The next day, just as dawn broke and the streets of Mauville City were still steeped in morning mist, Lionel left the hotel with his backpack. His soles made a soft "tap-tap" sound on the wet stone pavement.
Following the list he had prepared yesterday, Lionel headed straight for the outdoor supplies store in the city center.
The shop owner was an uncle with a full beard. Seeing Lionel with a backpack, he immediately guessed his destination:
"Are you heading to the Zhabei Desert at the end of Route 110 up ahead? Quite a few Trainers have been going that way lately."
Lionel nodded, pointing to the first item on his list: "I need a Sandstorm-resistant tent, preferably lightweight but able to withstand wind and sand."
The owner took a khaki-colored tent bag off the shelf and patted it, making a "thump-thump" sound:
"You can't go wrong with this! It's specifically designed for desert travel, and the guy ropes are extra thick. As long as you don't venture into the core area of the Sandstorm deep in the desert, this tent will definitely keep you safe and sound."
Lionel also chose goggles of the same brand. The outer layer was reinforced glass for sand protection, and the inner layer was coated with a UV-protective film.
The owner specifically asked Lionel to try them on. They were good: they weren't glaring in the sunlight, and the vision was clear, as if he wasn't wearing anything.
Next, Lionel went to a store to stock up on Potion and Antidote, as well as a special ointment for desert insect bites. He didn't miss a thing, stuffing them all into the side pockets of his backpack.
As for food, Lionel didn't bring too much.
He had just confirmed with the outdoor supplies store owner that since the news about Mirage Tower spread, many temporary rest stops had popped up on the outskirts of the desert, offering complete food, lodging, and supplies.
Lionel couldn't help but marvel at the sharp business acumen—finding the opportunity as soon as the hype started. He truly admired this active commercial mind.
After completing his purchases, Lionel didn't delay further. He headed straight toward the northern exit of Mauville City... After traveling some distance from Mauville City, the scenery on both sides of the road visibly transformed.
The previously green grassland seemed to have had its vitality drained by an invisible hand, gradually turning into a withered, earthy yellow.
Tall trees vanished, replaced by clumps of low-growing shrubs and cacti covered in sharp spines.
Their leaves shone with an oily luster in the sun, as if coated in wax to lock in precious moisture.
The sight of Electric-type Pokémon became increasingly sparse. More often, he saw Geodude resting on rocks by the roadside, soaking up the sun, or Sandshrew digging holes.
In an instant, the Sandshrew's yellowish-brown figure flashed across the ground before diving underground, leaving only a small pit.
The further he walked, the more scorching the sun became, hanging overhead like a giant fireball, relentlessly pouring down heat.
The dryness in the air intensified. The wind that blew carried a burning temperature, scraping against his face like fine sandpaper.
Sweat beads formed on Lionel's forehead only to be instantly dried by the Heat Wave, leaving behind a fine layer of salt.
Originally, Beldum was still following Lionel, its metallic body reflecting the sunlight, its red crystal eye turning curiously as it observed the sand dunes and sparse vegetation along the way.
But now it had been recalled into its Poké Ball. Only Tyrunt remained energetic, trotting on its short legs beside him, its red scales gleaming astonishingly bright in the sunlight, as if embedded with rubies.
Not only did it not feel hot, but it was exceptionally adapted to the dry environment, occasionally scratching at the sand with its claws and making soft "awoo" sounds, clearly in high spirits.
"Phew..."
Lionel wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. Just as he was about to look for some shade to rest, he looked up and froze:
Not far ahead on the sand, stood several small houses, white walls and red roofs, strikingly conspicuous in the desolate land.
The land around the houses had been cultivated into neat plots, planting various Berry. The emerald green leaves stretched out under the scorching sun, full of vitality.
Beside the plots, there was a melon trellis, with plump watermelons hanging beneath the vines. Their dark green rinds had deep stripes, looking instantly refreshing.
What surprised him even more was a clear small river beside the houses. The water flowed gently, reflecting the green trees on the bank.
A little girl wearing a light blue dress was squatting by the river, gently shaking a stick in her hand.
Beside her was a Marill, wagging its round, ball-like tail. It occasionally jumped into the water, then leapt out happily, spraying a stream of sparkling Bubble Beam, and the bubbles popped in the air one by one.
Lionel sped up his pace, intending to ask if he could buy a watermelon to cool down and quench his thirst.
Seeing people, the Tyrunt beside him immediately let out an excited "awo" and dashed forward on its short legs, seemingly wanting to greet them.
"Ah!" The Marill beside the little girl was startled by the sudden appearance of the Tyrunt. It flicked its tail and instinctively sprayed a stream of Bubble Beam at the Tyrunt.
The dense white foam hit the Tyrunt, making soft "pff-pff" sounds.
The Tyrunt paused, startled by the spray, then shook its body to throw off the water droplets.
Tyrunt doesn't particularly like water, but fortunately, this Marill wasn't very strong; the attack was merely like a tickle to it.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!" Lionel quickly ran forward, pulled Tyrunt to his side, and profusely apologized to the little girl. "It didn't mean to disturb you, it was just a little too excited."
The little girl stood up, patted Marill's head to soothe it, and looked up at Lionel, her eyes sparkling. She wasn't angry at all; instead, she was curious:
"It's okay! This Pokémon is so mighty! I've never seen it before. What kind of Pokémon is it?"
"It's called Tyrunt," Lionel replied with a relieved smile. "My name is Lionel. I was passing by and saw your houses, so I came over to take a look."
"My name is Marina!" the little girl introduced herself with a cheerful smile. Her loose short hair swayed gently as she spoke.
She pointed to the houses behind her, her tone full of pride:
"This is my home! We are the The winning family, and we grow fruit trees and watermelons here. Lots of passing Trainers stop by to rest."
As she spoke, she looked down at Tyrunt and asked softly, "Is it okay? Marill's Bubble Beam didn't hurt it, did it?"
"It's fine, it's thick-skinned."
Lionel rubbed Tyrunt's head, and the little fellow cooperated by letting out a roar, as if saying, "I'm okay."
Marina finally felt relieved and enthusiastically tugged on Lionel's sleeve, guiding him toward the houses:
"Lionel elder brother, you're a Trainer, right? Are you going to the desert to look for Mirage Tower, or are you going to check out Mt. Chimney?"
"You can come to my house and rest for a bit and have some water. We have watermelons at home, and they are super sweet! Lots of passing Trainers take a break here."
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