Chapter 411: Standoff

On the course of the Explorer Team's airship, a balloon‑propelled ship drifted slowly, its hull swaying gently in the wind, while the battle on the deck raged fiercely.

A short‑haired boy with red‑black hair stood upright, assuming a crisp attacking stance, and barked authoritatively, "Scorching Croc, use Stomp!"

Before the words finished, the Scorching Croc before the boy reared violently, its massive hind legs lifted high, and with a force of a thousand pounds it slammed down onto the deck.

"Dong—" a deep, muffled boom exploded, the whole ship shuddered violently, and the dust on the deck trembled and rose in small puffs.

Opposite, a girl with black‑green long hair tightened her expression; the Tirei Meow that had been standing gracefully before her was instantly shaken, its limbs instinctively touching the ground, its body curling slightly, clearly stunned by the impact.

Seizing that fleeting opening, the girl reacted instantly, her clear voice cutting the air: "Tirei Meow, now, use Surprise Attack!"

As soon as the words left her lips, the Tirei Meow, its limbs on the ground, suddenly became a flash of emerald afterimage, moving so fast its trail was barely visible, its sharp claws glinting coldly as it lunged straight at the Scorching Croc.

The Scorching Croc, unable to react, was struck hard in the abdomen, its massive body tossed up and slammed heavily onto the deck, emitting a muffled thud.

The Scorching Croc writhed and rolled twice, then quickly propped itself up, a flash of stubbornness in its eyes. Seeing this, the boy immediately said in a low voice, "Scorching Croc, use EnchantingVoice!"

The command issued, a sweet, seductive EnchantingVoice rose from the Scorching Croc's mouth—soft and melodious, starkly contrasting its rugged, fierce appearance, sending a shiver through anyone who heard it.

Affected by the EnchantingVoice, the Tirei Meow that was about to pounce froze instantly, its eyes becoming hazy, completely losing its attack rhythm.

"Now!" the boy seized the moment, his tone growing firmer, "Scorching Croc, Flamethrower!"

The flower‑wreath‑shaped egg ornament atop the Scorching Croc's head suddenly flashed with dazzling red light; the next second, a torrent of scorching flame erupted from its mouth, the fire raging swiftly with rolling heat, sweeping straight toward the frozen Tirei Meow.

The flame struck the target precisely; the Tirei Meow let out a brief whine, was hurled backward by the blast, slammed heavily against the ship's rail, then slid down slowly, falling into a deep coma, its fur charred black and faintly smelling of smoke.

"Ah! Tirei Meow!" the girl cried, her face turning pale in an instant; ignoring the deck's sway, she rushed forward, cradling the Tirei Meow gently, her brows knit tightly, her eyes full of anguish.

The boy hurried over as well, a hint of guilt in his expression, tentatively speaking, "I'm sorry… is the Tirei Meow okay? I didn't mean to hurt it."

Just as the boy finished speaking, an intelligent, gentle voice came from beside them: "Don't worry, it's only a minor burn, nothing serious. Liko, give me the Tirei Meow; I'll take it to the infirmary for a quick treatment, and it'll recover soon."

Liko looked up, seeing a woman with a gentle expression, quickly tucked the Tirei Meow in her arms and handed it over, gratitude shining in her eyes: "Thank you, Sister MoLi."

Watching Sister MoLi walk away cradling the Pokeball containing the Tirei Meow, Liko finally straightened up, the pain in her face gradually fading.

She then gave a gentle smile, looked at Luo Yi, glanced at the obedient Scorching Croc that had come to the boy's side with a hint of remorse, and lightly shook her head: "Luo Yi, it's okay, I don't blame you, nor the Scorching Croc."

Her tone was soft, without any reproach: "Trainer battles inevitably cause injuries; in the end, it was my rushed command that didn't let the Tirei Meow dodge the attack."

Speaking, she crouched again, her fingertips gently brushing the flower‑wreath‑shaped egg atop the Scorching Croc's head, her movements tender, voice a bit indulgent: "You did well, Scorching Croc, that was a fierce strike."

The Scorching Croc seemed to sense her kindness, calmly nudging her fingertip, emitting a low whine from its throat, as if expressing apology.

Luo Yi watched the scene, his guilt easing slightly; just as he was about to speak more apologies, the ship's horn blared a clear, steady male voice, urgent and alert: "Everyone, attention! Return to the cabin immediately, hold the railings! A Explorer Team ship is rapidly approaching from behind!"

When the words ended, the previously relaxed deck instantly grew tense, the wind seemed sharper, and a dark silhouette could be seen speeding across the distant horizon, a sense of intimidation silently descending.

On the other side, aboard the Explorer Team's ship, Spinel stared solemnly out the porthole at the balloon‑driven vessel drawing nearer—the Brave Light Green.

He slowly rose, his tone flat yet unmistakably authoritative: "Let's go."

Yindi immediately shed his usual cynicism, quickening his steps to match Spinel's, and together they headed toward the ship's deck, a hint of vigilance in his expression.

On the Explorer Team ship's deck, Huo La stared at the now clearly visible Brave Light Green, his body suddenly stiffening, a flash of astonishment in his eyes.

The next second, a thought exploded in his mind—Ancient Spirit Ball!

He silently realized that Spinel was indeed the meticulous, strategic Spinel he knew, and this whole journey had been aimed at it.

Beside him, Paipa scratched his head, eyes full of surprise, staring at the ever‑growing balloon‑driven ship, murmuring softly: "Wow, people still use balloons to power ships now? That's so unique."

As the two ships drew nearer, the Explorer Team's vessel slowly adjusted its stance, finally coming to a steady stop on the left side of the Brave Light Green, parallel to it, the gap close enough to see the silhouettes of people on each other's decks.

Meanwhile, on the deck of the Brave Light Green, its crew slowly emerged, looking toward the Explorer Team's ship.

On the Explorer Team's ship, Spinel and Yindi had already reached the deck's edge; the two sides, separated by only a short distance, locked eyes, and the air instantly filled with a tense standoff atmosphere, no one speaking first to break the silence.