Cherreads

Chapter 174 - Chapter 174: VS Archer, King Venusaur Takes the Field

Archer's tone toward Red unexpectedly softened, clearly treating Red as an opponent on the same level.

"I originally planned to send you out when facing Blastoise, but given the current situation, it seems you'll have to take the field early!"

With that, Red forcefully threw the Poké Ball in his hand. As the dazzling white light faded, a towering Venusaur appeared before everyone.

As a king-level Venusaur, its height was half a body taller than its peers, reaching 3 meters. Its vine whips, used as weapons, were also double the usual number—reaching a terrifying total of sixteen.

"What a troublesome opponent!" Archer said displeased. He had intended to avoid confronting Red as much as possible, but Red had unexpectedly taken the initiative to send out Venusaur, clearly aiming to stop his actions.

"It seems a battle between us is unavoidable." Archer said calmly, removing another Poké Ball from his waist and releasing the Pokémon inside. A well-built Houndoom appeared at his side.

Houndoom glared viciously at the Pokémon ahead, frightening the group of Squirtle into trembling. Even Ash's Pikachu stiffened momentarily under its ferocious gaze.

"Blastoise, I believe you don't want to be captured by this guy. Not to mention he intends to harm your people. How about we work together to defeat him?"

Red proposed to the towering Blastoise, only then realizing that it too possessed kingly potential. Its height reached 2.6 meters—one full meter taller than its kind. No wonder the Wartortle beside it didn't even reach half its height.

"Blastoise!"

Blastoise readily agreed to Red's proposal. Not only because Red emitted a friendly Power of Viridian, but also because of the presence of King Venusaur. Sharing the same kingly potential, Blastoise naturally understood Venusaur's strength.

For a Pokémon of Venusaur's level to be captured by Red, it also proved from another angle that Red himself possessed exceptional strength. Otherwise, how could King Venusaur willingly follow him?

"Brother, we want to help too!"

Ash ran anxiously to Red's side, while Pikachu on his shoulder charged up electricity, ready to join the fight at any moment.

"You all take the Squirtle and Wartortle and leave first."

Red instructed, directly rejecting Ash's request. He didn't yet understand Archer's true strength and didn't dare let Ash join recklessly, lest Ash fall into Archer's hands. This was also Red's concern as an older brother.

"Electrode, use Thunderbolt! Houndoom, use Flamethrower!"

Electrode launched an attack toward Blastoise, while Houndoom released flames from its mouth toward Venusaur.

"Venusaur, use Sludge Bomb to counter Thunderbolt! Blastoise, use Water Pulse to extinguish the flames!"

Venusaur immediately hurled two blobs of sludge, colliding with the incoming electricity mid-field and detonating it in a violent explosion.

Blastoise hesitated for a moment but quickly followed Red's command. The cannons on its back fired two massive water spheres—one extinguished the incoming flames, while the other struck Houndoom head-on, causing it to glare angrily at Blastoise.

"Electrode, use Discharge. Houndoom, take the chance to use Thunder Fang on Blastoise!" Archer issued rapid commands, leaving no time for Red to react.

Electrode immediately released electricity across its entire body, spreading it throughout the beach. Both Venusaur and Blastoise were struck by the current. As a Grass-type, Venusaur resisted half the damage and didn't need to worry about its stamina being gradually drained.

But for the pure Water-type Blastoise, it was a different story. The double damage from electricity made it grimace in pain. Immediately after, Houndoom's electrified fangs sank viciously into Blastoise's arm. The combined electric damage caused Blastoise to let out a pained cry.

Blastoise's cry made the departing Squirtle and Wartortle turn back worriedly, silently praying for their king.

"Everyone, hurry and hide somewhere safe. That way, brother and the others can fight without worry."

Seeing this, Ash quickly tried to calm the Pokémon, urging them not to worry about Red's safety.

But the Pokémon refused to listen. Fortunately, a nearby Squirtle stepped in, decisively using Water Gun to quiet them down. Then it stood on a platform and gave a speech, successfully calming both the Squirtle and Wartortle groups.

"As expected of the former leader of the Squirtle Squad!" Misty praised.

"Yeah, that pair of sunglasses isn't just for show," Ash said proudly.

"Blastoise, quickly withdraw into your shell and slam onto the beach—use the sand to block Electrode's electricity."

"Venusaur, assist Blastoise with Power Whip!"

This time, Blastoise didn't hesitate at all. It immediately followed Red's command, retracting its massive body into its shell and slamming onto the beach, using the sand to dissipate the electric damage.

Venusaur didn't stay idle either. It extended all its vines—sixteen in total—merging them into two thick green whips that struck Electrode and Houndoom directly. The impact forced both Pokémon back several steps, nearly knocking them off their feet.

"What an outstanding Venusaur. If only I could…" Archer muttered with jealousy, his eyes filled with greed. But that desire was quickly suppressed by his rationality. His main task was to defeat Red, not fantasize about obtaining two Pokémon with kingly potential.

"Electrode, use Magnet Rise and then Discharge!"

"Houndoom, use Flame Charge!"

Electrode emitted electricity and floated into the air through magnetic force, then released high-voltage currents toward both Venusaur and Blastoise.

Houndoom's body became engulfed in flames as it charged fiercely at Venusaur.

But something unexpected happened. Under the blazing sunlight, Venusaur's speed suddenly doubled. It struck first with Power Whip—two thick vines hit Electrode and Houndoom directly in the face, nearly knocking them to the ground.

"How is that possible? Why is Venusaur's attack speed so fast?!" Archer frowned, deep in thought. Then he looked at Red, seemingly realizing something.

"Chlorophyll—it doubles speed under sunny weather. That's my Venusaur's Ability," Red said calmly, explaining.

As early as when Archer ordered Electrode to use Magnet Rise, Venusaur had already used Sunny Day under Red's subtle signal, boosting its speed.

"It seems I can't complete the mission through a direct confrontation…" Archer muttered, quietly tossing a small Poké Ball behind him.

After landing in the distance, the Poké Ball instantly enlarged and activated. A vicious Persian emerged from it. After seeing Archer's hand signal, it sniffed the ground and turned toward the direction Ash's group had left.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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