Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Moonshade Village
"Ron, you're incredibly strong! My Heracross didn't stand a chance against you."
To conceal his true battling prowess, Ron had relied on Bellossom and Kirlia in the match.
With Grassy Terrain and Heal Pulse working together, they quickly healed the injuries on Heracross, allowing its trainer, Daniel, to calm down enough to chat with Ron.
"It's nothing special. Nidorino just happens to know a few moves that are effective against Bug-type Pokémon," Ron replied modestly.
Despite Daniel's admiration, Ron didn't feel much pride in the victory.
After all, he had faced and defeated many mid-tier elite trainers. Winning against a boy who hadn't even started his journey wasn't something to boast about.
"That's still impressive! After all, Nidorino learned those moves because of your guidance," Daniel said with admiration. "By the way, Ron, are all the trainers outside as strong as you?"
Ron was about to clarify that he didn't actually teach Nidorino its moves—those came from TMs he either won or purchased. But after a moment of thought, he decided Daniel wasn't entirely wrong; indirectly, the credit could go to him.
"There are many trainers out there, but not many at my level. If you ever have the chance to go out, you'll see for yourself. Just be careful—there are both good and bad people out in the world. Don't let anyone deceive you," Ron advised, sensing Daniel's innocence.
Ron could tell that Daniel was one of those naive and honest kids, the kind who would eagerly dream of the world beyond their small village. That curiosity had brought him out today to train with his Heracross. Hearing the sounds of Nidorino battling, Daniel had rushed over to investigate.
"My dad told me the same thing," Daniel replied with a slight grumble. "He said I'm not allowed to leave on a journey until I've learned how to protect myself."
Ron couldn't help but agree with Daniel's father. With Daniel's current level of naivety, he'd likely be scammed into counting money for someone who'd just sold him off. Worse yet, his impulsive nature could get him killed by an unscrupulous trainer or Pokémon hunter.
Case in point: Ron had merely healed Heracross, and Daniel immediately assumed he was trustworthy enough to invite home.
As they walked, Daniel eagerly introduced Moonshade Village while Ron cross-referenced the descriptions with his Pokédex. The village lay between Saffron City and Celadon City, nestled amidst towering trees. Many Heracross from the Johto region made the forest their home. Over time, the villagers and Heracross had grown accustomed to one another, forming close bonds.
In Moonshade Village, almost every resident had a Heracross as their companion. Together, they lived, grew, and fought to fend off wild Pokémon attacks and repel malicious Pokémon hunters.
The village's strength was formidable; even two or three senior elite trainers wouldn't escape unscathed if they provoked the villagers. According to rumors, a Heracross with Elite Four-level power resided in the tallest tree in the forest.
With Daniel leading the way, Ron soon saw a cluster of towering trees, one of which rose far above the rest. That was where the rumored Elite Four-level Heracross was said to live.
Below the canopy, the village hugged the forest edge. A river wound its way past the village, serving as its water source.
"Daniel, who's this?"
As they approached the village, a man who seemed to be a guard called out to Daniel, eyeing Ron suspiciously.
"Brother Thomas, this is my new friend, Ron! He's a really strong trainer I met outside," Daniel introduced eagerly. "Ron, this is Thomas. He's the captain of the village guard."
Unbothered by Thomas's growing wariness, Daniel proudly introduced both sides.
"Hello, I'm Ron, a traveling trainer," Ron said with a polite nod. "I had a battle with Daniel earlier in the forest, and he invited me to visit the village."
"Yeah! Ron's not a bad guy. I was just about to take him to meet my dad," Daniel added, noticing Thomas's hesitation.
"I see. My apologies for being cautious," Thomas said with a smile. "I actually have some reports for the village elder. Let's go together."
Placing a hand on Daniel's head, Thomas ruffled his hair playfully before signaling him to lead the way. Meanwhile, he walked alongside Ron, subtly keeping an eye on him.
Ron wasn't offended by Thomas's guarded demeanor. A place like Moonshade Village, constantly threatened by wild Pokémon and hunters, would've ceased to exist long ago without such vigilance.
What did surprise Ron was learning that Daniel, despite his unassuming appearance, was the son of the village elder.
As they walked, Daniel enthusiastically introduced the village while Thomas listened intently, ensuring the boy didn't accidentally reveal sensitive information.
The villagers glanced at Ron as he passed by but quickly looked away. To them, as long as Thomas was present, any trouble could be handled.
Soon, they reached the elder's house. After a brief wait in the sitting room, Daniel's father, Jovanni, entered.
Ron immediately observed him. A square-jawed man with bronze skin, calloused hands, and well-defined muscles visible even beneath loose clothing. He looked less like a village elder and more like a seasoned hunter.
After listening to Daniel excitedly recount what had happened, Jovanni nodded. "I see. Your Heracross is injured; you should take it to the Pokémon Center to ensure there's no hidden damage."
"Right! I'll do that now. Ron, wait for me here!" Daniel said before dashing off.
Jovanni watched his son leave, knowing full well the boy was too simple-minded to realize he'd been sent away on purpose. He resolved to discipline Daniel later before turning his attention to Ron.
For a moment, Ron felt as if a predator's gaze was locked on him.
"Here's my Pokédex," Ron said, taking the initiative. "I also know Captain Lugo from the Rangers; they can verify I'm an official League trainer."
Villages like Moonshade Village always scrutinized outsiders, particularly those of unknown origin. League trainers were generally welcomed, but unaffiliated individuals risked being monitored—or outright expelled.
Ron understood this well and acted accordingly.
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