Eindoak Town.
Once the "Land of the Earth," now the "City of Harvest."
The Berries produced by this city accounted for nearly one-eighth of the entire Unova region's supply, and the fruit wine made from them was a world-famous brand as well.
Add to that its unique natural scenery and its historic castle, the Sword of the Vale.
As a result, plenty of tourists visited every year.
"Coo—"
A flock of grayish-brown bird Pokémon scattered across the sky.
The sky was a brilliant blue, and a brisk, cool breeze blew. Unfortunately, it wasn't summer in Eindoak Town, so the annual Harvest Festival wasn't being held.
Dian climbed the moss-covered steps toward the towering castle ahead.
From a distance, the mysterious castle, steeped in antiquity, really did resemble a sharp, one-handed longsword.
And in fact, it really was a longsword—the Sword of the Vale, which controlled and severed the dragon vein.
Clack, clack.
He reached out and pushed, opening a gap in the stone door wide enough for one person to pass through.
The spiral staircase led to the highest viewpoint in the area. Fortunately, it was early morning, and spring besides, so he seemed to be the only person there.
"Phew—"
Dian stretched his muscles.
He had finally enjoyed a rare stretch of rest, and his whole body felt much more relaxed.
"Coo?"
A grayish-brown, yellow-eyed Pidove suddenly flew down from the sky. It stretched out its broad wings as though greeting Dian.
Dian silently looked at it. Could this be the contact the other party had mentioned?
Pidove stared blankly back at him, keeping its wings outstretched.
Then it rubbed its two foremost feathers together.
"You..."
Dian wasn't sure whether he was imagining things, but this Pidove's movements looked strangely familiar.
Like...
Like...
A sleazy middle-aged man rubbing his