Chapter 296: Cursola of the Giant's Causeway

Splash~

Waves crashed against the shore.

Natsume, Gardevoir, and Celebi jumped off the back of a wild Gyarados and onto the road.

"Thank you, Gyarados."

"Celebi~"

Celebi, sitting on Natsume's shoulder, waved at the Gyarados in the water.

"Gyarados~"

Gyarados responded, then turned and swam back into the sea, disappearing beneath the waves.

[Notification: Exploration Quest Triggered]

[Quest Requirement 1: Capture native Pokémon species (0/3)]

[Quest Requirement 2: Defeat the Giant Rock Gym (0/1)]

[Quest Reward: Teleportation point unlocked; Attribute Gem Draw1; Secret Treasure Draw1]

Natsume looked ahead. The terrain here was quite unique.

Although it was by the sea, there were numerous cylindrical rock pillars standing together in the distance.

Further ahead, beyond the pillars, there was a well-maintained road.

Since the weather was nice today, many people and Pokémon were strolling along the roadside.

Natsume opened his phone and checked his current location.

Current Location: Giant's Causeway.

Natsume scrolled through the map to look at nearby landmarks.

There was a small town up ahead.

Additionally, the Giant Rock Gym was located in the center of the town, and there was also a Pokémon Research Institute nearby.

"Everyone, stay close. This is the famous Giant's Causeway."

Ahead of Natsume, a tour group passed by.

In the group, an Electabuzz held up a sign while the tour guide enthusiastically explained the origins of the area.

"Ancient Irelanders believed these rock pillars were built by Dynamaxed Pokémon."

"But later, geological Pokémon researchers discovered that these circular pillars were likely formed due to Groudon's activity 50 million years ago."

"Because of Groudon's activity, the basalt from the eastern volcano flowed like a river into the sea. When it met the cold seawater, it rapidly solidified and crystallized, eventually contracting and cracking to form these pillars."

"That's why this place is also known as the Song of Ice and Fire of the natural world."

As the tour guide spoke, he suddenly noticed a restless boy running out of the group.

The boy ran toward a nearby rock.

"I'll kick it~"

Just as the boy raised his leg to kick the rock, the tour guide's face turned pale.

He shouted in panic, "Wait! You can't kick that!"

Thud~

But the guide's warning came too late.

The boy's foot connected with the rock.

"Screech!"

A sharp cry suddenly erupted from the "rock."

Ghost-type move: Astonish.

"Ah!"

The boy was clearly startled by the sudden scream. He fell to the ground, his face turning pale.

The "rock" was alive!

It glared angrily at the boy and, after using Astonish, prepared to attack again.

Natsume glanced at the gray rock.

Name: Corsola
Type: Ghost
Level: 24
Ability: Weak Armor
Moves: Tackle, Harden, Astonish, Disable, Curse, Ancient Power
Potential: Gym Level

"A Ghost-type Corsola."

Natsume looked at the gray Corsola and threw out a Poké Ball.

"Go, Tinkatuff."

"Tinkatuff~"

Tinkatuff stepped in front of the boy, waving its hammer and glaring at the Corsola.

From the tour group, a middle-aged woman rushed forward and pulled the boy away.

"Corsola!"

Corsola, now enraged, directed its anger at Tinkatuff.

With another sharp cry, Corsola charged straight at Tinkatuff.

Corsola used Tackle!

After training and following Natsume's guidance, Tinkatuff had developed its own battle style.

It stood its ground, watching Corsola charge toward it, and tightened its grip on the hammer.

A cold aura began to emanate from the hammer's head.

"Tinkatuff~"

Just as Corsola was about to hit Tinkatuff, Tinkatuff leaped into the air.

Ice Hammer!

Bang~

Tinkatuff's hammer slammed directly into Corsola.

Thud!

A chilling mist spread.

Corsola was frozen solid.

Tinkatuff's high physical attack stat gave it immense power.

Even though both Pokémon were the same level, Corsola was completely overwhelmed by Tinkatuff.

Natsume looked at the frozen Corsola and threw a Poké Ball.

Shake~ Ding.

Corsola of Ireland Island, captured!

"Trainer, thank you so much!"

The tour guide hurried over to thank Natsume after he captured Corsola.

The boy's mother also approached, expressing her gratitude.

"No need to be so polite. Also, your child might have been affected by Astonish. It’s best to take him to the hospital."

"Yes, thank you so much, Trainer."

Natsume smiled slightly, then recalled Tinkatuff.

"Goodbye."

Natsume and Gardevoir continued walking along the stone path, heading upward.

As Natsume left, the tour guide explained to his group, "The Corsola here aren’t like the Pokémon in the sea."

"Although they look like rocks, if you kick them carelessly, you’ll incur their curse."

"It’s very dangerous..."

Natsume didn’t pay much attention to the incident.

It was a crisp autumn afternoon.

The seaside weather was cool, and the sunlight filtering through the yellowing leaves felt warm and comfortable.

Pedestrians and their Pokémon strolled leisurely.

Everyone seemed relaxed and at ease.

Natsume, Gardevoir, and Celebi walked along the Giant's Causeway.

Celebi flew ahead, scouting the path, its curiosity piqued by everything.

After Natsume and Gardevoir crossed the embankment road, a vast plain came into view.

A gray town sat on the plain ahead.

The grass here was meticulously trimmed, giving the area a neat and tidy appearance.

Natsume could see a group of children playing happily on the green field with a Scorbunny.

In the distance were hills and forests.

A few Rookidee flew toward them.

"Nice environment."

Natsume looked around. "It’s a very comfortable place."

"Celebi~"

Celebi flew back from ahead.

Natsume smiled at Celebi. "You think so too?"

"Celebi~"