Based on the idea of wasting nothing, Cain decided to try capturing Bronzong with a Pokéball. Even if he didn't plan to use it, he could keep it as a sort of antique to display in his home.
Should I consider giving it to my subordinates?
It was absurd. None of them were in any condition to handle a Pokémon of this level; their maximum limit was advanced-level Pokémon.
However, when Cain threw the Pokéball at Bronzong, it failed to capture it. It was as if it were an empty shell, opening without any effect.
Cain stood bewildered for a moment.
Soon, the Unown explained the reason to him.
On this island, capturing Pokémon was not possible.
Upon hearing this, Cain couldn't help but feel frustrated.
He had defeated a Bronzong with remarkable power and special characteristics, but couldn't add it to his team. Additionally, the main purpose of coming to this island remained a mystery. All of this left Cain in a perplexing position.
With no other choice, he left Bronzong behind.
It was too heavy, even more so than Larvitar, and Cain wasn't interested in carrying such a burden with him.
Florges then treated the wounds of Slowking and Drapion.
Even though it had only been a battle against a single Pokémon, both felt considerable pressure. However, this also had a positive side: the pressure could serve as a catalyst for Drapion to reach quasi-elite level.
Intrigued by what the island might offer, Cain continued moving deeper into it.
However, the restrictions of this place were glaring. Only three Pokémon were allowed in battle at a time, as if the island were designed specifically to limit intruders.
Could this be related to the Lake Trio?
That seemed like a possible connection.
Moreover, his storage team was disabled, meaning many essential items, such as medicines and Pokéblocks, couldn't be accessed.
The most critical issue was that he couldn't even access his food or drinking water supplies.
The strength of the wild Pokémon on this island was also impressive, making Cain feel like he was back in his early days at Trial Island. No tools, no supplies, no outside help. Everything had to start from scratch.
This time, however, he didn't have the system that used to assist him, the one that allowed him to craft Pokéblocks with rudimentary tools.
For that reason, Cain's first goal was to locate a water source and find a safe place to establish a basic shelter. From there, he could begin to gradually explore the surroundings.
The difference between this and his arrival at Trial Island was that now he had a strong team of Pokémon in whom he fully trusted. That trust gave him the courage to explore this mysterious island.
As for leaving...
Since this was a rare opportunity to explore a virgin island, Cain wanted to make the most of it. Who knows if he'd ever be able to return.
What if the Unown couldn't find the way back?
With Drapion and Slowking recovering little by little, Cain continued his journey deeper. Luckily, Florges was there to heal and treat the lighter injuries; otherwise, he would have had to abandon the exploration after the battle with Bronzong.
It seemed that fate was on his side.
Not long after leaving the battlefield, Cain heard the sound of flowing water. Approaching, he discovered a small lake.
On an island like this, a lake could be the primary water supply for the local Pokémon. Therefore, Cain had to proceed with caution. If they encountered wild Pokémon, they were likely to attack to defend their territory.
Even a normally calm Bronzong had attacked Cain upon seeing him.
Fortunately, when Cain reached the lake, he only saw a Girafarig retreating, unaware of his presence.
A short distance from the lake, Cain found a giant tree.
Here, the secret powers of the Unown did not work; being in an alternate dimension, they couldn't build a dimensional shelter in another alternate space. However, the tree was large enough to serve as shelter for Cain and his Pokémon.
First, Drapion used its pincers to cut off a large portion of bark. Then, Cain instructed it to hollow out the inside of the trunk, creating a rudimentary but functional tree-home.
Slowking was sent to the lake to gather water using its psychic powers.
With no basic utensils like pots or containers, Cain had to improvise. Drapion cut thick branches, and after hollowing them out, turned them into bowls and cups where they stored water. Being made from fresh plant material, there was no risk of contamination.
To cook or boil water, Drapion used hard stones, shaping them into primitive pots. Though rudimentary, the result was functional.
Meanwhile, Florges arranged the inside of the shelter. Using leaves, flowers, and grass, it made the space more comfortable and cozy, a task it handled with great skill.
The lake water was also treated before Cain consumed it. Although the Pokémon could drink it directly, for a human it would be dangerous due to the possible presence of bacteria or microorganisms.
With medicines unusable, getting sick here would be an unacceptable risk.
Once the issues of food and shelter were addressed, Florges used its Grass-type energy to seal the entrance with the leftover bark, ensuring the shelter blended into the environment.
For Cain, this was an experience that brought back memories of his time as a "wild man."
The difficulty and the unknown environment stirred excitement both in him and his Pokémon. In the outer areas, the battles no longer posed a challenge; the opponents were either too weak or outnumbered.
Here, Pokémon were scarce, but their power was remarkable. Even Slowking felt the pressure, and Drapion was more excited than ever.
With its pincers constantly moving, Drapion seemed to find happiness in this struggle.
They hadn't advanced much when they encountered another formidable Pokémon.
It was a Grumpig, similar to the ones Cain had known before, which had provided him with useful items to enhance psychic abilities.
However, this Grumpig was unlike the others. Its level had reached 58, surpassing even the earlier Bronzong.
The battle began immediately, with no words or pauses.
(End of chapter)