Chapter 382: The Ruler of the Crystal Tower (Daily 10k, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Watching Snowstorm Horse, whose nose was almost pointing to the sky under Vulpix's unconscious "praise" despite still feeling slightly awkward, Crown King deeply realized a truth.

Sincerity is the ultimate move!

Nothing touches the heart more than genuine emotion.

Crown King knew very well that when it occasionally spoke tactfully to consider Snowstorm Horse's feelings, Snowstorm Horse could actually tell, and the same applied to Spirit Shadow Horse.

But they would pretend to know nothing and then accept its comfort.

So when encountering Vulpix's completely unfeigned praise, Snowstorm Horse would actually undergo such a huge change?

Crown King silently picked up the ice radish that had fallen on the ground, watched Vulpix and Snowstorm Horse happily share it, and renewed its resolve.

It would definitely help its solitary-natured beloved horse make many friends!

Nearby, Luo Mu's gaze fell upon Snowstorm Horse and Vulpix, regretting slightly that he hadn't brought a camera to capture this precious moment.

Fortunately, as long as the relationship between Vulpix and Snowstorm Horse continued to improve, he would have plenty of opportunities later to take such photos.

Afterwards, Luo Mu visited the Sandslash couple, and under their guidance, saw the Pokémon egg they had hidden so well.

The Pokémon egg was overall white with ice-blue wave patterns, possessing a very standard oval shape, looking quite beautiful.

This Pokémon egg was likely the first direct descendant of the Pokémon within the farm, holding great commemorative significance.

Crown King also infused a wisp of extremely pure life energy into the Pokémon egg, which could greatly increase the vitality of the unborn Pokémon inside, making it healthier and its talents more outstanding.

Afterward, the way the Sandslash couple looked at Crown King was as if viewing a great benefactor; even Snowstorm Horse, due to its relationship with Crown King, received better treatment from the Sandslash couple, easing their relations considerably.

Compared to those legendary Pokémon with extraordinary combat power, Crown King was obviously more suited for farm life; moreover, if battle were truly needed, the unified human-horse form of Crown King would not fall far short of them.

August 14th.

Today was the weekend, with no work arrangements, but Luo Mu still requested leave from Nurse Joy of Pingdie Town, planning to temporarily halt his study of medical knowledge for these two days and go out on a trip.

Previously, Luo Mu had already informed the Shi Ying League through Elesa that he would be heading to the Kanto region within these few days to collect the Gold and Silver series berries.

Before departing, Luo Mu happened to receive a photo transmitted by a Delibird via the "Black Sphere's" teleportation function.

It was an aerial panoramic shot of Goldenrod City, which also meant the Delibird had already arrived in Goldenrod City.

Luo Mu's current plan was to ride Dragonite to Goldenrod City to meet the Delibird, then take the maglev train from Goldenrod City to Saffron City, and finally take off from Saffron City to head to Shi Ying Plateau, the location of the Shi Ying League.

According to this plan, perhaps two days of time was still somewhat too rushed.

If necessary, Luo Mu would reschedule Monday's classes to Tuesday, freeing up three days to ensure ample time for the round trip, rather than rushing there and rushing back.

Since this trip to the Kanto region was not for fighting, Luo Mu felt slightly conflicted regarding the choice of Pokémon to bring along.

Because they were heading to the Johto region, Luo Mu wondered if he should bring Meng Lei Gu; perhaps, just like encountering Suicune, they might run into Raikou on the way?

When Raikou saw Meng Lei Gu, who seemed somewhat similar to itself but had a neck like a giraffe, what expression would it show? Luo Mu felt this would definitely be very interesting.

His hesitation was accidentally witnessed by Crown King, who had just returned from walking Cosmog.

After placing Cosmog in the small nest brought over by Oranguru's psychic power, Crown King asked curiously, "What are you all doing here?"

Luo Mu and Oranguru, who were discussing the matter, exchanged a glance and briefly explained the situation.

After listening carefully, Crown King showed an expression of understanding: "So, you are conflicted about whom to bring along?"

Luo Mu nodded gently: "Originally, I planned to bring Serperior, but it said it is undergoing special training with you these past few nights and doesn't want to go out for now; Luxray feels the same way."

"Currently, I plan to bring Dragonite, Victini, and Meng Lei Gu, but haven't decided on the rest of the choices yet."

Considering that the Kanto region was the active location and headquarters of that evil organization, Luo Mu felt he could not be too careless.

Stared at by Luo Mu, Crown King made no sound but slowly closed its eyes, reopening them about a minute later to offer its suggestion.

"I think you could also bring Huo Yan Niao and Feng Su Gou; it has been a long time since they went out, hasn't it?"

Bring Huo Yan Niao and Feng Su Gou?

Luo Mu was stunned, unsure whether Crown King was giving a random suggestion or providing a hint based on having learned something through foreseeing the future.

However, what Crown King said was indeed correct.

It had been a very long time since he last took Huo Yan Niao and Feng Su Gou out.

Last time in the Crown Tundra, due to the environment, Feng Su Gou had stayed inside its Poké Ball almost the entire time, which nearly drove it crazy from confinement.

This time, in their "home territory," they could be a bit more casual.

Thinking of this, Luo Mu stood up with a "swish," thanked Crown King, left the house, found Huo Yan Niao and Feng Su Gou who had just returned from "walking the dog" with their energy comfortably released, called upon Meng Lei Gu who was sunbathing on a hillside near the farm, and finally took Dragonite along to pull Victini out of bed.

This made exactly a team of five Pokémon; with Dragonite as the main force, and Meng Lei Gu and Huo Yan Niao as two mainstays, there shouldn't be any major issues regarding combat power.

If matters were settled quickly, Luo Mu wouldn't mind visiting Pallet Town to fulfill Professor Oak's invitation, which he had extended several times in a row.

Just as Luo Mu, with Victini perched on his shoulder, returned indoors to pack the Required Items for the trip, he suddenly felt his pant leg tugged a few times.

"Mimikyu?"

Looking down, Luo Mu discovered it was Mimikyu tugging at his pant leg.

"Tini?"

Victini also followed Luo Mu's gaze downward, and upon discovering Mimikyu, which had appeared there at some unknown time, Victini seemed to recall some bad memories, its body shivering slightly.

Even until now, it still wasn't quite accustomed to the elusive Mimikyu and would get startled easily if not careful.

"Q!"

Mimikyu stared with its tiny eyes, working very hard to signal to Luo Mu that it also wanted to go out.

Luo Mu bent down, picked up Mimikyu in one arm—its body, though not light as a feather, was certainly not heavy either—and looked into the pair of small eyes on the belly of the rag doll it inhabited, smiling softly as he said, "Then let's go out together!"

Nine o'clock in the morning.

Fully prepared, Luo Mu, under the send-off gaze of Luxray and the others, rode Dragonite and flew towards the direction of the Kanto region.

As the saying goes, the first time is strange, the second time familiar; this time, Dragonite no longer needed full navigation to guide the way, and by approximately dusk, one could see the outline of the Johto region connected to the Kanto region.

Luo Mu used to often foolishly fail to distinguish the differences between Kanto, Johto, and Guandu; logically, the Guandu region refers to the whole of Kanto and Johto combined, yet some people feel Guandu is merely a renamed Kanto, which is very confusing.

This time, Dragonite's flight speed was even faster; it could be seen that it was rapidly digesting the gift from Lugia, and while its mastery over the power of air currents improved, its flight speed also achieved a qualitative enhancement.

In the evening, Goldenrod City had already lit up with dazzling neon lights, as this largest and most prosperous city in the Johto region displayed its depth and heritage.

Luo Mu did not have Dragonite land in the city district; instead, he took out the "Black Sphere" from his spatial backpack and, following the sphere's sensing function, headed toward the coordinates where Delibird was located.

While searching for Delibird, Luo Mu chatted with Dragonite about Dragonite Island.

"It is said that in the seas near the Kanto region lies an island belonging exclusively to the Dragonite clan; there is the sacred ground of the Dragonite clan, where many Dragonite, Dragonair, and Dratini have lived for generations."

Slowly flapping its wings, Dragonite tilted its head slightly, listening carefully to Luo Mu's account.

Dragonite Island—it was hearing of it for the first time.

Luo Mu smiled, patted Dragonite on the back, and jokingly said, "Perhaps your mother was once part of Dragonite Island, meeting her Trainer in her youth and being taken away from Dragonite Island, or something like that."

"Bo-wu..."

Dragonite bit its own plump hand, its expression slightly conflicted.

Although it had almost no impression of its mother and no emotional bond with her, the throbbing from its bloodline upon meeting her had indeed made Dragonite clearly realize that the Dragonite Leader was its mother, connected by blood.

Their subsequent interactions also proved that the Dragonite Leader was a very good, experienced, and extremely "knowledgeable" mother.

If its mother truly came from Dragonite Island, perhaps, if the opportunity arose, it could take her to visit Dragonite Island?

Perhaps that would improve her condition slightly.

At this moment, the "Black Sphere" in Luo Mu's palm suddenly vibrated; his attention immediately refocused, and based on the "Black Sphere's" reaction, Luo Mu knew that Delibird was right nearby.

Dragonite landed on the ground, and Luo Mu looked left and right, searching for Delibird's figure.

His current location was a small grove on the outskirts of Goldenrod City; judging by the chosen resting spot, Delibird had done an excellent job.

There was sufficient cover here, along with trees for shelter; since humans rarely passed through, the probability of being disturbed was very low, making it an ideal temporary resting place.

Luo Mu looked left and right but did not see Delibird's conspicuous red-and-white figure; after a brief thought, just as he was about to look up into the trees and call out, Dragonite suddenly cried out.

"Bo-wu!"

The next instant, the branches above Luo Mu's head shook violently, and a figure plunged directly down from above toward him!

Dragonite, being the first to detect the change in airflow, retracted its claws upon seeing the figure diving at Luo Mu and sensing that familiar aura, then looked at the newcomer with delight.

"De-li!"

Following only a cheerful cry, Luo Mu's vision went dark as his entire face was immediately embraced by Delibird, which had detected their arrival.

As Delibird hugged Luo Mu, its tail continued to vibrate at a certain frequency, clearly indicating that the "Black Sphere" inside was still moving.

"Delibird, long time no see."

Having finally managed to pry Delibird, which was clinging tightly to his face like a face-hugger, off himself, Luo Mu hadn't even caught his breath before Dragonite hugged him directly.

The scene became extremely chaotic for a moment.

After both parties had calmed down again, Luo Mu, holding Delibird, smiled and explained to the curious Pokémon why he had appeared there: "I had some business to attend to in this area, discovered you were in Goldenrod City via the 'Black Sphere,' and thought I'd just come over to meet you."

"De-li~" (I see~)

Delibird nodded happily.

Clearly, it was also very happy to see Luo Mu.

At this moment, a Level Ball at Luo Mu's waist automatically opened, the shadow beneath his feet wriggled again, and Victini and Mimikyu appeared one after another, excitedly greeting Delibird.

After the several Pokémon had played happily for quite a while, watching the sky gradually being dyed by the night, Luo Mu made a suggestion: "Would you like to travel with us for these few days? I'll send you back in a couple of days."

According to Luo Mu's estimation, heading now to the Goldenrod City Maglev Station to board the 24-hour operating maglev train should allow them to reach Saffron City by tomorrow morning.

Hearing that it could spend a few days with Luo Mu, Delibird naturally had no reason to refuse; it patted its chest with its small wings and agreed immediately.

Travel could be undertaken at any time, but opportunities to act together with Luo Mu must be cherished.

Inside Goldenrod City.

Luo Mu walked down the street with Delibird, while Victini, already invisible, rested on top of his head.

In the Johto region, Delibird was not particularly rare; following alongside a Trainer, almost no one would specifically stop to stare at you.

However, Delibird enjoyed considerable popularity among specific groups; even Pryce, the Gym Leader of Mahogany Town's Gym, possessed a quite powerful Delibird.

Delibird had seen that Delibird when Mewtwo took it to challenge the eight Gyms of the Johto region, and it had even battled against that Delibird.

The final result, naturally, was Delibird's victory.

Reaching the Maglev Train Station required passing through Goldenrod City's most bustling commercial street; if described using some famous commercial streets from Luo Mu's memory, it would be like Shibuya or Akihabara.

Passing by a large electronics superstore, Luo Mu, Delibird, and Victini all had their attention drawn by the crowd gathered in front of the store.

A large group of people surrounded the outside of the superstore; it was unclear whether the electronics store was holding an event or if someone was causing a disturbance.

Originally, Luo Mu had no interest in such matters, his attention having been captured only for an instant.

But suddenly, a wave of shocked exclamations erupted from the crowd; passing by at that exact moment, Luo Mu peered through the gaps between the people and saw clearly what had caused their surprise.

On the television wall of the electronics superstore, a previous live broadcast was being replayed.

In the footage, a massive orange bulldozer was operating, ruthlessly clearing away some strangely shaped crystals.

But soon, the bulldozer came under counterattack by some entity and was directly swallowed by a giant crystal, sealed inside it.

This was the reason for everyone's earlier exclamations.

Immediately after, the footage paused for a moment, then switched to a live scene, and a female reporter's slightly trembling voice rang out from the television.

"Just now, an object resembling fire was discovered in the sky above the Snowdon mansion; we are unable to confirm exactly what it is."

"The rescue team seems unable to arrive until tomorrow morning. Eh, that's a Pokémon!?"

Amidst the female reporter's surprised voice, the accompanying cameraman zoomed in on the image, clearly capturing footage of a boy carrying a Pikachu and his companions, with the aid of a shiny Noctowl, as well as Bulbasaur and Chikorita, infiltrating the crystallized Snowdon mansion.

Seeing this scene, not only the reporter but also the bystanders gathered in front of the Goldenrod City electronics superstore let out exclamations of shock.

"Oh my, how dangerous!"

"What is that thing? I've never seen it before."

"When will the League mobilize?"

"That place... seems to be the number one 'place girls most want to visit' in the Johto region, Greenfield!"

"Really? Isn't that right nearby?"

"Could this spread over here?!"

The deeper the discussion went, the more panicked the bystanders became; many immediately extinguished any thought of strolling, hurriedly leaving the electronics marketplace, clearly intending to return home and take shelter.

"Got it."

The Messenger Bird tugged at the hem of Luo Mu's clothes, who had remained unresponsive all this while, asking him what he planned to do.

The Messenger Bird was somewhat speechless; why was it that boy with the Pikachu again? Not knowing if it was just his imagination, the Messenger Bird always felt like he could see him getting entangled in all sorts of strange affairs at any moment.

Luo Mu fell into a suspicious silence, as if weighing something.

Yet his heart was anything but calm.

How could he stumble upon "Entei: Lord of the Crystal Tower" the moment he arrived?

Judging from the live broadcast footage just now, hadn't things already progressed to Ash and his group entering the Crystal Tower?

Next would probably be fighting through obstacles one after another, then rescuing Mom Delia, followed by Charizard rushing over from the Charicific Valley at the critical moment to battle the fake Entei for three hundred rounds, finally moving Mikey's heart to dispel Entei's hostility; the fake Entei, in order to break the barrier preventing everyone from leaving, would then explode with power and vanish, clearing the dungeon.

It seemed whether he went or not made no difference; no one would be sacrificed, the missing Professor Spencer Hale would return, and everyone would be happy.

Except for that Entei created from Mikey's dreams by the Unown.

Luo Mu suddenly recalled the emotional fluctuations he had experienced when watching this movie in the past.

This theatrical film had no true villain, and furthermore, regarding the disappearance of that Entei—though born of falsehood, its emotions and convictions were absolutely genuine—Luo Mu had once felt regret deep in his heart.

"... Forget it."

Heaving a sigh, Luo Mu gripped the Silver Wing hanging at his chest, took out his phone, and glanced at the contact named "Gorilla."

Whether summoning Lugia or notifying Gorilla by phone to drag Lei Guan Wang over, allowing Lei Guan Wang to descend via long-distance teleportation like Mewtwo, even if unexpected events occurred, the safety guarantee would be absolutely flawless.

Even without counting them as regular combat forces, he himself possessed the power to intervene.

In that case, why shouldn't he act a bit more according to his own desires?

This Entei, he was determined to save.

(End of Chapter)