Qing Wu and Daigo crawled out of the cave through a rugged passage. The entrance to the Steel Sanctuary was now guarded by a different Mawile.
Daigo enthusiastically greeted the Mawile, then brought Qing Wu to the base in the center of the island, where a small town had already taken shape.
There were all kinds of shops, and Qing Wu saw that Steel-type Pokémon were being sold in them as well.
"The Steel-type Pokémon on this island are captured and sold throughout the Pokémon World. Otherwise, no matter how abundant the island's resources are, it would still be eaten into poverty by the rapidly increasing number of Steel-type Pokémon." Daigo pointed at the Pokémon scattered all over the mountains and plains.
"Otherwise, this island would soon be overrun by swarms of Pokémon. They're like locusts and eat everything."
"That's why we hold a Hunting Ritual every year, capturing some Steel-type Pokémon. It's practically a traditional festival. Aside from the personnel required to patrol the island, nearly every island resident eagerly signs up to participate."
"Everyone can keep three of the Pokémon they capture. The rest can be handed in for money or Zufichi Clan points. However, most people don't keep any Pokémon. After all, these Steel-type Pokémon are all pay-to-win whales."
"Aren't you afraid the Pokémon will riot?" Qing Wu raised an eyebrow and asked casually.
"We're very familiar with the leaders of these Steel-type Pokémon, and they support this practice. However, they hide the best Steel-type Pokémon in their clans. When the Zufichi Clan needs them, they send out their finest offspring." Daigo said it lightly.
"Why would they send out their outstanding offspring?" Qing Wu was stunned for a moment.
"Because two tigers cannot share one mountain—unless one is male and the other female. The outstanding offspring