By late afternoon, the dense forest of Route 113 began to thin. The path widened, and the scent of volcanic ash in the air grew stronger.
Elior stepped out of the trees onto a high ridge.
Below him spread a vast city nestled between dark volcanic mountains—steam rising from canals that glowed with warm orange light.
"Whoa…" Elior whispered.
Riolu stood beside him, ears perked.
Infernyx's flames flickered with excitement, while Voltiger crackled as it leapt onto Elior's shoulder. Lunashade's shadow stretched quietly along the ground.
Ahead of them lay Emberfall City.
Stone bridges crossed glowing streams that ran through the city streets. Steam drifted up from hot springs, and trainers moved about everywhere, many accompanied by Fire-type Pokémon.
"It's huge," Elior said.
Riolu barked excitedly.
After hours of traveling, the group finally reached the city gates. A large metal arch welcomed travelers, carved with ancient symbols resembling flames and spirals.
Elior paused to read the inscription.
"City of Flame and Strength," he murmured.
Inside, the streets were alive with activity.
Trainers battled in small arenas. Vendors sold supplies. Fire Pokémon rested near pools of steaming water.
Voltiger jumped down and stared at the glowing canals in amazement.
Riolu walked confidently beside Elior, already acting like a true member of the team.
But Lunashade suddenly stopped.
Its silver eyes narrowed toward the far side of the city.
Elior noticed immediately.
"What is it?"
Lunashade's shadow pointed toward a large stone building rising above the rooftops.
A sign hung above its entrance.
Emberfall Research Laboratory
Elior felt something strange in the air.
The same energy he had felt in Ignivar… the same presence connected to the ancient titan.
Infernyx's flames burned slightly brighter.
Riolu clenched its fists.
Voltiger sparked nervously.
Elior stared at the laboratory building.
"Maybe someone there knows something about that titan…"
Far away, hidden inside the city's industrial district, several figures dressed in dark uniforms stood around a glowing machine.
One of them spoke quietly.
"Energy readings from the titan are increasing."
Another nodded.
"We must report this to the leader of Team Umber immediately."
Outside, Elior walked deeper into Emberfall City with his team.
He didn't know it yet—
But his next step in the journey was about to pull him even closer to Team Umber's plan.
And the journey continues....