Ecruteak City had been deliberately sealed off.
And the people currently inside Ecruteak City probably did not even know about it.
That was also because of Ecruteak City's rather unique geographical location.
It sat at the northernmost edge of the Johto Region, backed by vast forests and wilderness, with the entire city even surrounded by mountains. To its east stood Mt. Mortar, one of the Johto Region's famous peaks, separating Ecruteak City from Mahogany Town.
There were actually only a few routes into Ecruteak City.
So sealing off the roads leading into Ecruteak City was not difficult.
The only question was who had done it.
Ecruteak City was clearly not a peaceful place at the moment. Preventing people from entering was, to some extent, even protecting them.
But even without anyone entering, Ecruteak City was still exceptionally lively.
Ancient buildings, brilliant red lanterns hanging overhead, densely packed street vendors, crowds flowing through the streets, and cherry trees blooming with dazzling blossoms together formed an exceptionally harmonious scene.
Yet in the unnoticed corners of that picture, within one dark alley after another, as the light gradually faded, darkness seemed poised to swallow the entire city.
The Burning Festival was Ecruteak City's grand celebration held once every three years.
It was held to honor the Pokémon that had died in the Burned Tower, and to worship the great Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh, who had once saved the three Pokémon.
Xia Yan landed in the dense forest outside Ecruteak City. Looking at the dazzling city lit brightly before him, he could not help narrowing his eyes.
"Zorua."
"Wuh?"
The snow-white-haired Zorua in Xia Yan's arms raised its head and pricked up its ears at his call.
"Go."
"Wuu~~"
At that, Zorua gently licked Xia Yan's cheek with its little tongue, then vanished into the