Sinnoh, Sandgem Town.
A luxurious villa that had somehow been rapidly constructed had become an exceptionally striking sight in Sandgem Town.
The gentle summer night breeze carried away some of the day's heat and restlessness.
Inside the villa's garden.
Leaves rustled in the breeze, rolling into green waves. Amid the swaying shadows, a Kricketune led several plump Burmy in playing a summer symphony from one corner of the garden.
A neat row of Starly perched on the branches, bobbing their heads and wiggling their chubby little rumps in unison to the refreshing rhythm.
Two Bidoof poked their heads out of the pond in the yard. As they listened to the melody, their heads began to sway involuntarily, while their sturdy tails beat out the rhythm and sent splashes flying across the pond.
Splash—
At that moment.
A sleek, graceful Milotic leaped from the water, stretching the perfect curves of the most beautiful Pokémon through the air. Sparkling droplets scattered around it, refracting the brilliant moonlight.
The Water-type Pokémon in the pond stared wide-eyed at the sight.
Then they saw.
After returning to the water, Milotic gently swayed its fan-like, dazzling tail, scooping up a shimmering spray of pond water and scattering it over the freshly plowed field nearby.
Beneath the large tree in the yard.
On two lounge chairs.
One young man rested with his hands behind his head, his hat covering his face as he relaxed.
The other young man was dressed immaculately, carefully fiddling with a box in his hands using tweezers.
Inside the box lay Mu Jins of all shapes and sizes, differing in appearance, texture, and origin.
These two.
Were naturally Steven and Xia Yan, who had chosen to take a break in Sandgem Town for the time being.
Feeling the cool mist drift toward him,