Wen Qi checked the evolved Scizor's information through the system:
Pokémon: Scizor Level: 43 Type: Bug + Steel Ability: Technician (Boosts the power of low-power moves when attacking) Talent: Deep Green Moves: Leer (Proficient), Quick Attack (Proficient), Fury Cutter (Mastered), False Swipe (Proficient), Wing Attack (Proficient), Double Team (Proficient), Double Hit (Proficient), Slash (Proficient), Focus Energy (Proficient), Agility (Mastered), Air Slash (Proficient), X-Scissor (Mastered), Swords Dance (Proficient), Close Combat (Proficient), Substitute (Proficient), Aerial Ace (Proficient), Metal Claw (Beginner), Iron Defense (Beginner), Iron Head (Beginner), Acrobatics (Beginner)
Its talent had risen to deep green, and its level had increased by three, breaking through the advanced limit—it was now an elite Pokémon.
Wen Qi watched as Scizor hopped around, flying back and forth, getting used to its new body. Scizor felt that although it had grown taller and its body had become metallic, its weight hadn't increased much. With the height gain, it was only about ten or so pounds heavier, which didn't significantly affect its speed. Still, since its body was now taller and its form had changed a bit, it needed to get properly acquainted.
Wen Qi said to Scizor, "Today, you'll stay in the small world to get familiar with your body and practice your moves. Tomorrow, I'll take you out to explore and take on challenges."
Scizor understood that it wasn't yet accustomed to this new form. If it went into battle now, its combat effectiveness might even be worse than before, when it was a Scyther. Back then, it knew its own condition best and could perform at full strength. Now, unfamiliar with this new body, being able to use 70% of its power would be a stretch. So it was better to stay put, get used to things, and then head out.
Wen Qi, along with Venonat and Gogoat, left the small world and stepped outside.
The morning forest was gently wrapped in a thin layer of mist. Sunlight struggled through the treetops, casting dappled patches of light and shadow. By the river, clear water babbled along, with a few small Pokémon occasionally playing in it. Dewdrops on the grass sparkled like translucent pearls, and the scent of flowers mingled with the fresh air, creating a serene yet vibrant scene.
Wen Qi's sudden appearance shattered the morning calm. Nearby Pokémon, spotting him, immediately bolted away. Looking at the campsite from last night, he noticed plenty of Pokémon footprints—seems like it had been a popular spot. Good thing he'd rested in the small world; otherwise, he probably wouldn't have slept well.
Even though yesterday afternoon was a bit of a waste, catching a cool Scizor made it totally worth it.
Wen Qi led Venonat and Gogoat deeper into the forest. In the morning woods, he spotted more Pokémon foraging for food, mostly Rattata and Caterpie. He saw so many Rattata and Caterpie that some even had yellow talent. As for Rattata, even with yellow talent, Wen Qi had no interest in catching them—they were just too weak. If they were Diglett, he might take them back for farming.
But when he saw several yellow-talent Caterpie, he thought it over. His farm sometimes needed pollination and protection. Even though these Caterpie only had yellow talent, raising them to level 30 or so would be enough to guard the farm. Plus, Caterpie ate little and grew fast; with minimal training, they could reach level 20, which was sufficient for farm duty. Since Wen Qi wasn't planning to make them main battlers, he decided to catch three of them.
He didn't use force. Instead, he offered Bug-type energy cubes, activated his Aura of Serenity, and promised room and board. The three yellow-talent Caterpie practically dove into the Poké Balls without hesitation. If only catching other Pokémon could be this easy.
Wen Qi had also wanted to catch a few Weedle, but after searching for a while, he found none. Then he remembered that Weedle usually lived with Beedrill. Thinking about that, he decided to drop it. A single Beedrill wasn't a problem, but they often appeared in groups of a dozen or more—he couldn't handle that. So he gave up; it wasn't like he absolutely needed Weedle.
His main goal in coming to the forest was to find a flock of Pidgey to bring back to the farm's berry orchard. Knowing it would be tough to find them blindly, he said to Venonat, "Venonat, use your psychic powers to sense where there are lots of Pidgey nearby, and lead me there."
After sensing, Venonat guided Wen Qi toward a nearby thicket. After a short walk, he heard the calls of many Pidgey and Pidgeotto. Realizing he'd found the right spot, he hid in the bushes to observe the flock. There weren't that many—about thirty Pidgey, seven or eight Pidgeotto, and at the top of the tallest tree, a nest with two Pidgeot. They were likely the leader pair. Checking through the system, they had yellow talent, both around level 38, probably recently evolved. In the wild, talent wasn't the only factor limiting a Pokémon's level. Without a strong clan or personal strength, wild Pokémon couldn't secure enough resources to grow well. Even green-talent wild Pokémon might not break through to elite level due to insufficient nutrition and energy for advancement. These two Pidgeot had likely evolved with the help of their flock and their own efforts, but without further support, they'd probably max out here.
Still, Wen Qi figured this flock—Pidgey, Pidgeotto, and the two Pidgeot—would be enough to look after his berry orchard. Any more, and he couldn't afford to feed them. They didn't eat much, but too many would strain his resources. This size and strength were just right.
As Wen Qi pondered this, a sharp Air Cutter shot toward him. Gogoat immediately blocked it with Razor Leaf. Startled by the sudden attack, Wen Qi was glad he had his Pokémon nearby. He realized they'd been spotted—probably a Pidgeotto with Keen Eye, excellent vision, and his hiding spot wasn't great anyway. So he stopped hiding, stepped out with Venonat and Gogoat, and even released Turtwig, positioning himself between the three Pokémon. His cautious, terrified demeanor made his fear of death painfully obvious.