Chapter 9: Battle of Evolution, Double Match!
After Zhang Feng tamed Pipi, the original travel team in Orange Blossom Forest, which had been one person and one companion, transformed into an adventure with one person and two companions!
Whenever wild Pokémon attempted to attack Zhang Feng, Pipi and Grovyle would each step into battle, thereby gaining valuable combat experience!
Speaking of which, both Pipi and Grovyle had long since reached the level where they could evolve!
But reality is not a game; reaching the required level doesn’t mean they can evolve immediately!
Therefore, Zhang Feng planned to have both of his Pokémon reach their second stage of evolution before arriving at Orange City!
This way, the arrival of the Forest Lizard and the Pidgey would significantly strengthen Zhang Feng’s power!
It would also be crucial for the upcoming Gym challenges!
Currently, Grovyle was at level nineteen and Pipi at level seventeen. Their rapid level growth was naturally due to the abundance of wild Pokémon in Orange Blossom Forest!
However, the path from Neverwhite Town to Orange City only covered the outermost edge of the forest, so the wild Pokémon Zhang Feng encountered were typically no higher than level twelve!
Facing such opponents, the battle experience gained by Grovyle and Pipi at their current level was minimal, making them nearly invincible in this area!
Thus, the battles in Orange Blossom Forest mainly served to build the tacit understanding between Zhang Feng and his two Pokémon, as well as slowly increase their intimacy!
Most of their level growth came from experience gained through simulated battles within Zhang Feng’s system space, which had quickly brought Grovyle and Pipi to their current strength in just a few days!
To encourage their evolution, Zhang Feng had prepared an excellent opponent for them!
Since opponents of equal or lower levels no longer posed any pressure, he decided to challenge them against much stronger foes in simulated battles!
Only under pressure could the Pokémon unlock deeper power and evolve!
“System, simulate opponents for Grovyle and Pipi, matching their current strength to provide the greatest possible challenge and stimulate their evolution!” Zhang Feng ordered.
Immediately, the system selected suitable opponents!
Soon, two brand-new Pokémon appeared before Grovyle and Pipi— a level twenty-three Combusken and a level twenty-one Pikachu!
These two were the respective challengers for Grovyle and Pipi!
With type advantages and a clear level gap of over four levels, they would exert tremendous pressure on Grovyle and Pipi!
Seeing their opponents, Zhang Feng addressed Pipi and Grovyle:
“This battle requires the three of us to coordinate closely in a doubles match. Let’s strive to defeat our foes so you can evolve and gain even greater power!”
Encouraged by Zhang Feng’s words, both Grovyle and Pipi voiced their spirited determination!
Grovyle had always longed to grow stronger, so it eagerly anticipated battle and evolution!
Since following Zhang Feng, Pipi was also willing to fight hard for him, making both Pokémon eager for evolution!
The doubles match began promptly!
Following Zhang Feng’s commands, the battle commenced!
Facing opponents with dual type advantages who were also evolved forms, the pressure on Grovyle and Pipi was immense!
Pipi’s stamina meant that a single Thunderbolt from Pikachu could drain all its energy, leaving it on the brink of defeat. Likewise, a Flamethrower from Combusken would nearly bring down Grovyle!
Thus, even though this was a simulation, the two young Pokémon, driven by the desire to grow stronger and evolve, remained fully alert and tense!
“Strike first! Grovyle, Pipi, use Quick Attack and charge the opponents simultaneously!” Zhang Feng commanded.
At once, Grovyle and Pipi shouted and a flash of white light appeared behind them as their speed surged, rushing toward Pikachu and Combusken!
As Grovyle and Pipi launched their attack, Pikachu and Combusken moved as well!
Pikachu decisively used Quick Attack and charged at Pipi, while Combusken opened its mouth to unleash a Flamethrower!
The moment all four Pokémon activated their moves, Pipi’s speed was naturally inferior to the evolved Pikachu!
So when Pikachu charged, despite Pipi’s resistance for several seconds, it was ultimately knocked back!
“Pipi!” Grovyle’s expression darkened at Pipi’s cry of pain, just as it was about to act. But facing Combusken’s Flamethrower, Grovyle had to stay sharp and narrowly dodged the attack!
From the very first round, Grovyle and Pipi felt overwhelming pressure!
“Pipi, take to the skies and regroup, then use Wing Attack to strike Combusken! Grovyle, now’s your chance—use Seed Bomb on Pikachu!” Zhang Feng ordered.
Hearing this, the two, momentarily disheartened by the strength of their opponents, quickly regained focus and roared as they launched their counterattack!
The opponents had just finished their attacks and required a moment’s pause!
This was the opportunity for Grovyle and Pipi!
Moreover, with Grovyle targeting Pikachu and Pipi taking on Combusken, the opponents’ type advantages were nullified!
In the next moment, countless green seed-like projectiles rained fiercely down on Pikachu. Caught off guard after having just knocked Pipi away, Pikachu was hit directly by Seed Bomb and cried out in pain!
Meanwhile, Pipi soared back into the sky and used Wing Attack, diving straight at Combusken!
Combusken, unfamiliar with facing Flying-type Pokémon, struggled in the tussle. After several exchanges, Pipi’s Wing Attack struck Combusken hard on the head!
As a Fighting-type Pokémon, Combusken took significant damage from Flying-type moves!
Having landed their counterattack, the two young Pokémon smiled with renewed confidence!
But swiftly, their opponents launched another fierce assault!
This time, Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt, enveloping the entire battlefield and nearly covering Combusken, Grovyle, and Pipi!
Facing this attack, Zhang Feng immediately shouted:
“Pipi, fly swiftly to the sky! Grovyle, use Giga Drain and target Pikachu!”
At Zhang Feng’s command, Pipi quickly left the electric field, but the vast range of Thunderbolt still grazed it!
The Electric-type attack struck Pipi down!
Grovyle used Giga Drain and, thanks to its Grass-type resistance to Electric moves, held firm against the assault!
To Zhang Feng’s surprise, Combusken, Pikachu’s ally, was also fully hit by Thunderbolt, losing a significant portion of its stamina!
After the attack, Pipi lay darkened and weak but struggled to rise and fly back into the sky!
Grovyle, panting heavily, fixed its gaze intently on its opponent!
“Pipi, Grovyle, don’t give up! The battle isn’t over yet!” Zhang Feng called out.
Inspired by his shout, Pipi summoned all its strength, pushing with its wings against the ground and letting out a piercing cry!
At that very moment, the light of evolution began to glow on Pipi first...