Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 340: The King of Horses



Spectrier?

"Is that a Pokémon from the Paldea region?"

"I don't think so I've never heard of anything like it around here!"

"Then it must be from another region! Wow, I can't believe there are Pokémon like this out there! It's so cool!"

"I can't wait to see what kind of performance contestant number six and this mysterious horse Pokemon will give us! But there's still one more contestant left to enter. Let's welcome contestant number seven!"

Naoki guided Spectrier to its starting position.

Leaning slightly forward, he spoke softly to Spectrier. "Remember to use Agility as soon as the race starts. Rush forward as fast as possible and create some distance between us and the others."

Spectrier neighed lightly in acknowledgment, its misty legs pawing the ground in anticipation.

Seeing that it understood, Naoki didn't elaborate further. Their strategy would have to adapt as the race progressed. If they got too far ahead, they'd become an obvious target for the other racers. Everyone would do whatever it took to drag them down.

Three minutes later, all eight contestants were lined up at the starting line.

A staff member with a starting gun approached, signaling for the participants to get ready. Once everything was set, the starting gun fired with a sharp crack.

Spectrier bolted forward instantly, mist swirling around its legs as it activated Agility, its speed surging as it moved like a blur across the field.

A shimmering blue light flickered in its spectral eyes, its ethereal body seeming to glide effortlessly across the ground.

The commentator's voice rang out, filled with excitement: "Incredible! Contestant number six has taken the lead right from the start! Look at the speed of Spectrier! It's using Agility!" "But the other contestants aren't falling behind! Contestant number one's Rapidash is also using Agility to close the gap!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Suddenly, the ground began to tremble. "Wait a second!" the commentator exclaimed. "Contestant number seven's Mudsdale just used Stomp! The ground is shaking, and it's slowing down some of the other competitors!"

Despite the disruption, Spectrier remained firmly in the lead.

Naoki glanced back quickly to assess the situation. The Rapidash was gaining on them, but they still had a significant lead. Thinking fast, he gave a new command.

"Spectrier, use Haze!"

Without missing a beat, Spectrier unleashed a thick, dark mist that rolled out across the racetrack. The sinister fog spread quickly, shrouding the course behind them in an eerie, impenetrable haze.

The Rapidash and another horse Pokémon, caught off guard by the sudden obscurity, panicked. Their trainers struggled to maintain control, but the chaos sent them barreling off the track, eliminating them from the race.

Spectrier galloped ahead, unbothered by the commotion it left in its wake.

"Darn it! That pokemon is too fast!" growled contestant number one, frustration etched across his face. "Rapidash, use Flame Charge!"

He wasn't the only one reacting. Seeing their chances slip away, other trainers joined forces.

"Zebstrika, use Thunder Wave!" shouted another trainer.

Several Pokémon launched their attacks simultaneously, each move converging on Naoki and Spectrier at the front of the pack.

The commentator's voice rose with dramatic urgency: "Oh no! Contestant number six has drawn everyone's attention! It looks like the other contestants are teaming up! Can contestant number six and Spectrier escape this dangerous situation?!"

Naoki noticed the flurry of attacks converging from behind. After a quick assessment, he issued a sharp command: "Spectrier, use Phantom Force!"

In an instant, Spectrier shimmered, vanishing into the shadows with Naoki on its back.

The combined barrage of attacks-flames, electricity, and shock waves-whizzed harmlessly through the air, hitting nothing but open space.

A moment later, Spectrier reappeared further down the track, leaving the competitors in its dust.

"It dodged!" the commentator exclaimed, his voice brimming with astonishment. "Contestant number six's Spectrier used Phantom Force to evade the incoming attacks and create even more distance from the pack!"

But the respite was short-lived. "Oh no, it seems the other contestants aren't giving up just yet! A second wave of attacks is incoming!"

Naoki remained composed, analyzing the situation. Timing was key. "Spectrier, use Phantom Force again when the moment is right!"

Spectrier obeyed with precision, fading into the shadows once more to evade the assault. When it reappeared, the gap between it and the rest of the competitors had widened

significantly.

Despite this, the determined contestants behind them continued their pursuit, their strategies shifting to counter Spectrier's speed and evasiveness.

Naoki let out a quiet sigh, recognizing the inevitable. He had hoped to rely solely on Spectrier's unmatched speed to secure victory, but it was clear that the constant targeting would require a different approach.

"Spectrier," Naoki called firmly, "use Stomp!"

Spectrier neighed loudly, its spectral mane flaring as energy gathered at its hooves. With a mighty motion, it stomped the ground with immense force.

The resulting impact sent a powerful shockwave rippling across the racetrack.

The Rapidash closest to Spectrier was the first to feel the effects. Its legs wobbled under the force, and with a startled neigh, it collapsed to the ground.

The shockwave continued outward, affecting one Pokémon after another. The Mudsdale stumbled and fell, its sturdy legs unable to withstand the tremor. Zebstrika, Ponyta, and the others followed in quick succession, each succumbing to the earth-shaking attack.

When the dust settled, the racetrack was eerily silent. Every Pokémon except Spectrier lay on the ground, incapacitated by the devastating stomp.

The commentator's voice was filled with awe: "Unbelievable! Contestant number six's Spectrier has knocked out every other Pokémon on the track with a single move! It is

incredible!"

The audience erupted in cheers as Spectrier galloped ahead unchallenged, crossing the finish

line in a blaze of triumph.

"It's official! The winner of this year's Kosaji Town Horse Racing Competition is contestant number six and their amazing Spectrier!"

In the audience, Alder sat back with a broad grin, watching the scene below.

"As expected," Alder murmured to himself. "That Spectrier is truly a legendary Pokémon."

He couldn't help but reflect on the other Pokémon he'd encountered at Naoki's ranch. Koraidon, Calyrex, Spectrier, Glastrier, and even a group of Dragonite-so many powerful and rare Pokémon gathered in one place.

"Young trainers these days are truly remarkable," Alder said with a chuckle.

For a fleeting moment, Alder wondered about his own abilities as Unova's regional champion. Would he even stand a chance against Naoki in a battle?

The thought left him uncertain.

Over the past few days at the ranch, Naoki had introduced Alder to Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests. Even without witnessing its full strength, Alder could sense the immense

power radiating from the Pokémon.

He realized that if Naoki ever battled using both Koraidon and Calyrex, it wouldn't just be a challenge for a single region like Unova-it could potentially overwhelm an entire league.

"That Calyrex..." Alder muttered. "A Pokémon that draws its energy from belief itself... Truly

extraordinary."

If everyone in the world knew about Calyrex, how powerful would it become? Alder couldn't

even begin to imagine.

The horse racing competition officially came to an end.

Amid the thunderous cheers of the audience, Naoki guided Spectrier to the championship

podium.

Under the admiring gazes of the crowd, Spectrier felt like it had truly become the most powerful horse Pokémon in the world.

It glanced at the golden trophy in Naoki's hands, tilting its head curiously. Something about the "crown" felt different from the past.

But Spectrier didn't dwell on the thought for long. In this moment, it was overwhelmed with pride. It was now the undisputed "King of Horses."

Next, it was time for the coronation! The moment felt reminiscent of the ancient days, when humans worshipped the Crowned Tundra King as a symbol of their unity and power.

Spectrier neighed softly, turning its gaze toward Naoki.

Naoki noticed the Pokémon staring intently at the trophy in his hands. Surprised, he asked,

"Do you want this?"

Spectrier nodded solemnly, lowering its head to gesture toward Naoki, as if asking him to place the "crown" upon its head.

Naoki hesitated. "You... want me to put this on your head?"

Spectrier lifted its head regally, exuding a commanding presence that could rival a true monarch. Its blue mane shimmered under the sunlight, further adding to the air of majesty.

Naoki sighed in resignation. How could he say no to a request like that?

Finally, he flipped the golden trophy upside down and carefully placed it atop Spectrier's head. The mouth of the trophy fit perfectly, as if it had been made for this moment.

To his surprise, it actually suited Spectrier quite well.

Spectrier lifted its head high, carrying itself with an air of triumph and authority, perfectly mirroring the noble poise of the Crowned Tundra King.

Naoki couldn't help but let out a small laugh, though he quickly stifled it.

Just then, Mayor Thomas approached with a camera in hand. He paused when he noticed

Spectrier's peculiar crown but didn't comment. Instead, he waved at Naoki, signaling for

them to pose for a commemorative photo.

Naoki straightened his posture immediately.

Beside him, Spectrier stood tall and proud, the golden trophy perched on its head like a crown.

With a click, the scene was captured-a memory immortalized forever.

...

Bonus Chapter @3500PS