"By the way,"
Lionel's fingertips lightly brushed the cool metallic shell of the shiny Beldum in his arms. He suddenly remembered something and added:
"Rumor has it that in that desert, a mirage occasionally manifests as a real structure—the legendary Mirage Tower. I wonder if I'll have the luck to see it with my own eyes this time."
At the mention of the "Mirage Tower," Steven's eyes suddenly flickered.
He raised a hand to rub his chin, pondering for a moment before speaking. "The Mirage Tower, huh... that's something you can only find by chance, not by searching.
Devon Corporation's exploration teams have looked for it no less than ten times, but that tower seems to have a mind of its own, appearing and disappearing at will. Even the most precise instruments can't track its trail; you can only rely on luck to stumble upon it."
He looked at Lionel, his tone becoming somewhat more solemn:
"The environment in the desert is far more complex than what you've seen in the records. Not only are there sudden, powerful Sandstorms and hidden quicksand pits beneath the dunes, but you might even encounter formidable Pokémon dwelling in its depths.
I suggest you just train Tyrunt on the outskirts of the desert. There's no need to risk going deep inside.
If you really can't contain your curiosity, make sure to bring all your supplies—Potions, Transceivers, locators—and don't be careless for even a second."
"Don't worry, Mr. Steven, I never intended to go deep into the desert," Lionel replied with a quick nod.
"This time, I mainly want to properly train my Pokémon in the relatively safe outskirts. I'll only consider deep exploration once my strength has reached the next level.
I know my limits; I won't do anything too dangerous."
Steven nodded, a look of clear satisfaction in his eyes.
"That's good. However, your luck has always been unusual. Even if you only stay on the outskirts, you might very well run into the Mirage Tower.
If you really do encounter it, contact me immediately. I'll be active in the Hoenn region during this time."
He then pointed to the shiny Beldum in Lionel's arms.
"Just contact me through your address book first, then release this little guy. My Pokémon will use its energy fluctuations as a coordinate and Teleport over instantly.
However, positioning takes a little time, which is why I suggested you don't go deep into the desert. Safety first."
Lionel was stunned for a moment, then laughed.
"It can do that? Then rest assured, if I do hit the jackpot and find the Mirage Tower, I'll definitely send you a message right away."
He looked down at the Beldum in his arms. The little fellow seemed to understand the word "coordinate"; its red crystal eye blinked, and it gently rubbed its head against his wrist, looking exceptionally well-behaved.
"It's a deal." Steven snapped his fingers crisply. "Are you planning to set out today?"
"Yeah, everything is packed." Lionel nodded and shared his itinerary.
"The plan was to set off right after visiting the company today, going through Rusturf Tunnel to Verdanturf Town, and then slowly making my way to Mauville City."
"Then that's perfect, no need for all that trouble."
Steven clapped his hands and gave a light chuckle. "I was just about to head out myself. I'll give you a lift.
I originally planned to go straight to Mossdeep City, but dropping you off at Mauville City first won't take much time."
Lionel was a bit surprised. "Mr. Steven is heading out too?"
"You bet." Steven stretched, stroking the head of the Metagross beside him, his tone casual.
"If I hadn't been waiting to... cough, if I hadn't been preparing Beldum, I should have left last week."
Realizing he had almost let something slip, he quickly changed the subject.
"Recently, the tides in the waters near Mossdeep City have been very strange. The caves on the shoals are exposed much more frequently than in previous years. I'm taking this opportunity to go explore; if I miss it, I'll have to wait a long time again."
"Then I'm really troubling you. I didn't want to disturb you further."
Steven smiled. "Why so polite? You're part of Devon Corporation now too.
By the way, on the way to Mauville City, I have some experience regarding Beldum's training that I'd like to chat with you about... Let's go, we'll head to the roof and set off on Skarmory. You should catch a Flying-type Pokémon in the future; it's much more convenient for traveling and scouting."
Lionel nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll keep an eye out for a suitable partner during this journey."
Steven recalled his two Pokémon into their Poké Balls and handed the shiny Beldum's Poké Ball to Lionel.
"Take good care of it. I'm looking forward to seeing its performance in the Pokémon Contest."
"Don't worry, Mr. Steven. Beldum and I won't let you down!"
They talked as they walked out of the collection room.
Upon reaching the top floor, Lionel suddenly stopped and looked at Steven. "Should we go upstairs and say goodbye to President Stone before we leave?"
"No need, no need." Steven waved his hand, not stopping his pace. "The old man is very busy. He knew I was leaving yesterday; I already told him.
Besides, I'm not going far this time. If there's an emergency, it's easy to get in touch via Transceiver."
While talking, the two had already reached the rooftop of Devon Corporation.
Steven threw out a Poké Ball, and the Skarmory they had met once before appeared. Its silver-gray feathers gleamed with a cold metallic luster, and the edges of its wings were as sharp as blades.
Upon appearing, Skarmory's sharp eyes warily scanned the surroundings. Seeing Steven approach, it reined in its sharp aura and submissively lowered its head.
"Get on." Steven was the first to hop onto Skarmory's broad back, gesturing to Lionel.
Skarmory clearly remembered Lionel; it gently lowered its thick back and slightly tucked its wings to make it easier for him to climb.
Lionel reached out and gently stroked Skarmory's metallic neck, saying warmly:
"Thank you, Skarmory. Sorry to trouble you to carry me again."
Skarmory seemed to understand his thanks, letting out a low, gentle cry and lightly rubbing its head against his palm, appearing exceptionally intelligent.
Using the force of its lowered body, Lionel sat steadily on its back and reached out to hold onto Skarmory's body to steady himself.
"Hold tight." Steven instructed, gently patting Skarmory's neck. "Destination: Mauville City. Let's go."
Skarmory let out a clear cry, spread its wide wings, and flapped them hard twice, carrying the two of them into the sky.
Looking down, the Devon Corporation building gradually shrank, and the coastline north of Rustboro City spread out before them. The azure sea and golden beaches intertwined like a flowing oil painting, exceptionally magnificent.
"How does it feel?" Steven's voice came through the wind, filled with a smile. "The view while flying is great, isn't it? No matter how many times you see it, you never get tired of it!"
Lionel took a deep breath and nodded against the wind. "It really is spectacular. Every time is a different experience."
Skarmory's speed was extremely fast. Before long, the northern coastline gradually disappeared, and the silhouette of Rustboro City shrank bit by bit, slowly turning into rolling hills in the distance.
Steven would occasionally point to landmarks below and introduce them to Lionel: that was the Rusturf Tunnel connecting the Rustboro Mountains to Verdanturf Town, that brilliant sea of flowers was the symbol of Verdanturf Town... Just as the two were flying away on Skarmory, President Stone was looking through his office's floor-to-ceiling window at the shrinking figure of Skarmory.
The secretary reported softly from the side, "President, Master Steven has already set off with Mr. Lionel."
"Mm, I know."
President Stone nodded in response, his gaze still fixed on the distant skyline. His tone carried a hint of helplessness and indulgence.
"Go and prepare all the metal materials required for Beldum's growth and evolution. Once they're ready, confirm the city Lionel is currently in and arrange for someone to deliver them to him. Ensure there are no mistakes."
"Yes, President. I'll see to it immediately."
After the secretary left, President Stone stood by the window, watching Skarmory's figure gradually fade into the horizon, and muttered to himself:
"Steven, you brat... I wonder when you'll finally settle down. How much longer will I, Stone, have to wait to hold a grandson..."
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