Chapter 122 - 122: Discovery of Nidoran
Upon observing the third marked location on the map, he saw that it was the farthest from Goldenrod City. On the map, it showed a lake surrounded by a large forest, where some Nidoran likely lived.
Originally, Cain's plan was to first inspect the two closest locations. If he managed to find and capture a Nidoran, he could return to Goldenrod City the same day, deliver the mission at the Hunter's Guild, and then continue on his journey.
However, if he didn't find a Nidoran in the first two locations, he would have to head to the third and farthest spot, which would not allow him to return the same day. In that case, he would choose to camp outdoors and then continue north, crossing several forests until reaching Ecruteak City.
He carefully stored the map in his ring and, without hesitation, headed to the last search location.
After all, when they were on Judgment Island, Cain and his Murkrow regularly camped outdoors, and the conditions there were much harsher than here, so he felt no pressure.
For trainers who have just started their journeys, or those who have been traveling for only a year or two, survival in the wild is their greatest enemy.
Every year, many young trainers lose their lives while camping outdoors, but that doesn't stop those who keep trying. The Pokémon League not only doesn't discourage these practices but actively promotes them. With such a large population, they're not concerned.
Those with true talent or who are of interest to the League will have no trouble overcoming these challenges, and if they fail, it just means they weren't well-prepared enough.
That's why the League sees these journeys as a filter for beginner trainers, weeding out the less capable ones.
Those who manage to become intermediate-level trainers have already passed certain trials, and basic survival in the wild is no longer a challenge for them. These trainers form the backbone of the League, being the most numerous group after beginner trainers.
Becoming an advanced-level trainer isn't easy, and survival in the wild becomes routine.