Luxray's arrival not only filled the missing gaps in the team but also ensured the calligrapher never lost her way again.
The big cat is inherently gifted with an exceptionally keen sense of direction, and its pair of golden-red vertical pupils can see through any object to track fleeing prey and locate lost children.
Even when writing at night, Luxray would directly illuminate the paper with the light from its eyes, eliminating the need to write under moonlight or by a campfire, which either resulted in unclear writing or risked catching fire.
However, this method consumes electrical energy, and without timely replenishment, Luxray would fall into a long sleep.
This is why the calligrapher, while traveling through the wilderness, generally keeps Luxray in the Pokeball, using it rarely in battles.
Ever since making a pact with Mime Jr.
The calligrapher consciously increased the opportunities for Mime Jr. to battle, and through various experiences, Baimu understood that Smeargle's strength was not without its origins; it was truly the result of the calligrapher's efforts.
The narration expresses.
Before the calligrapher's passionate immersion into her art, she had nurtured many Pokémon, including Smeargle and Luxray.
Thus, the title of novice trainer could largely be removed from her head.
The calligrapher simply hadn't traveled, rather than not raised Pokémon.
As she immersed herself in calligraphy, those "old friends" remained at home, scattered in various villas throughout Sinnoh, cared for and nurtured by specialized individuals.
Whenever she needed to change her mood and stay in a villa, she could visit them.
And just at this moment
She arrived in Jubilife City and welcomed her fourth Pokémon back—
[You have obtained Altaria, a childhood playmate—your traveling companions increase]
Another childhood playmate.
Baimu thought to himself that having such a "privileged background" was truly impressive. No wonder there was no concern in nurturing Pokémon, even if she decided to pursue other interests midway, someone would continue nurturing those Pokémon.
The reason behind the calligrapher welcoming Altaria back was very simple.
Partly because she happened to be there, and partly because she valued its ability to sing beautiful songs.
In her view, whether challenging a Gym or writing, a suitable background music would offer her more power.
Baimu just felt that wealthy people indeed had their ways.
——
Arriving in Pastoria City.
The calligrapher faced the vast ocean and the giant cruise ships coming and going, leaving the word "Sea" as she basked in the sea breeze.
She was quite satisfied with the piece and decided to use it as an entry for a competition.
Though a single character wasn't fitting for a calligraphy contest, it was the best she could offer at the moment, aside from the initial "Forest" piece.
During this time, her unconventional approach quickly gathered onlookers.
Then.
She was recognized.
[You were surrounded and intercepted by calligraphy enthusiasts, many regretted your silence these days, and lots expressed anticipation for your future works]
Seeing how the calligrapher barely broke free from the crowd's encircling.
Baimu felt curious about why there were so many calligraphy enthusiasts here, considering even in the more bustling Jubilife City, not many recognized the calligrapher.
But upon seeing the Aquatic City Library, he understood.
As Sinnoh's only former library, the collection here is considered the most complete in the region, thus providing a rich cultural atmosphere.
Many history buffs come to the Water Pulse Library to reference literature.
The calligrapher, wishing to understand more about the Lake Trio, also came to the library.
While browsing, she was suddenly blocked by a blue-haired man in sunglasses.
[You encounter an ancient script enthusiast, he is very interested in your characters resembling ancient civilizations and hopes you can leave him a sample of your writing. From the explanation of others, you learn he is the Four Heavenly Kings' Wusong]
Oh my?
Baimu was agape, completely unable to believe the calligrapher had enough fame for Wusong to request her writing.
Moreover, unexpectedly, the calligrapher chose to refuse.
[You express that you might find it difficult to write as you once did and inform Wusong of your intentions. Wusong felt regret, yet acknowledged your thoughts]
[In delight, you decide to gift him some of the words you wrote before, while suddenly recalling that he also has Mr. Mime, proposing to ask for guidance for your Mime Jr.]
Though the calligrapher only had one badge, she didn't show a hint of shyness, proactively facilitating a battle between Mime Jr. and Wusong's Mr. Mime.
Even though she was defeated quickly, the calligrapher still learned something from it.
"I didn't learn anything… Unsatisfied."
Baimu rested his chin on his palm, expressing regret over the pixel-style animation, he also wished to receive personal teaching from the Four Heavenly Kings.
The scene transitions.
The calligrapher arrived at the Aquatic Gym.
The Gym Leader here is Dong Gua—Piaotai's father.
Renowned as a man with an iron physique, upon learning the calligrapher had left a piece for his son, he insisted on acquiring one from her as well.
The latter agreed in order to start the Gym challenge promptly.
Dong Gua specializes in Steel Attribute Pokémon, similar to his son, possessing a Pokémon revived from fossils—Shieldon.
But undoubtedly, in terms of the strength of the second Gym, it wasn't particularly challenging for the calligrapher.
Dong Gua was soon defeated.
After much deliberation, the calligrapher left Dong Gua a piece with the word "Steel."
Written using Dong Gua's shovel.
Such distinctive writing styles were things she would never have considered in the past, but now she embraced everything, indiscriminately.
Of course.
Such an art piece rather than a writing sample wouldn't be used for competitions, it was merely left for Dong Gua to keep as a collection.
——
Ending the Gym Challenge.
The calligrapher left Pastoria City.
Leaving Baimu, who anticipated seeing Darkrai, quite disappointed, knowing that Smeargle was the main culprit for Darkrai's signature move, [Dark Hole], being nerfed.
If the calligrapher's Smeargle could learn [Dark Hole], its chances at the league championships would significantly increase.
Unfortunately, she wasn't that lucky.
Pastoria City is close to the calligrapher's destination, Lake Valor; taking a path through the forest, it would take less than two days.
With the flying unit Altaria, along with Luxray the pathfinder, the calligrapher naturally did not fear the forest.
Boldly and energetically, she ventured inside.
Recently, she's specialized her culinary skills, reaching a level suitable for consumption, which she was eager to test.
And after several days of dining in the open and sleeping in the wild.
The calligrapher successfully arrived at her destination, a place where the Legendary Lake Trio supposedly resides—
Lake Valor.
As the writer of ancient script, the calligrapher eagerly wished to understand the sentiments of those who created these characters, thus she hurried to experience it.