The Forest of Evergrowth had always been a treasure trove for adventurers, but word had gotten out about its recent downgrading from a B-level danger zone to a D-level one. This attracted a flood of Trainers from Greenwood City, each eager to strip the outer regions of its resources. It didn't take long for John and the others to see the aftermath of this influx.
As John, Anna, and Max trudged through the forest, they noticed the absence of any significant findings. Fruits that were once abundant had all but vanished, leaving behind only common Pokemon like Oddish, Pidgey, and Rattata, who roamed with an air of disinterest.
"The Trainers from Greenwood City didn't leave us anything," Max grumbled, kicking a stray branch in frustration.
Anna sighed as she pulled a snack from her bag to share with a group of curious Pokemon. "At this rate, it won't take two years for this place to be downgraded to an E-level danger zone. A few months, maybe."
John nodded. "And once it's an E-level zone, it won't last long after that. Places don't stand a chance against this kind of exploitation."
By midday, the group reached a scenic open lawn by a sparkling stream. It was the designated meeting spot for their club, an ideal picnic location with plenty of shade. The group settled down to have lunch together before splitting up to explore further.
Anna had barely unpacked her meal when a freshman approached her. "Hey, Anna, where's John?"
She looked up from her sandwich. "He headed deeper into the forest as soon as we arrived."
Her words sparked a murmur of interest among the others.
"He's probably the only one here genuinely interested in finding something rare, like the Enigma Berry," Anna added with a shrug.
As for John, he had no interest in socializing. His sights were set on uncovering something extraordinary, and so, with Wynaut waddling behind him and Togepi perched on his head, he ventured alone into the forest's depths.
"This place has been picked clean," John muttered as he surveyed the forest around him. He'd been walking for nearly half an hour with a Gameboy-sized Dowsing Machine in hand, hoping it would lead him to something worthwhile.
The device was designed to locate rare Pokemon items and fruits, but so far, it had been eerily silent.
"No wonder this place got downgraded," he grumbled. "If I don't find anything soon, I might as well head back to camp and call it a day."
The forest's lack of resources was discouraging, but John wasn't one to give up easily. Following a hunch, he decided to stick close to a small stream, reasoning that rare fruits often grew near water sources.
After an hour of fruitless searching, John's stomach reminded him it was time for lunch. He found a shady spot beneath a sturdy tree and summoned his Gardevoir.
"Open the door," he said with a grin.
In an instant, Gardevoir used Secret Power to reveal a hidden base nestled within the tree. Inside, John's secret retreat was anything but rustic. A microwave, a fridge stocked with cold drinks, and a sleek TV greeted him as he stepped in.
From the fridge, he grabbed a Coke, and from his bag, a pre-packed bento. Settling onto a plush couch, he turned on the TV and found a comedy sketch to watch while enjoying his meal.
Togeoi and Delibird made themselves at home, snacking on Pokeblocks while Gardevoir stood watch. For a moment, John forgot about his mission, losing himself in the comfort of his high-tech hideout.
The peace didn't last long. As John packed up his lunch, he noticed a group of researchers moving through the forest. Their stern expressions and methodical movements hinted at something significant.
"Archaeologists," John muttered. "They must be here because of those ruins everyone's been whispering about."
He watched from a distance, uninterested in their work. Whatever they were searching for wasn't his concern. Once they were gone, he resumed his own exploration.
This time, he struck gold—or at least, his Dowsing Machine did. The device beeped faintly, its signal pointing him deeper into the forest.
"Finally," John said, his energy renewed.
The Dowsing Machine led him to a cascading waterfall that spilled into a serene pond below. The signal grew stronger as he approached.
"Looks like it's in the water," John mused. He released his Greninja from its Pokeball.
"Greninja, dive in and see what you can find," he instructed.
The sleek water-type dove gracefully into the pond, searching for the treasure. Ten minutes passed before it returned, shaking its head.
"Not in the pond, huh?" John frowned.
Determined, he had Gardevoir lift him with Confusion to search from above. The Dowsing Machine's signal didn't waver—it was pointing directly behind the waterfall.
"Of course," John said with a smirk. "A classic hidden cave."
He directed Gardevoir to part the waterfall using Psychic. The cascading water froze in mid-air before splitting down the middle, revealing a dark, narrow passage behind it.
"Let's go," John said, his voice tinged with excitement.
Inside the cave, the air was cool and damp. Queen created a glowing orb with Flash to light the way. The passage was clearly man-made, with smooth steps carved into the stone and ancient torches lining the walls.
"Someone's been here before," John murmured, noting the signs of previous exploration.
But the Dowsing Machine's signal urged him onward.
The passage opened into a cavern with an underground river rushing past. Beside the river stood a massive tree, its dark branches heavy with peculiar fruits.
John's eyes widened as he approached. The fruits were unlike anything he'd ever seen—jet-black with glowing, white question marks etched into their surface.
"Enigma Berries," John whispered, a grin spreading across his face.
These rare fruits were the stuff of legend, known for their mysterious properties. Few Trainers had ever seen one, let alone found an entire tree full of them.
"This Is what I came for," he said triumphantly, reaching for his Pokeballs to prepare for any surprises.