Following the now-familiar road, the group headed onward and arrived at the Driftveil Gym once again.
Before they even drew close, they saw from a distance that its doors were open, and everyone looked a little more delighted.
Dawn let out a long breath and patted her chest. "Great! We finally didn't come all this way for nothing! If he'd been out again, I would've suggested Xia You file a complaint directly with the Pokémon League!"
Cheryl also gave a relaxed smile. "Looks like our luck has finally turned around."
Without another word, they quickened their pace, reached the Driftveil Gym's entrance, climbed the steps, and went inside.
They had only just entered when they came face-to-face with a relatively tall man who appeared to have Native American ancestry, wearing a white cowboy hat and a miner's outfit.
This was Clay.
Clay had thick hair, no beard, an eagle's gaze, yellowish skin, and deep nasolabial folds. Judging by his appearance, he seemed like a very stern man.
Clay seemed to be heading out. Seeing so many people enter at once, he frowned, but still stopped.
"Who are you?"
Xia You took a few steps forward and stood before him. "I'm a Pokémon Trainer, here to challenge the Driftveil Gym."
Clay gave an almost imperceptible nod and started to walk past Xia You and the others as he spoke.
"I don't have time today. A new mineral vein has been discovered, and I need to assess its mining potential and value. Make an appointment for your challenge another day."
But the next second, Xia You unexpectedly blocked his path, his voice also deepening slightly.
"Mr. Gym Leader, this isn't my first visit to the Driftveil Gym. In fact, I came twice yesterday, and both times I found the doors shut. I