Speaking of mountains.
The tallest in the Ore Region is undoubtedly Battle Mountain in the north.
It might even be called the Battle Range, with its rising ridges stretching for hundreds of miles, and its dark peaks resembling Copper Wall and Iron Wall.
Unfortunately, Battle Mountain is not only an active volcano, but the signs of human modification are also too obvious, making it significant for the Ore Region, and for many reasons, it does not meet the needs of Aggron.
What does Aggron want?
First, a mountain where trees can grow.
Second, one with mineral deposits inside.
Third, it has springs.
Simultaneously meeting these three conditions would be the mountain that perfectly suits Aggron's desires. If it can't meet all three, having two out of three would be acceptable.
Only one...
That's really not possible.
Unfortunately, these conditions are easily met in other regions, but in the Ore Region, it's a bit difficult.
First, mountains containing mineral deposits—those closest to Pyrite Town have basically all been thoroughly examined by those seeking new minerals, and some have already been developed.
Secondly, a mountain where trees can grow—vegetation is so sparse in the Ore Region, largely due to climate-induced soil erosion and desertification, meaning most mountains offer little value for plant survival.
Lastly, springs.
This is relatively easier to fulfill, as long as Aggron is willing to let Steelix dig.
Compared to Silicon City, Pyrite Town is closer to the coast, increasing the probability of discovering underground rivers or springs. The only issue is whether the former is willing to let the latter act.
After all, it's difficult to get anything in one go, and Steelix might have to crash through several holes.
Or it could do it itself? Although not as efficient as Steelix, the professional digger, Aggron also has a tendency to dig tunnels to find iron blocks.
Of course, all of this is based on Aggron successfully finding a mountain that catches its eye.
The long-held dream is about to be realized. At this moment, the Big Monster is incredibly excited, so thrilled that it wants to smash a boulder on the spot to express its emotion.
"You've bent the railings again, brother."
Baimu said helplessly to Aggron while driving the car, with Mawile holding an electronic map to serve as a navigation tool for the Trainer.
The car was borrowed from Flop, a four-seater hover pickup, easy to handle Aggron, although it can't carry Steelix—mainly because the latter refuses to enter the Pokeball and insists on accompanying them.
He had to borrow a car for efficiency.
Fortunately, cars in the Pokémon World are not too different from those in the past except for the driver's seat position. Plus, the area outside Pyrite Town is spacious enough, allowing him to drive freely without the magnetic suspension device getting stuck in the mud.
With frequent practice, Baimu soon regained his driving skills.
"Roar! Roar!"
Aggron excitedly looked around, like a little schoolboy about to go on a spring outing.
Mawile was much calmer, although it wasn't a thorough navigator, often holding the electronic map upside down, which forced Baimu to take quite a few "turns" despite the target point being already set.
In comparison, Deino was much more obedient.
Baimu wouldn't let it sit on his lap, then it wouldn't, nor would he let it bite his hand—biting his head was just as good.
"My Pokémon are truly amazing."
He sighed with nostalgia and greatly missed the Chansey far away at the Pokémon Center.
——
Within a hundred-kilometer radius of their vicinity there were many mountains, but those that truly satisfied Aggron were few and far between.
Baimu wandered over a dozen of them, but they were either too short or too steep, leading to their rejection.
He had to admit that besides the original three conditions, Aggron had derived a fourth one on site—large enough and not too steep.
And with repeated rejections, Aggron gazed at the barren range in front of it, feeling a bit perplexed.
"Alright, don't worry, we'll find it eventually."
Baimu comforted the Big Monster, "We have plenty of time, no need to rush."
Pyrite Town had barely regained stability, as the leader of the Rainbow Team, he couldn't just leave; he had to at least wait for public sentiment to stabilize and everything in Pyrite Town to be back on track before he could quietly leave.
Shanren had previously told him of the time needed.
It was almost half a month.
Baimu had been waiting for nearly half a year, so he wasn't worried about that half-month, and with Aggron's urgent need for territory, forcing it to leave was not an option.
"Roar!"
Aggron nodded slightly, its heart rekindling its expectations for the mountain of its dreams.
The truck continued forward.
Rounding a canyon, Baimu noticed someone beside the road waving at him, seemingly wanting a ride.
Were they travelers who got lost in the Ore Region?
Curious, he drove over, and upon recognizing the person's appearance, couldn't help but twitch his lips, "Mr. Da Wu, why is it you?"
"Hahaha, I'm surprised too; seems we are quite fated."
Da Wu laughed heartily, wearing a gray cloak to shield against the scorching sun, "I just came out of a cave, my phone's dead, and as I was about to let Metagross carry me back, I spotted your car coming over."
He glanced at Aggron in the truck bed, "Your Aggron is very distinctive, yes, it carries your style intensely."
"My style?"
Baimu gave Mawile a look, which pouted before climbing to the back seat, making room for Da Wu.
"Thank you."
Da Wu thanked Mawile, glancing at Deino, who was biting Baimu's head like a big hat, "Calm, composed, considerate yet persistent—you're a dazzling Trainer."
"Uh, thanks."
Baimu scratched his face, surprised at Da Wu's straightforward compliments, and handed over a bottle of mineral water, "Please."
Da Wu smiled and accepted it, raising the bottle in a 'Here's looking at you' gesture.
"Truth be told, Trainers like you are rare outside. Especially emerging amid challenges, without experiencing your survival environment, one could never imagine the difficulties you've overcome to reach today."
He sipped a little water, "The traits you and Aggron display, or the radiance you exude internally, are among the brightest I've seen so far; perhaps you're unaware, but the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one Shanren referred to."
Baimu exchanged glances with Mawile and Aggron.
"I think Liu Ge and the others are quite..."
"No, different."
Da Wu shook his head, "Everyone is unique, and you clearly know it. You differ greatly from them—their rebellious spirit arises from others' teachings, while yours is from your own realization, and you steadfastly pursue it."
"..."
"Though you may not be fully mature now, I believe it won't be long before you achieve unprecedented accomplishments." Da Wu smiled, predicting his future.
"I've been meaning to chat with you for a while but never found a suitable opportunity. It seems I'm quite fortunate now."
Baimu could only thank him for his compliments and said, "Let me drop you off first, we'll continue afterward."
"No need; if you're busy, feel free to proceed, I won't interrupt you. Unless, of course, it's a private matter, in which case just ignore what I said." Da Wu waved his hand.
"It's not a privacy issue, mainly..."
He conveyed Aggron's desires.
"I see." Da Wu nodded, then suddenly laughed, "Looks like we really are destined, can you guess why I'm here?"