Chapter 239: The Form of Zhiqiao Tree Connected by Beedrill

Beedrill, whether in base stats or raw power, is not considered strong among Pokémon; a single Beedrill is nothing to fear, but the key is that Beedrill never appears alone—when you spot one, a whole swarm is already nearby.

But this green Beedrill is different—it emerged from a crack in the dream, and in the Vire Forest, neither of its pre-evolved forms, “Kakuna” nor “Caterpie,” exist.

In the game, there is a 4% chance of encountering Beedrill in the hidden cave of Vire Forest, with the ability always being Sniper.

From this alone, it is clear that this Beedrill is not a lifeform of “this world.”

“Spaa!”

The shiny Beedrill’s eyes locked onto Treecko; under the scattered beams of light filtering through the hidden cave, it appeared both sacred and oppressive, as if surrounded by an invisible wind—gradually, a visible energy surfaced on its body, manifesting as an abrupt crimson hue.

Huh!

The Beedrill struck first!

Double Pin!

The Beedrill’s two spear-like stingers glowed with menace, hurtling toward Treecko at an unimaginable speed!

Thud! Before Treecko could react, Shieldon’s shield had already blocked the Double Pin—Beedrill sensed the incredible aura emanating from Shieldon and immediately halted its attack.

“Ha,” Treecko looked at Shieldon, expressing its desire to battle this Pokémon.

This is the forest’s trial: to hear its call, you must fight it—and gain something from the battle.

Treecko wanted those things!

【. Is that so? This forest is calling to you—I’ve sensed its power paying special attention to you, as if it possesses consciousness.】

Shieldon is a mighty king, possessing immense spiritual energy; it had sensed the forest’s whispers from the start, and it also knows the move “Whisper,” making it acutely aware of its surroundings.

【Treecko, be careful—those Double Pins from the Beedrill just now were far stronger than normal. The opponent you face isn’t an ordinary Pokémon; the power covering its body is likely the forest’s power made manifest!】

Shieldon stepped back; Treecko faced the shiny Beedrill directly, and the latter swung its spear-like stingers, readjusting its stance!

Are you done giving orders?

It asked thus!

If you’re done, then it’s time for battle and expulsion—the loser gains no forest’s blessing, even if this forest favors you!

【Isn’t that thing supposed to be a protector shaped by the forest?】

Shieldon asked its Trainer in confusion.

“Vire Forest treats the process of taking the plate as a trial.”

“Strong Pokémon hoard treasures; before defeating them, they won’t share the power of these artifacts. This is also part of the natural ecosystem—including such struggles.”

“So battle is the best way to understand and recognize each other.”

Guang Tai tried to establish “insect-to-insect communication” with this Beedrill—but failed.

The response was: Rejection!

Because it is the leader of insects from another world! Trying to befriend it is useless!

The shiny Beedrill’s form suddenly became ethereal!

High-Speed Movement!

Relax the body, become light, drastically increasing speed!

A massive white stinger, like a spear, pierced the air and stabbed straight at Treecko—a pale green barrier surged forth; Treecko used Protect and blocked the strike head-on!

But the Beedrill let out a scornful laugh!

“Sssss-pam!”

Thud! The Protect barrier began cracking—its energy, drawn from Vire Forest or the special plate, overflowed and nearly shattered the Protect shield!

The Double Pins transformed into unstoppable spears; as they swung, they generated powerful sonic booms!

Zhiqiao Tree was also observing this Pokémon through Guang Tai.

That attack style, that power—

【Zhiqiao Tree’s Note: The power comes from the Forest Sealing Stone, granting the Pokémon a “Special Ability.” The previous attack was a move enhanced by this Special Ability—called “Sonic Spear.”】

【Based on Double Pin, if the user’s HP is sufficient, the base damage of this attack is greatly increased, and the target Pokémon is additionally inflicted with Poison and Confusion.】

【This may not even be the Beedrill’s true power—be wary of its poison!】

Vire Forest, which purifies corruption, has produced protector Pokémon one after another who are all masters of poison. Since this shiny Beedrill’s attack failed, it immediately used High-Speed Movement to retreat. Guang Tai realized he couldn’t let it use that move again.

So he pulled out a specially made cloth from his backpack and tied it onto Treecko.

Spy Cloak—Leg-Binding Version.

Treecko’s posture made carrying a cloak impractical, so it could only be bound to its shell, belly, or limbs; to avoid being inflicted with Poison or Confusion, this was necessary. Meanwhile, the opposing Beedrill launched another assault!

High-Speed Movement had been used consecutively, stacking to six layers! This speed makes it a nightmare for tank Pokémon—they can harass repeatedly in battle, forcing bulky opponents to take constant hits, draining their HP and breaking them down!

So the next move is—

Countless white missile-like projectiles erupted from the Beedrill’s stingers, tearing through the air with sonic booms!

Needle Storm!

Launches sharp needles at the opponent—a continuous attack move, like Seed Machine Gun!

Treecko’s eyes sharpened, listening to Guang Tai’s command.

Against this barrage of ranged attacks, the best response is a stronger, similar move—so: Seed Machine Gun!

Dense beams of light erupted from Treecko’s mouth, colliding with the incoming Needle Storms, exploding into a cloud of dust—this instant, Treecko’s vision was completely obscured, and the Beedrill’s buzz grew louder, closing in through the smoke!

Fighting style: One-hit, pinpoint stab!

Only pursuing “power,” this style seeks the ultimate single strike—if the opponent’s Pokémon bears special power, it will be knocked out!

The move infused with power is Poison Jab!

If this move defeats the opponent, the user’s Attack rises dramatically!

Thud! The Beedrill’s devastating strike struck Treecko—but its body scattered like a phantom!

It was a Substitute!

The Beedrill spun around—and a blinding white light ground it into the tree, slamming it with massive energy!

Solar Beam!

“Everyone thinks to use explosion smoke to close in and land a one-hit knockout—naturally, countermeasures exist.”

Atti’s Heracross had also planned to use smoke for a decisive strike—strong offensive Pokémon all share similar fighting styles!

In the instant a strike misses, the opponent hesitates—even after multiple High-Speed Movements, they cannot instantly adjust their stance after a missed attack!

“Spaa!”

Though Beedrill’s HP is low, its Special Defense is surprisingly high at 80, and it has quadruple resistance to Grass—so one Solar Beam couldn’t knock it out. The shiny Beedrill flapped its wings and rose again from the broken tree.

But the power it had just used deeply intrigued Guang Tai.

Attaching to ordinary moves and enhancing them uniquely—that’s the forest’s power? It feels like a Special Ability in a card game.

Completely different from ordinary “understanding and control” of moves.

If speed-up is the trick—so are we!

“Shell Break!”

Large cracks appeared on Treecko’s shell—its Speed, Attack, and Special Attack surged, while its Defense and Special Defense dropped; before the Beedrill could attack, Treecko used Shell Break twice in succession!

Discarding defense, it appeared in pure offensive form!

Thud! The seemingly sluggish turtle sprinted forward at an unbelievable speed—and further activated “Draft!”

Its light steps and extreme speed kicked up dust; the shiny Beedrill stared around in shock—its plan to harass with ultra-speed and land a one-hit KO had completely collapsed. Now came Treecko’s counterattack!

The Beedrill flapped its wings and fired Needle Storms at Treecko’s afterimages!

White light missiles rained down on the afterimages—all missed—then the dust suddenly erupted into a tornado, trapping the Beedrill inside!

Quicksand Abyss!

The disadvantage of lacking the Flying type became clear—even though Beedrill could “fly fast,” it lacked the Flying type; Quicksand Abyss dragged it straight from midair, crushing it in the swirling sandstorm!

Now was the time to press the advantage—don’t let it escape! Treecko nodded, slamming its forelimbs into the ground!

Heavy Slam!

Stomps the ground and attacks all Pokémon around it, lowering their Speed!

The shockwave traveled through Quicksand Abyss and struck the Beedrill—its Speed dropped repeatedly. Treecko’s Heavy Slam had a unique rhythm, timed to the Draft dance, ensuring every attempt the Beedrill made to escape was met with another shockwave—until it was gasping, its HP nearly depleted!

But the Beedrill had no intention of surrendering. It appeared to accept its fate, freezing within Quicksand Abyss. When the Heavy Slam shockwave faded, Treecko decided to end this with one move!

It charged into the sandstorm and used Body Slam, crushing the Beedrill beneath its body and inflicting Paralysis—but in that instant, the shiny Beedrill struck back!

That move was—

“Aa?!”

Treecko felt its HP drain instantly. The Beedrill’s emerald-green insect eyes held no emotion—as if this strike had been planned long ago, even waiting for this exact moment.

Bug-type Pokémon are weak against many types; to defeat strong foes, they must have a trump card!

Frenzy: Deal damage to reduce the opponent’s HP to match your own!

In old battles, a Level 1 Pokémon with the Ability “Sturdy” using Frenzy to reduce an opponent’s Pokémon to 1 HP was a common, highly effective tactic!

Strange energy surged around the Beedrill—the move: Focus Energy!

Take a deep breath, concentrate—the user’s attacks will become far more likely to land critical hits!

The Beedrill’s stingers glowed with dangerous light!

Forest’s Gift, Pokémon Power: Reverse Spike!

If the user is in a dire state, the next attack’s damage is greatly increased, and the target Pokémon is inflicted with Poison and Paralysis!

This is not a normal move—it is the forest’s blessing, and the move infused with this power is Poison Jab!

Which is stronger—the power of an item, or the power of the forest? Let’s find out!

Under the effect of the Sniper ability, this strike will surely land a critical hit!

This lethal strike instantly struck Treecko, and Pinsir deliberately felt it—the target was definitely a physical body, not a substitute!

Then, a green light glowed across Treecko’s body.

The ability “Overgrow” activated.

When HP decreases, the power of Grass-type moves increases dramatically!

And Treecko used the move “Endure”!

Even when attacked, it will always retain at least 1 HP!

The plants on its back began to sway; the light filtering through the canopy fell upon it, triggering “Photosynthesis,” restoring its HP continuously. Meanwhile, the special shrubs fused with the power of Revival Herb, providing Treecko with an endless supply of vitality!

The shiny Pinsir was stunned!

It had type advantage, yet ended up like this? Of course, Pokémon cannot be judged simply by type—there are powerful Pokémon that defy type disadvantages.

I’ve seen it!

Treecko’s four legs radiated waves of intense power!

After breaking its shell, its move power increases dramatically!

Forest life energy gathered in its mouth, and Treecko used the move “Energy Ball”!

It fires life energy gathered from nature. Sometimes lowers the opponent’s Special Defense.

The entire cave shook as life energy surged downward, turning the surroundings lush and green—but when it struck the unprepared shiny Pinsir, the Pokémon instantly lost the ability to battle!

After defeating the shiny Pinsir, Treecko gazed at the stone tablet floating at the end of the hidden cave. After a brief hesitation, it did not rush forward but turned toward Guang Tai.

“I understand—you want to heal it, right? You won. Congratulations. This special Pinsir now acknowledges your strength.”

Guang Tai pulled out a First-Aid Jelly and gave it to the shiny Pinsir, which slowly woke up.

The shiny Pinsir stared at itself in disbelief, then at Guang Tai and Shieldon, then at Treecko, and cautiously stepped back!

You’re the leader of insects, and I’m a leader too! Leaders shouldn’t be too close!

But your Pokémon has earned the forest’s recognition!

Fine. I lost.

Pinsir flapped its wings, watching Guang Tai and Treecko carefully—if they tried to take the stone tablet, it would strike again.

Of course, saying “not close” is just for face.

The shiny Pinsir could sense the strange power in Guang Tai’s body. Though called a leader of insects, it felt more like... an unseen friend.

Humans with special powers always win Pokémon’s favor, especially those blessed by forests or nature—but as a guardian, I have responsibilities I cannot abandon. How could I bow down like some little bug?

We have dignity too!

“So you really are from another world? Alright, don’t be so tense. Then, I’ll touch the stone tablet.”

Guang Tai and Treecko stepped forward, glancing at Pinsir, who fell silent for a long while.

Spaa!

Touch it, touch it! It’s yours to take! The victor claims all!

“Huh, you’re kinda shy. Are you tsundere?”

“Spaa!” Pinsir was furious.

So Treecko stepped forward and touched the stone tablet first.

The tablet emitted a calling sound; powerful energy surged from within!

The tablet responded to Treecko’s and Guang Tai’s energy!

The power it carried seemed to originate from the same... great deity!

【Artifact (?): Forest Seal Stone (Yiche Forest).】

【Description: A jade from ancient space, born from the power of Yiche Forest, this unique seal stone carries energy not of this world. Only beings recognized by this forest can hear its call. The stone exists with the forest and cannot be removed.】

【Crafting Technique: Processed with specific “meteorites,” placed in different forests for cultivation, these stones can be forged into identical seal stones. Besides the Forest Seal Stone, there are also Earth Seal Stones and Sky Seal Stones.】

【Effect: Grants blessing. The blessed can draw power from any forest. If blessed by multiple forests, Grass-type Pokémon can change into their Forest Form, growing larger than ordinary Pokémon.】

【Treecko gained the special ability “Sunward Shell”! When using Photosynthesis, its efficiency doubles and ignores weather conditions!】

【Treecko gained the special ability “Forest Sowing”! After using Energy Ball, it shares its special plant energy with nearby Pokémon.】

【Treecko absorbed the forest’s gift—a portion of energy from the Dream World!】

【Treecko seems ready to evolve... Should it evolve?】

Evolving a Pokémon transforms it into a stronger form, and the Linking Tree awaits this moment. If Treecko accepts, its back tree becomes... a mobile signal tower?

But Guang Tai remembered that the Linking Tree’s original form was a spiral tree—ugly as sin.

In Black 2 and White 2, its appearance changed slightly—he couldn’t quite recall.

Still, becoming the forest’s emissary is a good thing.

In blinding white light, Treecko’s body swelled, its shrubs twisting and coiling into a colossal tree. Edges of its shell grew three white triangular rocks, resembling miniature mountains.

The golden shell reverted to its original earth-and-moss-covered form. With a deep, heavy roar, a massive Torterra appeared!

Thud!

Torterra, with its huge, flat shell resembling a type of ankylosaur, possesses a magnificent body like a lush garden and unmatched strength.

It is a moving forest, a moving garden and herb garden. Weak Pokémon gather on its motionless back to build nests, born and spending their entire lives upon it.

In ancient times, people once imagined a colossal Torterra dwelling beneath the earth.

“The tree looks different!”

But not just the tree.

At this moment, Torterra’s green armor covering its face and body had turned a crimson hue like autumn maple leaves.

The plant mutation, the Guardian Stone’s blessing, and the Seal Stone’s protection transformed it into a unique form found nowhere else. The three rocks on its back became smooth and pure white, like stones of gratitude—but the central one bore the Thousand-Aeon Arm Mark of the Guardian Stone, puzzling Guang Tai.

Could these three rocks become different stones?

The tree’s shape was also strange—it was clearly spiral, yet its top still bore lush red leaves, not the bare, ancient form of the old Linking Tree. But the spiral trunk looked... as if half were missing.

【Treecko evolved into Torterra!】

【Learned moves: Earthquake, Sky Drop, Giga Drain, Earth Power, Knock Off!】

【Yiche Forest’s Gifted Move: Oath of Grass!】

【Linking Tree’s Gifted Move: Frenzy Plant!】

【Torterra — (Linking Tree Form)】

【Note 1: A unique Torterra blessed with multiple protections, differing in appearance from its kind. Its back tree has become the mysterious Linking Tree, carrying its power and secretly connecting to different natural forests. When needed, this small Linking Tree can serve as a node for hidden connections and dream entry—but currently, its power is weak and cannot be actively used.】

【Note 2: The Linking Tree gathers human will. This small tree holds the same power and can be used to exchange for temporary Release Powers.】

【Note 3: The small Linking Tree on its back periodically produces special berries. The soil on Torterra’s back, rich in nutrients, occasionally yields powerful herbs like Revival Herb and Strong Herb. Planting unique flora in this soil and cultivating them with superior earth enhances Torterra’s Ground-type power further.】

“Of course, Dream Soil is our target.”

【Reward Received: Release Jade ×2, Yiche Forest Badge ×1, Power of Nature ×1, Yiche Branch ×1!】

The Linking Tree began distributing rewards. Guang Tai’s bag gained two Release Jades, and Torterra received a “Badge.”

『Yiche Forest Badge: Badge of a Pokémon blessed by Yiche Forest.』

『Requirement: Defeat the guardian of the Seal Stone in Yiche Forest and gain the forest’s recognition.』

『Effect: In forests, cannot be inflicted with status conditions, never get lost, and receive direct guidance from the forest.』

【Power of Nature: A faint ability only experienced Rangers can sense—by not resisting nature and drawing greater strength from it, Rangers become powerful.】

【—You gain more “help” in nature. During crises, Pokémon may assist you spontaneously. Occasionally, you find unique berries. Your Grass, Water, Fire, and Bug-type Pokémon grow stronger in nature. Natural plants will aid and guide you at critical moments.】

【Yiche Branch: The straightest branch in the entire forest. Can be crafted into a special item, “Wand,” firing arrows of Grass, Ground, and Electric energy to knock down Flying-type Pokémon. Concentrating Ground, Grass, and Electric power has special effects against the Pokémon Alusteon.】

The shiny Pinsir tried to carry off the seal stone, but Guang Tai called out and forcibly recorded several of its moves.

“...” Pinsir didn’t understand this behavior, but Guang Tai was recognized by the forest...

The shiny Pinsir’s emerald eyes flickered.

Hmph!

Fine. I’ll help you this once. You’re impossible!

After casually helping with this small task, it flapped its wings and vanished from Guang Tai’s sight.

“Hey, maybe we’ll meet again!”

“Spaa!” (We’ll never meet again!)

An invisible ripple spread through the surrounding space-time, then—causing a charm on Guang Tai’s chest to glow faintly.

This time, it wasn’t the blue crystal pendant, but the “Miracle Diamond,” long dusty and never before reacting.

“Space-time ripple?”

The glow lasted only an instant before fading. Guang Tai frowned. When he and Torterra and Shieldon left the hidden cave, they found a large gathering of Bug-type Pokémon near the ancient giant tree.

They whispered among themselves, offering glowing four-leaf clovers gathered from distant lands. One large, lead Centipede let out a low call, gesturing for Guang Tai to follow.

To the legendary “Field of Reflection,” where the most lost four-leaf clovers are found.

Watching the Bug Pokémon turn away, Guang Tai embraced Torterra.

“Congratulations, Torterra. You’ve evolved—and you’ll gain even more forest power. You’ll become the largest, strongest Torterra.”

“Dodo...” Torterra turned its head, nuzzling Guang Tai gratefully.

Now I can carry you—I’ve grown big enough.

Our journey has only just begun.

(End of Chapter)