https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-122-Spring-Horse-Racing-Let-s-Begin-/12537133/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-124-Altar-of-the-Crowned-Rabbit-King/12537135/
Chapter 123: Target, the Umbreon and the Swift Blizzard Pony!
Chapter 123: Target, the Umbreon and the Swift Blizzard Pony!
"Go, Mudsdale! You can do it!"
As the ponies raced across the track, Evan cheered enthusiastically for his favorite competitor, his voice carrying above the din.
The atmosphere was electric, and the cheers and shouts rang in Naoki's ears.
The passion burning within him ignited, and he joined the crowd, shouting, "Go!"
On the track, the contestants were off to a swift start.
Leading the pack was the Rapidash that Naoki had his eye on, closely followed by a Galarian Rapidash and a Zebstrika.
Mudsdale was falling behind, and the Hippowdon brought up the rear.
The excited commentator narrated the scene before him, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "The Rapidash with the Flame Charge attack takes the lead! Close behind is the Galarian Rapidash, displaying incredible speed with its High Horsepower ability!"
Just then, the third-place Zebstrika let out a loud whinny, and a surge of electricity erupted from its body, sweeping towards the two Rapidash in front.
Sensing the attack from behind, the Rapidash's trainer pulled sharply on the reins, causing it to veer off its original path and narrowly dodge the assault.
However, the Galarian Rapidash wasn't so fortunate; it was hit and slowed down, allowing the Zebstrika to overtake it instantly.
The first to make a move often attracts retaliation.
Once the Galarian Rapidash regained its balance, its trainer immediately used its mental power to materialize a psychic blade, slashing at the Zebstrika.
The leading Rapidash countered with a Fire Vortex attack.
Confronted by attacks from both front and back, the Zebstrika's body erupted with powerful electrical energy.
Bathed in the electric light, its speed abruptly increased, and it surged past the wall of the Fire Vortex before it.
Witnessing this, the commentator exclaimed in awe, "Wow! It's using Charge! The Zebstrika has triggered its Electric Engine ability and surpassed the leading Rapidash!"
"Damn it!"
The Rapidash's trainer gritted his teeth. Just as he was about to command Rapidash to counterattack, the entire track suddenly trembled violently.
The ground ahead cracked, causing the Zebstrika to stumble and its trainer to fall.
The Rapidash, focused on the Zebstrika, was also caught off guard by this sudden turn of events and fell with its partner.
"It's Mudsdale's Earthquake attack! The Rapidash and Zebstrika are in trouble! What? The Galarian Rapidash is floating? It's running on air! They're approaching the finish line! Can the Rapidash and Zebstrika catch up? Come on, push harder!" the commentator shouted excitedly.
With the finish line in sight, the Galarian Rapidash was about to cross it when, suddenly, another unexpected event occurred.
Rocks emerged from the ground, blocking its path.
The Galarian Rapidash's trainer pulled hard on the reins, but they still crashed into the rocks.
The female trainer was thrown from her mount and tumbled across the grass. Fortunately, she appeared uninjured thanks to her protective gear.
She quickly stood up and, seeing Mudsdale overtake the Rapidash, instructed her Pokemon to attack.
"The Galarian Rapidash has used a Dazzling Gleam! It's a direct hit! Oh my, Mudsdale has fallen into confusion and veered off course!" the commentator shouted.
But just then, everyone present witnessed an incredible scene.
The four leading contenders were neck and neck, battling it out fiercely.
Before they could regain their composure and remount, a plump Hippowdon casually strolled past them and dashed straight towards the finish line.
Then, a voice of elation rang out, "I've struck gold! I bet on Hippowdown!"
"What the heck?!” Evan clenched his fists in frustration. "We lost!"
Naoki felt equally exasperated and wanted to spit blood.
"Are you serious?! That Hippowdown just nabbed the championship?!"
But that's how it played out.
Mayor Thomas presented the champion's trophy to the Hippowdown and even took a commemorative photo with its trainer.
The other four dejected contestants removed their helmets, their faces gloomy as they glumly looked at each other, eventually shrugging helplessly.
As the dust settled, the time ticked over to 3:00 pm.
Naoki and Evan leaned against the racetrack fence with their Pokemon, gazing at the crowd in the distance.
Evan's face contorted with pain as he counted the money in his wallet. "My 10,000 Pokedollars, gone just like that! Damn it!"
"..." Naoki offered consolation, his eyes on the sunset. "Failure is an ever-present companion in life. That's just how it is."
Evan was far from consoled. Knowing that Naoki had also lost a substantial sum, he asked, "Aren't you upset?"
Naoki shrugged nonchalantly. "It's fine. My Salazzle just needs to spit out some rock salt, and I'll make it all back."
"Damn it!" Evan's frustration led him to bang his head against the fence.
Then, remembering that Naoki was also a skilled ranch owner, he stopped and asked, "Don't you plan on raising a horse Pokemon?"
"I'd like to, but as you know, there aren't any horse Pokemon around these parts in Pastoria Town," Naoki explained with a helpless gesture.
Moreover, his goals had shifted. He no longer wanted an ordinary horse Pokemon; he desired the two regal steeds of the King of Pastoria, the Umbreon! Thinking of this, Naoki gazed across the vast racecourse.
Just you wait! One day, I'll be back here riding my Umbreon and Blizzard Pony, reclaiming the 10,000 Pokedollars I lost here, with interest!
"It's a lost cause," Evan lamented, his voice devoid of hope. "I was counting on you to breed an incredible horse Pokemon to win back my 10,000 Pokedollars, just like you did with those three riding goats."
"The success with the riding goats is hard to replicate..." Naoki trailed off.
"I believe in you!" Evan patted his shoulder encouragingly. "If you can do it once, you can do it again! Don't worry, Naoki. While I'm delivering mail, I'll keep an ear out for any information about horse Pokemon habitats!"
However, the Pasio region was devoid of Rapidash and Zebstrika, only boasting a single Mudsdale.
The Rapidash from earlier had all belonged to traveling trainers from other regions.
After a moment's thought, Naoki said, "Actually, instead of a horse Pokemon, I'd appreciate your help in finding a butler-type Pokemon."
"A butler Pokemon?" Evan's mind conjured up several silhouettes. "You mean like Mr. Mime, Lillipup, or Chansey—Pokemon that are good at household chores?"
Naoki nodded. "Yes, there are just too many Pokemon on the ranch, and I'm struggling to manage them all alone."
Hearing this, Evan patted his chest confidently. "Leave it to me! I'll definitely keep an ear out for you!"
"Thanks a lot!" Naoki expressed his gratitude.
Evan stretched and glanced at the darkening sky. "It's getting late. Time to head home! See you later, Naoki!"
"Yup."
Naoki nodded and watched as Evan and his Garchomp left. Then, he patted his Golurk companion and said with a smile, "Let's head home, too!"
"Agas!" the Golurk agreed.
With nightfall approaching, it was time to call it a day.
(End of Chapter)
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