"If Empoleon can further develop its Steel-type potential, then the might of its slashing moves will rise to an even greater level."
Both Kale and Empoleon froze upon hearing Aven's words. After reaching the King-level, it had been a long time since they had seen any real hope of further improvement.
They had once believed their strength had already reached its limit. Yet now, Aven's words ignited a spark of possibility, giving them hope once again.
"Lord Aven, the Steel type… what kind of power is that exactly?"
Kale fell silent for a moment before asking. This was already the second time he had heard mention of Steel-type power, and still he found it difficult to understand.
"The Steel type… it is also one of a Pokémon's natural attributes."
"For example, resisting Poison-type attacks is merely one of its many manifestations."
Aven patiently explained the concept of the Steel attribute. "These are things that, in truth, should be part of every trainer's fundamental knowledge."
"When the Trainer Academy is built, I plan to establish all of this as part of the basic curriculum for trainers."
Kale listened with rapt attention. He had never imagined that Pokémon still held such countless mysteries—that every Pokémon carried its own innate attributes, and that these attributes interacted and restrained one another.
"I, too, greatly look forward to the Trainer Academy." Kale bowed deeply. "If possible, I hope I might also enter the academy to study."
"Of course," Aven said with a smile, "the establishment of the Trainer Academy will require your help as well."
"Once the reclamation of the Black Forest is completed and Marina City is successfully liberated, then we can begin the next stage of foundational construction."
Expectation glimmered in Aven's eyes. In the future, the Pokémon League would gradually take root in this age, and a grand Pokémon City would arise in this very era.
"Indeed, the most important tasks right now are reclaiming the Black Forest and liberating Marina City," Kale nodded firmly.
After finishing Nidoking leader's training guidance, Aven also brought up the topic of pioneering the Black Coast Forest.
Upon hearing that they were going to wage war against the Drapion territory, the Nidoking leader's eyes lit up with unconcealed excitement—it had clearly been longing for this battle for a long time.
The Drapion domain had long been shrouded in poisonous mists. Aven had already determined that within must lie certain rare treasures imbued with Poison-type energy. For the Nidoking leader, such treasures had been an object of deep desire.
"NIDOO! NIDOO!"
Not long after, news spread throughout the Nidoking tribe, and all of them grew roused and exhilarated.
They had already come to regard the Safari Zone as their home.
If they could conquer Drapion's domain, would that not mean they, too, could use it as a training ground?
For the Nidoking tribe, who all possessed the Poison attribute, this would be an immense boon. And this was precisely one of the promises Aven had made to them.
Once Drapion's territory was conquered, it would be opened as a sanctuary for all Poison-type Pokémon—a place where they could hone themselves and grow stronger.
Thus, as the Nidoking tribe rallied and armed themselves, they swiftly gathered into formation, setting off with Aven toward the Black Coast Forest.
This time, besides the Nidoking tribe, other Poison-type groups such as the Vileplume tribe, Weepinbell tribe, and Skuntank tribe all joined the expedition. Their Poison typing meant they did not fear the toxic mists.
"Kale, this time you and Empoleon will remain the main force. I'll be counting on you both." Aven laid out the tactical arrangements.
Kale immediately gave a dignified bow, performing a noble's formal salute. "Yes, Lord Aven. Empoleon and I are willing to charge at the forefront for you."
"Matthew, the matter of maintaining order in the Black Coast Forest will be left in your care."
Matthew quickly bowed as well. Having served as a ranger for such a long time, he was already well-versed in handling such affairs.
With everything arranged, the great host moved out in grand formation toward the Black Coast Forest.
After so much time spent pioneering, the eastern shores of the Black Coast Forest had already become a gathering place for countless Poison-type tribes.
The moment the army entered, chaos began to spread among the local Pokémon tribes. Fortunately, the rangers were present to keep order.
"This will serve as the perfect opportunity to let these Pokémon tribes witness the strength of the Safari Zone."
"After this, I doubt any tribe will dare so easily to encroach upon human territory again."
Looking at the wary Pokémon tribes before him, who did not even dare to move rashly, Aven nodded in satisfaction.
Pokémon possessed excellent intelligence, and none understood the law of survival of the fittest better than they did. Sometimes, demonstrating overwhelming strength was far more persuasive than reasoning with words.
After showing their strength, the next step would be to set rules for these Pokémon tribes—rules that would assure them that as long as they abided, they would be given protection.
Over time, with such gradual influence, these tribes would grow accustomed to this new model of human-Pokémon coexistence. And generation after generation, this would become tradition.
In the modern age, the relationship between Pokémon and humans had also been shaped through countless generations of such transmissions—until it had become an instinct that Pokémon would not harm humans, but instead draw closer to them.
"Lord Aven, just ahead lies the Poisonous Swamp Zone."
"At present, this swamp is occupied by a group of Poison-type Pokémon."
The army advanced quickly. Soon a ranger came running forward to report. This swamp had once been the domain of Muk.
"The Poisonous Swamp …" Aven nodded, pulling out a map.
On the parchment, an area was clearly circled—this very swamp lay within the marked boundaries.
In the future, this swamp would be designated as part of the Poison-type Safari Zone, kept separate from other areas.
After all, for ordinary trainers and Pokémon, Poison-type areas were extremely dangerous. Entering without sufficient strength could easily lead to deadly consequences.
"We'll bypass this swamp and continue toward Drapion's domain," Aven instructed the ranger. "And have everyone drink an antidote in advance—better safe than sorry."
Carefully skirting the swamp, the army pressed on. Even from a distance, faint poisonous mist could already be seen drifting from the depths of the forest.
"Nidoo!"
The Nidoking tribe marched proudly at the front of the formation.
When they saw the drifting toxic haze, all of their eyes gleamed with excitement.
They could feel the dense Poison energy saturating the forest ahead, and to them, it was a most welcome sensation.
"We'll advance slowly. Vileplume, you and your tribe lead the way with Sleep Powder."
At Aven's command, Vileplume strode forward with its group of Gloom.
Powdery blue spores of Sleep Powder gathered around them, then spread out in a billowing wave toward Drapion's domain.
A gentle breeze carried the spores deeper into the forest until they vanished from sight.
Though sheer force could have taken Drapion's territory, Aven chose instead the most stable and cautious method—slow and steady advancement.
After a brief wait, the Nidoking tribe led the vanguard while the other groups followed close behind, steadily pushing deeper into Drapion's land.
It was not long before they encountered several Skorupi lying unconscious on the ground. The tiny scorpions lay motionless in the grass, their tails glistening with deadly venom.
Clearly, these Skorupi had been scouts, patrolling the outskirts. Had any human or Pokémon stumbled upon them unawares, they would surely have been struck with lethal poison.
"Be careful of the Skorupi's venom."
"You all, sweep the area and capture every Skorupi before they wake."
Aven's orders were firm. The effects of Sleep Powder would not last long.
If the Skorupi awoke, they would still pose a grave danger to the rangers moving through the area.
"Yes, Lord Aven!" the rangers chorused.
Their eyes shone with eagerness as they looked at the Skorupi. Though perilous, these were undeniably powerful Pokémon.
If they could capture even one, it would be a tremendous boost to their strength.
Of course, Skorupi were notoriously difficult to subdue compared to other Pokémon. Perhaps in the days to come, antidotes from the Breeding House would sell faster than ever before.
(End of Chapter)