NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: Mutated Arbok!
Zephyr observed the Arbok before him. Its sharp yellow eyes gleamed, the large mouth and patterned body giving it a menacing aura. Unlike a regular Arbok, this one had grown massive, four or five times its usual size. Its head bore twisted horns, and its blood-red eyes seemed to pierce through anything in its path.
[System Alert: 100 meters ahead lies a mutated Arbok.
Type: Poison.
Details: When an Arbok is scared, it bites anything it considers a threat. Before evolving, it is non-venomous and primarily feeds on Pidgey and Spearow eggs. It rarely attacks unprovoked.
Known Moves: Glare, Smog, Wrap, Poison Sting, Acid Spray, Haze.
Combat Power: 3500.]
"Damn, that thing doesn't look like it's avoiding a fight," Zephyr muttered, glancing at his team. "But hey, my Pokémon aren't any better. Let's not chicken out now."
[System Alert: This Arbok mutated after consuming a cosmic meteorite. Its abilities far surpass your current strength.]
"Tch, fine," Zephyr grumbled.
Nearby, a girl named Melanie, caring for several wild Pokémon, panicked. "Everyone, get away now!" she yelled, her voice trembling.
Zephyr glanced back. Melanie's dress fluttered as she waved her arms. Her frantic movements revealed her delicate frame, but there was no time to admire her. The Arbok was closing in fast, less than 30 meters away. Its sheer presence was suffocating.
[New Task Triggered: Defeat the mutated Arbok. Reward: 10 system points.]
"Ten points?!" Zephyr scoffed. "This thing looks like it could crush me in seconds. System, do you have any ideas, or are you just going to watch me get eaten?"
[Recommendation: Use the Ability Enhancement Device. It will temporarily boost your Pokémon's strength but costs all remaining points. Note: The Pokémon using it will permanently lose the ability to evolve.]
Zephyr clenched his fists. "No evolution? That's insane… Haunter still has to become Gengar. My Shiny Beedrill is already maxed out... That leaves—"
His eyes narrowed. "Shiny Muk… Damn it. I don't care, I'll deal with it later. System, equip the device on Shiny Muk!"
[Confirmed. Shiny Muk equipped with the Ability Enhancement Device.]
"Muk! Use Body Slam!"
The battle erupted. Muk's body expanded, its aura surging as it slammed into the Arbok, cutting off its attack. Melanie quickly grabbed a trembling Oddish and retreated to safety, her tear-filled eyes meeting Zephyr's.
"Thank you!" she shouted, her voice shaky.
"Just run!" Zephyr barked, his focus on the fight.
Arbok roared, coiling its massive body as it countered with Glare. Muk froze, its movements paralyzed.
Zephyr gritted his teeth. "Muk, hit it with Sludge Bomb!"
Muk roared before launching Sludge Bombs all into the mutated arbok. Arbok spun rapidly, deflecting the attacks with venom sprays. The battlefield was soon covered in thick, choking smoke.
"This thing's a monster," Zephyr muttered, shielding his eyes. "It's using Haze to hide its movements. Muk, stay alert—wait, it's charging!"
Arbok emerged from the smoke, wrapping Muk in its coils. The crushing force made Muk groan in pain.
"Not on my watch! Muk, Liquefy!" Zephyr shouted.
Muk's body softened, slipping free from Arbok's grip. It reformed behind the serpent, ready to strike.
"Now! Gunk shot!"
Muk's body tensed, and with a sudden snap, it launched a vicious Gunk Shot. The sludge collided with Arbok, splattering across its scales.
The massive arbok writhed before collapsing, its crimson eyes dimming as it fainted.
[System Alert: Task Complete. Reward: 10 system points.]
Zephyr sighed in relief, recalling Muk into its Poké Ball. "Good job, buddy. Rest now."
Just as he prepared to capture the Arbok, its body shrank, reverting to its original size. A glowing meteorite tumbled from its mouth.
"So, this is what caused the mutation…" Zephyr muttered, picking up the stone. "Better keep this safe."
"Thank you," Melanie said softly, approaching him. Her cheeks flushed as she looked down. "You saved all of us…"
Zephyr chuckled, handing her his coat. "Don't worry about it. It's cold; you should stay warm."
Melanie's face turned even redder as she whispered her thanks.
As Arbok regained consciousness, it slithered to Zephyr, nuzzling against his leg.
"Huh, you want to come with me?" Zephyr grinned. "Alright then."
After capturing the Arbok, he handed its Poké Ball to Melanie.
"Here. It'll protect you and the others. It wasn't its fault—it was the meteorite. Take good care of it."
Melanie hesitated before nodding. "Thank you… What's your name?"
"Zephyr. I'm from Pallet Town," he replied with a smirk.
"Pallet Town? Do you know Ash? He was here recently and took the Bulbasaur guarding this place. He's amazing!"
"Yeah, we're… old friends," Zephyr said, forcing a grin. "He's a good guy."
As he left for Vermilion City, Zephyr's mind raced. "If Ash ever finds out what I'm really up to… Well, let's hope he doesn't."
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Well, I'm considering adding advance chaps on Patreon... Well, the reason being... I don't wanna work on chapters every day before updating (cause it's a pain in the ass to always translate at the last minute 😝)
Nothing is finalize though, so I might or might not, if you have anything to say, please leave them in the comments!