A message flashed: [A Pokémon Hunter has appeared in the southeast of Sunset Forest.]
Summer jolted awake from his sleep. Beside him, Grookey rubbed its eyes, looking at Summer in confusion.
"Pokémon hunter," Summer murmured.
Pokémon hunters are dangerous individuals engaged in illegal activities. They capture rare Pokémon to sell on the black market for high profits and are targets of the League's strict crackdown.
As a ranger of Sunset Forest, Summer was responsible for ensuring the Pokémon in the forest were not harmed by these hunters.
He quickly got dressed and told Grookey, "Someone is threatening the Pokémon in the forest. Grookey, we need to move quickly."
Grookey immediately woke up at Summer's words, giving him a determined look before jumping onto Summer's shoulder.
"Heh, this operation was a success," chuckled a tall, thin man in a black coat, looking at the six Morpeko in the cage. He's Blank, a novice Pokémon hunter.
Beside Blank, a Thievul let out a sly cry, matching its owner's demeanor.
"But it's strange. These Morpeko neither eat berries nor change forms. The berries I prepared were wasted."
The thin man threw down the bag in his hand. He had heard rumors of many Morpeko in this forest, prompting his poaching expedition.
"Hmph, but this will fetch a good price." He rubbed his hands, eyes gleaming with greed.
Morpeko wasn't rare in Galar, but in other regions, it was different—they were scarcely found.
Blank planned to smuggle them to the Kanto region and sell them on the black market. Residents there were known for their love of electric rodents. They wouldn't miss a region-exclusive Pokémon.
"With this money, I'll turn my life around. Once I'm rich, I'll make those guys lick my boots."
The thin man fantasized about spending lavishly and attracting envious glances. Suddenly, he felt something tugging at his pant leg. Looking down, he saw Thievul.
"What's wrong? Can't you see I'm happy?"
Blank followed Thievul's gaze to see a Morpeko peeking from behind a tree, staring at him with its round eyes.
"Another one? Great, the more the better."
He picked up his net and sneaked towards the Morpeko, seeing it as a piece of shining gold.
Suddenly, two sharp leaves flew out from the dark forest, slicing through Blank's net.
"What the—!"
Blank's face twisted in fear. He swung his stick and shouted into the forest, but only his echo answered.
"Is it the forest's Pokémon? Hey, Thievul, come here."
He backed towards Thievul, sweat dripping from his forehead.
Thievul leapt to Blank's side, looking ahead with its brown eyes and let out a piercing howl. Dark energy spread towards the forest.
"Stop hiding and face me!" Blank shouted to bolster his courage. He had chosen to come at night to avoid detection.
Two sharp leaves flew from behind him. Thievul leapt up, deflecting one leaf with its bushy tail, but a chunk of the tail was cut off.
"See? Not so strong. Thievul, don't worry about me, just take out the hiding one. Your nose is sharp."
Blank felt inexplicably confident. Thievul, however, looked exasperated. Its master wasn't very bright, but given the constant ambush, their opponent's raw power must be lacking.
Deciding to attack, Thievul's cunning nature meant it only acted with certainty of victory.
It darted towards the source of the Razor Leaf, baring its sharp teeth.
"Now, Branch Poke!"
Summer's shout made Thievul hesitate. Branch Poke? Weak. Watch me deal with you.
Thievul, full of confidence, saw Grookey charge from the darkness, its stick glowing green. Thievul opened its mouth wide, ready to tear the small monkey apart.
"Roar!"
I can't breathe. It hurts. What's happening? Such power!
Thievul's eyes widened as it glimpsed the ground. A stick was pressed against its throat. Grookey pulled it out, giving Thievul a moment to gasp.
This opponent is unbeatable. I need to escape, now!
Grookey grabbed Thievul's face, flipping onto its head. Thievul couldn't track Grookey's movements. The glowing stick struck Thievul's head, making it dizzy and crashing its jaw into the ground.
"Acrobatics."
Grookey, glowing green, moved like a green blur, striking Thievul multiple times in a flash. Thievul received four punches, three kicks, and a final stick strike to its side.
Thievul collapsed, losing the battle. Blank's smile froze. He couldn't believe his Thievul was defeated instantly by a beginner Pokémon.
Summer emerged from the forest, glancing at the caged Morpeko before turning to Blank, who stood in shock.
Optimizing the Custap Berries had caused Morpeko not to change to Hangry Mode, making them non-aggressive and easy to capture.
"Who are you?" Blank demanded, snapping out of it. How could someone be here at this hour?
"I'm the ranger of this forest," Summer replied coldly.
Blank's face turned ashen. Being caught poaching by a ranger was as bad as being caught by the police. Poaching was one of the most severe crimes against the League.
"I've never done this before. Please, let me go. These annoying Pokémon must be a pain for you too, right?" Blank pleaded, hoping Summer's kind face would spare him.
"Where's the key?" Summer asked, walking towards Blank.
"Here, here." Blank awkwardly smiled, tossing the key. He watched Summer bend down to pick it up and bolted.
As long as I escape, they can't convict me. I'll be free...
In the dark, Corvisquire swooped down, startling Blank, who fell to the ground.
"It's over."
"Hah, hah, it's society's fault I'm like this. If I had a proper job like you...!" Blank tried to argue.
Summer took out a rope, tightly binding Blank. His cold eyes showed no mercy under the moonlight.
"Eek!"
Blank fainted, foaming at the mouth. In his last moment of consciousness, he heard Summer's merciless words.
"Save that nonsense for the police."
(End of Chapter)