Chương 53: Vermilion City

The following day, while making his way toward Route 5, Xavier was humming with contentment. His spirits were high since he had acquired TM: Dig after thwarting a Team Rocket member engaged in burglary in a house in Cerulean City. Additionally, his Nidorino had gained a level after successfully defeating both of the burglar's Pokémon.

In another turn of events, Xavier decided to evolve his Nidorino into a Nidoking by using a Moon Stone. As a result of this evolution, Nidoking had also learned the powerful move MegaHorn.

With these accomplishments under his belt, Xavier continued his journey .

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Pokemon : Nidoking

Type : Poison/Ground

Level : 24

Ability : Sheer Force(H)

Moves : Poison Tail , Peck , Leer , MegaHorn

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For now, Xavier refrained from teaching Nidoking the move "Dig." He was waiting to see if Nidoking would learn any other ground moves through leveling up. If Nidoking failed to learn any ground moves before challenging the Vermilion City Gym, Xavier planned to teach it the move "Dig."

After traveling for a while, Xavier reached the end of Route 5. There stood a Day Care Center, a place where Pokémon could be left temporarily. However, this was of no interest to him. Adjacent to the Day Care Center was a passage house leading to Saffron City. Unfortunately, the guard inside wouldn't allow passage until offered a cup of Tea to quench his thirst.

To the right of the Day Care Center was the entrance to an underground path that led to Route 6. Xavier decided to explore this path, utilizing his Inspect ability to search for hidden items.

Along the way, he encountered bothersome Rattata and Raticate, but he used his Primeape to fend them off. After around 30 minutes of navigating the underground path, he emerged victorious, having found a Full Restore and an X-Special hidden within.

Route 6 welcomed him with numerous NPCs eager for battles. Xavier didn't hesitate and engaged in battles with all of them. Over a span of more than three hours, he mainly used Kadabra and Nidoking, reserving Primeape for challenging situations. This strategic approach proved successful as Kadabra gained two levels, and Nidoking gained one.

Finally arriving at Vermilion City, Xavier was met with a lively coastal town positioned along the southeastern Kanto coast. As he stepped into the city, the vibrant atmosphere and the picturesque seascape greeted him.

The city's well-designed layout showcased paved streets, homes, and various establishments, with the towering edifices, including the Vermilion Gym, beautifully silhouetted against the azure sky.

Taking a moment to relish the city's beauty, Xavier strolled through the streets, absorbing the enchanting surroundings. He made mental notes of the sights, including the number of guards stationed around the cruise ship. The ship was an object of particular interest to him, as it was central to his mission. He observed the comings and goings of guards, their routines, and any potential vulnerabilities.

After an hour of thorough investigation, Xavier retreated to the safety of the Pokémon Center. The weary trainer understood the importance of conserving energy for the mission ahead. He ensured his Pokémon were fully healed and found respite in a rented room within the Pokémon Center. Succumbing to exhaustion, he drifted into a deep slumber.

As the evening sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Xavier awakened from his rest. Stepping outside, he surveyed the area around the cruise ship once more, his observations enhanced by the fading daylight. He meticulously recorded his findings, mentally plotting his strategy for the mission.

With a mind focused and a plan in place, Xavier retreated back into the Pokémon Center. Tomorrow marked a pivotal moment in his journey, and he was determined to face it with determination and preparedness.