Mt. Moon lies in the northern part of the Kanto Region, between Pewter City and Cerulean City. It is famous for its wild Clefairy and its frequent meteor showers. The meteorites that fall here often transform into Moon Stones, and valuable fossils can also be excavated from the mountain.
Because Mt. Moon is steep and difficult to cross, the Pokémon League specially excavated a tunnel connecting Pewter City and Cerulean City, making travel much easier for Trainers.
Inside the tunnel, Sam encountered many traveling Trainers along the way. Since he wasn't in any hurry, he didn't refuse their challenges.
Battling other Trainers while traveling was completely normal.
Many skilled Trainers with limited funds treated battles as their main source of income, earning travel expenses through wager matches. Although Sam wasn't so poor that he needed to rely on battles to survive, he certainly wouldn't refuse easy pocket money.
More importantly, battles were the fastest way to accumulate real combat experience.
Both Bulbasaur and Scyther needed constant fighting to grow stronger.
Especially Scyther, who had fused with the Chongming template, talent alone wasn't enough. What it needed most right now was battle after battle.
"Scyther, finish it with X-Scissor."
Scyther flapped its blade-like wings and vanished in a blur, reappearing in front of its opponent in an instant.
With cold determination in its eyes, it crossed its scythes in a sharp, decisive strike.
The opposing Raticate didn't even have time to react before it was sent flying, completely losing its ability to fight.
"I lost."
The defeated Trainer recalled Raticate into its Poké Ball and conceded without hesitation.
After defeating several challengers and earning a fair amount of money, Sam found a quiet corner of the tunnel to rest.
Continuous battles placed a heavy burden on both Bulbasaur and Scyther. Proper rest was necessary to stabilize and consolidate their growth.
Sam brewed a cup of hot tea and prepared a simple meal. Just as he was about to pack up and continue forward, something unexpected happened.
A round, pink Pokémon with star-shaped ears suddenly rushed toward him.
"Clefairy?"
Sam instantly recognized it. Clefairy was Mt. Moon's signature rare Pokémon.
He was surprised. Although Clefairy lived here, they were naturally timid and almost never approached humans on their own.
This Clefairy's face was filled with panic.
Something was clearly wrong.
"Ding. Congratulations to the host for triggering Side Mission 3: Mt. Moon's Clefairy.
Objective: Defeat the poachers and rescue the Clefairy.
Rewards will be distributed based on performance.
Minimum rating: C. Maximum rating: SSS."
"Poachers?!"
Sam's expression darkened instantly.
Clefairy were strictly protected Pokémon in Mt. Moon. Any Trainer caught illegally capturing one would face severe punishment, let alone outright poaching.
This Clefairy must have escaped. There were visible wounds on its body, fresh scars that hadn't yet healed. For a Pokémon used to peaceful living, this must have been a terrifying experience.
Trembling, the Clefairy clutched Sam's pant leg and cried out continuously.
Afraid of startling it further, Sam didn't move abruptly. He crouched down and gently stroked its body, trying to calm it.
Perhaps sensing Sam's kindness, Clefairy gradually stopped shaking.
When it seemed a little steadier, Sam spoke softly.
"Clefairy, can you take me to them? Let's rescue the others together."
At the word poachers, Clefairy shuddered violently again. The fear was clearly etched into its movements.
But when Sam mentioned saving the other Clefairy, something changed.
Though still afraid, Clefairy nodded slightly and tugged at Sam's clothes, leading him deeper into Mt. Moon.
Caves were common here, and Clefairy lived in tunnels with complex, maze-like structures.
Guided by Clefairy, Sam quickly found the culprits.
Two men, one fat, one thin, stood inside a cavern. In their hands were heat-based weapons, and beside them were several captured Clefairy trapped in nets.
The condition of the Clefairy was horrific.
Some were bleeding, their injuries clearly caused by the weapons the poachers were carrying.
Sam's fists clenched.
"Bastards."
For the first time in a long while, pure rage burned in Sam's eyes.
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