The golden glow of the setting sun dyed the camp at the edge of the desert a warm orange. This was the initial camp for entering the desert, and also the place where Lionel and Muneharu said their goodbyes.
"Lionel, now that we're here, let's part ways."
Muneharu patted his bulging supply bag, which was stuffed with water and compressed biscuits. "I'll rest at the camp for a night, and tomorrow I'll head out to search for clues about the Mirage Tower in the surrounding area."
You're going to challenge the Gym, so you better work hard. I'll be keeping an eye on your matches!"
"You take care too, Mr. Muneharu. Stay safe."
Lionel nodded with a smile. "If you really do find the Mirage Tower, remember to let me know."
"Definitely, definitely!"
Muneharu waved his hand and turned to walk toward the tent area of the camp.
After watching Muneharu's figure disappear behind the clusters of tents, Lionel looked down at the Tyrantrum beside him.
The fellow was lying docilely on the sandy ground, its massive head gently rubbing against his palm. Its amber pupils shimmered with a soft light in the sunset, completely devoid of the ferocity it showed during battle.
Lionel flipped himself over and straddled Tyrantrum's broad back, seating himself firmly.
Previously, when it was a Tyrunt, its body was still small—less than a meter tall—making it impossible to ride. He had been forced to traverse the parched Gobi roads on foot.
Now, Tyrantrum had grown into a behemoth nearly three meters tall. Its broad, thick back was like a sturdy mount, making the return journey much easier at last.
"Let's go!"
Lionel lightly patted Tyrantrum's neck, his voice carrying a hint of lightheartedness.
Tyrantrum let out a low growl in response. Its thick hind legs slowly exerted force as it stood up steadily, taking heavy yet stable strides as it sped off in the direction of Mauville City.
Gravel splashed beneath its feet, kicking up a shallow trail of dust.
Beldum made an excited "cling-clang" crisp sound.
At this moment, it didn't need to use Confusion to assist Lionel's travel, so the little guy was also enjoying the feeling of being a passenger.
It first snuggled in Lionel's arms, then poked its little head out to experience the joy of riding, which was different from its own suspended flight. Its round, red crystal eyes were full of contentment.
Before long, Beldum couldn't restrain itself. A faint blue light shimmered around its body as it levitated up, controlling itself to fly onto the crown-like crest atop Tyrantrum's head, which resembled a king's crown.
It seemed to treat that spot as its own exclusive seat.
This crown shimmered with a dark yellow metallic glint, and Beldum felt it complemented its own metallic texture exceptionally well.
It rubbed left and right, occasionally using its hard head to lightly tap the smooth surface of the "crown," producing clear "clang-clang" sounds.
Tyrantrum, however, was incredibly nervous, fearing this little thing wouldn't know its own strength and might damage its precious crown by banging its iron-lump-like head around.
As it traveled, it carefully swayed its large head, constantly keeping an eye on the movement above.
A low "woo-woo" whine came from its throat, sounding like a grievance-filled protest.
"Beldum, stop bothering it."
Lionel smiled and reached out, scooping the little guy back into his arms from the top of Tyrantrum's head. "Lie down obediently, or I'll put you back in your Poké Ball."
Beldum rubbed against his palm aggrievedly, its red crystal eyes blinking, but it ultimately lay down obediently in Lionel's arms.
However, its gaze still drifted longingly toward the shiny "crown" on top of Tyrantrum's head.
The scenery on the return journey gradually began to change.
On the desolate Gobi desert, the originally sparse shrubs became increasingly dense. In the previously parched and cracked gullies, trickling streams began to appear.
The clear stream water flowed gurglingly, reflecting the evening clouds at the edge of the sky.
On the distant horizon, the silhouette of a city finally emerged.
Mauville City's iconic lightning rod tower towered into the clouds, with faint electric sparks flashing at its tip from time to time, making it particularly conspicuous in the twilight.
As the distance gradually closed, the figures of Electric-type Pokémon began to appear frequently by the roadside.
A few Magnemite circled each other, fine electric sparks bursting out as their bodies rubbed together, making a "zzt-zzt" sound.
Groups of Mareep were chasing and playing on the grass by the road, their snow-white wool shimmering with a soft light under the setting sun.
There were also Voltorb, bouncing through the grass like air-filled balls, occasionally letting off small bursts of electricity.
When they saw the behemoth Tyrantrum galloping toward them, they all stopped what they were doing and widened their eyes, looking at this "uninvited guest" with curiosity and trepidation.
Tyrantrum's pace slowed down instinctively. It shook its massive head and struck a majestic pose, looking down at these "little runts" from its height.
A low roar rumbled in its throat, as if announcing its presence.
This immediately terrified the Electric-type Pokémon, who dove into the grass one after another, only poking their small heads out to peek secretly.
Looking at this scene, Lionel couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
Before, Tyrunt's size was barely considered petite, allowing it to walk around with him freely without being conspicuous in a crowd.
Now that Tyrantrum had grown into a giant beast nearly three meters tall, although it was extremely convenient to ride, it was almost impossible to let it out in a city teeming with people.
In the city, it would likely be difficult to let it move about as freely as before; most of the time, it would have to stay inside its Poké Ball.
Soon, they reached the outskirts of Mauville City.
Lionel gently patted Tyrantrum's neck. "Once we're in the city area, I'll have to trouble you to stay in your ball for a while."
Tyrantrum shook its head and gave a low growl, lowering its head to rub against Lionel. Lionel took out a Poké Ball, and with a flash of red light, recalled it inside.
Beldum in his arms also made a clinking sound. It didn't much like crowded places and wanted to go back into its Poké Ball as well.
Crossing the final stretch of suburban grassland, Lionel entered Mauville City.
The desolation and silence of the desert receded, replaced by the bustling noise and vitality of the city.
Following the directions on his phone's map, Lionel soon found the Mauville City branch of the Devon Corporation.
This building, which bore the sign "Poké Ball Sales and Development Center," had an exterior wall covered in streamlined red lines. From a distance, it looked like a giant Poké Ball.
"Hello, I am Lionel——"
Lionel explained his purpose at the front desk.
After checking the information, the staff member smiled and guided him: "Mr. Lionel, this way please. The specialist in charge of the hand-off is waiting for you on the second floor."
Lionel followed the staff member to the second floor and soon met the specialist responsible for this matter.
The other party handed over a heavy metal box and said sincerely: "This was specially prepared for you by Chairman Stone. Inside are Mithril Ores and Magnetic Ores needed for Beldum's evolution and growth, as well as rare metals and minerals such as the Ferro-nickel Alloy shed from the bodies of Magneton."
These minerals and metals can not only provide the energy Beldum needs for evolution but also grant it stronger magnetism and physical durability.
The Chairman instructed that you should let Beldum absorb them one by one according to the precautions provided by Young Master Steven.
If you run out, inform us in advance, and the company will arrange for specialists at the Devon branches in each city you arrive at to continue supplying them from Devon's mines."
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