Pokémon: Check-In System

"Cha-mo!"

"Meow, meow, meow!"

The two Pokémon roared at each other before Persian lunged forward, its front claws gleaming with a sharp, snow-white sheen.

Fury Swipes!

Unlike in the games, where Fury Swipes relies on luck, here, its damage depends entirely on the Pokémon's technique and skill!

This Persian's ability was Technician, which enhanced the power of moves that relied on precision and finesse.

Under this ability, Fury Swipes packed an extra punch, making it unwise to clash head-on.

"Sand Attack!"

At Nero's command, Combusken swiftly dug its claws into the sand beside it, scooping up a cloud of golden dust before flinging it into Persian's eyes.

The thick sandstorm disoriented Persian, impairing its visibility. And with that, its accuracy dropped significantly.

"Double Kick!"

Combusken wasted no time. The moment the sand hit Persian's face, it dashed forward. As it neared its opponent, it leapt into the air and delivered two powerful kicks straight to Persian's head.

Being a Fighting-type move, Double Kick was super effective against Persian, a Normal-type Pokémon. The attack sent Persian tumbling to the ground.

Persian staggered back to its feet, shaking off its dizziness before glaring at Combusken with seething fury.

"Meowww!"

Before everyone's eyes, the red gem on Persian's forehead suddenly gleamed with a dazzling brilliance!

"Chamo…"

Having spent countless nights battling in the darkness, Combusken's eyes had adapted to low-light conditions. However, the sudden burst of radiant light from Persian's gem overwhelmed its vision.

On reflex, Combusken shielded its eyes with its arm.

But Persian wasn't finished. The moment its forehead gem shone brilliantly, a shimmering beam of gemstone-like energy erupted forth!

Power Gem!

Power Gem, a Rock-type move, dealt neutral damage to Combusken, a Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon. Even so, it still inflicted a significant amount of damage.

"Meow!"

Persian pressed its advantage, forming a deep-blue sphere of water at its mouth.

Water Pulse!

The attack surged toward Combusken.

"Dodge left!"

Combusken's vision was still affected by Power Gem, making it impossible to see. This was where a Trainer's presence made all the difference.

Had this been a wild Pokémon battle, Combusken would have been in deep trouble.

But with a Trainer guiding it, Pokémon could fight even when their own senses were impaired.

The speeding Water Pulse shot forward, but thanks to Nero's command, Combusken swiftly sidestepped to the left, narrowly avoiding the attack. The powerful water sphere crashed into a large banyan tree behind it.

By now, Combusken's vision was beginning to recover. However, Persian, frustrated by its missed attack, was already charging forward, claws flashing with deadly intent.

Fury Swipes!

But Combusken didn't flinch.

It stood completely still, talons pressed together in a focused stance…

Persian hesitated for a split second at this unexpected reaction. But for the sake of the Fast Ball, it wasn't going to hold back!

As Persian's speed increased, Combusken's claws began to crackle with an electric glow!

Thunder Punch!

In the pitch-black night, the golden electric light stood out starkly.

"Shave!"

Having stored up power, Combusken suddenly pushed off the ground with explosive force, rocketing forward like a cannonball!

Its electrified claws slashed through the air at breakneck speed. To the Meowth watching from the sidelines, all they saw was a golden streak flashing past Persian's body!

"Cha-mo…"

Now standing behind Persian, Combusken kneeled slightly, panting heavily. A thin scratch lined its waist, evidence of Persian's counterattack.

However, Persian's once creamy-white fur was now scorched black, with golden sparks of electricity coursing through its body, causing it to shudder in pain.

Both Pokémon had landed their attacks simultaneously. Yet while Persian had only managed a glancing blow with Fury Swipes, Thunder Punch had hit its mark completely!

"Meow…"

Persian let out a weak growl. Turning around, it bared its fangs at Combusken, eyes flashing with determination. Then, the gem on its forehead began to shine with an intense white light again!

"Chamo…"

With its back turned to Persian, Combusken dared not look directly at the blinding Power Gem.

The nighttime environment greatly benefited Persian. And it didn't help that Combusken wasn't at full strength, having endured multiple battles earlier.

As Power Gem's brilliance spread across the abandoned kindergarten—

A sudden crackle of electric sparks erupted from Persian's body!

Persian's movement froze for an instant, and Power Gem's energy dissipated.

Nero's eyes widened. He recognized this condition immediately!

Paralysis!

Thunder Punch had a chance to paralyze the opponent, and Persian had just succumbed to the effect! A paralyzed Pokémon suffered a significant speed reduction and could even fail to execute its moves.

Nero's excitement surged. "Combusken, use Double Kick!"

Combusken knew this was a golden opportunity. In a flash, it closed the distance with Quick Attack, then leaped forward and delivered two crushing kicks to Persian's head!

The force of the impact sent Persian flying backward.

Its body hit the ground hard, kicking up a thick cloud of dust.

Persian groaned in pain, struggling to stand. But every attempt aggravated its injuries.

After several efforts, Persian finally admitted defeat.

...

Watching Persian and the Meowths retreat into the night, Nero clutched the Fast Ball in his hand and exhaled deeply.

He had worked hard to obtain this orange-and-gold Poké Ball.

Hopefully, it would prove valuable in the future.

Honoring his agreement with Persian, Nero chose not to disturb the Meowths any further. Gazing at the abandoned kindergarten, he felt a wave of nostalgia.

With the Fast Ball secured, there was no reason to linger. However, Nero couldn't shake off his unease about the eerie wind that had just blown through the school building.

Pushing open the wooden doors, he stepped inside.

To his surprise, it was just an ordinary dormitory, devoid of anything unusual.

Despite his lingering doubts, Nero knew there was no need to overthink it. He shook his head, preparing to leave when—

A mechanical voice suddenly echoed in the air!

A translucent, cyan-colored screen popped up before him.

Ding!

[System has detected this location as a special environment. Would you like to register the spatial coordinates and unlock this area?]

"Huh!?"

Staring at the words on the screen, Nero froze in shock.

"A geographical... check-in?"

----- 

Want to read ahead of schedule? 

Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635