Them, the forest rangers, were the people who spent the most time interacting with the Pokémon inside the breeding zones. Because of that constant contact, forest rangers were always the ones who could most easily earn the Pokémon's trust and recognition.
For this reason, the profession of a ranger was gradually becoming increasingly popular within the Pokémon Domain. Some knights were even beginning to consider joining the ranger teams themselves.
With the group setting out, the tank-like Skuntank strode forward at a brisk pace, pulling the wagon behind it and delivering the freshly produced Pokémon food from the food factory to the rocky hill area.
After spending some time together, all the Ground-type Pokémon had already calmed down. Now, the moment they saw Aven arrive, they all surged forward excitedly.
Especially after hearing there was Pokémon food, their eyes lit up one after another. Even though they had also eaten Pokémon food back at the Ironblood Fortress, the amount there had always been limited.
But now, they had just arrived in the Pokémon Domain and already had Pokémon food to eat. They immediately felt as if they were living in bliss. And when they heard that they would be receiving Pokémon food regularly in the future, they felt it was simply perfect!
"Next, it's time to arrange habitats for all these Ground-type Pokémon," Aven said, sweeping his gaze across the area.
This section of the safari zone was originally meant only for nurturing Ground-type Pokémon; it had never been designed to support such a large number of them living here permanently.
However, he had already planned ahead for their living grounds—the Coastal Mountain Range. That place had an abundance of wastelands and rocky hills, making it ideal for these Pokémon to settle.
He also intended to use the power of these Ground- and Rock-type Pokémon to dig through the Coastal Mountains and open a passage that would directly connect to Marina City, linking the Pokémon Domain and Marina City together.
"FLYYY~ GOOON!"
From the distance, a Flygon flew toward them at high speed, landing gracefully before Aven.
"Flygon, welcome to the Pokémon Domain."
"So? Are you satisfied with how things feel here?"
Aven reached out and gently rubbed the Flygon's head. Flygon lifted its chin with a proud air, but then dipped its head and gave him a small nod.
The Pokémon Domain was indeed wonderful. As it soared above this vast grassland, it felt as though it had already fallen in love with this place!
"That's good."
"Once your companions have eaten their fill, I'll bring all of you to your new habitat."
"It's a mountain range, quite similar in terrain to the Aspiration Mountains where you lived before. I'm sure you'll like it there."
Upon hearing Aven's words, Flygon nodded happily. They were finally going to have a home of their own!
After some more time passed, the ground suddenly trembled violently, and then they saw Rhydon, Garchomp, and Onix drill their way up from underground.
At this moment, Garchomp looked quite dusty and charred. Even though it was a king-level Pokémon, enduring those extreme heat levels and intense pressure was not easy.
However, it had to admit that such training was incredibly effective. The area of molten magma that Rhydon had found continuously produced scorching heat, while the underground pressure was naturally overwhelming.
The heat and pressure relentlessly squeezed every inch of its sKales and muscles. It had to grit its teeth and endure, continually tempering its body under those brutal conditions—becoming tougher and stronger as a result.
"Garchomp, already training? How does it feel?" Aven asked with a smile.
The high-heat and high-pressure regimen was actually more suitable for Rhydon and Onix, who possessed the Rock typing, since this was essentially a natural method of tempering their stone body.
But even for ordinary Pokémon, this harsh, almost self-destructive training method still offered significant physical benefits—especially for a king-level Pokémon like Garchomp. Training options that could truly strengthen its already sturdy body were extremely rare.
"GAAAAR!"
Garchomp raised its head toward the sky and roared, war-spirit burning in its eyes.
It was already impatient to begin training under Aven's guidance. It could feel the progress Rhydon and the others had made—and that was exactly what it wanted for itself!
"Good. Once your companions are settled, I'll help you begin your special training," Aven assured it.
For this pseudo-legendary king-level Pokémon, he placed great importance on its potential. With the right training, Garchomp too possessed the qualifications to reach the Champion-level!
He recalled that in the future world, Garchomp was the ace Pokémon of many Elite Four trainers. Some Champion-level trainers even had Garchomps capable of fighting legendary Pokémon one-on-one!
"Gar~!"
Glancing at its companions, Garchomp nodded firmly. Settling them properly was also extremely important.
Afterward, Aven wasted no time. He immediately led the Ground-type Pokémon who had finished eating toward the Coastal Mountains near Marina City.
Because the Drapion territory was still shrouded in poisonous mists, he chose to travel along the Fair River to the Black Coast first, then from there enter and ascend into the Coastal Mountain Range.
The mountain range was filled with countless peaks and ridges—an ideal habitat for Ground-type Pokémon.
Especially near the Black Coast, there were vast areas of sandy terrain, perfect for Trapinch and its kind who preferred desert-like environments.
On the other hand, Onix and Geodude, both Ground- and Rock-type preferred the rocky hills, particularly several peaks with exceptionally solid geological structures, which were their absolute favorites.
"Garchomp, from now on, you and your group will live in this rocky hill."
"Also, I'd like to ask all of you for a favor—use your strength to hollow out this mountain."
"In exchange, I'll provide you with plenty of Pokémon food and growth potions, allowing you to grow even faster."
Standing before the cliffside, Aven addressed the Pokémon gathered around him. For Ground-types, digging tunnels and carving into mountains was hardly a challenge.
"Gar~!"
The moment it heard it needed to hollow out this mountain, Garchomp immediately agreed with full confidence.
It walked to the front, Ground-type energy surging around its body, and unleashed Sand Tomb in an instant.
The powerful energy spread outward. The ground beneath its feet rapidly weathered into flowing sand that rolled downward in waves. The solid rock was eroded piece by piece, crumbling into sand and scattering with the wind.
"Nicely done, Garchomp," Aven praised.
Seeing this, the other Ground-type Pokémon hurried forward as well.
Onix and Geodude—being dual Ground-Rock types—were the most brutal. They directly bit into the rock, crunching the stone into gravel and swallowing it whole.
Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!
The rocks were ground to powder within their jaws, and their bodies digested stone at surprising speed.
According to legend, the pseudo-legendary Tyranitar could devour an entire mountain in a very short time. With this many Onix and Geodude working together, hollowing out a mountain should not be difficult at all.
"FLYYY!"
In the sky, Flygon and its companions circled excitedly.
It couldn't wait to explore its new territory, this would be their home from now on.
The other Pokémon followed suit, entering the mountains in groups. The mountain range was vast, giving them plenty of space to spread out and live comfortably.
"With this, the habitat of the Ground-type Pokémon is arranged perfectly."
"And I've also taken care of the road connection between the Pokémon Domain and Marina City. This might be one of my cleanest solutions yet."
Aven felt deeply satisfied, his gaze sweeping across the area. At this moment, the forest rangers were busy bonding with the newly settled Ground-type Pokémon.
"Also, I'll need to inform Kale about this."
With the Pokémon League Conference approaching, Kale should also be preparing to set out for the Pokémon Domain very soon.
(End of Chapter)