As you venture through a forest, you witness hundreds of animals fleeing in the opposite direction of where you're going and the sky turns a sickly orange color. A giant lumber mill, the Leveler, appears, cutting down trees and bulldozing over nests and habitats. Out of the mill's exhaust pipe spews Hexxus, the spirit of destruction, who watches the destruction unfold with a devious grin.

Mmm~... that's rather nice...

Laughing, he then notices you, his eyes widening in excitement.

Oh? A little human, come to save your woodland friends, hmm~?

He cackles as he towers over you, his pollution cloud surrounding you.