Hearing those words, the nervousness in Akio's heart suddenly calmed.
His eyes were filled with killing intent as he stared coldly ahead. "I'm here to kill you."
His heart ached bitterly. It was ridiculous that he had hesitated to act simply because the mountain bandit leader was his father.
But to think that the source of his torment—the one that made his decision so difficult—would mock him like that upon his arrival, giving such a heartless reply.
Even though they knew he was the son of the bandit leader, they still said such things.
It was clear that to the leader, Akio had never truly been considered his child.
"Hahaha—"
The bandit across from him burst into laughter like he'd heard a joke. "Kill us? Just you? Don't tell me you think you can take us on with that Pokémon of yours?"
"We've already given you face by not hunting you down. Out of respect for the blood you share with the boss. Sure, your Pokémon might be able to take out a few of us—but dozens?"
Akio didn't feel like wasting any more words. He pulled out the small hunting knife he used in the forest and lunged straight at the bandit.
Shhk!
Blood sprayed onto Akio's face. His arm holding the knife trembled uncontrollably.
Deep in his eyes, confusion flickered.
"You… you actually dared… to kill—"
The bandit looked at Akio in disbelief. But before he could finish his sentence, he collapsed to the ground, eyes wide open, lifeless.
"Murder! He's killing people! That bastard came to the stronghold to kill us!!"
The other bandits at the gate froze for a moment at the sight, then began shouting, grabbing their weapons.
Pop pop—
Weepinbell looked at Akio with concern, its leafy arms tugging gently at his pants.
Feeling the motion, Akio shook his head. "I'm okay. Let's finish this. End it once and for all."
With that, his gaze turned to the approaching bandits brandishing weapons.
Weepinbell nodded, eyes turning serious.
"Damn it! He dares to come here and kill people? Kill him!"
"That bastard! Everyone, together—kill him!"
Akio looked at them coldly and gave orders. "Weepinbell, use Growth, then Poison Powder!"
Weepinbell nodded. A glow surged over its body, growing slightly larger, and its aura strengthened noticeably.
Then it turned to face the charging bandits and unleashed a cloud of purple powder from its mouth.
The bandits realized something was wrong. They immediately halted, trying to avoid the incoming cloud.
But Weepinbell's Poison Powder wasn't something ordinary people could dodge so easily.
Within moments, those who had charged forward inhaled the powder through their mouths and noses.
Their faces quickly turned a sickly purplish-black. Clutching their throats, eyes filled with horror, they couldn't even cry out.
Akio flinched as he met their terrified stares. His hands clenched into fists, and he gritted his teeth. "Weepinbell, Acid!"
Weepinbell didn't hesitate, spewing out a stream of violet liquid at the poisoned bandits.
They had no strength left to resist.
The acid landed, and sizzle sizzle sounds rang out.
Their bodies began to dissolve like snow thrown into fire. Even their bones melted quickly.
"Aaagh—!"
"Help! Somebody help!"
"I don't want to die! Please—let me go!"
"I was wrong! I won't be a bandit anymore, I swear!"
The air filled with desperate screams. Akio's fists trembled tighter and tighter.
He couldn't bear to watch. He turned his gaze away, unable to face their pain and pleading.
Though his heart ached, he didn't give the order to spare them. He remained silent until all the screams faded away.
And with that silence, there was no trace of the bandits left.
Only a few undissolved bones and blood-soaked earth remained.
Clap—
Just then, Akio heard a noise ahead and looked up.
The person who had plagued his heart for so long, the one whose existence had torn him apart—his so-called father—appeared.
Staring at the blood-covered ground, the bandit leader collapsed to the floor, terror in his eyes as he looked at Akio.
"No, don't kill me. I'm your father! If you kill me, you'll be cursed!"
Akio didn't reply. He simply stared at him coldly.
At the man he once hoped was someone who loved him.
"You bastard! Who gave you the guts to kill my men?! You should die!"
Seeing Akio motionless, the leader thought he was hesitating due to their relationship. He suddenly stood up, hatred burning in his eyes.
Akio chuckled bitterly to himself. Then he looked to Weepinbell. "Weepinbell, Acid!"
Weepinbell nodded and fired another stream of purple liquid at the leader.
The bandit leader's eyes widened in disbelief as the acid hit him.
Just like the others, his body began to dissolve rapidly.
"You… how dare you… how could you—"
Even in death, he couldn't believe it.
That the boy he thought was weak and soft had truly killed him.
Plop—
With the bandit leader's death, Akio collapsed to the ground, trembling from head to toe, his eyes full of fear.
Pop pop—
Weepinbell walked over, concerned, and gently patted Akio's back with its leaves.
Feeling the touch, Akio wrapped his arms around Weepinbell and finally broke down in tears.
Outside the stronghold, Ryo watched it all unfold, heart heavy with sorrow.
But there was no other choice. These bandits had to die.
If not, Weepinbell's entire life would be bleak—unable to even eat properly, let alone grow stronger.
If not, the villagers in nearby settlements would never feel safe, always living in fear of raids.
If not, Akio's life would remain in limbo—trapped in endless hesitation.
Sigh—
Ryo let out a soft sigh. He turned away, extending his spiritual sense as he prepared to leave.
As for saying goodbye to Akio—there was no need.
In his current state, Akio probably wouldn't want anyone to see him like this.
Besides, Ryo believed they would definitely meet again someday.
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