The familiar voice sent a surge of relief through Bell's battered body. His eyes flew open.
"Chief! You came!"
A psychic wave rippled outward, sending the remaining Zubat crashing to the ground like overripe berries. The ones that had been harassing Bell were torn apart midair—a brutal but satisfying sight.
Chirp!
From the shadows, the Golbat leader let out a panicked shriek before fleeing deeper into the crevice, its massive wings beating a hasty retreat.
Bell barely registered its escape. His gaze was locked on the majestic Butterfree hovering at the tunnel entrance, its entire body radiating pink energy as it floated without wingbeats.
The remaining Zubat scattered instantly. Their leader had abandoned them, and this new presence exuded lethal power.
"Pathetic creatures," the Chieftain's voice echoed telepathically as Air Slashes bisected the Zubat that had bitten Bell. The precision was surgical—each blade found its mark without grazing Bell.
Then came the true horror.
A psychic pulse exploded outward. Every surviving bat convulsed midair before dropping lifelessly.
"This... this is the Chief's real power?" Bell's exhaustion momentarily forgotten, he stared in awe.
The elder Butterfree approached, his stern expression softening. "Your injuries?"
"Just tired," Bell managed. The Chief's wings dusted him with medicinal powder while psychic energy soothed his mental strain like warm honey.
"You performed exceptionally," the Chieftain projected, pride coloring his thoughts. "Rest now. At the clan gathering, you'll demonstrate your growth."
Before Bell could respond, telekinetic force lifted him gently. The return journey was effortless—the howling winds that had challenged Bell now parted obediently for the Chief.
One Hour Later
The sacred tree loomed ahead, its leaves glowing in midday sun.
"Recover here," the Chieftain instructed, depositing Bell on a prime branch usually reserved for elders. Nearby Butterfree buzzed with poorly concealed jealousy.
As healing energy enveloped him, Bell's last conscious thought was:
"Why does the Chief believe in me so much...?"
Then sleep claimed him.
Next Dawn
Bell awoke to golden sunlight filtering through the canopy. He stretched his wings—no pain, only revitalized strength.
"Now that's what I call a power nap!"
Status Check
With a thought, Bell summoned his status panel:
Host: Butterfree (Bell)
Type: Bug/Flying
Potential: ★★★ (Yellow)
Level: 17
Ability: Compound Eyes
Moves:
Tackle
String Shot
Bug Bite
Gust
Harden
Supersonic
Psychic
Sleep Powder
Stun Spore
Poison Powder
Tailwind
Bell gave a satisfied nod. Five levels gained from the wind tunnel ordeal—an excellent yield. The two new moves were particularly valuable.
Tailwind for mobility. Psychic for offense. Without these... His antennae twitched at the memory of the Zubat ambush.
"The low-level grind is easy, but progress will slow soon," he mused, testing his wings. The increased lift from his level-up was noticeable—each flap carried him faster and farther.
"Still not enough. At level 17, I'd barely survive another swarm."
His gaze settled on a fellow Butterfree circling nearby.
"Sparring should grant EXP too..."
An old trainer's proverb echoed in his mind: "Battles breed bonds." Time to test that theory.
With a determined hum, Bell dove toward his unsuspecting kin—all in the name of community building.