"Professor Oak, along with numerous Pokémon Professors, has developed the Pokédex, which will replace identity verification as the mark of a direct-lineage Trainer of the Pokémon League."
"Lance, the Dragon Master, has joined the prosecutors to severely crack down on Team Rocket, the criminal organization in the Kanto region."
"Steven Stone, the much-anticipated Steel Prince, has evolved his shiny Metang into a Metagross."
"The Prince of Water, Wallace, has become a top Coordinator Master."
"Cynthia, the strongest of the new generation in the Sinnoh region, is preparing to challenge for a seat among the Elite Four."
Reading through various news articles and gossip, Hikaru Mori confirmed the current timeline: it was roughly ten years before the main events of the anime began. New generation Champions like Steven, Cynthia, and Wallace were just emerging, not yet in their prime.
It was the best of times—and the worst of times.
But to Hikaru, it was exhilarating to think of battling side by side—or against—these future legends.
Over the next few days, Hikaru stayed in his rented room, diligently reviewing all the practical Pokémon knowledge he could absorb—like basic soothing techniques and feeding strategies for various types.
After all, this was directly linked to whether he could successfully capture his first Pokémon.
When Hikaru felt ready, he purchased camping gear, a mining helmet, a pickaxe, and various tools, then made his way to the entrance of Granite Cave, a few kilometers away from Dewford Town.
Yes, Hikaru didn't want to randomly catch a Pokémon. He was aiming for one with true potential.
While his system's ability could allow any Pokémon to "snowball" in strength, Hikaru believed that once he captured a Pokémon, he had to take responsibility for it.
He wanted his first partner to stay with him until the end—not just be a stepping stone for stronger ones.
So, catching a Zigzagoon or Wurmple and turning into a stereotypical Bug Catcher or Shorts Kid wasn't an option.
To capture a worthy Pokémon, Hikaru spent a fortune on several boxes of high-grade Energy Cubes and a few bottles of Moomoo Milk, specifically for low-level wild Pokémon.
In addition, he had prepared several essential items for survival and bait.
While resting near the entrance, a kindly uncle, noticing Hikaru alone and Pokémon-less, offered some advice.
"Young man, if you're heading into Granite Cave, it's better to catch your first Pokémon first."
He had seen many young prospectors go in, only to return empty-handed—or not return at all.
Granite Cave, though mostly cleared by the League, was still risky. Every year, some explorers went missing.
Not everyone had the makings of a main character.
"Thanks, uncle, but I'm aiming for something exceptional."
Tightening his backpack, Hikaru stepped into the shadowy mouth of the cave.
The uncle sighed and let him go without pushing further.
The first half of Granite Cave was fully developed and generally safe—but also empty of wild Pokémon.
Hikaru walked for quite a while without spotting even a single Geodude or Zubat.
The resources here were excellent, and even the most common Pokémon—like Geodude and Zubat—had potential.
Both had three evolution stages, and their final forms—Golem and Crobat—were respectable.
If one with good potential appeared, Hikaru wouldn't hesitate to catch it.
Following the natural descent of the mine tunnel, Hikaru finally saw Zubat hanging from the ceiling.
The moment he spotted it, he activated the system's detection function:
Zubat
Gender: ♀
Type: Poison / Flying
Ability: Inner Focus
Potential: Normal
Level: 12
Potential Tier Classification:
Infant: 1–9
Normal: 10–19
Superior: 20–39
Gym: 40–59
Quasi-Elite: 60–79
Elite: 80–89
Champion/Tier 3 God: 90–99
Master/Tier 2 God: 100–109
Tier 1 God: 110–129
Super Legendary: 130–139
Creation God: 150
Skills: Supersonic, Absorb, Astonish, Mean Look
Egg Move: Quick Attack
A very common Pokémon, and its potential didn't meet Hikaru's standards.
Shaking his head, he pressed on.
But this reminded him that Pokémon were now present—and so was danger. Pokémon with high potential often had powerful parents nearby. One wrong move, and he'd be in serious trouble.
Granite Cave was a maze. Some tunnels were man-made, others dug by wild Pokémon. Hikaru soon found himself disoriented.
He intermittently encountered more Geodude and Zubat. Once, he even saw an Abra—but before he could scan its details, the Abra vanished with Teleport, leaving Hikaru full of regret.
After wandering for most of the day, Hikaru realized this wasn't working.
Most wild Pokémon avoided him. Like the Abra—rare, intelligent, and capable of Mega Evolution. It would've been an amazing starter.
"If I can't find them… then I'll let them find me."
Hikaru found an open area, mixed Sweet Honey with Pokémon food, and began fanning it.
This tactic worked. While many Pokémon still kept their distance, a few bolder ones approached, gazing at Hikaru with cautious curiosity.
He didn't hesitate—feeding each one, scanning their potential with the system.
Sadly, most were Normal-tier.
As the sweet scent lingered, more Pokémon emerged. The peaceful atmosphere reassured even the timid ones watching from the shadows.
Indeed, it was easier to lure Pokémon than to chase them.
Among all the Pokémon that approached, the highest potential he saw was a Makuhita—with Elite-level potential.
However, Makuhita wasn't on Hikaru's ideal list. Its evolved form, Hariyama, had average base stats and poor distribution.
Still, it could be a backup if he didn't find anything better.
Just as Hikaru continued offering food, a pale yellow figure peeked shyly from behind a rock.
The Pokémon hesitated, watching from the shadows. Her eyes shimmered with longing.
But she stayed hidden.
She had often been driven away by stronger Pokémon before, and she feared it might happen again.
Hikaru noticed the gaze and turned toward her. When their eyes met—his heart skipped a beat.
End of the Chapter.