By the coast.
Baimu, Mawile, and the two Dreepy Siblings were enjoying the sea breeze with a few cups of fries in hand, having a great time, but unfortunately, they were disappointed not to spot a Wingull snacking on fries at the pier.
As the main stage of the movie, the bustling Desert City, modeled after Dubai, was even more prosperous than he imagined.
Not to mention the towering skyscrapers resembling a jungle of steel, the traffic and pedestrians attest that this city is no less than any major metropolis in any mainstream region.
The Divine Beast battle a few days ago had landed this place at the top of the blog's trending list, and its popularity hasn't faded even now, attracting countless Trainers and Pokémon Hunters upon hearing the news.
Unfortunately, those Cover Gods have long left; at most, there's a sluggish Groudon underwater trying to catch up...
If it gets caught up, it would really be a public disgrace.
It's known that this movie featuring Hoopa caused two Legendary Pokémon to lose face: the first being Parukia, representing space but unable to prevent space from shattering, and the second is Groudon, now labeled as "cannot fly."
The former is understandable, but the latter is truly unfortunate. Every time a non-winged but flying Pokémon appears, someone inevitably mentions its name, and even new game systems make special references to it.
Such as the "Supersonic Dive Bombing Groudon" or "Gigantamax Flying Groudon," etc.
Baimu sighs whenever he thinks of this fellow.
Yet, as prosperous as Desert City is, it has its quaint side, like the clusters of warm yellow stone houses across the canal. The scattered Mediterranean-style stone houses and sparse plants contrast with the modern high-rises, divided strikingly by the deep blue canal.
Crafting a visually impactful and peculiar landscape.
If this were Pyrite Town, he'd undoubtedly consider it a slum, but in a mainstream region...
It's mostly likely a deliberately preserved old scenic area.
Desert City, known as the "Star of the Desert," owes its development not only to the treasures brought through the rings by Unbound Hoopa but also to the business acumen of the local people, who sold various goods on the old city's avenue to gradually develop it.
Nostalgia for the old site is normal.
Those single-story dwellings all symbolized Desert City's past culture and history.
"Hmm... perhaps there's no need to demolish and rebuild Pyrite Town's old site?"
Baimu thought, since the Ore Region has plenty of land now, as long as the environment is well preserved, how hard could it be to build a Desert City replica in Ore or Pyrite City?
Of course.
That will be many years from now. Building a city isn't so simple.
His gaze returned to across the river, where only the base of the "Desert Tower" remained, with high gray-white fencing blocking external views, but from the plane, he glimpsed a massive silhouette of Unbound Hoopa.
It was fleeting, but if his eyesight hasn't declined, he probably saw it correctly; when help arrives—
"Mr. Baimu?"
The call made Baimu turn around instinctively, only to see a bespectacled, well-dressed office worker.
"It's me."
His words made the other person breathe a sigh of relief.
"Finally found you. I'm Sugaya, sent by Young Master Shanren to assist you." Sugaya smiled, adjusting his glasses with a gesture towards a nearby luxury car.
Baimu's expression turned slightly odd, "How did you refer to Shanren?"
"Uh, young master... Is there a problem?"
Sugaya was taken aback and thought he might have misspoken, replying with some stiffness.
"No problem." He shook his head, directly stating his thoughts and requests: "I want to go to the other side, yes, that artificial island. Do you have a way?"
The topic changed too quickly!
Sugaya swallowed, refraining from digging further, turning to look at the artificial island where Desert Tower once stood, "Hmm... Please give me a moment."
With that, the office worker turned and made a phone call.
Watching Sugaya, Baimu thought that Shanren's family actually had businesses in Carlos Region, what a moneyed household! It's downright excessive!
If he and his dad hadn't been the first to raise the rebel flag, the family assets might have been confiscated by now... OK, just kidding, the Ore Region has numerous companies affiliated with the Shadow Team, but none have been thoroughly cleared.
Shortly.
Sugaya had already resolved the issue.
"We've donated a sum to Desert City's construction department, and they agreed to let us participate in the supervision during the Desert Tower's reconstruction."
Goodness! Directly bribing with money?
Baimu clicked his tongue unnoticed, thanked Sugaya with visible satisfaction for his efficiency.
——
Half an hour later.
Baimu helped Mawile off the speedboat and accepted a white safety helmet from Sugaya, "Thank you."
"Chido?"
Mawile glanced at the Trainer's odd look, first stunned, then involuntarily burst into laughter, "Chido~"
What an ugly and funny helmet!
The Dreepy Siblings laughed nonstop too.
"Is it that strange?"
Baimu felt somewhat annoyed, about to retort something, suddenly hearing a thudding sound, drawing his attention away immediately.
He saw above the tall fencing, a sprout of violet-red hair swaying, quite conspicuous, accompanied by a thunderous, hearty laugh.