The golden glow of the setting sun dyed the camp at the edge of the desert a warm shade of orange. This was the very camp where one first entered the desert—and also the place where Theo and Jack would part ways.
"Theo, once we reach here, it's time for us to go our separate ways," Jack said as he patted his bulging supply pack, stuffed full of water and compressed biscuits. "I'll rest here at the camp for the night, then head out tomorrow to search the surrounding area for clues about the Mirage Tower.
"You go challenge the Gym—give it your all. I'll be keeping an eye on your match!"
"Please take care as well, Mr. Jack. Stay safe," Theo replied with a smile and a nod. "If you really do find the Mirage Tower, be sure to let me know."
"Absolutely, absolutely!" Jack waved his hand and turned, walking toward the rows of tents in the camp.
Watching Jack's figure disappear among the tents, Theo lowered his gaze to the Tyrantrum beside him.
The big fellow was lying obediently on the sand, its massive head gently rubbing against Theo's palm. Its amber-colored eyes reflected the sunset with a soft glow, completely devoid of the ferocity it displayed in battle.
Theo swung himself up onto Tyrantrum's broad back and settled in securely.
Back when it was still a Tyrunt, its body was less than a meter tall and far too small to ride. He could only trek across the arid, cracked wasteland on foot.
Now that Tyrantrum had grown into a towering beast nearly three meters tall, its wide, sturdy back was like a solid mount, making the return journey far more relaxed.
"Let's go!"
Theo lightly patted Tyrantrum's neck, his voice carrying a hint of cheer.
Tyrantrum responded with a low growl, its thick hind legs slowly exerting force as it rose to its feet. With heavy yet steady strides, it surged forward in the direction of Mauville City.
Gravel scattered beneath its feet, kicking up a thin trail of dust.
Beldum let out excited, crisp "ding-ding" sounds.
At this moment, it didn't need to use its psychic power to help Theo travel. The little fellow was enjoying the experience of riding along instead.
It first nestled in Theo's arms, then poked its small head out, savoring this form of travel that felt completely different from hovering freely in the air. Its round red crystalline eyes were filled with contentment.
Before long, Beldum could no longer restrain itself. A faint blue glow spread across its body as it levitated up, guiding itself to the crown-like crest atop Tyrantrum's head.
It seemed to have claimed that spot as its own personal seat.
The crown shimmered with a deep yellow metallic sheen, and Beldum felt it matched its own metallic nature perfectly.
It rubbed against it on the left, then on the right, occasionally tapping the smooth surface of the "crown" with its hard head, producing crisp clang-clang sounds.
Tyrantrum, however, was tense beyond belief, afraid that this little thing might not know its own strength and smash its iron-like head around, damaging its precious crown.
As it continued on its way, it cautiously shook its massive head, constantly paying attention to what was happening above it.
A low, muffled whine rumbled from its throat, sounding very much like a wronged protest.
"Beldum, stop bothering it," Theo said with a laugh as he reached out and scooped the little one back into his arms. "Lie down properly, or I'll put you back into your Poké Ball."
Beldum rubbed against his palm aggrievedly, its red crystal eyes blinking a few times. In the end, it obediently settled down in Theo's arms.
Even so, its gaze still lingered longingly on the shiny "crown" atop Tyrantrum's head.
The scenery along the return route gradually began to change.
Across the once-barren wasteland, sparse shrubs grew increasingly dense, and in the previously dry, cracked gullies, thin streams of water had begun to appear.
Clear water trickled along, reflecting the glowing clouds of the evening sky.
On the distant horizon, the outline of a city finally came into view.
Mauville City's iconic lightning-rod tower rose high into the clouds, faint sparks of electricity occasionally flashing at its peak, standing out vividly against the dusk.
As they drew closer, Electric-type Pokémon began appearing more frequently along the roadside.
Several Magnemite hovered together, their bodies brushing against each other and releasing tiny electric sparks with soft zzzt sounds.
Mareep chased one another playfully across the grass by the road, their yellowish-white wool glowing softly in the sunset.
There were also Voltorb, bouncing around like overinflated balls in the grass, occasionally popping with small bursts of electricity.
When they spotted Tyrantrum, this enormous beast, charging toward them, they all froze, eyes wide, staring at the "uninvited guest" with a mix of curiosity and fear.
Tyrantrum unconsciously slowed its pace. It shook its massive head and struck a majestic, imposing pose, gazing down at these "little guys" from above.
A deep rumble issued from its throat, as if announcing its presence.
That was enough to frighten the Electric-type Pokémon. They immediately dove into the grass, only their small heads peeking out as they secretly watched.
Watching this scene, Theo couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion.
Back when Tyrunt was still small, its size was barely considered large at all. It could walk freely by his side and blend into crowds without drawing much attention.
Now, with Tyrantrum grown into a colossal beast nearly three meters tall, riding it was incredibly convenient—but releasing it freely in a bustling city was practically impossible.
In urban areas, it would be difficult for it to move around as freely as before. Most of the time, it would likely have to stay inside its Poké Ball.
Before long, they reached the outskirts of Mauville City.
Theo gently patted Tyrantrum's neck. "Once we enter the city, I'll have to trouble you to rest inside your Poké Ball for a while."
Tyrantrum shook its head and let out a low growl, lowering its head to rub against Theo's body. Theo took out a Poké Ball, and with a flash of red light, Tyrantrum was recalled inside.
The Beldum in his arms chimed softly as well. It didn't particularly enjoy crowded places either and wanted to return to its Poké Ball.
Passing through the final stretch of suburban grassland, Theo entered Mauville City.
The desolation and silence of the desert faded away, replaced by the bustle and vitality of the city.
Following the directions on his phone map, Theo quickly found the Devon Corporation branch in Mauville City.
The building, bearing the sign "Poké Ball Sales and Development Center," was covered in flowing red lines along its exterior. From a distance, it looked just like a gigantic Poké Ball.
"Hello, I'm Theo Glenwood—" he said at the front desk, explaining his purpose.
After verifying the information, the staff member smiled and gestured. "Mr. Glenwood, this way please. The specialist in charge of your case is waiting for you on the second floor."
Theo followed the staff member upstairs and soon met the specialist responsible for handling the matter.
The specialist handed him a heavy metal case and said earnestly, "This was specially prepared for you by Chairman Joseph. Inside are mithril ore and magnet ore required for Beldum's evolutionary growth, as well as iron-nickel alloy shed from the body of a Magneton, along with other rare metals and minerals.
"These ores and metals will not only provide the energy Beldum needs to evolve, but will also grant it stronger magnetic force and greater bodily resilience.
"The chairman instructed that you simply allow Beldum to absorb them one by one, following the precautions provided by Young Master Steven.
"If you run out, just inform us in advance. The company will arrange for specialists to continue supplying materials from Devon's mineral reserves at each Devon branch in the cities you visit."
(End of Chapter)