Chapter 22: Battling Team Aqua Admin Shelly!

"Who is there?"

Suddenly attacked by a Mightyena, Zhang Feng felt a surge of anger. Although the attacker had already identified themselves as a member of Team Aqua, Zhang Feng had yet to catch a glimpse of anyone.

Soon, after the Mightyena’s attack failed, a woman wearing a blue uniform and a blue bandana emerged from the smoke and dust.

She stood about 1.6 meters tall and had an average appearance. She held a Poké Ball in her hand, and the Mightyena that had just launched the attack stood right by her side.

Upon seeing her, Zhang Feng, who was well-versed in the plot of the Hoenn region, recognized her immediately. This woman was Shelly, one of the most capable lieutenants of Team Aqua’s leader, Archie, and a high-ranking officer of the organization. Her signature Pokémon were Mightyena, Walrein, and Sharpedo.

After checking the attributes of the Mightyena before him, Zhang Feng breathed a sigh of relief. While its level was not particularly low, it was not as if he were unable to fight it.

"Ding! The current attribute values of the Mightyena are as follows:"
Pokémon: Mightyena
Level: 36
Ability: Quick Feet
Type: Dark
Potential: Blue
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Unlockable
Moves: Snarl, Crunch, Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, Howl...

"Milotic, the opponent is strong, stay alert!"

Although the Mightyena’s level was high, the gap in their potential was enough for Zhang Feng’s Milotic to compensate for the difference.

After receiving Zhang Feng’s instruction, Milotic wore a grave expression. However, in Milotic's heart, anyone who dared to attack its trainer was absolutely unforgivable. To ensure his safety, Zhang Feng immediately released his Pidgeotto and Grovyle as well.

"To be able to deflect my Mightyena’s attack, it seems you have some skill. However, if you dare to interfere with Team Aqua’s affairs, I must show you what you're up against! Mightyena, use Thunder Fang on Milotic!"

Following Shelly’s command, the Mightyena rushed toward Milotic.

"Milotic, counter with Hydro Pump! Grovyle, use Bullet Seed!"

In the next moment, Milotic’s slender body shifted, and a thick blast of water erupted, hitting the Mightyena directly and forcing it back with immense impact. Taking advantage of the opening, Grovyle’s Bullet Seed rained down upon the Mightyena.

The seamless coordination between Zhang Feng’s two Pokémon neutralized the attack and inflicted significant damage on the Mightyena. Seeing this, Shelly became enraged.

"Damn it! Walrein, use Ice Beam!"

As Shelly, pressed and desperate, threw another Poké Ball, the strength of the Walrein that emerged took Zhang Feng by surprise.

"Ding! The current attribute values of the Walrein are as follows:"
Pokémon: Walrein
Level: 40
Ability: Thick Fat
Type: Water/Ice
Potential: Purple
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Unlockable
Moves: Ice Fang, Ice Beam, Powder Snow, Ice Ball, Aurora Beam, Body Slam...

If a level 36 Mightyena with Blue potential was manageable, then a level 40 Walrein with Purple potential posed a real threat.

As the terrifying Ice Beam struck, Pidgeotto, acting as backup, quickly unleashed an Air Cutter to deflect the incoming attack. However, Flying-type moves were naturally ineffective against Ice-type Pokémon, not to mention that Pidgeotto was ten levels lower than the Walrein.

Seeing that Pidgeotto could not hold its own, Grovyle and Milotic immediately launched their own attacks.

"Milotic, use Hydro Pump followed by Aqua Ring! Grovyle, use Energy Ball!"

Following Zhang Feng’s commands, the combined assault of the three Pokémon successfully blocked the Walrein’s Ice Beam. Knowing this battle would be arduous, Zhang Feng prepared for a long engagement; Milotic was now enveloped in an Aqua Ring. With this move, Milotic could recover its stamina every turn, laying the foundation for a war of attrition.

Seeing that Zhang Feng was more difficult to handle than she had anticipated, Shelly felt humiliated. As a high-ranking officer of Team Aqua, failing to take down a mere kid was a disgrace.

"Damn it! Walrein, use Hydro Pump! Mightyena, use Crunch!"

"Milotic, use Twister to envelop both Walrein and Mightyena! Pidgeotto, use Wing Attack to create a gust and amplify the Twister! Grovyle, fire your Energy Ball into the vortex!"

As the Walrein and Mightyena launched their attacks, Milotic unleashed a Twister before the Hydro Pump could reach its target, sweeping both opponents into the vortex. Consequently, the power of the Hydro Pump was greatly diminished. Once weakened, Milotic, being a Water-type itself, easily withstood the remaining force of the attack. Combined with the stamina recovery from Aqua Ring, the Walrein’s assault caused Milotic very little damage.

Conversely, as the Twister intensified with the help of Pidgeotto’s gust and Grovyle’s Energy Ball, the Walrein and Mightyena suffered heavy damage. The Mightyena, with its lower level and potential, was knocked unconscious by the combination of moves.

"Ding! Grovyle, Pidgeotto, and Milotic have collectively defeated Mightyena. Gained 380 experience points. Split evenly. Milotic’s level has increased to 32!"
"Grovyle’s level has increased to 32! Pidgeotto’s level has increased to 31!"

When the Twister subsided, the Mightyena was defeated, and the Walrein was left panting. Seeing this, Shelly was furious. However, as the sound of police sirens approached in the distance, she said with resentment:

"Kid, I’ll let you go today. Next time, you won’t be so lucky!"

With that, Shelly tossed a smoke bomb and vanished without a trace.

Zhang Feng did not pursue. Although he could have certainly defeated the Walrein in a three-on-one fight, Team Aqua would never operate alone. Clearly, Shelly had only been there to stall for time, while the others had likely already made off with whatever they had come for.

Zhang Feng was well aware of the plans of Team Aqua and Team Magma. They were after the Blue and Red Orbs to awaken the ancient Pokémon—Groudon, the God of the Land, and Kyogre, the God of the Sea—to create their idealized worlds. Zhang Feng could have chosen these two legendaries from his starter gift pack, but he had chosen Rayquaza instead.

Since Archie and Maxie were both determined to revive these two beasts, he might as well let them do the hard work. When the time came, Zhang Feng would have Rayquaza to quell the conflict, and perhaps he would have the chance to capture Groudon and Kyogre himself.

Thinking that the efforts of Archie and Maxie would ultimately benefit him, it was actually quite satisfying. If Shelly hadn't attacked him first, he wouldn't have bothered to oppose Team Aqua.

When Officer Jenny finally arrived, she immediately had the police surround the museum. Unsure of Zhang Feng’s identity, she approached him and saluted.

"Hello, sir. An attack occurred here. Are you injured?"

Zhang Feng shook his head. "I am not injured, but I did clash with someone who claimed to be an officer of Team Aqua."

Officer Jenny looked surprised. "In that case, please come with us to the station later to assist with the investigation."

Zhang Feng presented his Pokédex to verify his identity. Combined with the accounts of the museum staff—who confirmed he had arrived to help put out the fire after the explosion—his name was cleared.

"I am very sorry, Mr. Zhang Feng. I was just doing my duty. Please forgive me for the earlier suspicion."