Pokemon: I'm a Farmer

Combusken's eyes burned with fiery determination as it stared down the Gumshoos before it. It had been itching for a proper fight, eager to test the results of its intense training over the past weeks.

Across from it, the Gumshoos shifted uncomfortably under the glare. It was just a grunt, and frankly, the boss didn't pay it enough to throw its life away.

But then the Totem Gumshoos cast it a withering look—one that sent shivers down its spine. Years of fear-induced obedience instantly reignited its fighting spirit, and it charged at Combusken with a Tackle.

Combusken sidestepped with ease, then leapt forward, delivering a swift Double Kick that sent the Gumshoos flying. As a Normal-type, it had no defense against Combusken's Fighting-type attack—especially one delivered by a much stronger opponent.

The Totem Gumshoos let out a frustrated growl. Without hesitation, it barked a few harsh commands, prompting three more Gumshoos to emerge. If one couldn't do the job, maybe a pack could.

Unfazed, Combusken charged into the fray. The Gumshoos took it as a slight—was this chicken mocking them? Roaring in anger, they lunged at it together.

But Combusken's training with Machamp had honed its battle instincts. It weaved and countered with precision, its movements fluid and fierce. Each strike was calculated, every dodge intentional.

Still, it was three against one. Though it managed to knock out all three opponents, Combusken took some damage in the process. Even so, it refused to retreat, turning its gaze on the Totem Gumshoos with an unyielding glare.

That look—a mix of challenge and defiance—finally pushed the Totem Gumshoos over the edge. It roared and stepped forward, towering at nearly three meters tall. The pressure it exerted was overwhelming, but Combusken didn't flinch.

Without waiting for orders, Combusken launched into another Double Kick. In response, the Totem calmly raised its right fist, electricity crackling along its arm, and delivered a brutal Thunder Punch.

There was no contest.

The punch landed with a sickening crack, sending Combusken hurtling into the cavern wall. A pained cry escaped it as it crumpled to the ground, spasms of electricity wracking its body—it had been paralyzed.

"Return, Combusken. You did great." Rex quickly recalled his partner, watching as it struggled against the paralysis but still tried to rise.

Combusken shot the Totem Gumshoos one last glare before retreating to Rex's side, its pride wounded but intact.

Rex pulled out a Paralyze Heal and applied it to Combusken, then gave Swellow the nod.

The cavern was tight, but not too tight—there was just enough room for Swellow to maneuver.

The Totem Gumshoos eyed Swellow with a newfound seriousness. Unlike with Combusken, it could sense danger in this opponent.

To deal with flying foes, the Totem had its own tactics. It picked up a stone from the ground, coated it in a dark aura, and hurled it skyward. The move was clearly the Dark-type technique, Throat Chop—converted into a thrown form.

The rocks flew like bullets toward Swellow, one after another in rapid succession. But the Totem didn't know one critical detail—Swellow had already locked onto the trajectory of the stones the moment they left its hand. With its blistering speed, dodging them was child's play.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Stones slammed into the cavern walls, shattering on impact. Some even ricocheted and hit the other Gumshoos and Yungoos nearby.

One stone almost hit Rex too—but Haunter popped out just in time to use Protect, shielding him from the flying debris.

Seeing that its barrage was futile and draining, the Totem Gumshoos finally halted, panting from the exertion.

Whenever it had attacked, Rex had noticed a shimmering energy field surrounding the Totem. This must be the totem aura—the very phenomenon he had come to study. He knew that unless Swellow could shatter that aura, it would never deal real damage.

"Swellow, Hyper Beam—keep firing!"

Seizing the opening, Rex launched his counterattack.

Swellow's beak glowed as one Hyper Beam after another tore through the air toward the Totem. At first, the aura absorbed the blows without flinching.

But repeated barrages began to strain it.

Crack!

With a final blast, the shimmering aura shattered like glass.

Exposed, the Totem Gumshoos summoned another Thunder Punch, smashing beam after beam with desperate swings. But Swellow's angles became sharper, its aim more cunning—soon, several blasts struck home.

Scorch marks appeared across the Totem's fur. Its eyes glowed red with fury—it had taken real damage now, and it wasn't taking it well.

(End of Chapter)