Axel had thought of finishing off Mamgar so that they could all concentrate on Steelix. Nidorino sank to the ground again, trapped in 'Sand Tomb'. Axel instructed Venusaur to free Nidorino once more, but this time Steelix was clever. It used a strange power, causing the sand to engulf Nidorino's body. As the sand solidified, escape became nearly impossible. But that wasn't all. The sand began to transform, forming sharp thorns that pierced Nidorino from within.
"NIDOOOOO!" Nidorino cried out in agony.
Encased in a dome of sand and tormented by the thorns, it continued sinking into the ground. Venusaur tried to pull Nidorino free, but the sand dome proved too heavy for its efforts.
"What should I do?" Axel exclaimed aloud.
Charizard was temporarily unable to battle, Shedinja was recovering from being struck by a tree, and the others were occupied with their own opponents. Axel was unsure of how to save Nidorino. If it couldn't escape, it might perish. Axel had never faced such a dire situation before.
Instinctively, he ran toward Nidorino, determined to free it himself. He knew it was a foolish act, but he couldn't bear the thought of Nidorino's demise. He reached Nidorino and exerted all his strength to pull it out, but his efforts proved futile.
Steelix grinned wickedly as it approached Axel, its teeth emitting an eerie glow. It intended to finish Axel off with a devastating 'Crunch', tearing him apart.
"Come out... Come out... COME OUT!" Axel shouted desperately. Just as Steelix was about to deliver the final blow, two vines wrapped around Axel and pulled him back.
Venusaur had taken action, unwilling to let its trainer perish. By doing so, it had to release Nidorino, causing Venusaur to fall to the ground and vanish.
Axel cried out, bewildered by the sudden turn of events.
Nidorino's health is extremely low. Host is advised to save it, or it will die.
This new move, 'Sand Trap' was a lethal technique. Axel felt utterly helpless.
"Mamoswine, use 'Dig' and bring Nidorino back to the surface!" Axel commanded, knowing Beedrill could handle Magmar for a few moments.
Mamoswine prepared to act, but it turned out to be unnecessary.
Nidorino has learned Dig.
This turn of events was a lifesaver for Nidorino and a relief for Axel. Nidorino emerged from another spot in the ground, seemingly free from the sand dome.
ROARRRRR... Nidorino roared in anger. It refused to tolerate its trainer's life being endangered and couldn't bear the humiliation. It was determined to make Steelix pay. Nidorino unleashed an 'Earthquake' causing Steelix to stumble, and followed up with a 'Sludge Bomb'.
Axel was unaware until now, but this particular 'Sludge Bomb' had a different effect. Upon impact with Steelix, Axel received a notification.
Nidorino's Venom Drench has leveled up to 40. It can now be used in other poison attacks.
Nidorino has fulfilled the rank-up condition.
Nidorino is ranking up.
Axel hurled a naturally-formed, centuries-old poison barb he had obtained as a league reward. A purple light enveloped the barb.
Steelix was aware that Nidorino was evolving but respected the rules and refrained from intervening. The rank-up process took approximately ten minutes. No one dared to challenge Steelix during this time, as it was incredibly powerful and their attention was consumed by their own battles.
ROARRRRRRR! Nidorino had finally ranked up. Axel inspected its new stats.
Pokemon Name: Nidorino (Age: 1 year)
Pokemon Nickname: Megalania (Locked)
Pokemon Rank: Pseudo-King Rank
Ability: Poison Point (70%)
Hidden Ability: Hustle (68%)
Health: 3000/3000 Attack: F
Agility: F Defense: F
Sp. Atk: F Sp. Def: F
Moves: Chip Away (Egg Move) (C) (Lvl 26), Sucker Punch (Egg Move), Venom Drench (Egg Move) (E) (Lvl 40), Tackle (C) (Lvl 20 Max), Poison Sting (C) (Lvl 32), Peck (Lvl 3), Focus Energy (G) (Lvl 39), Horn Attack (C) (Lvl 25 Max)*, Rest (G) (Lvl 39), Bite (G) (Lvl 36), Quick Attack (C) (Lvl 29), Sludge Bomb (G) (Lvl 39), Earthquake (G) (Lvl 39), Horn Drill (G) (Lvl 39), Poison Ball (G) (Lvl 39), Thunder Shock (C) (Lvl 28), Spinning Poison (G) (Lvl 36), Agility (G) (Lvl 34), Poison Spread (G) (Lvl 35), Substitute (C) (Lvl 23), Poison Damage Control (G) (Lvl 36), Sludge Wave (G) (Lvl 39), Dig (Lvl 1)
Core: Poison (Mastered)
Hidden Power: Electric (17%)
Nidorino's stats remained unchanged. Most of its poison-type moves had leveled up. Axel had already noticed its low ability and mastery percentages and planned to work on improving them.
Overall, it was a significant upgrade. Most of its moves were at level 39. Axel decided to focus on training these moves to level 40 before anything else.
ROARRRRRR! Nidorino was now prepared for round 2.
Due to Venom Drench, Steelix's attack and speed have been lowered.
This was a pleasant surprise.
"So, that passive move isn't flawless, huh? Good to know," Axel remarked. Steelix seemed highly resistant to status moves but not completely immune.
Nidorino prepared to attack once again. Since its poison-type moves were proving ineffective, it decided to initiate with 'Horn Drill'. However, before it could execute the move, a voice interrupted.
"Nido, take a rest. I've got this," the voice said, and Nidorino instantly recognized its source.
'This is going to be an interesting fight,' Nidorino thought, stepping aside.