Chapter 254: The Golem and Frosmoth Beneath the Snow

Natsume tossed a Poké Ball and successfully captured the Weavile leader.

Rescue Task Complete

Quest Reward: Two Type Gems of your choice.

"That was amazing!"

"Those Weavile were no match at all. As expected of Natsume, the Gym Leader!"

"This is what a real Trainer’s strength looks like."

"So impressive! Both the tactics and the power of Natsume’s Pokémon are incredible."

The research team members clapped enthusiastically as they watched Natsume.

Takumi, one of the team members, overheard someone subtly criticizing him and snapped, "If it weren’t for that Golem, I could’ve handled those Weavile too! You have no idea how strong that Golem was."

"I don’t care about that. I want a refund!"

"Huh?" Takumi glared. "Let’s be real here. None of you were seriously hurt, were you? My partner is still unconscious!"

"Everyone, calm down," Professor Shoma interjected. "This is partly our fault for not noticing the changes in the Pokémon here, which put everyone in danger."

Natsume, however, had no interest in joining the argument. Instead, he observed the surroundings. The heavy snow continued to fall, muffling their voices.

After a moment of thought, Natsume approached Professor Shoma. "You’re the person in charge of this expedition, right?"

"Yes," Professor Shoma nodded. "Our team is primarily here to collect ecological samples, and we also brought along some tourists."

Natsume asked, "Can you tell me more about what happened?"

"Of course. Not long ago, we were resting at our campsite when we suddenly heard the sound of moves exploding nearby. Out of curiosity, the tourists and Trainers in our group all ran over to see what Pokémon were battling. When we got there, we found several Frosmoth围攻 a Golem. During the battle, the Frosmoth realized they were outmatched and scattered. Then, for some reason, the Golem turned its attention to us and attacked."

Professor Shoma briefly recounted the events leading up to Natsume’s arrival.

"That Golem was incredibly strong. The two Trainers in our team fought with everything they had just to buy us time to escape. Then, as you know, we had the bad luck of running into that pack of Weavile and getting trapped here."

Natsume listened thoughtfully. "Frosmoth and Golem, huh?"

Professor Shoma hesitated before asking, "Natsume, do you think we were targeted by someone?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because that Golem didn’t seem normal. While Golem do live in these mountains, they usually don’t attack unless provoked, especially in this kind of weather. And it was the Frosmoth who started the fight."

Frosmoth are fascinating Pokémon that survive by eating snow. Because of their lifestyle, they rarely initiate conflicts with other Pokémon. They only attack those who破坏 their living environment. In a way, Frosmoth are like the rangers of the Pokémon world.

"Also, this area isn’t too far from the border. It’s possible we ran into poachers."

Notice: Optional Task Triggered

Task Name: Search and Challenge

Task Requirements: Find the powerful Golem and defeat it.

Quest Reward: Treasure Draw *1

As Natsume and Professor Shoma were talking, a loud rumbling sound filled the air. The rescue helicopter from the rangers’ base had arrived.

Natsume looked at Professor Shoma. "That’s a possibility. But to know for sure, I think we’ll need to find those Frosmoth."

"Natsume, long time no see!"

Sugimoto Ken jumped down from the helicopter.

"Did you bring Sirfetch’d?"

Natsume smiled at Sugimoto Ken. "This trip was mainly to train Blaziken and Greninja, so I didn’t bring him."

"I see. Want to come back to the base with us and rest for a bit?"

Natsume shook his head. "No, thanks. I think I’ll stick around here for a while."

"Alright. If you need anything, let me know."

"Will do."

After chatting with Natsume, Sugimoto Ken led Professor Shoma and the others onto the helicopter.

Yuki walked over to Natsume. "I’ll head back too. Be careful out here. Oh, and take these."

She handed Natsume some canned food and a large bag of Pokéblocks from the helicopter.

"You just captured four Weavile, so I figured you might be running low on supplies."

"Thanks," Natsume said, accepting the items. "It’s always good to have extra."

Yuki smiled at him. "Take care, then."

Natsume waved as Yuki boarded the helicopter with Sugimoto Ken and the others, watching them depart.

Inside the helicopter, Sugimoto Ken teased Yuki. "So, those canned goods… you made them yourself, didn’t you?"

Yuki brushed the snow off her coat. "Yeah, so what? Got a problem with that?"

"Not at all. Keep it up," Sugimoto Ken said with a thumbs-up, prompting laughter from the other staff members.

"Ahem," Yuki cleared her throat, changing the subject. "By the way, what’s the latest on the situation around Towada Lake? There’s been an increasing number of Pokémon groups, especially Weavile packs. I’ve already spotted several today. With so many wild Pokémon migrating here, something must be going on with the ecosystem in Frozen Bear Country, right?"

Sugimoto Ken’s expression turned serious. "We’re not sure yet. Unless they request assistance, we can’t just cross the border to investigate. Speaking of which, since Natsume isn’t leaving, he’s probably planning to look into it himself, huh?"

Yuki’s eyes sparkled with admiration. "Of course. Natsume is someone who truly loves nature and Pokémon. He’s definitely noticed something’s wrong and won’t just stand by."

Ever since the Celebi incident, Yuki had developed a deep respect and a special fondness for Natsume.

After a moment of silence, Sugimoto Ken asked, "Do you think Natsume might actually cross the border to investigate?"