"Professor Oak, along with several Pokémon professors, has developed the Pokédex, which will now serve as identity verification for Trainers directly affiliated with the Alliance."
"Lance, the Dragon Master, has joined forces to crack down on Team Rocket, the illegal group operating in the Kanto region."
"Steven Stone, the acclaimed Steel Prince, has successfully evolved his shiny Metang into a Metagross."
"Wallace, the Prince of Water, has become a top Coordinator Master."
"Cynthia, the Sinnoh region's strongest emerging trainer, is preparing to challenge for an Elite Four position."
As Ethan read through various news articles and gossip, he confirmed the current timeline: it was about ten years before the original Pokémon story began. New generation Champion contenders like Steven, Cynthia, and Wallace were on the rise, though not yet fully matured.
This era was a mix of opportunity and challenge—the perfect time to compete against and battle with these extraordinary individuals. Over the next few days, Ethan remained in his rented room, diligently absorbing practical Pokémon knowledge, including ways to soothe and feed Pokémon of different types.
This knowledge was crucial for successfully capturing his first Pokémon. Feeling prepared, Ethan purchased camping gear, a mining helmet, a pickaxe, and other tools, and headed to the entrance of Granite Cave, a few kilometers from Dewford Town.
Ethan wasn't planning to capture just any Pokémon; he intended to explore Granite Cave to find one with good potential. Despite the system's ability to enhance any Pokémon he captured, Ethan felt responsible for nurturing his first Pokémon throughout their journey together.
He didn't want to settle for capturing a Zigzagoon or Wurmple and become a typical Youngster or Bug Catcher. To capture a worthy Pokémon, Ethan invested in several boxes of high-grade Energy Cubes and a few bottles of Moomoo Milk, all to attract lower-level Pokémon.
Seeing Ethan alone without a Pokémon, a resting man kindly advised him, "Young man, it's best to capture your first Pokémon before entering Granite Cave."
Ethan thanked him but remained determined to find an excellent Pokémon. Tightening his backpack, he stepped into Granite Cave.
The man shook his head, not pressing further. The first half of Granite Cave was developed and relatively safe, but devoid of Pokémon. Ethan walked for a while without encountering a single Geodude or Zubat.
The Pokémon resources in Granite Cave were excellent; even common Geodude and Zubat were potential captures for Ethan, as both have three-stage evolutions with strong final forms.
Following the natural mine tunnel, Ethan soon spotted Zubat hanging from the cave ceiling. He activated the system's detection function:
- **Zubat**
Gender: Female
Type: Poison, Flying
Ability: Inner Focus
Potential: Normal
Level: 12
Skills: Supersonic, Absorb, Astonish, Mean Look
Egg Moves: Quick Attack
This Zubat, while common, didn't meet Ethan's potential requirements. Shaking his head, he pressed on. The presence of Pokémon indicated potential danger, as those with better potential likely had powerful parents who could pose a threat.
The complex paths in Granite Cave, some created by Alliance personnel and others by wild Pokémon, left Ethan a bit dizzy. He intermittently encountered Geodude and Zubat, and once spotted an Abra. Unfortunately, before he could scan its details, the Abra vanished using Teleport, leaving Ethan disappointed.
After searching most of the day, Ethan realized he needed a different approach. Some wild Pokémon avoided humans, moving away as Ethan approached. Pokémon like Abra, with its Psychic abilities and potential for Mega Evolution, would make excellent starters if found.
"Since I can't find them, I'll let the Pokémon find me." Ethan decided. He found an open spot, mixed Sweet Honey with Pokémon food, and started fanning it around.
This method worked surprisingly well. Although some Pokémon remained wary, others—bolder—emerged, eyeing Ethan from a distance, hoping for food.
Ethan generously fed each Pokémon that approached, checking their potential. Most only had Normal potential.
Eating the Sweet Honey, the Pokémon grew more cheerful. Seeing Ethan distributing food and not harming them, even timid Pokémon ventured out.
Ethan's approach was proving effective—letting Pokémon come to him was better than seeking them out. Among them, the best was a Makuhita with Elite-level potential, though its final form's base stats weren't ideal for Ethan's goals.
Just as Ethan was distributing treats, a pale yellow figure peeked out from behind a rock, hesitantly watching the scene with longing eyes. Yet, it didn't dare approach, fearing rejection by other Pokémon as before.
Ethan noticed the gaze and, when he looked in that direction, he felt an unexpected thrill of excitement.