Blackgold City.
A city located not far east of Zhuqing City, separated by several mining mountains.
The reason Blackgold City is named so is because it is rich in coal mines, and to some extent, coal can indeed be referred to as "black gold."
Although this city isn't large, due to its abundant coal resources, the economic average level of the residents here ranks among the top in the entire Sinnoh Region.
The neighboring Zhuqing City was originally built by the residents of Blackgold City to create a more comfortable living environment.
While rich in coal resources, Blackgold City's environment wasn't great, often shrouded in light smoke, and sometimes thick enough to become smog. Thus, the residents funded the construction of Zhuqing City and gradually moved there.
Who would have thought that Zhuqing City, originally built to improve living conditions, would become the largest and most technologically advanced city in the Sinnoh Region today?
On the other hand, Blackgold City remains famous for coal mines and various minerals.
However, in recent years, the Alliance has focused on environmental protection, putting some regulations in place for Blackgold City, and it was during that time that the Black Gold Dojo was established.
Although Blackgold City today can't be described as having a beautiful environment, it's at least a habitable city.
Combining the rich coal and various mineral resources, including the excavation of some ancient fossils, it's believed it won't be long before Blackgold City becomes a city comparable to Zhuqing City.
When Natsuhiko arrived in Blackgold City, the sun had already set.
But he didn't rush into the city because he was waiting for someone.
Hilona.
Fortunately, Hilona didn't keep him waiting long.
From a distance, he could see a small black dot rapidly approaching from the far horizon.
As the distance shortened, he saw Hilona swiftly arriving on Gabite.
Whether it was Gabite or its evolution Garchomp, both are Dragon-type and Ground-type Pokémon.
Although also Ground-type and appearing to have no wings, both Gabite and Garchomp can fly. Who knows if some Pokémon, knowing this, couldn't rise from the ground in anger.
Whoosh——
A breeze blew by.
Hilona and Gabite landed in front of Natsuhiko.
Looking at this Gabite, which was almost as tall as Hilona, Natsuhiko knew that this Quasi-Dragon Type Pokémon was not far from evolving.
Pokémon like Gabite constantly shed skin as they grow, with each shedding accompanied by an increase in size.
Now that this Gabite was nearly as tall as Hilona, it had clearly shed many times.
Speaking of which, the shed skin of Gabite was quite useful too.
The skin carries many scales, and grinding these scales into a powder can be used as a raw material for traditional medicine. The medicinal ingredients contained can invigorate a fatigued body.
In ancient times, people believed that medicine made from its scales could cure any disease.
In fact, powder made from scales of most Dragon-type Pokémon can more or less have such effects.
"Did you wait long?" Hilona asked softly as she stepped forward.
"No, I just got here too." Natsuhiko withdrew his gaze from Gabite, as that fellow had already shot him an angry look because of it.
"Is it about to evolve?"
"Yes."
Hilona nodded, glanced at Gabite, and her lips naturally curled into a smile.
Nothing else, Hilona's smile was indeed beautiful.
No wonder she usually smiled so rarely.
Because when she did, even car accidents could happen on the street.
She gently stroked Gabite's back.
Gabite had been her best friend since it was a Gible, and they had come this far together. Gabite was finally nearing the time of evolution.
Natsuhiko slowly rubbed his chin.
Once Gabite evolves into Garchomp, as the final form of a Quasi-God Pokémon, it might become a formidable presence in the upcoming "Lily Youth Competition."
Tricky indeed.
Perhaps not just her.
Lance and Flint, their Dragonair and Shiny Metal Monster, might also be close to evolving.
"Why did you come to Blackgold City?"
After signaling to Gabite and recalling it, Hilona couldn't help but ask.
"No reason, just wanted to learn about the revival of ancient Pokémon fossils. I heard there might be information about that in Blackgold City, so I came." Natsuhiko said casually.
"Ancient Pokémon fossils?"
"Yes, I came across one and suspected it might be an ancient Pokémon's fossil, which piqued my curiosity."
Hilona understood and nodded.
"You probably won't find such equipment in Blackgold City."
"Oh? Why?" Natsuhiko asked, slightly curious.
Isn't such equipment developed yet?
Facing Natsuhiko's gaze, Hilona pursed her lips, gently tucked her hair, and after a slight hesitation, said:
"My grandmother... my grandmother is a mythologist, and she has delved into ancient fossils and legends. Although the equipment to revive ancient Pokémon fossils has been developed, it's just..."
"Just what?"
"But currently, the technology isn't very mature, and the success rate of reviving Pokémon is not high. If it fails, the original fossil might be damaged, so the Alliance doesn't trust this technology enough for large-scale promotion.
If you really wish to use it, you can, but the equipment is at the Alliance Headquarters." Hilona explained.
Hilona's grandmother, Dr. Jiezilan, was the most renowned mythologist in the Sinnoh Region and one of the experts related to Pokémon. Although her field was a bit specialized, she had good relations with many doctors in Sinnoh.
For example, she was closely associated with Dr. Yamanashi, whom Natsuhiko met during the day.
Following Dr. Jiezilan from a young age, Hilona was very curious about mythology and had developed a strong professional skillset, which is why Dr. Yamanashi valued her as an assistant.
Mythology and history are closely linked, and Dr. Jiezilan should know quite a lot about the ancient history of Sinnoh.
Thus, the information she has should be quite accurate.
"So, if I want to use this equipment, I have to go to the Alliance Headquarters?"
"Perhaps... you also need certain permissions." Hilona said with a hint of meaning.
Natsuhiko: "..."
He glanced at the empty space beside him, discreetly casting a helpless look.
No choice.
Wanting to attempt reviving the Dreepy fossil seems impossible in the short term.
Either wait for the technology to mature, or go to the Sinnoh Alliance to try his luck, but he would need a "qualified" status and adequate permissions first.
He let out a long breath.
"Then forget it, I won't go into Blackgold City for now. I'll visit next time."
"Okay." Hilona nodded.
And then.
Natsuhiko and she just stared into each other's eyes.
Perfect.
Topic terminator!
"Ahem, where are you going next?"
Not really knowing what to say, Natsuhiko found the prolonged awkwardness unbearable.
Hilona's face flushed slightly.
She didn't want it to be this way either and had been hesitating about what topic to use...
With her eyes downcast, she tucked her hair, lightly saying:
"I'll go home and rest, what about you?"
"How about... we go together?"
Hilona: "???
Seeing her confused look, Natsuhiko hurriedly explained: "I'm heading to Celestial Crown Mountain, it should be on the way."
"Oh."
Natsuhiko added, "Maybe I could help your Eevee evolve into the form you want."
Upon hearing this, Hilona's eyes lit up.
"What evolution form? Espeon? Umbreon? Or some other three-element type Eevee?"
"Are these the ones you want?" Natsuhiko responded with a question.
Hilona showed some hesitation.
She was indecisive again.
"You'll know when the time comes, let's go."
Hilona quietly let out a sigh of relief.