Chapter 254: In Deerfoot Town, the Hero

What now appeared before Guang Tai was Douzi?!

As the protagonist, I shouldn’t be receiving a Pokémon at this point—where are Heilian and Bailu?

Isn’t the Pokémon supposed to be received at the protagonist’s home?

Or perhaps—

“Hello! My name is Douzi, and I’m here to claim my starter Pokémon and begin my journey!”

“Ah! Though I’m getting a starter Pokémon, I already have some companions with me.”

The girl, with a single braid swinging proudly, was very polite—but her gaze couldn’t help but fixate on Guang Tai’s Shieldon and Leafeon.

She had seen Guang Tai’s activities on the news; unlike others who fixated on Plasma Team, Douzi cared most about Guang Tai’s Pokémon!

The only word that came to mind when she saw those Pokémon then was “powerful!”

“Wow! They really do look strong! Seeing them in person is nothing like watching on TV!”

“This Leafeon too! Is this a Pokémon you recently caught?!”

Shieldon’s impression of the girl improved instantly!

Leafeon, meanwhile, was observing Douzi.

Douzi gave off the same vibe as his former Trainers—full of hope, eager for battle, radiating energy at all times.

Professor Juniper chuckled: “Oh my, Douzi, you’ve arrived at the perfect moment—I just got back to the lab.”

Douzi clenched her fist: “Of course! I’ve been waiting for this day for ages, and I’ve already built up plenty of ‘battle experience’! On the Battle Company’s virtual battle software, my rank is top-tier—all thanks to some unknown Trainer…”

“He showed me that Pokémon moves can be combined in ways no one imagined—truly a high-quality team.”

“The naive me is dead. I now understand the world holds countless kinds of people. Before setting out, I prepared thoroughly—I understand battle now.”

“And I have my own goal…”

Watching Douzi’s inexplicably ignited determination, Professor Juniper could only offer an awkward but polite smile.

This girl’s already gone full dark mode before even leaving home, huh.

Professor Juniper: “But virtual battles on the Battle Company’s software are still simulations—they differ significantly from real battles.”

“I know that! That’s why I’m going to challenge the Battle Subway—I’ll build my battle experience there. Honestly, I’ve wanted to try it for ages.”

Challenge the Battle Subway?

Guang Tai finally understood.

Though they both lived in Deerfoot Town, Douzi’s world setting was clearly “Subway Girl.”

That means she’ll leave before Douye, heading to the Battle Subway to train her Pokémon!

Hence why she had no Heilian or Bailu—and judging by this setup, Douzi must’ve been childhood friends with Heilian, Bailu, and Douye, so she won’t appear as a stranger in the Battle Subway.

Hmm… childhood friends…

And having companions before receiving a starter Pokémon doesn’t contradict the idea of a “starter companion”—Black in the Special Episodes did exactly that: he left with a level 50 BraveBird. Normally, that would crush every Gym Leader.

But if that’s the case, then Douzi isn’t the “chosen hero.”

The hero should be Douye.

“Hmm, I’m in the middle of research—sorry, Guang Tai, could you wait a moment?”

Professor Juniper quickly fetched three Poké Balls, five empty balls, and a Pokédex.

“Huh? A news celebrity—you have a Pokédex too?!”

Douzi noticed Guang Tai’s Pokédex, her eyes lighting up—Guang Tai sighed and explained:

“Don’t call me a news celebrity. I’m Guang Tai—a tool craftsman.”

“Tool craftsman…?” Douzi repeated the word, then suddenly realized something. She swiftly opened her PokéGear and asked Guang Tai:

“Do you know this account?”

Guang Tai: “...”

Without doubt, the account Douzi had just opened—this was Guang Tai’s own Battle Company account.

Earlier, out of a peculiar mood, he’d used the virtual battle software and exploited high-quality tactics to ruin many Trainers’ experiences—so much so they’d demanded friend requests just to challenge him.

“Sorry… that’s my account.”

Guang Tai told the truth.

“Huh?”

Douzi clearly hadn’t expected the person who’d tormented her online to stand right before her. After a rapid shift in expression, she suddenly grinned wickedly:

“So it was you! Thank you so much for all your ‘help’ during online battles!”

She spoke with a smile—but it was painfully fake, almost as if she were grinding her teeth.

Guang Tai cleared his throat sternly and declared:

“In Pokémon battles, combining moves in creative ways and developing astonishing strategies—that’s the true meaning of battle! Everyone has different tactics; to become a true battler, you must master every move!”

“Ah… you’re right, actually.”

Douzi blinked, her irritation slowly fading.

Hmm… she was right.

She’d been too naive. So this was it—when catching Pokémon, you must also focus on move combinations to create unexpected effects.

Guang Tai: “Exactly. And you must pair them with items—different items yield different effects, especially under varying conditions. Pokémon battles hold infinite possibilities!”

“I have plenty of useful items right now—if you want to buy any, I’ll give you a discount! These aren’t available on the market at all.”

“And soon, these items will be updated on the Battle Company’s virtual software—you’ll be able to test them online, experimenting with new combinations and choices.”

“Don’t think raw power alone wins battles. Power is just a bonus—sometimes, even overwhelming strength is useless if you can’t land your hits.”

“Ooooh! That sounds amazing! I’m super interested!” Douzi completely forgot her anger, her eyes sparkling—Professor Juniper cleared his throat, signaling her not to get lost in fantasy.

“Cough. Now, choose your partner—from these three. First—”

“I choose Tepig!” Douzi didn’t hesitate—she picked the Fire-type Tepig.

“Before setting out, I already decided: Tepig is Fire-type. Fire burns eternally upward—just like my battle spirit! I just feel a deep connection to Fire-types!”

“Then…” Douzi turned to Guang Tai:

“Guang Tai, let’s battle! This time, not on virtual software—real battle.”

This was her revenge!

【Festival Quest: A Challenge from Another Hero.】

【Reward: Release Gem ×2, Overwhelming Aura ×1, Determination ×1, Victory Fragment ×1, Free Ticket ×1.】

【Description: Perhaps this battle will determine the heroes’ future path. In your own world, you are not the hero—but in another’s world, you might become one. Who, truly, are the twin heroes?】

Another hero?!

Damn! Guang Tai muttered inwardly.

Big N hasn’t even obtained the Black/White Dragon Stones yet, and you’ve already crowned a hero with the Entralink?

If Douzi is the hero, then what about Douye, following the main storyline?

You two childhood friends have claimed both hero slots—what’s Big N supposed to do?

“Hmm, but my Pokémon’s strength…” Guang Tai’s Pokémon were all powerful—fighting a beginner’s Pokémon felt like bullying. But Douzi waved it off, even more fired up!

“Always give your all—that’s what a Trainer is! No matter the situation, face every challenge bravely. Whether you win or lose, the experience you gain never changes. Victory and defeat are just outcomes.”

“In short—fight by instinct!”

I see.

Guang Tai understood Douzi’s mindset.

Someone had said the same thing before—in the end, no matter who you face, give your all. Don’t refuse challenges from the weak just because your Pokémon are strong. Even the strongest were once weak…

But now it made him feel like the protagonist’s rival.

“I understand. Then, let Shieldon fight you.”

Guang Tai looked at Shieldon—but Shieldon’s eyes locked onto him. They stared at each other for a long moment.

“Guh (Can you use that skin-changing item again?!)”

“Ah, you’re impossible.”

Guang Tai sighed and activated the Shining Charm again. Before Douzi’s stunned eyes, Shieldon transformed into a black greatsword!

“Ah! What’s happening?! But… it looks even stronger now!”

Douzi’s stunned expression made Professor Juniper nod silently.

This wasn’t something psychic powers could hide.

Of course—anyone would find it unbelievable.

And beside Douzi, Tepig stared at the transformed Shieldon with pure awe—then its gaze shifted to Guang Tai’s hand.

Ah! A charm that makes things look better?!

If I used it, what color would I become? Black and gold, maybe?

Tepig drifted into fantasy—but it didn’t last long.

Douzi selected some items; Guang Tai generously let her test them. The battle arena was outside the lab, where the black greatsword faced Tepig, the starter Pokémon.

A giant sword versus a tiny pig—strangely comical, full of contrast.

Before the battle began, someone seemed to have arrived near the town—Guang Tai turned his gaze and finally saw the familiar trio.

Douye, Heilian, and Bailu.

“Is that Douzi? Who’s she battling?”

“She still loves battle so much…”

“That Pokémon… looks so cool?!”

One of human nature’s traits is a love for spectacle, and the trio were no exception; in the Special Episodes, they borrowed adults’ Pokémon for battles even as young children, and in the games, though they began their journeys later than any other protagonist, this gave them ample time for theoretical study.

Precisely because of this, after the events of Black and White, especially Black and White, became teachers and assistants to the professor—both roles requiring deep understanding of Pokémon.

“Hello, Professor Juniper!”

Dou also greeted Professor Juniper, joining her side to watch the upcoming battle with keen interest.

“From a theoretical standpoint—no, theory isn’t even needed. The gap in strength is obvious, isn’t it?”

Black commented, though Douzi loved battling all kinds of opponents—even obtaining her Pokémon much earlier than others—challenging such a visibly powerful Pokémon—

“With all due respect, these Pokémon are still weak.”

Dou chuckled lightly: “Precisely because they’re weak, that’s why you challenge strong opponents! Hey, Douzi, need me to lend you Brave Eagle?”

“Ah! Dou? No thanks, just watch from the side!” Douzi waved her hand, brimming with energy, while Guang Tai’s expression turned strangely uneasy.

Not only did Douzi have a Pokémon companion before receiving her starter, but Dou did too?

Starting with Brave Eagle? That’s Black’s storyline!

This world really is a bizarre patchwork!

So if you already have a level 54 Brave Eagle at the start, why even come to pick a starter? Just to get the Pokédex and complete achievements?

“Warm Puppy, Spark!”

Douzi waved her hand, brimming with determination, and Guang Tai felt—and even faintly saw—a surge of extraordinary power emanating from Douzi!

The power gained from the Future Psychic—Perception +20%!

That was the spiritual energy that emerges only when human spirit is heightened!

“Is that ‘Determination’?”

“Ah! Warm Puppy has it too!”

Guang Tai witnessed something incredible: Douzi synchronized her Determination with her Pokémon and projected her spiritual energy onto it, rapidly boosting its level and stats!

This mechanic seems to be—

Very similar to “Everstone Power”!

Indeed, this battle isn’t just a simple grind; as a hero candidate, Douzi possesses her own unique power—recall that in the spin-off Pokémon Masters, Douzi partnered with Victini!

Hmm, though this energy seems mystical, it’s not unobservable; the Z-Moves in Alola are a prime example—psychic energy in the Pokémon world is immensely powerful.

Warm Puppy’s power surged dramatically; its “Spark” rapidly expanded, igniting the entire battlefield!

Wait, that’s not Spark anymore—it’s Flamethrower!

Shield Sword was stunned; this little pig seemed weak, but clearly it wasn’t!

Then—

King’s Shield!

Shield Sword raised its massive shield, its dark-golden barrier blocking every flame entirely!

“Such incredible power!” Bai Lu’s eyes sparkled; she too wanted to become a Trainer and had prepared for years.

Black adjusted his reflective glasses, staring in disbelief at the overperforming Warm Puppy: “Theoretically, Warm Puppy shouldn’t have this much power.”

“Haha, Douzi’s Determination must have infected Warm Puppy,” Dou replied, gazing at the dark sword, thoughtful: “Is that shield stance ‘Protect’?”

“And the Trainer didn’t give a command? The Pokémon acted on its own?”

“The command was given,” Black began observing Guang Tai: “That’s my feeling.”

“Of course, Guang Tai is a Psychic—probably communicates with his Pokémon via telepathy. I’ve seen him issue no commands, yet his Pokémon still act.”

Professor Juniper explained to the trio, and when they heard Guang Tai was a Psychic, their expressions changed drastically.

Dou was excited, as if facing a formidable opponent.

Black was contemplative, pondering how to defeat a similar Psychic.

Bai Lu was awestruck; she too longed to become a powerful Trainer.

“One year left. One year from now—no, nine months—when we set out on our journey, then…” Black murmured.

At that moment, Douzi opened her Pokédex to check Warm Puppy’s moves:

“Warm Puppy, use Charge Fire! Run around the battlefield!”

The little pig sprinted on all fours, wrapped in accelerating flames, and Guang Tai internally grumbled: This Charge Fire is a level 15 move—how is she using it now?

You really don’t treat the roadside Bug Catcher as human at all! Pushing through with Charge Fire from the start—what could possibly stop this power?

Professor Juniper really overdoes Pokémon training!

Shield Sword watched the pig circle the field, realizing it was trying to find an opening—the smoke had obscured vision.

Receiving Guang Tai’s mental command, it immediately used “Air Slash!”

Countless blades of air shredded the smoke, and instantly, Shield Sword followed with:

Countless air blades tore through the smoke, and immediately afterward, Shieldon used:

A swift (×), a heavy (√) motion to toy with the opponent before striking—attack always lands!

The black blade slashed sharply, tearing through the air with a deafening shriek, sending the circling pig flying!

The pig crashed to the ground—but instead of fainting as expected, it immediately used Charge Fire again upon impact!

“Warm Puppy is holding a Focus Sash!”

Honestly, Guang Tai hadn’t expected Douzi to choose a Sash over a Focus Band.

After all, the Sash—also called the Luck Band—only rarely prevents fainting, and though it can trigger repeatedly, true luck isn’t common.

This Charge Fire struck Shield Sword precisely!

“Perfect chance—Flame Wheel! Then retreat!”

Douzi commanded while checking the Pokédex, acting as if she’d battled with Warm Puppy countless times—perhaps she’d trained it extensively in battle simulators. Now, fierce flames erupted from Warm Puppy’s nostrils, trapping Shield Sword in a swirling inferno!

Warm Puppy flipped backward, creating distance from Shield Sword!

“Wait—that Pokémon shows no pain? No reaction?!”

Bai Lu noticed the anomaly, glancing curiously at Black beside her, who also looked puzzled:

“If that Pokémon is Steel-type, Fire-type moves should be super effective—why does it seem completely unaffected? Unmoved?!”

“Spark!” Douzi didn’t overthink—she simply kept commanding.

Dense sparks rained like machine-gun fire; Shield Sword blocked them with King’s Shield, and in the next instant, Warm Puppy seized the opening to use another move!

A dense spray of sparks shot forward like machine-gun bullets; Shieldon used King’s Shield to block the attack, and in the next instant, Tepig seized the opportunity to use its move!

Warm Puppy erupted in fierce flames again, and under Guang Tai’s observation, its spiritual energy surged once more!

Determination continued to flow—this little pig’s strength was now formidable.

Then, let’s end this first battle.

Warm Puppy slammed into Shield Sword—but just as Douzi thought victory was hers, Shield Sword’s body vanished.

Instantly, the black blade appeared behind Warm Puppy, raising its rock-hard shield and slamming down violently!

Immediately afterward, a black great sword appeared behind Tepig, which raised its rock-hard shield and slammed it downward with force!

The blow was devastating—twice weak to Rock, and with its fragile frame, Warm Puppy couldn’t withstand it, knocked unconscious into the earth.

“It escaped from Flame Wheel? How?”

Black stared in disbelief at the scene; Guang Tai explained to the equally confused Douzi: "Flame Wheel inflicts the bound status; Substitute can break it. You seem unaware of this."

“Huh! So that’s possible? I didn’t know. I’ll note it down.”

Black nodded, storing this new “knowledge” in his mind.

“Incredible—I’ve never seen anything like this,” Dou began simulating the battle mentally.

Meanwhile, Douzi’s Determination surged even higher after her first Pokémon fell!

“I’m burning up!” Douzi’s expression turned grim, prompting Dou’s teasing: “When battling, Douzi’s face gets terrifying.”

Douzi: “If I don’t take it seriously, I’ll lose. Sure, I say winning isn’t everything—but who doesn’t want to win?”

Douzi: “After all, if you don’t take it seriously, you’ll lose. I say winning isn’t important, but who doesn’t want to win?”

“Darmanitan!”

Huh—Guang Tai recognized the Pokémon the moment the red one with flaming eyebrows appeared.

Ah, this is the Underground Train lineup.

So Douzi has Warm Puppy + Darmanitan, Dou must have Brave Eagle + Pidove, and the initial Pokémon choice—Dou should have Piplup.

Is this the true strength of Unova’s new Trainers? Each starts with a fully evolved Pokémon?

This tiny Lu Zi Town is full of hidden talents!

“Taunt!” Douzi ordered; Darmanitan used Taunt on Shield Sword, waving its hand to block all stat-changing moves—then—

“Taunt!” Douzi ordered; Darmanitan used Taunt on Shieldon, waving its large hand to block any status-changing moves! Then came—

Darmanitan slammed its body fiercely!

It halved its HP to maximize its Attack stat!

Darmanitan’s Attack soared to 13,000!

“Flare Blitz!”

Facing Darmanitan charging like a flaming meteor, Shield Sword showed no sign of retreat.

Facing Darmanitan charging like a flaming meteor, Shieldon showed not the slightest hint of retreat.

Watching, Dou frowned: “No defense possible—the stat-changing moves are blocked, even Iron Defense—”

“Wait—the shield is glowing?”

Three points of light ignited sequentially on the dark-golden shield, a massive silver-white beam converging upon it!

The dark gold shield lit up three glowing dots in sequence, and a massive silver-white beam converged upon the shield!

Iron Hoof Beam!

The held item is a Steel Gem! When using a Steel-type move, this attack’s power is increased by 30%!

A massive silver-white beam directly drowned out the Darmanitan’s flames!

The outcome is decided!

(End of Chapter)