Bell could feel the grogginess when using Psychic now, so he was well aware that his current mental energy couldn't sustain the continuous release of powerful moves.
"Elder, if the clan gathering proceeds as scheduled, when exactly will it be held?" Bell inquired.
If the gathering were to go ahead, the timing would need careful consideration, especially with the looming threat of potential intruders. If possible, Bell wanted to know the approximate schedule to prepare accordingly.
"Ah… Youth is truly wonderful. Back when I was competing for a mate, I defeated countless rivals in a row…"
"But alas…"
As he spoke, the Elder Butterfree seemed to recall something sorrowful, his antennae drooping involuntarily…
Without waiting for Bell to explain, the Elder continued,
"Don't worry, I understand the restlessness in your heart. But a Butterfree as exceptional as you is rare—there's hardly anyone in the clan who could rival you. Go and compete with confidence. Only the strong are worthy of passing on their genes. I'm sure your offspring will inherit your talent."
The Elder Butterfree spoke calmly, his gaze carrying a faint smile as he looked at Bell, as if deeply satisfied.
Hearing this, Bell felt a lump in his throat, utterly stunned by the Elder's shocking remarks.
Mate competition? He just wanted a legitimate opportunity to grind EXP and level up!
After all, with so many Butterfree clansmen around, he'd been eyeing them as EXP sources for a while now.
But judging by the Elder's expression, no matter what Bell said, there was no clearing his name now…
"You seem so eager. How about we hold the gathering tomorrow? The seasonal winds are due around this time anyway," the Elder Butterfree mused, glancing at the horizon.
"Actually… there's no need to rush, Elder," Bell replied, a hint of awkwardness flashing in his eyes.
"I wouldn't want to rush either, but the current situation leaves us no time to delay…"
The Elder Butterfree's gaze was calm, but beneath it lay unease.
Bell's recent ambush had stirred a sense of foreboding in him—one that only arose under two circumstances:
First, when facing a powerful enemy that threatened his life.
Second, when the clan was on the brink of crisis.
Neither scenario was something he could accept. If either came to pass, he would have to act decisively.
Seeing the concern in the Elder's eyes, Bell snapped back to reality.
Right. There's no time to waste. After all, he'd already encountered a Spearow today. What about next time? Who knew when the next attack would come?
Would it be another lone Spearow… or an entire flock?
The ambush had happened frighteningly close to the clan's territory.
Wild Pokémon rarely intruded into another's domain unless there was a conflict over resources.
Clearly, the Elder's worry was that the Spearow's usual hunting grounds could no longer sustain them, forcing them to target the Butterfree clan.
"Go and rest well. You'll need your strength for tomorrow's gathering."
With that, the Elder Butterfree used Psychic again to soothe Bell's weary mind. He could sense the fatigue from Bell's frequent use of psychic energy.
This would help Bell recover faster.
Touched, Bell felt a warmth in his heart. This must be what home feels like…
Flying back to his familiar spot among the branches, Bell settled comfortably onto the tree limb as the faint green glow of the Elder Tree's healing energy enveloped him.
The Next Day
Bell woke early to train his various moves, this time staying well within the clan's territory.
"The gathering's about to start! Are you ready?"
"Huh? It's happening early?"
"Doesn't matter—I'm fully prepared! This time, I'll definitely win Mei's heart!"
...
The younger Butterfree were buzzing with excitement—today was the day they fulfilled their innate duty!
Watching his fellow Butterfree, Bell couldn't help but feel a thrill. These are all walking EXP bags!
And most of them were low-leveled and young.
"These must be the younger generation of the clan…" Bell mused, checking his status screen.
Pokémon: Butterfree
Type: Bug / Flying
Level: LV 11
Potential: Red
...
Pokémon: Butterfree
Type: Bug / Flying
Level: LV 12
Potential: Orange
...
Seeing Butterfree six or seven levels below him, Bell was puzzled.
Did I level up too fast? Are the others lagging behind?
Or was I part of an earlier brood, giving me a head start?
"Haha, no need to doubt yourself. This is the result of your hard training—that's why you've reached this level."
The Elder's voice echoed in Bell's mind, carrying clear approval.
"These Butterfree are non-combatants. They live carefree lives, so their levels are much lower than the patrol units."
Bell understood now.
No wonder they look so plump compared to me—they're not as physically conditioned.
As Bell pondered, a figure emerged from the canopy, hovering above the gathered Butterfree.
The others immediately bowed their heads, some even lowering their flight altitude respectfully.
"With the arrival of the seasonal winds, our Butterfree clan welcomes our annual gathering. Today, you shall fulfill the duty you were born to carry."
"But only the strong are worthy of offspring. The weak have no right to pass on their genes."
"Thus, I declare—the gathering begins NOW!!!"
A powerful wave of Psychic energy swept across the clearing as a fierce wind surged into the sky.
The seasonal winds—a symbol of renewal, heralding the birth and continuation of life. This was the Butterfree's sacred calling.
Seizing the gale, the Butterfree soared upward, racing for higher altitudes.
First Trial of the Gathering: The Ascent!
Both male and female Butterfree would compete for advantageous positions. The higher they climbed, the more it proved their excellence.
For females, soaring high demonstrated superiority over rivals and attracted stronger mates.
For males, the competition was even fiercer—only the strongest would claim their prize.
As the Butterfree surged skyward, one particularly striking individual caught their attention.
This Butterfree was noticeably larger than the others at the lower tiers—half a body taller than his peers, with wings twice as broad.
Yet, despite his size, he was flying unusually low… and slowing down further, his expression utterly relaxed.
Something was off.
From afar, the Elder Butterfree sent a telepathic message.
"Are you feeling unwell?"
It never doubted Bell's strength—after all, this was a clansman it had personally vouched for.
Surely there had to be a physical reason for his sluggishness.
"Huh? N-No, Elder! It's nothing! I can keep going!"
Snapping out of his daze, Bell quickly schooled his expression and replied mentally.
But inwardly, he was screaming—
Forget the whole mating thing—can we just battle already?! All I want is to grind EXP and level up!!