The bustling energy of Rustboro City hit Htee as soon as he stepped off Route 104. Unlike the quaint, rural feel of Littleroot and Oldale, Rustboro was a modern hub. Tall buildings of glass and steel pierced the sky, cars (or rather, what looked like futuristic buggies) whizzed by, and people in suits mingled with trainers carrying Poké Balls. The air hummed with activity.
His first priority was clear: ensure Mudkip was in top condition. He quickly located the familiar red roof of the Pokémon Center, a beacon of healing and rest.
Inside, the Rustboro Pokémon Center was even busier than Oldale's. Trainers sat at tables, chatting or reviewing their Pokédexes. A few seemed to be studying maps, planning their next moves.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Center!" Nurse Joy's cheerful voice cut through the hum. "How may I help you?"
"My Mudkip could use a rest, please," Htee said, handing over his Poké Ball.
"Of course! Right away." Nurse Joy took the Poké Ball, and within moments, Mudkip was whisked away for its recovery.
While Mudkip was healing, Htee took the opportunity to observe. He kept his Potential Sight active, subtly scanning the Pokémon accompanying other trainers, but nothing registered above Diamond. It seemed trainers here either hadn't found Champion or Royal potential Pokémon, or they were simply rarer than he hoped.
He also overheard snippets of conversation: talk of the Rustboro Gym Leader, Roxanne, and her formidable Rock-type Pokémon; whispers about the Devon Corporation, a massive tech company based in the city; and mentions of various routes leading out of Rustboro.
Soon, Nurse Joy returned with his Mudkip's Poké Ball. "Your Mudkip is fully refreshed!"
"Thank you, Nurse Joy," Htee said, feeling the familiar warmth of the Poké Ball in his hand.
With Mudkip ready, Htee's next move was reconnaissance. He wasn't interested in battling the gym yet; his team was just Mudkip, and he needed more high-potential Pokémon. The key was to find a new route to scout, somewhere that might offer a fresh array of wild Pokémon.
He pulled out his Pokédex and activated its map function. Rustboro City was a major hub, with several routes fanning out from it:
* Route 116: East of Rustboro, known for caves and diverse terrain.
* Route 104 (north section): The path he'd just come from, leading back to the forest and beach.
* Route 103: Which led back towards Oldale.
Route 116 seemed the most promising. Caves often held different types of Pokémon, and "diverse terrain" implied new species. He also remembered reading about Rusturf Tunnel connecting Route 116 to Verdanturf Town, suggesting a longer, more varied journey.
Htee decided. "Alright, Mudkip," he whispered, looking down at his starter who now looked eager for action. "Time to explore Route 116. Let's see what truly powerful Pokémon are waiting for us out there."
He exited the Pokémon Center, feeling the renewed energy of Rustboro's bustling streets. He made his way through the city, past the grand Devon Corporation building and the imposing Gym, heading towards the eastern exit.
The anticipation of finding a Champion or hidden Legendary potential Pokémon spurred him onward. His adventure, his unique quest, was truly underway.
Route 116: First Encounter
Htee and Mudkip soon found themselves on Route 116, the vibrant urban landscape of Rustboro City quickly giving way to wilder terrain. The route started with grassy patches, but ahead, Htee could see a rocky outcrop and the entrance to a cave – Rusturf Tunnel. The promise of new Pokémon was palpable.
He and Mudkip walked cautiously, their eyes scanning the tall grass. The air here felt different, a mix of fresh earth and the faint, mineral scent of rock.
Suddenly, a rustle in the grass near a cluster of small rocks. Htee's senses sharpened.
This was it.
A small, green, caterpillar-like Pokémon with a large, orange snout and a prominent horn on its head emerged from the foliage. It looked rather shy, twitching its antennae nervously.
Htee immediately focused his Potential Sight. The blue screen shimmered to life, displaying information about the creature
.
POKÉMON: Nincada
TYPE: Bug/Ground
POTENTIAL: Iron
Htee's shoulders slumped ever so slightly. "Iron," he murmured, a familiar feeling of mild disappointment. Nincada. It was a common Pokémon for this area, known for evolving into Ninjask and Shedinja. Iron potential meant it would be a decent Pokémon with dedicated training, but it wasn't the Champion or Hidden Legendary tier he was searching for.
Mudkip, oblivious to Htee's internal assessment, let out a small "Kip?" and took a tentative step towards the Nincada, ready for a battle if commanded.
Htee sighed. "No, Mudkip," he said, shaking his head gently. "Not this one."
He knew he needed to be patient. Rustboro was a major city, and this was only the very beginning of Route 116. There had to be something more out there, something truly remarkable. He had to trust his system, and his strict criteria.
He carefully guided Mudkip around the Nincada, leaving the Bug/Ground type to its own devices. It was frustrating to pass up Pokémon, even those with decent potential, but Htee was committed to his unique journey. He had five Poké Balls left, and he wouldn't waste them.
He continued down the path, the entrance to Rusturf Tunnel looming closer. Perhaps the cave, or the areas beyond it, would hold the promise he was looking for. His quest for the ultimate team continued.