"Go, Roaring Moon! Scary Face!"
After a period of cooperation, the chemistry between Gu Yuan and Roaring Moon was reaching new heights. Furthermore, Gu Yuan had used points to enhance the strength or move mastery of both Roaring Moon and Moltres, leading them to grant him much more recognition.
Taking this opportunity, Gu Yuan also explained his special ability to them. Upon learning this, both Roaring Moon and Moltres were shocked. There was no helping it; a power that could help a Pokémon grow rapidly was simply too rare.
Coupled with the fact that Gu Yuan treated them with genuine sincerity, their bond grew deeper by the day. After all, Pokémon are different from humans; as long as you are willing to give your heart, you are certain to receive something in return.
Under the intimidation of Scary Face, Poliwrath's speed was hindered by its fear. Seizing this chance, Roaring Moon followed Gu Yuan's command and used Sunny Day.
As the intense sunlight beat down, Poliwrath clearly felt uncomfortable. Conversely, Roaring Moon's power was bolstered once again.
"Clear the path with Scale Shot, then use Dragon Claw!"
Charging forward, Roaring Moon acted like a fighter jet, continuously launching attacks with Scale Shot. Unable to find the time to use Rain Dance to cancel out the annoying sun, Poliwrath could only strike back with Hydro Pump.
The torrent of water surged out, but weakened by the Sunny Day, it was completely unable to withstand the assault of the Scale Shot. Swinging its fists, Poliwrath used Dynamic Punch, repeatedly shattering the incoming scales.
Roaring Moon circled Poliwrath, its Scale Shot firing incessantly, leaving Poliwrath feeling quite dazzled and disoriented.
"Now is the time, Dragon Rush!"
Catching the exact moment when the power of Dynamic Punch dissipated, Gu Yuan ordered Roaring Moon—who had appeared behind Poliwrath—to launch its attack.
The giant dragon roared. Sensing the crisis, Poliwrath immediately spun around to counter with Dynamic Punch, only to be instantly swallowed by the dragon. In the midst of the smoke, Roaring Moon seized the opportunity to attack again.
It swung its Dragon Claw. The sharp talons forced Poliwrath to temporarily retreat, but the disparity in speed meant the Pokémon simply could not dodge nimbly. In a short while, numerous wounds appeared on Poliwrath's body.
"Dragon Pulse, then use your wings for Brick Break, and finally end the battle with Dragon Claw."
Suddenly, Roaring Moon's instructions rang out.
First, a point-blank Dragon Pulse forced Poliwrath to defend. Then, Roaring Moon used Brick Break with both wings, leaving an X-shaped wound on Poliwrath's chest. Finally, a Dragon Claw thrust out, sending Poliwrath flying. The intense pain caused it to lose its ability to battle instantly.
"You did very well. Later, I will arrange for you to learn more moves, so you'll need to work hard then."
As was his habit, Gu Yuan first praised Roaring Moon before bringing out the food and Pokéblocks he had specifically prepared for it recently. After finishing his praise, he bandaged Poliwrath's wounds.
By this point, all the relatively powerful Pokémon in this forest had been challenged by Gu Yuan. Meanwhile, he was getting closer and closer to Pallet Town. During their previous phone call, Professor Oak had expressed immense curiosity toward Roaring Moon, sounding quite impatient to see it.
"Let's go. We're going to proceed at full speed next, so we'll pause the battling for now."
Climbing onto Roaring Moon's back, Gu Yuan chose not to have Alakazam use Teleport to carry him forward. Instead, he wanted to test Roaring Moon's speed. Roaring Moon had no objection; once it confirmed Gu Yuan was sitting securely, it spread its wings and soared into the sky.
Aside from its outstanding offensive power, Roaring Moon's greatest strength was its speed. Especially after long-term training, its velocity had reached an astounding level.
Following the direction Gu Yuan pointed, Roaring Moon began to accelerate. Facing the oncoming air currents, Gu Yuan directly released his psychic power to form a protective shield, allowing Roaring Moon to exert its full speed.
Watching various landscapes flash past his eyes, Gu Yuan—who was far from being a first-timer in the air—quickly calmed down. He began to try training his psychic powers in this state. If nothing else, while consuming and recovering his energy, he could feel his psychic power growing slightly stronger.
Soon, he became immersed in this state. During training, time passed exceptionally quickly.
Before Gu Yuan could achieve any major breakthroughs, he noticed Roaring Moon starting to slow down. Looking down, he could already see the blurry outline of Pallet Town.
"Let's go, Roaring Moon. Head in that direction, but be careful not to go too fast."
Under Gu Yuan's direction, Roaring Moon soon approached Professor Oak's Laboratory. The system's detection function turned on. Just like before, a group of extremely powerful Pokémon were guarding the laboratory. Although Roaring Moon couldn't detect them with a system, it could sense the danger emanating from the laboratory.
"No need to be so nervous; it's fine," Gu Yuan soothed with a smile, sensing Roaring Moon's vigilance. Then, he recalled it into its Poké Ball.
Gu Yuan dialed Professor Oak's number and waited patiently.
"Roaring Moon! Where is Roaring Moon!?"
Very quickly, Gu Yuan saw a familiar figure rush out, muttering something under his breath. If the age weren't so inappropriate, Professor Oak would look like a star-struck fan right now—though the star he was chasing was a bit different from the usual kind.
"Long time no see, Professor Oak. That said, shouldn't you take me inside first?"
Looking at the Professor, who was almost ignoring him, Gu Yuan spoke with some helplessness.
"Yes, yes, yes! My oversight. Come with me."
Saying this, Professor Oak grabbed Gu Yuan and led him into the laboratory.
"Gu Yuan, I'm getting old. A Pokémon like Roaring Moon might be the first and last of its kind I'll ever see."
"Mm, you're right," Gu Yuan agreed with a slightly perfunctory nod.
You say you're getting old, but even after Ash wanders around for another dozen or so years, your body will still be quite hearty.
"Gu Yuan, as a researcher, you should know how great the desire is to study a strange Pokémon."
"Mm. I'm not a researcher."
Along the way, Professor Oak kept trying to gain Gu Yuan's sympathy with sob stories, but Gu Yuan turned a deaf ear. Eventually, the Professor had no choice but to look at Gu Yuan with a pleading gaze.
"Professor Oak, I can understand your feelings, but you should at least wait until Roaring Moon has rested before conducting an examination."
"Give yourself a break today and have a good rest. Since I'm here anyway, Roaring Moon isn't going to run away."
Ultimately, Gu Yuan was the first to cave under the Professor's gaze and spoke helplessly.
"Alright then."
Hearing the Professor's pitiful tone, Gu Yuan really felt like he was coaxing a child. Shaking his head helplessly once more, Gu Yuan prepared to buy some ingredients. He planned to have a good gathering with Ash and the others tonight.