Carl realized something crucial from Lusamine's words. Mohn might be in one of two special locations: either on a remote island resort or in the Crown Tundra. Since Hoopa had already searched the island, it could be ruled out. The high bounty from the Aether Foundation failing to locate him suggested Mohn wasn't in an ordinary place.
The Crown Tundra was indeed a unique location, teeming with legendary creatures like the legendary birds, Rayquaza, and even Ho-oh occasionally visiting. The intertwining powers of these mythical beings made it unsurprising that Hoopa couldn't detect Mohn's presence.
With a clear target now, Carl knew Mohn was in the Crown Tundra. But finding this place required considering several possibilities:
Firstly, the Crown Tundra might be located in the southern part of the Galar region, and it could be found with time. Secondly, due to the world's merging, the tundra might appear anywhere, necessitating Magearna's guidance. The third and most troublesome possibility was that the tundra had turned into a secret realm, which would rely on luck to find.
While Dream or Kyogre and Groudon could lead the way, there were risks involved. Outside the World Tree's domain, these legendary creatures might not cooperate willingly and could even turn against him. So, this direct approach was only a last resort.
Carl understood that finding Mohn was only a matter of time, no matter what happened. This thought added a playful glint to his eyes as he looked at Lusamine.
This woman unexpectedly came to him? Interesting.
Lusamine was oblivious to Carl's newfound certainty about Mohn's whereabouts. Seeing the change in his expression, she assumed he was troubled by the search. "There's an old saying, 'Know yourself and your enemy, and you'll win every battle.' I've truly understood this over the years."
She gently patted Carl's shoulder, "Even a creature like Hoopa couldn't find him, so don't stress too much."
Carl saw through her intentions immediately. This wasn't comfort; she was sure he couldn't succeed. No wonder she agreed so readily earlier—she saw it as an impossible task. If he did find Mohn, it would only prove his capability. Lusamine had nothing to lose, really.
Impressive. Carl mused to himself... This mother-daughter duo spoke with such eloquence; they must have read a lot of classic literature.
"I actually have a better suggestion," Lusamine suddenly said.
"Oh?" Carl was intrigued. "What suggestion?"
The ideas of this mother-daughter duo were truly unique.
"Well, if you agree to return Cosmog to me, I could approve of Lillie being with you. She always listens to her mother," Lusamine said with a slight smile.
Carl was taken aback.
The ideas from this family were certainly surprising.
The daughter wanted to help her mother find new happiness, while the mother, in turn, offered her daughter's happiness and Cosmog's return as a condition.
What a family indeed.
But Lusamine was indeed clever, knowing that Cosmog was with him.
"What do you think of my proposal?" Lusamine continued, seeing Carl's surprised expression. "Finding Mohn is difficult and might be impossible in my lifetime. It's my obsession and my only request. If you have confidence, you can try."
"But if it's about Lillie, as long as you return Cosmog to me, it can happen immediately."
"How can a woman my age compare to young, beautiful girls?" she added, perhaps a bit too intensely.
"Shall I say?" Carl chuckled.
"I actually have a question."
"Hmm?"
"If I give you Cosmog and you later find Mohn, what then?"
Lusamine was momentarily stunned.
"That... could be considered," she replied.
Carl was equally taken aback.
They both hadn't expected such a response from each other.
After a while, Carl spoke first, "Let's head back. Lillie and the others might be getting anxious."
As for everything else, they could discuss it later.
"Wait!"
Unexpectedly, Lusamine stopped him. "I think you should take a look around this island first."
"Is there something special here?" Carl asked casually, while secretly using his psychic powers to scan the surroundings. The scenery within a few miles vividly appeared in his mind.
Dense forests, golden beaches, rugged rocks—nothing seemed out of the ordinary for a remote island.
"This place is strange," Lusamine said with a serious expression. "I've stayed here for seven days without encountering danger, not because of luck. If it were luck, I wouldn't have just found this cave and fresh water today, and coincidentally run into you."
Carl shrugged offhandedly. Was she still holding a grudge about him accidentally seeing something he shouldn't have?
However, he quickly understood the oddity Lusamine referred to. There were no Pokémon on the island? He furrowed his brow. Without her reminder, he wouldn't have noticed that not a single creature was within his perception range.
Ordinarily, this environment should host plenty of grass, water, or flying-type Pokémon. The island had many fruit trees, making the situation indeed abnormal.
"Can you sense Pokémon?" Lusamine's eyes lit up.
"Yeah, both psychic power and aura can," Carl admitted frankly. She would find out eventually anyway.
"Two special abilities?" Lusamine's interest in Carl grew. "I spent seven days and didn't see any Pokémon on the island, which is highly unusual."
"Something's definitely off," Carl agreed. "Perhaps there's something on the island deterring the Pokémon."
"That's what I thought too," Lusamine said, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Want to investigate together? It'd be much easier with some Pokémon help."
Carl glanced at his watch; it was only 7 PM. "Sure," he agreed readily, treating it as an evening adventure.
"Take me along," Lusamine extended her hand. Carl, with gentlemanly grace, took her hand, using his psychic abilities to lift them both effortlessly out of the cave.
Carl surveyed the surroundings with energy coursing through him, noting the island's surprisingly structured layout. The southern beach connected to the ocean, separated from their hill by forest-covered cliffs. To the north, the terrain rose noticeably.
"Interesting!" He flicked his wrist, releasing a Pokéball.
With a flash of red light, Dragonite spread its wings, hovering in the air.
"Take us up for a look," Carl directed towards the sky.
Dragonite obediently carried them upwards. As they ascended, the island's full view became clear.
"My goodness!" Lusamine gasped. Before them lay a perfectly tiered triangular island, like a carefully sliced cake. The edges on two sides waved gently, while the third stretched straight. A central staircase connected the tiers, with towering trees crowning the highest level.