Chapter Forty-One: Dual Signature Moves, The Ultimate Rend

After a simple meal, Su Yi looked at the Brutalclaw Dragon, which lay quietly on the ground, breathing evenly as it slept. Su Yi couldn't help but marvel at the wondrous power of Pokémon. For ordinary monsters, such injuries would take at least ten days or half a month to begin healing. Yet, after gaining Pokémon powers, the Brutalclaw Dragon had only taken a single Revive Shard, aided by some healing medicine, and in less than a day it was out of mortal danger and already able to move about.

Su Yi estimated that it would take less than two weeks for the Brutalclaw Dragon to fully recover. "But the expenses after this are going to pile up," Su Yi sighed, gazing at the empty bottles of healing medicine scattered across the ground. The monsters' attacks caused such grave wounds that the medicine used for Pokémon required several bottles to cover their injuries. The dozen or so bottles Su Yi had bought were all used up just treating the wounds of his four companion beasts. It hadn't even been a week since he'd purchased those supplies at the Armor Island outpost, and they were nearly gone. Moreover, Su Yi's funds were running low.

"Do I really have to scavenge for trash on Armor Island?" Su Yi stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Or maybe I could sell some Monster Hunter minerals?" He mulled it over, but immediately dismissed the idea. "No, those are meant for crafting gear for aibo, and who knows if the people in the Pokémon world would even recognize those minerals." It seemed scavenging was the only option left.

"I wonder if the Guiding Bug can help me find materials and items in the Pokémon world?" Su Yi began to entertain whimsical thoughts.

...

Inside the tent, Su Yi switched on his flashlight and opened the Golden Finger "Hunter's Guide." Having captured the Brutalclaw Dragon, one of the [Tasks] was now complete, and eight Superior Capture Balls, two trap tools, and three sets of materials had been added to the [Items] page.

[Superior Capture Ball: A more advanced ball for catching, effective in capturing stronger monsters.]

"So it's equivalent to a Great Ball?" Su Yi took out a Superior Capture Ball, and sure enough, it was identical to the Great Ball—a step above the standard Poké Ball. At this moment, Su Yi possessed five Capture Balls and eight Superior Capture Balls, finally alleviating his shortage.

"Can't use the balls from Golden Finger recklessly." The balls granted through [Tasks] could capture both monsters and Pokémon, but the Poké Balls native to the Pokémon world could only capture Pokémon, not monsters.

It was likely because monsters, before being captured, lacked the traits and powers of Pokémon, so Poké Balls were ineffective. Yet this only underscored the unique importance of the Capture Balls: not only could they catch monsters, but, with the aid of the Golden Finger, they bestow upon captured monsters the miraculous power and intelligence of Pokémon.

"Next are the Brutalclaw Dragon materials: claws, scales, and teeth. Now aibo gets a full Brutalclaw Dragon set." Su Yi examined the materials closely. The Brutalclaw Dragon's grooved talons gleamed coldly, the scales were a block of deep crimson armor, and the tooth was the largest canine from the dragon's jaw.

Su Yi was quite satisfied with the rewards from this task. But the greatest reward, of course, was capturing the Brutalclaw Dragon.

[Name: Brutalclaw Dragon
Species: Brutalclaw Dragon (Male)
Type: Dragon, Fighting
Ability: Brutalclaw (Claw attacks have a chance to inflict the target with the Laceration status. Targets in Laceration state suffer laceration damage each time they make a significant movement. When attacked by the holder of this ability, targets in Laceration state randomly receive 2–5 instances of laceration damage. The Laceration status can be lifted if the target remains still for 8 seconds.)
Moves: Laceration Claw (Signature move, Power 85, Fighting type, Physical, inflicts Laceration status; if the target is already in Laceration state, the move triggers 4–10 instances of laceration damage), Ferocious Form (Signature move, Fighting type, Status, raises Attack and Speed by two stages for three minutes, upon end removes buffs and induces fatigue, lowering Defense by two stages), Bite, Dragon Claw, Rend Claw, Iron Tail, etc.]

Such a brutal ability, paired with two signature moves designed to ravage foes, matched perfectly with the Brutalclaw Dragon's savage fighting style. "The Brutalclaw Dragon has gained new power, becoming fundamentally stronger," Su Yi sighed in admiration. Just as some Pokémon soar after gaining new abilities or moves, the Brutalclaw Dragon, empowered by Pokémon abilities, has unleashed the full potential of its fierce claws.

Once its wounds heal, it will surely become the strongest member of the team.

Opening the [Ecology Report], he saw the previously captured Tyrantjaw Dragon had a body length of 1128cm, while the Brutalclaw Dragon reached 1480cm—not quite giant-size, but still imposing enough.

...

Time passed. As its injuries recovered further, the Brutalclaw Dragon, having gained initial trust in Su Yi, finally abandoned its resistance and entered the Capture Ball.

"It's time to go back. Before returning again, I'll have to make sure I'm well-prepared." Each expedition revealed new shortcomings, so Su Yi not only had to remedy those but also take precautions.

...

Returning to the Pokémon world, Su Yi finally saw the long-awaited sunshine. He spread his arms and stretched, the oppressive gloom he'd been surrounded by for days instantly dispelled.

"First, I'll report in at the dojo." Su Yi wasn't sure how long he'd spent in the Valley of Miasma—at least four or five days, he guessed. He hoped Master Ma and the others hadn't worried.

...

Back at the dojo, Su Yi was now familiar with the routine.

"I'm back safe and sound!" Su Yi entered the main hall.

"Su Yi, is that you? You were gone for seven days—I thought something had happened to you!" Aunt Honeyleaf breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing him.

"Sorry, sorry, there were some unexpected events, but all in all, it turned out well," Su Yi apologized, seeing her worried expression.

"Su Yi, adventuring is an exhilarating way to train, but you must balance work and rest, and keep safe," Master Mustard said as he stepped out of his room.

Feeling the couple's concern, Su Yi smiled and said, "Thank you for caring. Since I've returned safely and with plenty of gains, it's only right to celebrate with a feast!"

"You really..." Master Mustard and Honeyleaf shook their heads, half amused, half exasperated by Su Yi's nonchalant words.

...

"I'm home... huh? That smells amazing!" As she entered the dojo, Bea caught the tantalizing aroma, and after a day of training, her hunger was suddenly overwhelming.

"Hey! Just in time, Bea. Come and try my cooking!"

"Good things should be shared together, meow!" Thistle set the last dish on the table.

Glossy, fragrant roasted meat, savory tomato stir-fried eggs, steaming creamy stew, golden baked cheese potatoes...

Just looking at them made one's appetite surge.

Bea swallowed hard, pointing at the table laden with delicacies, and asked in surprise, "Su Yi, did you make all this?!"

Su Yi took off his apron and smiled, "Sorry for the simple fare!"