Celestic Town.
This modern town had been built on the site of the Ancient Retreat.
According to Cynthia, Celestic Town now had more than a hundred thousand permanent residents. Most had settled here for its beautiful scenery and rich history.
"We're here."
The car stopped in front of an imposing Western-style office building.
Behind it stood many crumbling buildings, built in exactly the same style as the ruins Baimu had seen in Hisui.
"This is the Celestic Town Historical Research Institute," Cynthia said, her face full of nostalgia. "My grandmother works here. It's also where I grew up..."
Her interest in myth and history had come from growing up around them. With her considerable strength allowing her to travel through dangerous places, she had amassed knowledge that rivaled, perhaps even surpassed, her grandmother's.
But Cynthia wasn't satisfied.
She wanted to know more. She wanted to see the Pokémon World's sweeping history with her own eyes and witness the traces people had left in the tide of time.
Even if it meant giving up her position as Regional Champion...
Cynthia glanced at Baimu as he surveyed their surroundings. She had only entered the World Championships on a whim, planning to step down afterward and leave her position to a younger trainer who needed it more.
But the man beside her had given her an unexpected sense of anticipation.
"Come on, I'll take you inside."
Cynthia headed toward the institute. "The records are all in the library. If you're not in a hurry, I can help you look through them."
Baimu quickly caught up. "I'd feel bad putting you to that trouble. Go take care of your own work."
"To be honest, I have plenty of free time lately."
Cynthia turned toward him with a suggestive smile.
Baimu sidestepped the hint. "You're