Behind the neatly arranged Whismur, a much larger figure gradually emerged from the shadows.
As the Pokémon stepped into the flashlight's beam, Steven finally got a clear view of its appearance.
This was a purple Pokémon with short limbs, an enormous mouth, and a pair of speaker-like ears atop its head. Four prominent fangs were positioned at the corners of its mouth, and each foot bore two white, tooth-shaped toes.
"A Loudred?" Steven recognized it immediately. Loudred was the evolved form of Whismur and a common Pokémon found in caves throughout the Hoenn region.
"So you're the leader of this Whismur group, though not quite an alpha yet," Steven said with a slight smile. Although he called it a leader, this Loudred clearly hadn't reached alpha-level strength—the aura it emitted posed no threat to Steven whatsoever.
This world used approximate hierarchical classifications for Pokémon strength, arranged from weakest to strongest: Novice, Common, Advanced, Elite, Alpha, Overlord, Pseudo-Champion, Champion-tier, Master-tier, and Legendary.
However, no instrument could precisely measure a Pokémon's exact strength level. Trainers relied on machines to examine a Pokémon's various physical statistics in detail to determine its approximate strength classification.
One ability that high-level Trainers needed to develop was the capacity to roughly gauge a Pokémon's strength. The stronger a Pokémon was, the more powerful the aura it emitted.
The strength stratification system had originated from grouping Trainers with similar combat abilities. When the Pokémon League first formed, Trainers at the pinnacle of strength were designated Champions, while peak Trainers one tier below were called Elites.
Over time, the Pokémon strength classification system had become increasingly detailed.
In ancient times, Pokémon were called magical beasts, and strength divisions were simpler: basic, intermediate, advanced, super-tier magical beasts, and so forth.
The Loudred before Steven was merely the leader among this particular Whismur group—its strength hadn't reached alpha level.
Based on Steven's assessment, its power remained at the Common tier.
"LOUD!" Loudred immediately issued what amounted to an eviction order, though Steven wasn't exactly an invited guest.
"What's this? Do you want to battle me?" Steven's lips quirked upward as he observed the Loudred, which stood barely one meter tall. He placed one hand on his hip, his expression showing genuine interest.
"Meta?" Metang appeared slightly confused. Not yet evolved into Metagross, its intelligence remained at Beldum level.
Though it seemed to understand—this Pokémon wanted them to leave, right?
"Metang, time to warm up." Steven gestured with his left hand, and Metang, without overthinking, immediately positioned itself in front of Steven.
"LOUD!" A visible vein appeared on Loudred's forehead. Having its authority challenged in front of its subordinates clearly enraged it.
"LOUUUD!"
Loudred's massive mouth opened even wider, releasing a sound that reverberated throughout the entire cave.
Steven, familiar with Loudred's abilities, had already prepared to cover his ears at any moment. Although the sound's penetrating power was considerable, it posed no real problem.
"Metang, Bullet Punch!" Steven raised his voice slightly while covering his ears, then added, "Pull your strike!"
Metang, looking somewhat puzzled, raised its metallic fist. Its hovering body shot toward the still-roaring Loudred. The heavy punch it launched suddenly decelerated just before making contact.
Thud!
With a dull impact, Bullet Punch connected squarely with Loudred's face, sending the stunned Pokémon flying several meters before it crashed against the ground.
"Whis-mur?!"
Seeing their leader defeated by a single blow, the Whismur immediately panicked. Frightened, their previously orderly formation dissolved into complete chaos as they scattered in all directions.
"I probably should have used Skarmory for this," Steven said with a slightly sheepish smile. Even with Metang significantly holding back its power, its strength had still knocked out Loudred instantly.
"I should familiarize myself with Skarmory's move set when I get back."
Observing the now-chaotic group of Whismur, Steven realized they wouldn't calm down anytime soon. He sighed helplessly. "Looks like we're done here for today."
"Still, today's haul was excellent."
Steven patted Metang, who had returned to his side, and smiled warmly. "Well done."
"Meta."
Steven adjusted the brightness of his helmet's flashlight and began walking back toward the entrance.
There was no need to worry about the defeated Loudred. Most Pokémon possessed remarkably strong natural healing abilities—as long as injuries weren't life-threatening, they would recover after some time.
Metang's punch had merely knocked Loudred unconscious. It would awaken soon enough.
If a wild Pokémon was accidentally seriously injured, a responsible Trainer would apply Potion spray to accelerate wound healing.
However, severe injuries required treatment at a Pokémon Center. This was mandated by the Wild Pokémon Protection Act.
After leaving the cave, Steven returned to Rustboro City and visited the Pokémon Center to register for his Ever Grande Conference challenge qualification and arrange his Pokémon Center lodging privileges.
Tucking the complimentary Badge case into his backpack, Steven found a nearby restaurant and ate a simple meal.
Afterward, he located a quiet corner of the training field behind the Pokémon Center and began familiarizing himself with Skarmory.
Flash!
Upon emerging from its Poké Ball, Skarmory surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings before turning its attention to its Trainer.
"Skarmory, do you want to become stronger?" Steven asked directly, maintaining his friendly smile.
"Skaaar." Skarmory didn't hesitate and immediately nodded in response.
"Good. I'll be training you from now on. Are you ready?"
"Skaar?" Skarmory tilted its head slightly in confusion.
Training? What did that mean?
"What's wrong? Why that expression?" Steven was taken aback. "Could it be that you've never undergone any training?"
"Skaar..." Skarmory seemed uncertain how to respond to Steven's question.
Since hatching, it had lived with its mother in a small, enclosed habitat where all the Pokémon were friendly and conflicts never arose. Consequently, it was severely lacking in battle experience and had never received training from its mother.
In its understanding, "battle" and "training" were completely foreign concepts.
It wanted to become stronger simply because of what its mother had told it before being taken away.
"You must become strong—strong enough to protect what you wish to protect."
This was why Skarmory had answered Steven's question so decisively moments ago.
Skarmory knew that one day it would have to leave its mother. It had watched many companions be taken away by humans like Steven, and its mother's only explanation was that they were leaving to grow stronger.
"I see. Then we'll teach you everything you need to know," Steven said, glancing at Metang beside him.
"Meta!" Metang responded cooperatively.
"First, let me see what you're capable of."