Chapter 10 Acting, Creating a Deception
Following the river, they arrived at the heart of the forest.
Here lay a large lake, named Crescent Island because of its crescent shape.
As the largest freshwater lake on the entire island, Crescent Island is connected not only to groundwater but also to the sea via several tributary rivers.
Strictly speaking, Crescent Island and its crescent-shaped rivers are the lifeblood of the island, spreading throughout its entirety.
Standing by the lake, Xia Mu, Growlithe, and Riolu discussed strategies to strengthen Magikarp.
Magikarp, excited to be in the lake, swam around and leaped about.
However, seemingly because it was a shiny Magikarp, its color different, it was ostracized by the other Magikarp, who were unwilling to accept it.
The idea that shiny Magikarp would be rejected by certain groups is indeed mentioned in the early parts of the original story.
Of course, it's not always the case.
In the original story, Ash's Butterfree left with a regionally unique Butterfree. Although that Butterfree wasn't a true Shiny, but rather a Butterfree with a color unique to Pinkan Island, it blended in with the other Butterfrees without being disliked or driven away because of its color.
Perhaps the Magikarp here just didn't like golden Magikarp.
Speaking of which, Xia Mu recalled the situation in the games.
In the games, Shiny Pokémon actually lived together amicably in groups and weren't separated.
...
"Growlithe can't help, so it's up to you now, Riolu.
" "I know this will make you feel bad, but this might be the only way to help Magikarp learn Tackle and become stronger."
After saying this, Xia Mu looked at Riolu apologetically.
Riolu didn't have any negative emotions; on the contrary, because of Xia Mu's frank words, its friendship level increased by 15 points.
This left Xia Mu in disbelief.
The agreed-upon strategy was for Riolu to cooperate and fight Magikarp.
Riolu would display strength during the battle, but without actually harming Magikarp, and then be knocked away the moment Magikarp leaped into the air.
This would create the illusion of a Magikarp victory.
If Magikarp believed this, things should change.
If it gained experience points and leveled up, and also learned the Tackle move, then when leveling up in a team, Magikarp could finish off the Magikarp, and Xia Mu wouldn't need to spend League Coins to buy Rare Candies to help it level up.
Frankly, using Rare Candies before reaching a certain level is a waste.
The difference between an early level and a later level is significant.
With Riolu's assurance and thorough preparation, Xia Mu walked with it to the lake and shouted at the Magikarp swimming in the water.
Magikarp was quite obedient; their friendship level increased quickly in the short time they spent together, but it remained at the initial acquaintance stage until it reached 49 points.
"Magikarp, do you want to become stronger?
" "As a special shiny Pokémon, have you ever doubted yourself?
" "Regardless of what others think, in my eyes, you are unique in this world. I believe you have extremely high talent and potential. If you work hard, anything is possible…
"As long as you have enough strength, as long as you do what other Magikarp can't, then you will be the strongest Magikarp, unattainable by any other!"
…
Appealing to its emotions and reasoning with it, Xia Mu used his own methods to influence and stimulate Magikarp, placing high hopes on it.
Whether it could understand or not, he gave it enough respect and confidence.
Clearly, Xia Mu's words successfully aroused Magikarp's desire to become stronger.
Xia Mu should be grateful to the Magikarp here for not accepting him; this was probably the reason Magikarp wanted to prove itself.
With a goal and motivation, everything became easier.
Riolu stepped forward and spoke to Magikarp, their eyes locked, both brimming with fighting spirit.
Along the way, Magikarp knew Riolu was powerful, and as Xia Mu's Pokémon, it didn't want to disappoint him and wanted to prove itself.
"Very well! Then follow my command and battle Riolu, Magikarp," Xia Mu said, looking at Magikarp.
Magikarp responded with a 'poof~poof~' sound.
Seeing this, Riolu jumped back a meter and assumed an attack stance.
Because Magikarp couldn't leave the water, Riolu didn't go too far.
Magikarp was clearly anxious; it didn't know how to fight, only how to express its emotions by jumping.
Xia Mu gave Riolu a signal, and Riolu, of course, understood and immediately launched an attack.
With each punch, Vacuum Waves were unleashed, transforming into blue energy balls that struck the surface of the water where Magikarp was.
The speed was slow, and the power was not great.
Seeing the attack coming, Magikarp suddenly panicked.
Lacking battle experience, it didn't know what to do.
Xia Mu quickly commanded, "Magikarp, use your speed in the water to dive underwater and avoid all of Riolu's attacks."
This command was actually unnecessary, but it was necessary to go through the motions.
Riolu's attacks were aimed at the surrounding water surface; even if it accidentally hit Magikarp, it wouldn't cause much damage.
Magikarp's reaction time was quite good, completely opposite to its slow-moving nature. Obediently, it quickly dived underwater to avoid the attacks under Xia Mu's command.
Vacuum Waves blasted across the water's surface, splashing up small sprays.
The opportunity had arrived. Xia Mu glanced at Riolu again.
Riolu let out a fierce puppy-like bark and leaped onto the surface,
feigning an attack.
Seeing this, Xia Mu immediately shouted, "Now! Magikarp, use your full power to leap and ram Riolu!"
*Splash!*
When it comes to leaping, Magikarp is second to none among Pokémon.
The powerful leap slammed into Riolu.
Magikarp fell back into the water, while Riolu used the force to fly backward, crashing heavily onto the lakeshore.
The battle was over. Xia Mu's expression was solemn, and even Growlithe held its breath.
Magikarp, unlike before, calmly floated on the surface, watching Riolu lying on the ground, seemingly confirming something.
Riolu realized this wasn't enough and, like a master of acting, put on another performance.
It struggled to its feet, met Magikarp's gaze, and then feigned a painful cry before collapsing back to the ground.
This scene completely dispelled any suspicion in the simple-minded Magikarp. It
immediately leaped excitedly into the water, racing wildly.
Not only was its speed increased, but its explosive power also grew.
Under Xia Mu's observation, Magikarp's level increased by one, and it learned the Tackle move.
Mission accomplished, Xia Mu, with his back to the still-pretending-to-lie-on-the-ground Riolu, gave it a thumbs up.
The two little ones immediately understood that their act hadn't been in vain.
Growlithe barked happily, and Riolu slowly stood up as well.
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(End of Chapter)