Chapter 73: The Enemy Hidden in the Shadows

Zhao Fang looked at the scene before him, a broad smile spreading across his face. He had been pondering how to give his Pokémon some training, and the opportunity had presented itself perfectly: a Poochyena and a Golbat, just right for his Amaura and Dreepy to practice on. As for Gyarados, if it joined the battle, there would hardly be any fight left—better to have Gyarados observe from the sidelines.

With this in mind, Zhao Fang took a Poké Ball from his belt and released Amaura, giving her elegant neck a gentle pat.

“Amaura, do you see that Golbat up ahead? That Golbat is yours. Make sure you take it out as swiftly as possible—we don’t know if reinforcements are coming... And don’t toy with your opponent again,” Zhao Fang instructed sternly. Amaura lifted her head proudly and let out a clear, ringing call.

“Dreepy, that Poochyena is your target. Show me what your hard training has accomplished lately.” Zhao Fang stroked the Dreepy perched on his shoulder, then sent both Pokémon into battle.

Amaura was the first to step forward, striding calmly under the astonished gaze of the Magma Squad member, as if a monarch surveying her domain. This nonchalant attitude instantly inflamed the Team Magma member’s anger.

“Golbat! Use Wing Attack on that arrogant creature! Poochyena, use Roar!” the Team Magma member shouted through gritted teeth.

Golbat’s wings whipped up a fierce wind as it shot toward Amaura, while Poochyena let out an intimidating roar. But before Poochyena could finish, Dreepy landed a tail lash across its face.

“Dreeee~” Dreepy eyed its opponent with a playful glint, only now did the Magma Squad member realize there was another Pokémon on the field.

Before he could give new orders, he saw the blue Pokémon in front gathering an icy blue glow in its mouth and charging straight at Golbat. If Golbat hadn’t been fast, it would’ve taken the attack head-on, but even so, its wing was grazed, frost forming over it as Golbat howled in pain.

“An Ice-type… Golbat, fall back and deal with that Pokémon first!” The Team Magma member muttered through clenched teeth. If his Numel hadn’t been knocked out by a jet of water earlier, he wouldn’t have feared this Ice-type at all.

While Poochyena tried to counterattack with a Bite, Dreepy used Quick Attack to close the distance, landing another tail slap to Poochyena’s face—this time, aiming for its eyes. Though the blow missed its mark, it still left Poochyena flustered and disoriented.

Zhao Fang crouched in the snow, stroking his chin as he observed the Magma Squad member. The man was a bird in a cage, with no chance of escape. Yet, what puzzled Zhao Fang was that even faced with such disadvantage, the Magma Squad member showed no hint of fear or retreat.

“Is he hiding an ace up his sleeve?” Zhao Fang hesitated. He never underestimated his opponents—doing so could lead to dire consequences.

The Magma Squad member’s expression was too composed, betraying no trace of fear. It meant either he had a hidden card to play, or he was bluffing. But as Amaura closed in and pressed her advantage against Golbat, Zhao Fang suspected there might indeed be a backup plan.

“Gyarados, use Water Pulse—teach him a lesson,” Zhao Fang released Gyarados and gave the command.

In battles in the wild, attacking trainers wasn’t unheard of; some even specialized in training their Pokémon to target enemy trainers. Zhao Fang had encountered this before when facing Team Aqua members.

Gyarados opened its jaws wide, and a surge of water shot forth, striking the Magma Squad member squarely and knocking him out cold.

Golbat and Poochyena, realizing their trainer had been attacked, cried out in rage and grief, launching desperate attacks that left several fresh wounds on Amaura.

Fortunately, without their trainer’s guidance, their moves lacked coordination and precision—the injuries Amaura suffered were not severe. With another Blizzard, she froze Golbat solid, while Poochyena collapsed, unable to continue.

In an instant, the battlefield fell silent. Only Froslass remained, shivering and warily eyeing the two powerful Pokémon. She wanted to flee, but Dreepy kept her under close watch, making escape impossible.

Zhao Fang checked his Pokédex. Officer Jenny would arrive in about three minutes.

However, Zhao Fang didn’t rush to leave. Instead, he called his two Pokémon to his side and had Gyarados keep watch, guarding against any surprise attacks.

And so, Zhao Fang lay prone in the snow for a minute. Just as he began to wonder if he was being overly cautious, two figures emerged from the thicket behind the Magma Squad member: a middle-aged man with a bristling red beard, and a cold-looking young woman.

“Defeated our member and still too cowardly to show yourself? Looks like you’re a spineless wretch after all, ha!” The man sneered, laughing at Zhao Fang’s hiding place.

Zhao Fang remained motionless, expressionless, flat against the ground. He would not fall for such a crude provocation, especially with two enemies present. His main focus was to keep Froslass in check and prevent any unexpected moves, while preparing to shift his position.

Zhao Fang didn’t know what Team Magma wanted with Froslass, but whatever their aim, his job was simply to foil it.

The man frowned as he looked at the unmoving mound of snow. Earlier, from the sounds, he had guessed the trainer was young and hoped to lure him out, subdue him swiftly, and sell his Pokémon for funds. He hadn’t expected his target to be so cautious.

“Camerupt! Use Earthquake on that spot!” The man drew a Poké Ball, and a massive Camerupt appeared, its scorching presence instantly melting the surrounding snow. Camerupt stomped the ground, making the area where Zhao Fang lay tremble violently.

Yet, even after unleashing Earthquake, there was no reaction. Instead, a jet of water shot out from another direction, only for Camerupt to counter it immediately with a burst of Flamethrower, blocking the attack.