Acting, Creating Illusions

Chapter 10 Acting, Creating Illusions

We followed the river all the way to the heart of the forest.

There is a large lake here, named Crescent Lake because its shape resembles a crescent moon.

As the largest freshwater lake on the entire round island, Crescent Island is not only connected to groundwater, but also has many river branches that connect to the sea.

Strictly speaking, Crescent Lake and the crescent-shaped rivers are the lifeblood of Round Island, distributed throughout the entire island.

Standing by the lake, Natsuki, Growlithe, and Riolu were discussing and devising a strategy to make Magikarp stronger.

Magikarp, on the other hand, was excited to be in the lake and swam around and leaped around constantly.

However, it seems that because it is a shiny Magikarp with a different color, it is ostracized by ordinary Magikarp and they are unwilling to accept it.

Those with a unique, shimmering color might be ostracized by certain groups; this was indeed mentioned in the early parts of the original story.

Of course, this is not absolute.

In the original story, Ash's Butterfree left with a regional Butterfree. Although that Butterfree wasn't a true shiny, but rather a Butterfree with a unique coloration unique to Piranha Island, it blended in with the regular Butterfree population and wasn't disliked or driven away by the group because of its different color.

Perhaps the Magikarp here doesn't really like the golden Magikarp.

Speaking of which, Xia Mu recalled the situation in the game.

In the game, Shiny Pokémon actually live together in a friendly way with other Pokémon and are not separated.

……

"Growlithe can't help, so it's up to you now, Riolu."

"I know this will upset you, but it might be the only way to help Magikarp learn the Tackle move and become stronger."

As soon as he finished speaking, Natsuki looked at Riolu apologetically.

Riolu didn't have any negative emotions. On the contrary, because of Natsuki's frank words, their intimacy level increased by 15 points.

This left Xia Mu in disbelief.

The agreed-upon strategy was for Riolu to cooperate in the charade and fight Magikarp.

Show your strength in battle, but don't hurt Magikarp. In the end, you have to be knocked away the moment Magikarp leaps up.

This is how you create the illusion that Magikarp won.

If Magikarp believes it, things should change.

If Magikarp gains experience points and learns the Tackle skill, then when teaming up to level up, Magikarp can finish off opponents, and Magikarp won't need to spend League Coins to buy Rare Candies to help it level up.

To put it bluntly, using Magic Candy before reaching a certain level is a real waste.

While both involve leveling up by 1, the level 1 in the early stages and the level 1 in the later stages are completely different concepts.

With Riolu's assurance and after making ample preparations, Natsuki walked with it to the lakeside and shouted at the Magikarp swimming in the lake.

Magikarp is quite obedient. In a short period of time, its affinity level increased quickly, but it remained at the initial acquaintance stage until it broke 49 points.

"Magikarp, do you want to become stronger?"

"As a special shiny Pokémon, have you ever doubted yourself?"

"Regardless of what others think, in my eyes, you are unique in this world. I believe you have extremely high talent and potential, and if you can work hard, anything is possible..."

"As long as you have enough strength, as long as you can do what other Magikarp can't, then you will be the strongest Magikarp, unmatched by any other!"

……

By appealing to his emotions and reasoning with him, Xia Mu used his own methods to influence and provoke Magikarp, placing high hopes on him.

Whether he could understand it or not, he gave it enough respect and confidence.

Clearly, Natsuki's words successfully aroused Magikarp's desire to become stronger.

Natsuki should be grateful that the Magikarp here doesn't accept him; that's probably why the Magikarp wants to prove itself.

With goals and motivation, everything becomes easier.

Riolu stepped forward and spoke to Magikarp. The two exchanged glances, their fighting spirit palpable.

Along the way, Magikarp knew that Riolu was powerful. As a fellow Pokémon of Natsuki, it didn't want to disappoint Natsuki and wanted to show off its strength.

"Very good! Then follow my command and battle Riolu, Magikarp." Natsuki said, looking at Magikarp.

Magikarp responded with a "Pop~Pop~" sound.

Seeing this, Riolu jumped back a meter and then assumed an attacking stance.

Because Magikarp cannot leave the water, Riolu did not go too far.

Magikarp was clearly a little anxious. It didn't know how to fight; it only knew how to express its emotions by leaping up.

Natsuki gave Riolu a look, and Riolu, of course, understood and immediately launched an attack.

With each swing of his fist, vacuum waves were unleashed, transforming into streaks of blue energy that struck the surface of the water where Magikarp was located.

It is slow and not very powerful.

When Magikarp saw the attack coming, it suddenly panicked.

Having no combat experience, it didn't know what to do.

Xia Mu quickly said, "Magikarp, use your speed in the water to dive underwater and avoid all of Riolu's attacks."

This kind of command is actually unnecessary, but it's still necessary to put on a show.

Because Riolu's attacks are aimed at the surrounding water surface, even if it accidentally hits Magikarp, it won't cause much damage.

Magikarp's reaction speed was quite good, which was completely opposite to its slow-moving personality. Obediently, it quickly dived into the water to avoid the attack under Natsuki's command.

Vacuum waves bombarded the water surface, splashing up tiny water droplets.

The opportunity has come, and Natsuki glanced at Riolu again.

Riolu let out a fierce puppy bark and leaped up to the surface of the water.

A feigned attack posture.

Seeing this, Natsuki immediately shouted, "Now! Magikarp, use Leap Attack on Riolu with all your might!"

A soft "plop!" was heard.

When it comes to leaping, Magikarp is second to none among Pokémon.

This powerful leap landed on Riolu.

Magikarp fell back into the water, and Riolu used the force to fly backward, crashing heavily onto the lakeside.

The battle was over. Xia Mu looked solemn, and the Growlithe beside him held its breath.

Unlike before, Magikarp calmly floated on the surface of the water, looking at Riolu lying on the ground, as if to confirm.

Riolu realized that this wasn't enough, and, as if possessed, unleashed another round of acting skills.

With difficulty, it moved its body to stand up, looked at Magikarp, and then pretended to cry out in pain before falling to the ground again.

This scene dispelled any remaining doubts in the simple-minded Magikarp.

He immediately leaped excitedly into the water and raced wildly.

Not only is it faster, but it also has greater explosive power.

Under Natsuki's observation, Magikarp's level increased by 1, and it learned the Tackle move.

Mission accomplished, Xia Mu gave Riolu, who was still pretending to lie on the ground, a thumbs up with his back turned.

The two little ones immediately realized that their act hadn't been in vain.

Growlithe barked happily, and Riolu slowly stood up.

(End of this chapter)