Mingyou made his way through the network world to the Rotom Phone Company. After defeating Iron Thorns, he had encountered no further danger, but the apocalyptic surroundings still made him deeply uncomfortable. He wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"We're here. Do you sense anything strange?"
He looked at Ralts. They were relying almost entirely on her now. Fortunately, she had learned a great deal from Gloria; otherwise, they would never have made it this far so smoothly.
"Ralts..."
Ralts shook her head gently. She was no expert, after all. No matter how hard she tried, she could not fully analyze all the data in the network world. She could only do her best.
"All right. Don't push yourself."
Mingyou stroked her head. Just then, Ralts hurriedly looked up ahead. Something seemed to be approaching!
"Hm?"
Hearing the movement, Mingyou looked up. Figures emerged in orderly rows from the open doors of the Rotom Phone Company, all with their heads bowed. They looked less like people acting on instinct than puppets under someone's control.
The humans appeared to be between ten and twenty years old. None had Pokémon with them, and many wore Naranja Academy uniforms. He even recognized some of them: the missing Arven and Nemona, along with Auntie Yunque's child!
"These are... the missing people!?"
Mingyou recoiled in shock. The sight was so unnerving. Were they going to use puppets to fight, just like Pecharunt had?
As he wondered about it, a familiar cry reached his ears. Ogerpon quickly turned toward it too...
Flutter Mane had appeared. Smiling, she danced lightly through the air, seemingly delighted that Mingyou had come. As for the other Pokémon, she would deal with them all.
Beside Flutter Mane stood a humanoid Pokémon the same color as Iron Thorns. Her body had