After gathering a fair amount of volcanic ash, Silas continued combing through the rocky slopes of Mt. Chimney, collecting whatever rare materials he could find.
Among the debris, he spotted a strange plant-a crimson sprout that glowed faintly, its surface rippling like molten lava.
It was a local species unique to the volcanic region, its roots said to absorb the heat of magma itself.
Silas carefully packed the sample away, pleased to add another specimen to his growing collection.
But his satisfaction didn't last long-his Pokémon suddenly grew tense.
Umbreon's fur bristled. Crawdaunt's claws clicked sharply in warning. Even Murkrow stopped mid-flight, eyes fixed on a pile of nearby rubble.
"What's wrong?" Silas murmured, turning toward the disturbance.
The rocks began to tremble.
Then, with a series of rhythmic boings, a group of small, round Pokémon bounced out-grey, pig-like creatures with springy tails that made soft squeaking sounds as they hopped.
"...Spoink," Silas recognized instantly. "And that one…"
A much larger Pokémon emerged behind them, its purple body pulsing with psychic energy.
The gem embedded in its forehead gleamed like polished obsidian.
"Grumpig," he said under his breath. "A whole tribe."
Spoink and Grumpig were rare even in Hoenn. These Psychic-type Pokémon typically lived far from civilization, deep within mountains or craters where few dared to tread.
"First time I've run into wild Psychic-types," Silas mused, rubbing his chin. "Not exactly the kind you underestimate."
Psychic Pokémon were mysterious, cunning, and dangerous.
Even a silly-looking Spoink could unleash telekinetic force strong enough to crush a boulder.
"Puuuu!"
The Grumpig at the front stomped forward, snorting angrily as steam puffed from its nostrils.
Silas understood immediately-he'd trespassed into their territory.
He raised a brow. "So this is your land, huh? Well… you shouldn't have picked a fight with a Dark-type team."
A flicker of excitement flashed in his eyes-not malice, but the thrill of battle and research.
Psychic Pokémon were notoriously valuable-not just in battles, but for their rare gems.
The pearl-like orb atop Spoink's head, and the darker gem on Grumpig's forehead, were said to contain condensed psychic energy-valuable material used by both breeders and psychics.
In Saffron City's Psychic Association, such gems were worth fortunes.
But Silas's interest was purely professional.
He wanted to study their energy structure, not sell them.
Still, the wild Grumpig didn't care for his intentions.
"Puuuu-puuu!!" it roared, eyes glowing pink as a wave of telekinetic energy surged outward.
The smaller Spoink bounced forward in unison, their psychic waves forming a coordinated barrier around the tribe.
The air warped-rocks rose from the ground, spinning violently.
Silas's tone dropped calm and controlled. "Umbreon, stay close and be ready to Protect. Murkrow-Tailwind, now!"
"Umbre!" "Kraaaw!"
Umbreon's golden rings flared as she shielded Silas with a shimmering veil, while Murkrow whipped up a powerful gust, empowering the whole team.
The wind tore through the psychic field, scattering dust and embers.
"Crawdaunt, Sharpedo,you two handle the leader. Don't damage the black pearl on its head."
"Craw-daunt!" "Shar-pe-do!"
The two surged forward, striking with ruthless precision. Crawdaunt vanished into the shadows before slashing upward,Feint Attack!-forcing the Grumpig back a step.
Grumpig retaliated instantly, its eyes flashing as it unleashed Power Gem, a radiant burst of energy aimed straight at Murkrow.
"Protect!"
A green barrier shimmered around Murkrow just in time, the gem blast ricocheting harmlessly into the mountainside.
The Grumpig's expression twisted in shock.
Its psychic techniques-the pride of its tribe-barely scratched Silas's Dark-type team.
After all, Psychic attacks were useless against Dark-types.
Unless a Pokémon knew Miracle Eye, it couldn't even touch them and Grumpig's species didn't.
"Bad matchup," Silas muttered. "You should've stayed hidden."
The battle quickly turned into a rout.
Darkness and chaos enveloped the battlefield-Shadow Balls, Aqua Jets, and slashing claws tearing through the tribe's ranks.
A few Spoink tried to fight back with Zen Headbutt and Psywave, but the attacks only splashed harmlessly against Umbreon's gleaming barrier.
The difference in typing was absolute.
One Spoink fell, then another.
"Puuuuu!!"
The Grumpig roared, its psychic field surging with fury. Its eyes locked onto Silas-not the Pokémon, but the trainer himself.
"Wait-he's targeting me?!" Silas realized too late.
Dozens of Spoink joined in, their psychic auras linking into one massive wave.
A combined Psychic Hammer attack burst forth-aimed directly at the human commanding their defeat.
"Protect, now!"
Umbreon leapt in front of him, forming a shimmering green dome.
The impact shattered it instantly.
A blinding flash engulfed them both—heat, wind, and psychic backlash.
When the dust cleared, Silas was on one knee, coughing, Umbreon standing protectively in front of him, panting heavily but unbroken.
"…You did well," he whispered, brushing her fur. "You saved me."
By the time he looked up again, the Grumpig chief had fled, leading what remained of its tribe down the slope.
More than half the Spoink lay unconscious across the rocks.
Silas exhaled slowly, his heartbeat steadying. "Lesson learned… Psychic-types aren't just dangerous-they're intelligent."
He walked among the fainted Pokémon, noting how their gems pulsed faintly with residual energy.
"They knew who was giving the commands," he murmured. "They targeted me first. Smart and terrifying."
Umbreon stood beside him silently, her golden eyes watchful.
Silas knelt, carefully examining one of the fallen Spoink. "Relax. I'm not here to harm you further."
He gently tossed a few Poké Balls toward the unconscious Spoink, each capsule clicking softly as it sealed shut. The lights dimmed-capture complete.
"These Psychic-types…" he murmured, sliding the Poké Balls into his pack, "I'll study them properly. Maybe even help them recover someday."
No cruelty. No greed. Just data and understanding.
"Alright," he whispered, straightening. "Let's move before the rest regroup."
With his team recalled and the mountain wind whistling through the jagged path, Silas began descending toward the next route-one battle smarter, and a little more wary of the powers that lurked in Hoenn's wilds.
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(End of chapter)