The road beyond Windfall City slowly changed.
The green hills faded behind Elior as the land ahead grew warmer and rougher. The grass became shorter, and dark volcanic rocks appeared along the path.
Elior wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead.
"The air's getting hot," he said.
Infernyx seemed completely comfortable. Its flame wings glowed brightly in the sunlight, almost as if the heat made it stronger.
Voltiger walked beside Elior, sparks occasionally jumping across its body as it stepped over the rocky ground.
Lunashade moved quietly in the shade of a cliff wall.
After several hours of walking, the road curved around a large hill.
And then—
Elior saw it.
A town built among dark volcanic stone.
Red banners hung from tall wooden posts. Steam rose from vents in the ground, and the air shimmered slightly with heat.
At the center of the town stood a tall tower shaped like a rising flame.
Elior smiled slightly.
"So this must be the next place."
The sign at the entrance read:
Ignivar Town – The Town of Living Flame
People walked through the streets carrying baskets, tools, and Pokéballs. Many fire-type Pokémon could be seen helping around the town.
Small ember-like creatures floated near lanterns.
A large fire-type Pokémon helped blacksmiths heat metal.
The entire place felt alive with heat and energy.
Infernyx lifted its head proudly.
This place felt familiar to it.
As Elior stepped into the town, several people immediately noticed Infernyx.
One of them whispered:
"Is that… an Infernyx?"
Another replied:
"That Pokémon is incredibly rare…"
Elior scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Looks like we're getting attention again."
Voltiger made a small chirping sound, sparks crackling playfully.
But Lunashade remained silent.
Its silver eyes scanned the streets carefully.
Watching.
Because far away—
On a rooftop overlooking the entrance of the town—
Two cloaked figures stood hidden.
Agents of Team Umber.
One of them spoke quietly into a communicator.
"The subject has arrived."
"In Ignivar Town."
A pause.
Then the response came.
"Continue observation."
"Do not interfere yet."
The agent looked down at Elior walking through the street.
"…Understood."
Back below, Elior looked toward the large flame-shaped tower in the center of town.
"That building looks important," he said.
"Maybe it's the town's gym."
Infernyx's flames flickered with excitement.
Voltiger sparked energetically.
But Lunashade's shadow stretched slightly across the ground.
Something about this town felt strange.
Something hidden beneath the heat.
And deep below Ignivar Town—
Far beneath the volcanic rock—
Something ancient stirred again.
Very slightly.
Very slowly.
The watcher beneath the earth had felt the flame.
And it was paying attention.
And the journey continues....