Paldea region, East Province Area Three.
"Cha!"
Tinkaton leaped high, its metal-gleaming hammer crashing down heavily.
Boom!!
In an instant, massive clouds of sand exploded from the sandy ground. A huge Pokémon crashed heavily into the dust, falling unconscious and losing its fighting ability!
It was a Pokémon that looked like an earthworm but was countless times larger, orange-red overall with a metallic sheen, its entire body wrapped in a metal shell.
Orthworm.
A Steel-type worm Pokémon unique to the Paldea region that liked living in dry deserts, feeding on sand and metals in soil layers, with a special obsession for metal.
In this regard, it was quite similar to Tinkaton.
However, this Orthworm was dozens of times larger than ordinary Orthworm—it could even compare to Elite Four Bruno's giant Onix.
Clearly, this was a Titan Pokémon—the Lurking Steel Titan Orthworm!
Now Tinkaton stood on Orthworm's head with its hammer, pouting.
"Cha..."
Looking at the dent in the Titan Orthworm's head created by its hammer.
Your metal armor isn't that great either.
And you dared to covet my hammer?
"Tinkaton," Johan held his forehead. "Why did you knock it out directly?"
"Cha!"
Only then did Tinkaton finally react, scratching the back of its head with an embarrassed smile.
Got too excited and forgot...
Originally, Johan's group had entered East Province Area Three to find this Lurking Steel Titan Orthworm—more precisely, to find the "Herba Mystica" it guarded.
They'd expected it to take some time, like with the Klawf Titan, not knowing where it stayed without getting close.
Who knew that upon entering this desert area, before Tyranitar could even act, a large group of Orthworm had surrounded them.
They'd set their sights on Tinkaton's hammer.
After all, Tinkaton's hammer was crafted with enormous effort from Tinkaton, plus Johan's massive funding and resources, along with precious metals obtained through various fortuitous encounters.
Truly speaking, Tinkaton's hammer could be said to have material quality comparable to the sword and shield of Galar region's Zacian and Zamazenta.
This "level" of metal hammer's appeal to metal-eating Pokémon like Orthworm was obvious.
Sure enough, even that giant Titan Orthworm had been lured out.
This saved Johan considerable time searching for it.
It's just that Tinkaton hadn't controlled its strength well, directly knocking out the Titan Orthworm.
Didn't that mean he still had to search for the "Herba Mystica" himself?
"Sni!"
Fortunately, Snivy indicated it might be able to find it.
The scent of "Herba Mystica" lingered on the Titan Orthworm, and with its plant perception abilities, it should roughly be able to find the direction.
Soon, under Snivy's search, they spent a bit more time and indeed found the Titan Orthworm's nesting cave and the gray-white "Herba Mystica" growing within.
Its surface was wrapped in something similar to "Salt Lord's" salt deposits, emitting a faint glow.
This was the Salty "Herba Mystica."
Same old routine.
They picked most of the leaves and a second-thickest branch section, completing the "Herba Mystica" collection.
Those sent by Geeta had been handled similarly according to Johan's wishes.
This way, they'd collected four of the five types of "Herba Mystica."
But besides "Herba Mystica," Tinkaton, Gengar, and Tyranitar had also discovered "treasure" in the Titan Orthworm's cave!
Some metals collected by the Titan Orthworm and other Orthworm!
Probably the Orthworm's food reserves.
Most were ordinary metals collected from sand and soil layers, which current Tinkaton no longer valued.
Now ordinary metals couldn't even arouse Tinkaton's desire to strike them.
Because with its current hammer quality, such ordinary metals didn't even qualify to be hammered into its weapon.
However, there were also some unknown, badly damaged metals of various strange shapes.
Tinkaton and its little follower, Meltan attached to the hammer, found several metal fragments that should be quite good quality.
Of course, they also took some ordinary metals—about half.
Tinkaton didn't need them, but Meltan still did, serving as its usual snacks.
"Remember to leave some Energy Cubes as 'compensation' after taking their things," Johan reminded.
Don't let the Orthworm population fight due to insufficient food reserves from taking their stored rations—just compensate with some Energy Cubes.
Tinkaton was quite sensible about this and had already placed them.
"Let's go. Maybe next there'll be metals you'll find satisfactory."
"Cha?!" Tinkaton was delighted, with little follower Meltan cheering.
Paldea region, North Province Area Two.
Splash splash—
The waterfall's water rushed fiercely downward from the cliff like a white silk ribbon crossing the mountain valley.
In the dense bamboo forest, numerous wild Pokémon lived, but most hid deep within the bamboo.
"This is one of the 'Ten Scenic Spots of Paldea'?" Cynthia asked softly, looking at the waterfall.
Honestly, the waterfall was quite spectacular, but having seen bigger, more impressive waterfalls, Johan didn't feel much about it.
For size, it couldn't compare to "Huangguoshu." For height, it couldn't match "Shengziyan."
Indeed, after seeing more magnificent scenery, this level seemed insufficient.
However, Rotom continuously photographed this "Ten Scenic Spots of Paldea" waterfall without stopping.
When it finally finished and looked back... all the photos showed Gengar!
Grinning Gengar, peace-sign Gengar, tongue-out Gengar...
"Rotom!!" Rotom gnashed its teeth in frustration.
"Decent enough, not bad."
Speaking, he looked toward the cliff above the waterfall. "If nothing unexpected happens, this disaster Pokémon should be up there."
Geeta had already sent people to investigate. Though they hadn't pinpointed the exact location, based on affected wild Pokémon, they could roughly lock down the seal's location.
"I heard point climbing has been fierce recently. I need to go back and climb points, or I might not even qualify for the 'Master Replacement Battle,'" Caitlin muttered.
Johan and Cynthia were both Champions and predetermined "Master Ball Tier" contestants. Even if they didn't climb points—even if Johan was at the bottom of "Master Ball Tier"—it didn't matter.
But as an Elite Four member, she was different.
As a "Great Ball Tier" contestant, she needed to climb more points to qualify for the "Master Replacement Battle."
Actually, with Caitlin's personality, she didn't really care about these so-called competitions. Whether she won or what her final ranking was didn't really matter.
But in the "Master Replacement Battle," she could challenge Johan!
Last time she lost to Johan and lost Cynthia too, which had bothered Caitlin for a long time.
So she was determined to work hard to reach the "Master Replacement Battle" and then challenge Johan!
Not to show others how great she was, but to tell others that what she'd lost, she would definitely reclaim!
Looking at the "golden-haired loser" silently grinding her teeth while thinking about something, Johan said:
"There are plenty of Elite Four who don't make the 'Master Replacement Battle'..."
Not everyone was like Flint or Raihan, willing to constantly challenge stronger opponents.
Some, like Byron, were Elite Four more passionate about other careers.
But halfway through, Johan quickly added:
"But I still admire your persistence, so if you want to go, then go for it!"
Please go!
Originally wanting to properly tour the Paldea region with his little Cynthia, experiencing Paldea's customs and culture, but she had to come be a "light bulb"—the brightest kind.
Since leaving Medali Town, Johan hadn't even held Cynthia's hand much!
How could he deepen their relationship?
How could they progress to hugging, kissing, and more intimate moments?
With Caitlin hugging Cynthia's arm constantly and sleeping in the same tent at night, Johan felt like a lonely old man.
"Mm, Caitlin can definitely do it," Cynthia smiled, gently stroking Caitlin's head with a comforting, supportive expression.
"Meow~"
Caitlin immediately closed her eyes contentedly.
Those who didn't know might think she was Cynthia's Pokémon.
The cliff was very high. Obviously Cyclizar couldn't go up there, so they had to rely on Dragonite and Garchomp to carry the three to the clifftop.
At the summit was a large lake, partially exposed and partially connected to the mountain interior. The waterfall's water originated from this lake.
"Roar!!"
As soon as they arrived, they saw a fierce Gyarados battling a Golduck in the lake.
The two Water-type Pokémon created huge waves in the lake, with rain from Rain Dance pattering on the lake surface.
However, the two Pokémon's battle was nearing its end.
Gyarados's final Hydro Pump successfully hit Golduck, washing it toward the waterfall's edge.
Though the injured Golduck hadn't lost fighting ability, it knew it was no longer Gyarados's match. After glaring fiercely at Gyarados, it swam down the waterfall.
"Roar—!!!"
The victorious Gyarados roared skyward, freely displaying its violent aura.
Then, seemingly noticing Johan's group's presence, its bell-like red eyes glared at them, showing pure ferocity.
Logically, wild Gyarados having violent temperaments was normal, and wild Pokémon fighting over territory was also normal.
But this Gyarados was clearly wrapped in negative energy that couldn't be hidden under Johan's aura.
"Rotom, Thunderbolt. Put it to sleep."
Before Gyarados could attack them, Johan chose to strike first.
"Rotom!"
Zap—
Rotom, who hadn't acted in a while, shot out electricity. Naturally, the 4× Electric-weak Gyarados couldn't withstand such an attack, immediately rolling its eyes and losing fighting ability.
"Let's go inside."
Ninetales formed ice beneath their feet.
Following the lake water into the cave.
The advantage of Gyarados being here was that there were almost no other Pokémon in the water. They encountered no wild Pokémon attacks walking from outside to inside the cave, saving considerable trouble.
The cave's interior space grew larger as they went deeper.
Clang!!
When Johan's group reached the cave's depths, metallic collision sounds came from within.
On the cave's platform, three Bisharp leading a group of Pawniard were besieging a Kingambit.
Blade clashed with blade, accompanied by scattering sparks.
"Bisharp besieging Kingambit?" Caitlin was stunned seeing this scene.
"For the 'Leader's Crest' on it," Johan was also somewhat surprised but quickly understood.
The seal stone for the "Treasures of Ruin" was behind the platform where the Bisharp were located.
At such close distance, being affected by the disaster Pokémon sealed within was too normal.
As for "Leader's Crest," this was a special item needed for Bisharp evolution.
Generally speaking, some powerful Bisharp that had been honed over long periods would have the blades on their heads forged into something called "Leader's Crest" after gathering some Pawniard.
Usually such Bisharp already had decent strength and subordinates, enabling them to compete with other Bisharp.
By seizing other Bisharp's "Leader's Crest" and their subordinates, and collecting three "Leader's Crest," they could evolve into Kingambit!
So in the wild, Bisharp evolving into Kingambit was extremely difficult—as difficult as Galar region's Farfetch'd evolving into Sirfetch'd.
Now, these three Bisharp, clearly Kingambit's subordinates, were leading Pawniard in besieging Kingambit. In "Young and Dangerous" terms, this betrayal of the boss would warrant being stabbed six times.
"Pok!"
Kingambit was a brute, half-kneeling while swinging the giant blade atop its head, sending two Bisharp flying.
But another Bisharp still left a pale scar on Kingambit's body.
"Jealousy..." Cynthia said softly.
She saw jealousy in those Bisharp and Pawniard's eyes—thick jealous emotions.
That's right.
Jealousy.
Whether the three Bisharp or that group of Pawniard, they all envied Kingambit for evolving to the final stage, being able to command a group of followers just by giving random orders.
"Chi-Yu..." Johan said quietly.
Wo-Chien brought negative emotions of hatred.
Chi-Yu brought negative emotions of jealousy!
Chi-Yu was a disaster Pokémon Johan had used for some time in "Pokémon Battle" games and was quite familiar with.
"Gengar, let them sleep for a while," Johan said.
Actually, without being told, Gengar had already appeared beside those Bisharp, Pawniard, and Kingambit.
Usually playful Gengar now had a face full of anger.
"Ka-kaah!"
Gengar shouted loudly, and all the Bisharp, Pawniard, and even Kingambit instinctively looked at it.
They saw Gengar "fiercely" pointing at those Bisharp and Pawniard.
"Ka-kaah! Ka-kaah!"
As "subordinates," how dare you betray and besiege your "boss"! You're unworthy of being "subordinates"!
"Pok!"
Kingambit nearly shed tears after hearing this.
A kindred spirit!
However, before Kingambit could invite Gengar to help, Gengar turned to face Kingambit with even more anger.
"Ka-kaah!"
And you!
You're even worse!
How did you become "boss"?
As a "boss," you can't even take care of your "subordinates," forcing them to betray and besiege you. You're completely unworthy of being boss!
For a moment, Gengar pointed at Kingambit, Bisharp, and Pawniard while frantically "outputting," quite the stance of "one against many" and "debating the scholars."
This made Kingambit and the others forget about fighting.
"What is Gengar..." Caitlin looked at this scene with complete bewilderment. "What is it doing?"
Wasn't it supposed to put them to sleep?
How did it start arguing?
No, it was Gengar unilaterally "outputting."
Johan turned his head, unable to bear watching.
Could only say... Gengar was "empathizing."
As the "Outlaw Gang Boss," as the "boss" of stray Pokémon in Rustboro City, seeing this scene, Gengar had put itself in their position.
Think about it—Gengar had many "subordinates" not just in Rustboro City but in many places.
Those guys were absolutely "obedient" to it, but Gengar considered itself quite good to them. Throughout Rustboro City, whenever any disturbance occurred, Gengar could know everything within five minutes.
Yet here was fellow "boss" Kingambit being besieged by subordinates?
This was simply disgracing all "bosses"!
However, after being lectured, Kingambit and the Bisharp came to their senses and immediately wanted to tear apart Gengar's chattering mouth.
But just as they were about to exert force, they felt their bodies weaken.
Then one by one, they rolled their eyes and collapsed, losing fighting ability!
Seeing this scene, Johan's mouth twitched. After a long while, he slowly uttered one word:
"Perish Song..."
Combining lecturing with Perish Song—Gengar had pioneered a new use for Perish Song?
Mental and physical double damage.
Trash Talk Song?
"Ka-kaah!"
Gengar crossed its arms and snorted white puffs from its nose, angrily turning away.
Though the Bisharp had all fallen, Gengar still felt unsatisfied.
Being "brothers" to this extent—you guys are something else!
Suddenly, Gengar's eyes rolled.
It showed a mischievous smile.
It confiscated all the "weapons" of the fallen Kingambit, Bisharp, and Pawniard!
Especially Kingambit's great blade.
This was the "Leader's Crest."
"Ka-kaah!"
Let's see how you fight now!
I'll have Tinkaton forge me a suit of armor with these later!
Decided happily!
"Alright, alright, Gengar, calm down. See if you can unseal this?" Johan soothed.
The loosening degree of this seal differed from Wo-Chien's. Only after Wo-Chien's revival had this seal begun loosening, but clearly the affected range wasn't large, indicating the seal's loosening wasn't severe.
Perhaps forcing it open would be quite troublesome.
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Powerstones?
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