fathom, she eventually hung up the phone in a huff.

However, N could tell from her competitive tone that Hilda didn't want to be left in the dust. She was likely pushing her Pokémon through even more grueling training now, desperate to catch up.

Ever since Timburr evolved into Gurdurr, Zorua's position as the "Big Brother" of the team had been seriously threatened. As a result, it had been engaging in high-intensity training every day, almost to the point of obsession. N saw all of this.

To prevent any hidden injuries from overtraining, N used his Viridian Power daily to massage both Pokémon. Having this kind of support allowed Zorua to train with zero reservations, and the little fox seemed ready to spend twenty-four hours a day on the practice field.

Gurdurr was clearly feeling the rivalry too. After receiving the Substitute TM, it had immediately gone off to practice. With its natural talent and the aid of the machine, it wouldn't take long to master the move.

"Let's have some canned food today. We're probably getting tired of Spam by now."

N was preparing lunch in Nichiyo Forest. He laid out high-grade Pokémon food and Pokeblocks while waiting for the two little guys to return. He wanted to prepare a rich meal to reward their hard work.

Rustle... rustle...

Suddenly, the nearby bushes began to shake. Just as N thought it was Zorua returning, a small, brownish, fox-like head poked out from the foliage, looking toward N with curiosity.

The brownish fur and the fluffy, cream-colored mane and tail tip gave its identity away instantly.

An Eevee?

[Eevee]

Strength: Low Elite

Potential: High Grade

This was a truly rare Pokémon; sightings of wild Eevee were few and far between! Because its genetic makeup was so irregular and unstable, Eevee could easily evolve into various forms depending on environmental factors, offering a multitude of evolutionary paths.

Moreover, it possessed High Grade potential, making it a rare prize in N's eyes.

N was incredibly picky about his Pokémon. He wouldn't catch just anything he saw; if a Pokémon didn't truly catch his eye, he wouldn't bother. His training philosophy followed a strict "quality over quantity" elite route.

"Ee-vee!"

The Eevee was clearly startled to see a human. It had only approached because it sensed a warm, gentle aura and smelled something delicious. Realizing it had stumbled upon a human, it scrambled its short legs and turned to bolt.

"I can't let a little one like you get away."

N narrowed his emerald eyes, a strange glint flashing within them. He cupped a hand and let out a sharp, clear whistle, a pre-arranged signal to Gurdurr and Zorua in the distance.

Then, he personally took off after the Eevee.

"Ee-vee!"

The Eevee was so scared it was almost in tears. It had already used Quick Attack to flee, yet the human behind it was actually keeping up! It had heard from other forest Pokémon that humans were terrifying, and it was true!

And wait, wasn't there something wrong here?!

It had lived in Nichiyo Forest for a long time and knew every nook and cranny. Usually, by ducking into small side paths, even other forest-dwelling Pokémon couldn't find it. Why was N able to track it instantly?!

Fortunately, human stamina had its limits. After Eevee used Agility two or three times, it finally put some distance between itself and N.

Just as it thought it had escaped to safety, it suddenly felt its feet leave the ground!

"Ee-vee?!"

Eevee realized it was floating and nearly died of fright. When did a Normal-type like itself learn to fly?! More terrifyingly, it was being pulled straight back toward N!

"I didn't really want to use my Psychic powers, but this little one is just too fast."

N held one hand out in mid-air, his right hand slightly curved as he channeled his Psychic energy. A brilliant blue aura completely enveloped Eevee, binding it so firmly that it couldn't struggle. It could only watch as it was reeled in.

"Oh, you're a girl?"

N spoke softly with a smile. An Eevee's gender can be identified by the pattern on its tail: males have a jagged, zigzag pattern, while females have a heart-shaped pattern. This little Eevee's tail pattern was a clear heart shape. Recognizing this, N's movements became even gentler.

"Ee-vee..."

Eevee whimpered pitifully as it was pulled into N's arms. It felt it had truly fallen into a demon's clutches and didn't dare imagine the terrible fate that awaited it!

Even though this human in the cap had a wonderful scent and a gentle touch that made it want to snuggle, Eevee knew it was all an act! It was a trap! It was that very aura that had lured it over in the first place! Humans were just too despicable!

"Hey, wait! I found that Eevee first!"