"That should be it."
Natsuhiko pointed to the distant city district, which wasn't too large.
On the edge of the city, atop a steep cliff, stood a tower-like structure resembling a sharp sword, amidst a vast expanse of white wilderness surrounded by lush greenery.
"Hmm? It hasn't snowed there?" Lance was puzzled.
"It's said that the sword-like structure is a castle built by the 'Earth People,' known as the 'Earth Sword,' standing atop the Dragon Vein.
Because of the Dragon Vein, Aindoak experiences perpetual spring throughout the year. Even in winter, it enjoys green hills and fertile lands, providing residents with a prosperous lifestyle. It's an excellent winter resort city."
"Dragon Vein, huh? So that thing really exists." Lance pursed his lips.
Natsuhiko glanced at him.
There should be quite a few records about the Dragon Vein in the manuscripts of the Dragon Taming Race, right?
The Pokemon Alliance Headquarters and the Kanto Alliance are likely both located on Silver Mountain because the Dragon Vein stretches across the Kanto and Johto Region, right at Silver Mountain.
"There probably are some records; otherwise, the legendary heroes of black and white wouldn't have waged war over the resources and Dragon Vein."
That's how the legend of the Twin Dragons in the Unova Region came about.
Lance nodded, indicating he understood.
"Let's go down. Flying above the city is prone to complaints."
The two of them flew towards the entrance of Aindoak.
Because the 'Earth Sword' suppresses the Dragon Vein, the entire town of Aindoak is built on what seems like half a mountain, with special suspension bridges connecting several peaks. The entrance and exit are the same.
Entering Aindoak doesn't require any identity checks.
What meets the eye.
Are bustling streets, with architecture of classical style.
The streets are decorated with colorful lights, smiles adorning every face, and various vendors introducing their products to passing tourists.
Winter Festival.
A very important holiday in Aindoak.
Because it marks the fruitful end of the year.
And it's a prayer for good harvest in the coming year.
Thus, during the Winter Festival, Aindoak sells the surplus of the year's harvest at extremely low prices, allowing all visitors to experience the beauty of Aindoak and share in their joy.
That's why Aindoak gathers masses of tourists at this time.
"Master Weasel massage, a decade-long practice by Master Weasel, cures all soreness and discomfort."
"Joltik battery rentals, with Joltik, you'll never worry about your portable devices running out of power again."
"Heatmor barbecue, guaranteeing authentic barbecue flavor. Want to try what Pokémon food tastes like? Don't miss it!"
"Ice cream made with Vanilluxe! Even in winter, you can enjoy its soft, sweet beauty!"
"..."
"Buyi!"
Upon hearing ice cream, Eevee and Togekiss' eyes lit up.
Even though Natsuhiko often tries to make all sorts of ice cream for them, whenever they hear about it on the streets, these little guys are always drawn to it.
"Today I'll switch up the flavor for you guys." Natsuhiko held back the two little ones ready to dash to the stall.
"Togetwiggle?"
"Buyi?"
Seeing their round, bright eyes, Natsuhiko couldn't help but chuckle.
He approached a stall and said to the vendor, "Please get me two... Ah, no, twenty macaroons."
"Alright, sir, please wait a moment."
Upon hearing such a large order, the already enthusiastic stallholder became even more spirited.
Then.
Togekiss and Eevee sampled the taste of these colorful little round cakes.
They were not inferior to ice cream at all, offering a unique flavor.
The crisp crunching sounds filled the air.
"Lance!"
Suddenly.
A loud, bold voice came from the crowd.
Following the sound, the two saw a young man shirtless, wearing white martial pants, barefoot, holding a heap of snow-white Angry Steamed Buns, with bulging muscles, looking about twenty years old.
"Sheba." Lance instantly smiled, guiding Natsuhiko toward him.
Only to find Sheba standing by a stall that made Angry Steamed Buns, with a white-haired vendor busy with a smile.
Sheba stood by the stall, stuffing buns into his mouth one after another.
"Natsuhiko is here too." Sheba greeted Natsuhiko familiarly and handed over a bun, "Want one?"
Natsuhiko quickly smiled and waved his hand, "No, thanks."
"Just right, since Natsuhiko is here, want to have a match? Lance says you're amazing, that he never won against you and wanted a match for a long time but never got the chance."
A fighting desire rose in Sheba's eyes.
Natsuhiko: "..."
He glanced at Lance.
Lance looked upwards at a 45° angle.
It had only been one match, how come "never won"?
Before Natsuhiko could reply.
Ka-ka-ka—
A mechanical metallic sound reached the ground, and the Genosact hidden above Aindoak heard someone challenging Natsuhiko. As their temporary leader and commander, Genosect would not allow the leader's dignity to be challenged.
Four cannons locked straight onto Sheba.
Seeing this, Sheba paused.
Not just him, but Natsuhiko and Lance did too.
"Crackle!" The Genosect loaded with the "Flame Card" issued a warning.