Gym-level!
These two words struck Jiang Han's heart like a heavy hammer.
He had accumulated points for four whole years before he could exchange them in the Team Rockets' system for a Sandile with the same Gym-level potential.
And now, a wild Inkay, only level 10, actually possessed such talent!
If word of this got out, countless Trainers would fight tooth and nail to swarm this deserted island.
Psychic and Dark-type—this was an extremely rare attribute combination, excellent in both offense and defense.
Not to mention its Contrary ability, which was practically a god-tier skill tailor-made for certain tactics.
Jiang Han's breathing couldn't help but quicken slightly, as a voice in his heart screamed frantically: Get it! I must get it!
However, a practical problem stood before him.
That level 33 Druddigon was clearly the master of this Underground Spring. Inkay lured prey for it in exchange for rewards; the two shared a symbiotic relationship.
If he tried to capture Inkay right in front of Druddigon, it would be no different from pulling a tooth from a tiger's mouth.
With just one Dragon Rage from that Druddigon, he and Sandile would be finished right here.
What should he do?
Jiang Han suppressed the excitement in his heart and forced himself to calm down, blending into the darkness like a rock as he continued to observe silently.
Inkay cautiously crawled out of the water onto the platform, the light organs on its body flickering as if it were reporting its success to Druddigon.
It used its tentacles to tentatively touch a white stone beneath Druddigon. The stone was about the size of a fist and emitted a soft white glow.
This was likely the reward for its labor this time.
However, Druddigon's massive claw suddenly slammed down, pinning the stone, and it let out a low growl.
It scraped out a pebble the size of a fingernail from beneath itself and tossed it in front of Inkay.
The meaning was clear: This is all you're worth.
Inkay's entire body stiffened for a moment, but it quickly recovered.
It curled its tentacles around that pitifully small stone and swayed its body repeatedly toward Druddigon, appearing full of gratitude and fawning servility.
But the moment it turned its back to Druddigon, the two fins on its head flicked back sharply, and its small eyes flashed with undisguised malice and resentment.
That look seemed to say: You piece of trash, just you wait!
Jiang Han took in the entire scene, the corner of his mouth twitching upward imperceptibly.
Interesting.
This little fellow was very much like him.
Both knew how to endure and how to bow before an absolute gap in strength, yet their hearts burned with the flames of unwilling defiance.
This kind of partner was exactly to his taste.
Inkay didn't return to the water immediately. Instead, clutching the tiny white stone, it sneakily swam to a remote corner of the cave, which happened to be a blind spot from Jiang Han's hiding place.
Jiang Han didn't move. He knew it wasn't time yet.
Holding his breath, he moved his body noiselessly to continue peeking through the crack of another rock.
He saw Inkay look around warily, and after confirming that Druddigon wasn't paying attention, it impatiently stuffed the white stone into its mouth.
A magical scene occurred.
After the white stone entered its body, it wasn't digested; instead, it turned into a stream of pure energy that surged upward through its body.
Finally, it gathered in its hat-shaped head.
Immediately afterward, the light organs on its head began to emit a glow several times brighter than before, pulsing rhythmically like breathing.
"So that's it. This kind of white stone can replenish or even enhance the energy of Psychic-type pokémon." Jiang Han understood.
This was no longer an ordinary pokémon item; this was practically a brand-new type of Energy Ore!
The value of this deserted island far exceeded his imagination.
But for now, none of that was the most important thing.
The most important thing was that Inkay was alone!
It had left the underground current that served as its natural barrier and was staying on a patch of open ground, enjoying the pleasure brought by the energy replenishment.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Once it returned to the water, trying to find it again in these intricate underground channels would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Han's eyes, and he no longer hesitated.
He took a Poké Ball from the tactical pouch at his waist.
He gripped the Poké Ball in his palm, lowering his body even further; his black combat gear allowed him to almost merge with the surrounding shadows.
He didn't release Sandile, as that would make too much noise and easily alert the distant Druddigon.
He would rely on himself!
Exerting force with his legs, Jiang Han's figure was like a black arrow shot from a bow, rushing toward Inkay's position without making a single sound!
Fifty meters!
Thirty meters!
Ten meters!
Inkay seemed still immersed in the joy of its growing power, completely unaware of the quietly descending danger.
Now!
Jiang Han's wrist flicked sharply, and the Poké Ball traced a precise arc, hitting Inkay squarely on the head.
Pop!
With a soft sound, red light burst forth, instantly pulling in the Inkay that hadn't even had time to react.
The Poké Ball fell to the ground and began to shake violently.
Once!
Twice!
Jiang Han's heart rate rose into his throat along with the shaking of the Poké Ball.
He knew that although Inkay's level was low, its willpower was definitely not weak.
One could tell from its daring to resent Druddigon that this kind of pokémon would never surrender easily.
The Poké Ball's shaking grew more intense, and the red indicator light flashed frantically, looking as if it were about to be forced open from the inside!
"Trying to escape?"
Jiang Han stepped forward in one stride and, without any mercy, stepped onto the Poké Ball.
He concentrated all his body's strength into his foot, firmly suppressing the Poké Ball's struggle.
Hum—
A Psyshock came from inside the Poké Ball, attempting to affect Jiang Han's brain.
Humph!
Jiang Han let out a muffled groan, feeling as if his head had been pricked by a needle. But having undergone high-intensity training for years, his willpower far exceeded that of an ordinary person; this level of mental interference wasn't enough to make him lose control.
The force under his foot increased by several degrees.
The Poké Ball's shaking gradually weakened, and the flashing frequency of the red light slowed down.
Finally, after one last faint wobble, the Poké Ball made a soft 'ding' and became completely still.
Success!
Jiang Han let out a long sigh of relief, fine beads of sweat already seeping from his forehead.
He bent down to pick up the Poké Ball, feeling the faint aura of life coming from within; a sense of immense satisfaction welled up in his heart.
A Gym-level potential Inkay, obtained!
However, he didn't have time to celebrate for long.
Roar—!!!
A deafening roar suddenly erupted from deep within the cave!
The entire cave trembled violently under this roar, and gravel fell from the ceiling.
Jiang Han's expression changed, and he snapped his head around to look.
In the center of the spring, that Druddigon had already stood up! Its single eye was fixed on Jiang Han, burning with a raging fire!
It had noticed!
Its subordinate had been snatched away; this underground overlord was completely enraged!
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