After some time observing the camp, David had gained a clear understanding of everyone's skill level. He hadn't been merely watching—the system had scanned and analyzed each person's Pokémon for him.
The trainers inside weren't particularly strong, even considering only the Pokémon they kept at their sides. According to his observations, all five trainers combined had just three Pokémon that had reached the advanced level. These three had only recently broken through to that rank, putting them roughly on par with Houndour's trainer from earlier.
The data for the three Veteran-level Pokémon appeared in David's mind:
Krabby
Type: Water Level: 20 Aptitude: Light Purple
Flaaffy
Type: Electric Level: 20 Aptitude: Blue Purple
Nidorino
Type: Poison Level: 21 Aptitude: Purple
These three were likely each trainer's starter Pokémon, carefully raised over time.
As for the remaining Ordinary-level Pokémon, David didn't bother counting them in detail. With his team's current strength, even Riolu—who was slightly lower in level—could easily defeat these ordinary Pokémon. One well-placed punch from Riolu would solve the problem.
After confirming his opponents' strength, David formulated a plan. He threw out two Poké Balls, releasing both Riolu and Zorua to join Ralts.
David gathered his three Pokémon and assigned each of them their roles.
"Alright, listen up. Ralts, you and Riolu will follow me like this..." He crouched down, gesturing to show their positions. "And Zorua, this time the main task depends on you. When the moment comes, you'll need to..."
He outlined the plan carefully, making sure each Pokémon understood their part.
"The sun is almost setting, and we still need to set up our tent afterward. We should hurry and make good use of the remaining daylight. Tonight, I'll stew some beef for you three."
"Zorua~"
"Ralu~"
"Rio~"
Hearing David's promise of a beef stew dinner, his Pokémon cheered enthusiastically. With the arrangements complete, everyone began executing the plan.
Inside the camp, several trainers had gathered around a central bonfire. One person held a branch, gently poking at the embers to ensure the pot of water suspended over the fire would heat evenly and boil faster.
These trainers clearly hadn't shared David's good fortune. They hadn't discovered any supplies like tents during their first day of exploration in the wilderness. Instead, they'd improvised, gathering branches and other materials on-site to build a simple windbreak around the bonfire. Their sleeping bags lay spread out on the ground behind this makeshift shelter.
Fortunately, they'd chosen their location well. Their camp sat backed against a large boulder, surrounded by tall trees that provided additional cover from the wind. Without these natural advantages, sleeping in just their bags near the bonfire would have left them either half-frozen or sick with cold by morning.
"What time is it already? Why haven't those two come back yet?"
One of the trainers, who'd been sitting by the fire out of boredom, spoke with clear irritation in his voice.
"Who knows? Maybe those two stumbled across something valuable and decided to just take it and leave," another trainer suggested cynically.
According to their earlier division of labor, the two trainers David had encountered were supposed to scout the surrounding area and search for useful supplies.
"It shouldn't be that bad! Didn't our families already agree to team up for this assessment?" a third trainer objected.
"Besides, they haven't even taken their belongings yet. Where would they run off to? If those two really did sneak away with good items, we'll track them down later and make them pay for it."
Another person replied casually, dismissing the concern. He didn't believe those two would actually abandon the team. Even if they wanted to leave, surely they'd at least retrieve their own equipment first. After all, who runs away empty-handed?
David, hidden nearby: Didn't expect that, did you? Today, I'll show you exactly who runs away empty-handed.
"They'd at least need to come back with some excuse to get their things before—"
Before he could finish his sentence, a loud commotion erupted from the distance.
"What's happening?"
The group immediately jumped to their feet to investigate. In the wild, there was no room for carelessness or complacency.
One trainer scrambled onto a nearby rock to get a better view, looking toward the source of the disturbance.
Not far from their campsite, a massive Onix had appeared from somewhere and was heading directly toward them. The earlier commotion had clearly been caused by this Onix's approach.
The Onix's size was immediately noticeable even from a distance. While typical Onix usually measured between eight to ten meters in length, this specimen was at least twelve meters long—significantly larger than an ordinary Onix.
"This is trouble..."
Watching the approaching Onix, the trainer with the Nidorino—who served as the group's leader—frowned deeply.
During wilderness exploration, one of the most troublesome situations was encountering a wild Pokémon attack while camping. At least it was still daylight. If this happened at night, it would be far more dangerous. The sounds of battle might also attract other predatory Pokémon to their location.
But why would an Onix suddenly appear here? There was no time to ponder that question.
"Onix is a Rock and Ground-type. You, bring your Krabby and come with me to intercept it. We need to stall for time at minimum. You two, hurry back to camp and pack up all our supplies."
The leader issued commands calmly and decisively. Just from its size alone, he could tell this Onix must be powerful. If they could drive it away, excellent. If not, they needed to be prepared to evacuate immediately.
Following his instructions, the five trainers split into two groups. The leader took his Nidorino alongside the Krabby's trainer to try repelling the Onix. The other trainer with an Veteran-level Pokémon led the two weaker members back to the camp to gather their equipment.
Hidden in the shadows, David observed that his opponents had fallen into the trap exactly as planned. He quietly followed the second group back to the campsite, Ralts and Riolu staying hidden nearby.
"Who are you? Why are you here?"
The trainers who'd been packing supplies immediately shouted at David when they spotted his figure walking boldly into their camp. Their Pokémon quickly surrounded him, taking defensive positions.
David didn't answer. He silently used his psychic link to signal Ralts and Riolu that they could begin.
"Ralu!"
"What's happening?"
"What is this—"
Invisible psychic energy manifested around them. In an instant, Ralts's Confusion lifted all three trainers into the air simultaneously.
The trainers flailed their limbs uselessly, suspended like Magikarp pulled from water.
Then, under Ralts's precise control, their Poké Balls and score wristwatches floated away from their bodies, hovering silently in front of David.
Seeing their trainers captured and controlled, the Pokémon finally understood what was happening. They prepared to counterattack, but Riolu's blue-and-black form shot out swiftly from the side.
A metallic, silver-gray glow enveloped both of his paws.
Bullet Punch—enhanced by Riolu's Prankster ability for increased priority.
There were no warnings, no hesitation. Only Riolu's steel-hard fists greeted each Pokémon in turn.
Boosted by the priority move, it took just one punch per Pokémon to send most of them into unconsciousness, sleeping as peacefully as newborn babies.
Only the advanced-level pink Flaaffy managed to withstand more punishment, requiring three solid punches before finally collapsing. No other Pokémon could match Riolu in a single strike.
In less than thirty seconds, all three trainers left in the camp had been completely subdued.
"Who are you? What exactly do you want from us?"