Drayden's Invitation, an Ancient Founding Legend, the Third Dragon

Opelucid City in the real world was not divided into "past" and "future" versions like it was in the games.

The city was not particularly developed, but its facilities were quite complete: a train station, Pokémon School, Gym, hospital, and more.

A radio tower stood in the center of the city. No matter which street one walked down, all it took was looking up to see that tall building.

The city was very clean, with patches of green vegetation lining both sides of the roads. Those plants lent the city a lively yet tranquil atmosphere.

Some wild Pokémon were fast asleep on rooftops, beneath trees, and atop streetlights.

From these details alone, it was clear that Drayden governed the city very well.

Drayden was the Gym Leader of Opelucid Gym and also served as the mayor of the city.

"Should we find somewhere to stay first?" Cross asked from beside him.

"No." Hu Yang shook his head. "I want to check out this city's market first."

"The market?"

Hu Yang explained, "Whenever I arrive in a new city, I always go there to see if anyone is selling Pokémon-related items."

Things like Mega Stones and Evolution Stones.

Hearing that, Cross understood. He smiled and said, "In that case, let's go take a look together!"

The two of them headed to Opelucid City's market.

It was a very lively little park. A fountain statue stood in its center, surrounded by many small stalls.

The stall owners were all individual sellers.

Some were Trainers traveling the world, some were hikers who specialized in scavenging the wilderness, and there were even Bug Catchers wearing straw hats and carrying bug nets.

Most of what they sold were items they had found in the wild, such as various Evolution Stones, ores, Miracle Seeds, Berries, bug