Day 16

I faced my first Hoenn Gym in Rustboro City, where the Gym Leader Roxanne came off seriously bossy—honestly, I half expected her to whack me with a ruler if I stepped out of line. Still, I kept my focus and took her down without much trouble. Mudkip easily washed away both of her Geodudes with Water Gun. Her Nosepass was trickier, but Shroomish made it manageable by opening with Stun Spore and Leech Seed before wearing it down with a barrage of Absorbs. Victory was mine.

Not long after, I got caught up in trouble involving a gang called Team Aqua. They had stolen goods from the Devon Corporation, but I managed to recover them. As thanks, I was asked to make a delivery—which led me to set sail for Dewford Town. There, I explored the dark depths of Granite Cave, where my Cascoon finally evolved into a majestic Dustox. I also caught a Makuhita stomping around inside. After finding and delivering the letter to a man named Steven, he handed me another task—another delivery.

So, I sailed onward to Slateport City and delivered the Devon Goods, only to find Team Aqua stirring up chaos at the local oceanic museum. After helping put an end to their mischief, I pressed onward, heading toward Mauville City. On the way, I encountered and caught a cheerful Minun to add to my growing team. My Hoenn journey was gaining steam—and I was just getting started.