The latter froze, then realized the Trainer was just leaning on them, and quietly let out a sigh of relief.
It began to wonder if it was overreacting, then glanced at the other Pokémon keeping their distance, feeling rather bewildered.
Is this it?
Meanwhile.
Under Baimu's gaze, the Mage swept through the forest Pokémon as usual while advancing towards Yuanzhu City.
This reminded him of playing Arceus, where he caught Pokémon along the way, making life quite difficult.
He heard Scarlet & Violet would give materials after capturing Pokémon.
And materials could be used to make Learning Machines, like using Gible's scales to make Dragon Dance... He almost laughed out loud when he saw this screenshot.
What did Garchomp ever do to you!?
GF, you're such a Garchomp hater!
...Could it be that in generation nine, Garchomp could learn Dragon Dance? It feels as likely as the Sun rising from the west.
Baimu changed his posture, refocusing on the Mage raiding Wild Pokémon and the two Pokémon aiding and abetting.
[You captured Oddish and obtained Oddish's grass juice]
[You treated Rattata's leg injury and obtained Tooth Powder by helping it grind its teeth]
[You successfully made an Igglybuff cry...]
Seeing the enthusiastic Murkrow chasing other Pokémon, Baimu finally understood why the Mage's [Appearance Reflects the Heart] would attract this fellow.
Clearly, they're birds of a feather!
This made Baimu anticipate what the other Pokémon of the Mage might be.
While pondering, the Mage had already traversed the forest, ending their life of eating in the open and sleeping under the stars, arriving in a new place.
[You've arrived at Yuanzhu City, driven by your desire for Holy Ash towards the Bell Tower]
Yuanzhu City.
A bustling city.
Its prototype is Kyoto, Japan's capital, implying traces of Japanese culture in the buildings and layout.
The actual photos are much more beautiful than the pixel version.
Baimu has seen Yuanzhu City repeatedly rated as one of the most suitable cities for tourism, yet still has no chance to visit it personally.
He watched the Mage heading straight for the Bell Tower, knowing this guy wanted to try his luck.
However, in the animated background, Ho-Oh stopped interacting with Yuanzhu City's humans three hundred years ago, even earlier than in the game by one hundred fifty years.
Meanwhile, the Burned Tower was constructed by humans for Ho-Oh, unrelated to Lugia.
[You were stopped by someone]
On screen, a man in monk clothes appeared before the Mage.
[You hear the man introduce himself as Mao Jie, the monk guarding the Bell Tower for generations, stating that the Bell Tower does not allow outsiders to enter freely, but the Burned Tower can be visited]
Monk.
Though there is no Buddhism in the Pokémon World, monks still exist, and Bellsprout Tower, Bell Tower, and Yuanzhu Gym all have them.
The Mage wouldn't give up.
Even if she knows climbing the Bell Tower most likely won't find Holy Ash, she still wants to try.
[You have a brainwave and challenge Mao Jie to a Pokémon battle, expressing that if you win, he should let you go up]
A light bulb appeared above the Mage's head, while Mao Jie replied with a refusing smile.
[If you can successfully challenge Yuanzhu Gym, I'll let you go up—After hearing Mao Jie say so, you're stunned for a moment, then immediately agree without hesitation]
She was going to challenge the Gym anyway.
Conveniently, Yuanzhu Gym was located not far from the Bell Tower, and the Mage turned directly and went in.
No potions?
Baimu was slightly surprised by her action, then noticed that after entering the Gym, rather than rushing to the Gym Leader, she found a hidden spot and started feeding Misdreavus and Murkrow various potions.
In no time.
Two Pokémon filled with technology...no, filled with Pokémon Monster Magic were born.
The Mage confidently took them to challenge the Gym.
[You challenged Yuanzhu Gym]
At this time, Yuanzhu Gym was naturally not helmed by Song Ye as the Gym Leader but by an older woman.
Her expertise in Attributes was similar to Song Ye's.
Baimu wasn't surprised by this, Song Ye mentioned in the animation that the Bell Tower was a building guarded by his ancestors for generations; this Gym Leader might be his grandmother or old aunt.
Perhaps the Gym Battle had no suspense, the simulated battle scenes were rather primitive.
Misdreavus and Murkrow won effortlessly.
[You defeated Yuanzhu Gym Leader, obtaining the Yuanzhu Badge]
The observing Mao Jie showed an expression of surprise, seemingly not expecting this reckless little girl to be quite capable.
[You received permission to ascend the Tower]
The Mage happily ascended the Bell Tower.
However.
There she only saw Ho-Oh's statue and silver bells hanging in four corners.
[You learned from Mao Jie that when four silver bells ring simultaneously, it signifies Ho-Oh's return; but unfortunately, they haven't rung for hundreds of years]
The Mage gazed at the silver bells, an ellipsis hovering over her head.
For some reason.
Baimu seemed to perceive some sadness from the pixel figure, not finding Holy Ash seemed to have dealt her a blow.
"..."
He gazed silently, ready to immerse himself in the atmosphere.
The scene shifted.
The Mage, who had just seemed quite despondent, returned to the street to set up a stall, this time displaying two badges beside her to increase persuasion.
Misdreavus and Murkrow flew around her.
The atmosphere suddenly shifted, making Baimu feel stifled.
However, with the two badges plus the Mage's reputation, many were indeed attracted.
But when asked what she was selling, the Mage frankly replied 'Magic Potions' and enthusiastically explained what Pokémon Monster Magic was to everyone.