Walking through the desert was truly a test of willpower.
The blazing sun hung mercilessly in the sky, pouring down scorching heat without restraint. The faint breeze offered no relief—instead, it stirred up waves of yellow sand that blocked the path ahead.
Sam's expression wasn't looking good. He deeply regretted his impulsive decision to head to Dasha Valley.
Crossing the desert without preparation was no easy task.
After walking under the brutal sun for more than two hours, Sam's throat felt as if it were being burned by fire. The dryness caused a sharp, stinging pain.
Unable to endure it any longer, he carefully took out his thermos and took a small sip.
The refreshing sensation of cool water flowing down his throat and into his body nearly made him cry out in delight.
Another sip?
Sam used sheer willpower to suppress the temptation. He hadn't brought much water, and without proper preparation, he couldn't afford to waste a single drop. After all, who knew how long he would be stuck in the Gobi Desert?
"Hey…" he sighed deeply, lowered his head from exhaustion, and forced himself to continue forward.
"Vroom."
"Vroom."
"Vroom."
The roar of an engine shattered the quiet desert.
Sam instantly became alert.
To be honest, he was sick of walking under the scorching sun. If he could hitch a ride, that would be perfect.
He straightened up and searched for the source of the sound.
Sand and dust rolled in from behind him along with the sharp whistle of wind.
After confirming the direction, Sam immediately waved both arms and shouted loudly, "Here! Over here! Someone needs help!"
At this point, he didn't care about dignity.
The driver of the off-road vehicle seemed to hear him and quickly steered toward him.
Saved!
Life really was full of unexpected encounters.
The driver turned out to be none other than Gary.
Gary was dressed like an archaeologist, wearing a dark field suit. The trunk of the off-road vehicle was packed with various excavation tools. Sam even spotted hoes, hammers, and other equipment. Clearly, Gary was preparing for something big.
Once seated in the back, Sam let out a long breath of relief. He was finally saved.
The seats were soft. The air conditioning was running. Most importantly, there was ice-cold beer in the car. When he opened a can, the crisp sound of carbonation fizzing filled his ears.
After taking a sip, Sam felt like he had ascended to heaven.
Seeing his blissful expression, Gary chuckled.
"Why would you try to cross the desert alone, Sam? That's not exactly a smart decision."
Sam smiled but said nothing.
He was smart. Just not rich.
Cars were rare in the Pokémon world. If he remembered correctly, this off-road vehicle cost at least tens of millions. It wasn't that he didn't want to be smart—his wallet simply didn't allow it.
Gary didn't press further. He casually picked up a can of beer, downed it in one gulp, and stepped on the accelerator.
The vehicle shot forward.
Sam froze.
Back on Blue Star, there was a rule drilled into everyone's head: don't drink and drive, and don't drive after drinking.
Gary had just done both.
"Hey, hey, hey—Gary, maybe stop drinking? It's better not to drive after alcohol," Sam said carefully.
After all, his life was currently in Gary's hands.
Gary waved dismissively. "Relax. I can handle my liquor."
Sam almost wanted to cry. The scent of alcohol filled the enclosed car, and Gary's flushed face did nothing to reassure him.
Before Sam could protest further, Gary slammed the accelerator.
The speedometer instantly shot upward.
Sam nearly burst into tears.
By the time they arrived at Dasha Valley, Sam couldn't hold it anymore. The moment the car stopped, he flung the door open and began vomiting violently.
Gary's driving skills were beyond horrifying. If he had known, Sam might have preferred walking under the blazing sun. At least he wouldn't feel like this.
His stomach churned violently, and he nearly fainted from the discomfort.
"No way, Sam—you actually get motion sickness?" Gary leaned casually against the vehicle, beer still in hand. "I always thought you were omnipotent."
"Ugh—!"
Sam swore he would never forget this day.
Gary had definitely done it on purpose.
Just wait, Gary.
Next time we battle, I'll make you regret ever being born.
After vomiting for more than half an hour and emptying his entire stomach, Sam finally regained some strength.
He rinsed his mouth with mineral water and slowly steadied himself.
"Let's go, Sam. Time to get to work," Gary said, already holding a hoe and preparing to dig for fossils.
Sam rolled his eyes.
"Do I look like I have the strength to dig fossils right now? You go ahead. I'll rest."
He wasn't stupid.
Digging blindly with a hoe was something only a fool would do.
Even if you found a fossil, there was no guarantee it could be revived. Fossil resurrection required strict conditions—not every fossil could be restored.
Rather than exhausting himself for uncertain results, it was better to wait here for Ash and the others.
When the time came, he could simply stick with Ash and choose between Aerodactyl, Kabutops, or Omastar.
Originally, Sam had even planned to share the opportunity with Gary as thanks for the ride.
Now?
Heh.
Gary could dig on his own.
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