Chapter 101:

Gazing upon the third location etched on the map, it lay furthest from Goldenrod City, beckoning Cain to traverse an arduous path. The map depicted a sprawling lake, surrounded by a dense, imposing forest. Nidoran could potentially dwell amidst the forest's shadowy depths.

Cain's initial plan was to investigate the first two locations, which were relatively close by. If he could successfully capture Nidoran, he would be able to return to Goldenrod City on the same day and submit his mission to the Hunter's Guild before venturing forth again.

But if he failed to locate Nidoran at the first two locations, he would have insufficient time to return to Goldenrod City on the same day if he traveled to the third, farthest destination. Should he choose to pursue Nidoran there, Cain would need to rest under the stars, braving the elements and the treacherous terrain as he headed north, weaving his way through a series of linked forests before arriving at Ecruteak City.

Cain deftly folded the map and tucked it into his ring with practiced ease. Without a moment's hesitation, he set forth on the path leading to the final location.

Cain and his companions had already slept in the wild during their time on Purgatory Island, a place much more hostile than their current surroundings. Thus, there was no hint of unease in their hearts.

Yet for novice trainers, or those who had only begun their journey a year or two prior, wilderness survival was a daunting adversary. Countless young trainers perished each year due to the rigors of sleeping in the wild. Despite the danger, more and more trainers continued to undertake such perilous journeys. To Cain's dismay, the Association not only condoned but also encouraged this recklessness, heedless of the mounting casualties, knowing there were always more eager trainers to take their place.

The true geniuses, or those who claimed direct lineage to the Association, had no cause for concern in such trivial matters. Should they falter, it would only suggest their strength and talent were insufficient.

Thus, the Association employed this journey as a test, ruthlessly culling any unworthy junior trainers.

Those who possessed the fortitude to become intermediate trainers had already passed the trial of basic wilderness survival. They formed the backbone of the Association, a significant number with official identities, eclipsed only by the sea of junior trainers.

But advanced trainers were a rare breed. The ability to survive in the wilderness was but a commonplace affair for them.

Be it the Association or its numerous factions, the quantity of advanced trainers was a touchstone to measure a faction's overall strength.

...

Four hours later, Cain and his team finally approached the lake depicted on the map, after careening through the wilds at breakneck speed. Human traces grew scarce as they delved deeper into the feral paradise of the Pokemon.

The Pokemon's strength only mounted as they progressed. By the time they approached the lake, the average Pokemon level had surged to 20.

Staring at the gargantuan lake that stretched almost to infinity, Cain was left dumbstruck.

The information broker had marked a location near the lake, but the lake itself was far larger than indicated on the map. Cain estimated another two hours of arduous trekking to circumvent it entirely.

The activities of wild Pokemon didn't merely revolve around the lake. Many Pokemon visited the lake to drink, making it an unfeasible place to live. Thus, most Pokemon sought residence a couple of kilometers away from the lake.

This development expanded the search area, a daunting prospect. If they were unlucky, the search could extend into the next day.

Cain cursed the information merchant, vexed by the enormity of the Pokemon activity zone. In reality, every information source marked this location as a hotspot for Pokemon activity. And given the vast and diverse ecosystem, any type of Pokemon could potentially be present.

The information merchants weren't always accurate. Yet compared to searching blindly, their clues were preferable.

The sun was already tilting westward, and it seemed that they wouldn't discover anything today. Cain knew he couldn't force it and chose a picturesque spot by the lake to set up camp.

The setting sun illuminated half the sky, casting an orange hue across the lake's surface, creating the impression of a burning painting.

Cain extracted a tent from his space ring and with Slowpoke's Confusion aiding him, he erected it with ease.

Cain fashioned a rudimentary stove out of pebbles by the lake. Retrieving a kettle, he filled it with water from the lake and tossed in a handful of purifying pills. Placing the kettle on the stove, he lit a small fire.

Despite carrying purified water from Goldenrod City, Cain reserved it for dire circumstances since he anticipated living in the wild for a while.

The water in the lake was crystal clear and safe to drink, thanks to the purifying pills. Additionally, the natural water contained essential trace elements and minerals, superior to purified water.

Given the circumstances, Cain still boiled the water before drinking. While Pokemon could drink it without any issue, Cain being human was less resistant to potential contaminants. If he were to get sick, it could lead to further problems. Mild cases of illness caused a brief spell of weakness, while severe cases resulted in vomiting, fainting, or shock.

No one knew what bacteria might infest the lake water. Boiling eliminated 99% of the bacteria, with purifying pills rendering the water almost entirely harmless.

Cain reserved a portion of the boiled water to cool, storing the remainder in his ring for later.

While waiting for the water to cool, Cain sent Murkrow to hunt for tonight's dinner. And the bird did not disappoint, returning continuously with wild rabbits and pheasants.

Meanwhile, Slowpoke relished in the lake, often encountering Goldeen, Magikarp, and Poliwag.

In its idle moments, Slowpoke utilized Confusion to net some fish for their evening meal.

But as Cain and Miltank began to prepare dinner, Murkrow swooped in from a distance, crying out in excitement, "Caw caw!"

Murkrow flipped and darted, conveying something to Cain. Having bonded with Murkrow for some time, Cain understood its fervor.

"Are you saying you spotted a Nidoran?" Cain inquired.