As usual, after finishing the morning training, Aoki took Larvitar and the others into the back mountains in the afternoon.
To avoid disturbing the training of the other Pokémon, Aoki only allowed Slowking to accompany him.
The back mountains and the extended ranges beyond them were not home to any particularly powerful Pokémon. The reason for bringing Slowking was simply to teleport back to the backyard quickly if needed.
The main battling team consisted of Aron, Larvitar, Combusken, Horsea, and the Bagon, which had just entered its growth period.
Of course, Bagon was the lowest-leveled, having only recently begun its growth phase. However, after consistent training and battles, it had shown the most improvement.
Each fight spanned a wide level range. Though Bagon mostly played a supporting role, the experience gained was still significant.
Now, Aron had reached level 26, Larvitar was level 21, Combusken was level 24, Bagon was level 15, and Horsea was level 18. These were the results of their recent efforts.
With their levels increased, Aoki could now take them deeper into the mountains.
The ideal opponents for Larvitar and the others were wild Pokémon between levels 20 and 30.
This routine had continued for some time.
Though there were no sudden power surges, the steady growth kept the Pokémon highly motivated.
As they ventured further, they arrived at the strange lake where Absol had been discovered.
The Pokémon here were now better suited for battling Larvitar and the team.
If only a few wild Pokémon appeared, Aoki would let one of his Pokémon fight alone. If more appeared, he would have them battle together.
However, shortly after arriving, Aoki noticed something unusual.
The number of wild Pokémon here was unusually low—as if someone had swept through the area.
Someone else had been here.
That was Aoki's first thought.
But he didn't dwell on it. The back mountains weren't his private training grounds, so it was normal for others to pass through.
Some trainers, like Aoki, preferred training in the wild. These trainers, tempered in life-and-death battles, were often far stronger than others of the same level.
In a real fight, ordinary trainers wouldn't stand a chance against them.
Since the area had been cleared out, Aoki decided to move on. It wouldn't be suitable for battles anytime soon.
But just as he was about to leave, he noticed something else.
Scraps of cloth clung to the bushes, and the ground bore chaotic footprints—evidence of a fierce struggle. The size of the prints suggested multiple people had been here.
Had a group entered the back mountains?
Aoki's interest grew.
Following the footprints, he moved cautiously forward.
The cloth on the bushes looked familiar.
Sure enough, after a short distance, he spotted a campsite.
Aoki recognized the emblem on the tents immediately.
Void.
The Void Organization from Saffron City—the first group to clash with Aoki. Though he had profited from them before, their presence here now was suspicious.
Moving swiftly, Aoki leaped up, grabbed a branch, and climbed into the treetops.
Hidden among the dense leaves, he observed the camp below from above.
There weren't many people—only five tents, likely housing one person each.
The largest tent stood in the center, and using his Telepathy, Aoki sensed everyone was inside.
Since reaching the intermediate level of psychic abilities, his perception and hearing had sharpened. Even from the tree, he could hear their conversation.
"No!" A voice snapped inside the tent.
"We can't act recklessly. The boss stationed us here for stability, not impulsive moves."
"But this is a perfect opportunity. They haven't noticed us. If we move carefully, we can catch them off guard," argued another, deeper voice.
"Are you stupid? How many of them are there? How many of us? Even if they're weak, five of us charging in is suicide," a female voice cut in.
"Enough," a commanding voice silenced them. "We're not attacking yet. The boss placed us here for a surprise assault. We wait for the signal. There are probably others like us stationed nearby. When the battle starts, we strike from behind."
"Tch. Some small-town group. Even if Void's weakened now, they're no match for us," scoffed the first voice.
"A small town? Have you seen how fast Verdanturf Town is growing? The gym leader's a League favorite—backed by heavy funding. That place is loaded now."
"Exactly. That's why the boss is considering relocating there. The pressure in Goldenrod City is getting too much," the woman added.
"I've never even heard of this 'Sky Hunters' leader. Can't dig up any info on them."
"Whoever they are, they're nothing compared to Void," a fanatic declared.
"Quiet!" the leader barked. "Our job is to scout the area and wait for orders."
The others fell silent.
Aoki's eyes narrowed.
Void Organization.
So Verdanturf Town's growth had caught their eye.
Pushed out of Goldenrod City, were they retreating here?
Planning to strike the Sky Hunters?
Couldn't hold back anymore?
Did they think a newly formed group would be easy prey?
A cold glint flashed in Aoki's eyes.
As the scouts dispersed to survey the area, he nodded to Slowking.
In an instant, they teleported away.
He'd see just how strong these people were.
The Void Organization had been on Aoki's radar for a while. He'd planned to strike after reaching Champion level, but now—they'd made the first move.