Alex woke early, long before the town fully stirred. The faint light of dawn slipped through the curtains of the inn, painting the room in soft orange tones. He sat up slowly, stretching the stiffness from his shoulders, then reached for his Poké Balls, checking each one by habit rather than necessity. His Pokémon were already awake, watching him quietly.
After a quick bath and changing into clean clothes, Alex gathered his things and stepped out of the room.
The moment he exited the inn, he realized something he hadn't noticed the night before.
Sunrise Town was big. Much bigger than it had seemed in the dark.
The streets stretched outward in multiple directions, layered with markets, training yards, residential districts, and elevated walkways. People moved with purpose, trainers and civilians alike, and Pokémon of all kinds walked openly beside their partners. The town felt alive, busy in a way that contrasted sharply with the isolation Alex had grown used to.
"So this is Sunrise," Alex murmured.
He began walking, letting curiosity guide him. After a few minutes, he released Grovyle from his Poké Ball.
"Help me scout," Alex said quietly.
Grovyle nodded and moved ahead with practiced ease, eyes sharp, senses alert. Together, they explored side streets, plazas, and narrow alleys until something massive caught Alex's attention.
A mall.
Not just a store, but a towering complex of glass and stone, its entrances wide and welcoming. A large sign hovered above the doors, glowing faintly.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Didn't expect that."
Inside, the mall was overwhelming.
There were vendors selling Pokémon food specialized by type, others offering Poké Balls of every grade, from standard models to rare, reinforced variants meant for aggressive captures. Shelves were stacked with potions, antidotes, burn heals, full restores, and items Alex had only seen mentioned in old guides.
Then there were the TMs.
Rows of them, neatly organized, each one holding the promise of power. Alex scanned the labels quietly, already imagining how much stronger his team could become with the right techniques.
"This place has everything," he muttered.
There was even a section where Pokémon were being sold. Alex's expression darkened slightly as he watched. Some looked healthy and energetic. Others looked… tired. Not abused, but not loved either. Merchandise instead of partners.
He clenched his fist.
Not today.
Alex didn't linger. He knew the truth. He didn't have the money. Not yet.
With a final glance, he exited the mall, the doors sliding shut behind him. The idea of that place stayed in his mind, not as temptation, but as a reminder of what he needed to become stronger.
As he walked, yesterday's thoughts returned.
A pseudo legendary.
He needed something that could stand against Gym Leaders, criminals, and whatever waited beyond the League's fragile borders. His mind immediately settled on one name.
Gible.
A powerful Dragon type. Rare. Dangerous. Worth the effort.
"I don't know how to find one," Alex admitted to himself, "but if there's anywhere in Sinnoh that still holds monsters like that… it's the old capital."
With that decision made, Alex turned away from Sunrise Town and headed toward the forest path leading to the ruins. Grovyle stayed close, alert as the environment slowly changed. The air grew heavier. The trees older. The ground rougher.
After nearly an hour of walking, stone began to replace dirt.
Broken pillars jutted from the earth, half-swallowed by moss and vines. Cracked roads hinted at ancient streets, once walked by people who had ruled Sinnoh long before the League ever existed.
Alex stood at the edge of it all.
The Ancient Capital of Sinnoh.
"So much history," he whispered.
He stepped forward.
The ruins were quiet, but not empty. He could feel it. Pokémon lived here. Strong ones. Ones that had survived without adapting to the modern world because they never had to.
Food. Shelter. Isolation.
This place was a time capsule.
Alex smiled faintly.
"This is perfect."
He released Riolu next, trusting his aura sensing to warn them of danger. Charcadet followed, flames low but ready. Grovyle took point.
They moved deeper into the ruins, eyes scanning every shadow.
Alex didn't know if he would find a Gible.
But he knew one thing.
Whatever lived here would not be weak.
And Alex was ready to test himself against it.