Chapter 266: Rock Cave

In a field pockmarked with potholes and even a large crater.

Tsuge handed the Knuckle Badge to All Baimu and said with feeling:

"I have to commend your synergy with your Bossgodora. Type matchup is a wave many Trainers struggle to ride, but your performance has proven to me that you've already conquered it."

"Thank you."

All Baimu received it with both hands.

The Knuckle Badge, true to its name, was designed in the shape of a boxing glove, with a yellow gemstone in place of the thumb — quite a pretty thing.

The Fighting Gym's battle intensity was clearly a poor match for the strength of the Badge it held; in fact, that Hitmonchan from earlier was already one of Tsuge's ace Pokémon—

It was genuinely tough.

It took a Rock Tomb and then a Low Kick before it showed even the slightest hint of fatigue — proof enough of how absurd its endurance was.

Did the Surf training max out its durability?

All Baimu placed the Badge into the prepared case and couldn't help fantasizing about the Gym challenges ahead.

The fact that these Gym Leaders had a group chat was something he already knew from the simulator; he guessed they often shared particularly talented or formidable challengers in there.

The upcoming challenges would most likely exceed the level a Badge-holder should be at.

While he was thinking, he heard Tsuge's voice again.

"Next time you get the chance, let's surf together. Your physical conditioning is pretty good — even if you start out on a surfboard, I'm sure you'll pick it up fast."

"Sure."

All Baimu nodded. He was quite fond of this man who couldn't go three sentences without mentioning surfing.

After all, however many times he'd played through the main series and special editions of the Hoenn games, that's how many times he'd beaten this guy with his fully-evolved starter — there was a natural "fan" filter at play.

Especially since the other party was so friendly.

Meanwhile, little Ren beside them seemed to finally find her chance to speak, and said excitedly:

"Your Bossgodora is really strong! Even stronger than the one I ran into in Rock Cave!"

"There are Bossgodora in Rock Cave?"

All Baimu turned his head, looking at her curiously.

"Yes! I accidentally wandered deep inside and saw one!" little Ren nodded vigorously.

Tsuge added: "There are a lot of good Pokémon in Rock Cave, like Hariyama for example. If you're interested, you could go catch some new Pokémon there… It's not far."

Hmm?

Why did that sound like it was smuggling in some hidden agenda?

"I-I can draw you a map!" little Ren raised her hand enthusiastically, then said regretfully: "If the Gym was taking a break today, I could actually guide you there myself… but there are still three challengers with appointments coming."

Hearing that there were still three challengers, Tsuge's expression also turned melancholy.

He gazed at the sky. "Why is it overcast today? Why is it overcast?"

All Baimu: "…"

Not long after.

Having obtained a simple map from little Ren, All Baimu thanked them and said goodbye. He actually had developed an interest in Diamond Cave — he hadn't originally planned to go—

Mainly to search for a wild Bossgodora, especially one that knew Double-Headbutt.

That move is an egg move; it can only be learned from others of its kind. No matter how long you train normally, you'll never teach it — a real sore spot for the big-headed monster.

What left All Baimu helpless was that, because of Bossgodora's somewhat fierce personality, not many Trainers bred them. As a result, he often searched his city for friends who bred Bossgodora, but could never find a chat group or anything.

The neighboring Spinarak and Linoone fan groups, meanwhile, would get an instant flood of responses. Weird.

——

Arriving at the Pokémon Center.

All Baimu handed the three Pokémon that had battled to Nurse Joy.

Compared to when he left in the morning, there were quite a few more Trainers at the Pokémon Center. He found a seat and listened in on their conversations, discovering that basically all of them were here for the beach bonfire gathering.

That popular?

He couldn't help feeling surprised, and found himself looking forward a little to the evening's bonfire party and trade meet.

But in the afternoon he planned to go check out Rock Cave — online Trainers had all sorts of reviews of the place.

For example: it's too complex, watch out for getting lost; if you run into a Hariyama, never laugh at its slit eyes, or you'll easily provoke its anger; don't be fooled by cute Mawile, its bite really hurts; don't carry too many metal items on you, or you'll get chased by a swarm of Aron — that sort of thing.

Advice steeped in the blood and tears of Trainer seniors.

Mawile and Aron…

All Baimu felt that if he went in, he probably wouldn't be given a hard time. Wild Pokémon naturally worship stronger individuals, and when encountering their own kind they at least won't attack on a whim.

Of course, the prerequisite was that the Trainer's Pokémon had a sufficiently dominant personality — being too soft wouldn't work either.

While playing with his phone.

"Happy~"

A Chansey nurse came over and called him to pick up his Pokémon.

All Baimu went to the front desk, where Nurse Joy returned three Poké Balls to him. "Your Pokémon are out of the woods. As for your Galarian Corsola, due to physical exhaustion and shell damage, please let it rest for a few more days — if there's no need, don't have it battle."

"Got it."

He nodded.

The Galarian Corsola's "forehead" had even cracked. More rest was warranted.

This was what you'd call a glorious wound — a few quiet days of rest were well deserved. All Baimu wasn't some slave-driving boss; when it was time to slack off, he slacked off.

But the fact that Bossgodora was basically fine was a pleasant surprise, and it strengthened his resolve to go check out Rock Cave.

No time like the present.

He ran back to his room to change clothes and pared down his gear, then set off for Rock Cave. It was located near Route 106 — following the coastal road out of town, it wasn't long before it came into view.

yawenba.

Compared to yesterday, there were noticeably more tourists in Wudu Town. When he had come yesterday, he had barely run into anyone along the way, but now tourists in all sorts of attire could be seen everywhere.

There were even quite a few Pokémon battles starting right out on the street.

This situation only eased up once he left the town; the surroundings once again became sparsely populated, and from time to time some aquatic Pokémon could be spotted along the coast.

Such as Krabby and Wingull.

Occasionally he could also see wild Octillery sprawled on the rocks, staring at him blankly as he approached.

All Baimu thought about it briefly, decided that getting a face full of ink was not very appealing, and pretended not to notice and let the fellow go.

If this were playing Pokémon Legends: Arceus, he'd definitely toss a ball and catch it without hesitation.

Not long after.

Rock Tunnel was right before his eyes.

Judging from the footprints at the cave entrance, this place was clearly very popular with trainers — the ground had already been trampled flat, as if a steamroller had rolled over it.

"At a time like this… it's more suitable to leave it to you."

All Baimu sent out Dreepy.

Don't be fooled by how brightly lit it looks in the anime — in reality, Rock Tunnel is pitch dark; only the layer near the surface maintains a certain visibility because light often filters in.

The depths are just like an abandoned mine shaft — completely pitch-black.