Champion Lucario

Yan Yang arrived at his destination.

Saffron City was not large, but it had its own lively atmosphere. However, it was now two in the afternoon, the hottest time of day. The scorching sun baked the earth, and there were far fewer pedestrians on the streets, giving the town a somewhat sluggish air.

Yan Yang had already recalled Entei into its Poké Ball and let Turtwig follow at his side instead.

The little one was about to evolve, and staying inside its ball for too long might not be good for accumulating and sensing energy.

Fortunately, Turtwig had a gentle temperament and did not run around recklessly. Instead, the blazing sunlight made it especially excited. Its little head turned from side to side, filled with curiosity about its surroundings.

That was hardly surprising. Most Grass-type Pokémon loved sunny weather.

Ordinarily, upon arriving somewhere new, they should have taken the time to look around. But they were pressed for time and had to find the Dark Hunters' hideout as quickly as possible, then rescue Master Hu and Volcanion.

According to the information he remembered, the Secret Base was most likely north of this town. They had arrived from the south, which meant crossing the entire town.

When Yan Yang reached the central area of town, he immediately sensed that something was off.

A huge crowd had gathered around what should have been the town's central square, pointing and talking among themselves.

Yan Yang's heart stirred as he vaguely remembered something. He hurried closer, observing the scene while pricking up his ears to listen to the surrounding conversations.

"Now this is strange! How did those three huge stones in the town center just disappear?"

"Who knows? They say those three stones are older than our town itself. For them to vanish into