Soon, after three rounds of testing, Icarus discovered that Weedle were clearly more resistant to Sleep Powder than Caterpie due to their poisonous nature.
According to the data, Weedle's drowsiness and sleep onset time was about two to three seconds shorter than Caterpie's.
Of course, within one meter, under dense Sleep Powder, both Weedle and Caterpie performed similarly.
However, one meter was far too short to use offensively. It could only serve as a defensive measure if Bellsprout was approached.
"Huh… wait."
Icarus suddenly had an idea.
"There's a way to deal with Rattata! It likes to close in with Quick Attack. If you release Sleep Powder at that moment, that's our counterattack!"
He immediately explained his idea to Bellsprout.
"Spri spri!"
Hearing there was finally a method to deal with Rattata, Bellsprout became excited. Still, it hadn't forgotten its sense of helplessness against that speed-focused opponent.
"Don't get too excited. This is just a countermeasure. If it wants to run, we still can't stop it.
"And even with this method, you'll need to practice releasing Sleep Powder quickly after we return. When the opponent gets close, it must be completely enveloped."
"Spri!"
Bellsprout nodded firmly. It was good at proficiency training.
"It's 2:16 p.m. Let's hunt for two more hours, then head back. We'll test the practical combat effect of Sleep Powder."
Seeing Bellsprout's determination, Icarus smiled.
At this point, he had:
26 thread sacs
9 sharp stingers
9 poison sacs
125 catties of meat
However, the poison sacs were reserved for Bellsprout's training, and he planned to keep only 50 catties of meat.
That meant he could sell:
26 thread sacs → about 13,000 Pokédollars
9 stingers → about 900 Pokédollars
75 catties of Bug-type meat → about 4,000 Pokédollars
There was about a 10 Pokédollar price difference between Caterpie and Weedle meat, so the total came to roughly 17,900 Pokédollars.
"Oh my god… and there are still two hours left. I might reach 20,000 Pokédollars!"
Icarus's eyes gleamed.
At this rate, it equaled half a year's income for an average family of three. After all, families had expenses—he was pure profit.
That was nearly enough to buy a Caterpie with ordinary high-level aptitude.
Of course, realistically, most people wouldn't buy a high-level Caterpie. They'd choose an ordinary mid-level Rattata instead. Its combat strength was far superior during the rookie stage.
After all, only trainers who survived the rookie stage could truly become trainers.
The rookie stage was also called the apprentice stage. At this phase, strong battle power helped accumulate initial capital.
"Still… I've spent too much. After expenses, who knows how much I'll have left? Buying a second Pokémon might be indefinitely postponed."
Icarus shook his head bitterly.
"Or… maybe it's time to take a gamble. But Bellsprout must reach the normal level first."
Just thinking about the death rate in that place made him shiver.
"Spri! Spri!"
Bellsprout waved excitedly.
"Hm? Found something?"
"Spri spri!"
It had spotted a lone Rattata.
"Rattata, huh… Can you sneak within ten meters? Remember, Rattata are extremely alert."
"Spri."
Bellsprout nodded. There was thick vegetation around Rattata—its camouflage would help.
"Alright. Get within seven to eight meters. Don't go beyond that. Then use full-power Sleep Powder."
Icarus checked Rattata's position with binoculars and marked the stopping point.
"If it shows drowsiness, bind it immediately and apply Sleep Powder again. Don't let it escape."
"Spri!"
Bellsprout began moving carefully into position.
"Good… good…"
Through the binoculars, Icarus saw Rattata still scratching the ground.
"Shu-sha…"
Thin powder began dispersing around it.
"Ratta? Ratta?"
At first, it ignored it—many plants in the forest released pollen.
But gradually, its eyelids grew heavy.
"Ratta!"
Realizing something was wrong, it prepared to flee.
"Whoosh!"
Two thorn-covered vines shot out before its eyes.
"Ratta?!"
Its movements were sluggish—it was bound instantly like a rice dumpling.
Thud!
Thorns pierced its body. The pain snapped it partially awake. It bit desperately at the vines. It knew that without its speed, it was prey.
"Now!"
Icarus hurled a throwing knife coated with paralysis powder.
Thunk.
It struck Rattata's back precisely.
"Ratta!"
"Pull it closer! Sleep Powder!"
"Spri!"
Bellsprout dragged it within five meters and released another burst of powder.
"Shu-sha—"
Between paralysis and Sleep Powder, Rattata finally succumbed.
"Good. Wake it up!"
"Crack! Crack! Crack!"
Four rapid Vine Whips lashed down.
"Ratta…!"
It woke in agony, tried to flee, but blood loss and embedded thorns severely reduced its speed.
Knowing it was doomed, Rattata made one final desperate charge.
But now it was slower than a Caterpie.
One final Vine Whip ended it.
"Good job, Bellsprout. Go check what it was hiding. I'll clean up here."
"Spri."
Bellsprout nodded and moved into the grass.
(End of Chapter 33)
---------------Author---------------
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