Pokémon: Above the Top-Chapter 285: Sootopolis City and Lance

Sato checked his watch and quietly sighed in relief. If days had really passed out there, he might've ended up drifting at sea for quite a while.

When Sato returned to the ferry with Zoroark and Gengar, Joseph, Mark, and the ferry's captain all let out subtle sighs of relief.

"How was it? Any gains?" Joseph asked as he returned Pichu to Sato.

"Big gains. Gengar got quite the boost," Sato said smiling, playfully poking Pichu.

"Hey, boss, was there anything cool on that ship? Want to go back and check it out?"

Seeing that Sato had returned safely, Mark couldn't help itching for another adventure.

"Just a bunch of Ghost-type Pokémon. Oh, and lots of bones... both human and Pokémon. Scattered everywhere."

"Hiss... Captain, captain! Is the ship fixed? Let's get out of here!" Mark instantly backed off, totally spineless.

"Was it really that scary?" Joseph couldn't help asking.

"I was just messing with him. It's just more Ghost-types than usual."

"..."

----

With the ferry repaired, the group set sail again. Sato stood on the deck, watching the ghost ship fade into the distance.

For a moment, he thought he saw Sableye standing silently on its deck, watching them leave.

"Want to go back into your Poké Ball?"

"Gengar Gen~" Gengar nodded and gestured at Sato.

"Alright. If you need anything, let me know." Sato roughly understood what Gengar meant and pulled out one of his rarely used Poké Balls, recalling it.

The special energy from Palkia hadn't just enhanced Gengar's Ghost-type potential. It seemed Gengar also wanted some quiet time to digest.

"Zoroo~"

At that moment, Zoroark walked up to Sato, as if saying, "Even if Gengar's gone, I'm still here."

Sato smiled and patted Zoroark's head without saying a word.

---

Five days later, Sato's group safely arrived in the next city: Sootopolis City.

Sootopolis City was one of the few island cities in the Hoenn Region, and it was even more famous than Mossdeep City.

First, Sootopolis was built within a dormant volcano. The entire city could only be accessed via underwater tunnel or by flying.

Sato and the others had transferred to a submarine through the tunnel to reach Sootopolis.

Second, Sootopolis Gym had always held the title of strongest Gym in the Hoenn Region. It was the ultimate goal for many Trainers who considered themselves powerful.

Third, the Gym Leader Juan was a Water-type Coordinator with celebrity status in the region. His disciple, Wallace, was also one of Hoenn's fastest-rising stars.

It could be said that the master and student duo had captured nearly 80% of the region's fanbase, appealing equally to both men and women.

Fourth, Sootopolis City housed a mysterious Cave of Origin. It was said that one could communicate there with the Legendary Pokémon of the Hoenn Region: Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza.

So even though transportation in and out of the city wasn't convenient, it hadn't hindered its development at all.

As Sato and the others walked through Sootopolis, they could truly feel the city's deep cultural roots and love for Water-type Pokémon.

The three of them soon checked into the Pokémon Center. Every time they stayed in the luxury suite, Joseph and Mark couldn't help but sigh.

Why was the gap between people so wide?

Ding dong!

They had just sat down when the doorbell rang. Mark jumped up responsibly to open it, only to see a tall, handsome red-haired man.

"Sato... Is Sato here? I'm his friend," Lance asked as he looked at the spiky-haired guy before him, confirming the room number again... yes, this was it.

"You're looking for the boss? Yeah, he's here!" Mark looked at Lance, sure he had seen him before.

"Lance, you're here!" Sato walked over as soon as he heard the commotion.

"Didn't you tell me to come? I rushed over as soon as I got time off, and you? You're just getting here now!"

Lance was dressed in beach shorts, a white T-shirt, and black sunglasses... truly looking like he was on vacation.

"I got held up at sea. Honestly didn't think you'd be on break this soon," Sato said as he let Lance in and motioned for Mark to close the door.

"Can't help it, your captain's too capable. I finish missions too fast, so I get more vacation."

As arrogant and smug as ever. Sato didn't bother responding and turned to introduce everyone.

"So you're Lance of the Dragon Tamer clan? You're my idol!" Mark exclaimed, trying to throw himself onto Lance.

"Long time no see, Sato. You've got underlings now? Though it looks like... tsk tsk."

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Lance held Mark back with one hand on his forehead, blocking any advance, then turned to tease Sato.

"Oh, he calls everyone boss. Let's get to the point," Sato said, brushing it off.

"This time I brought Tyranitar's Mega Stone personally. Let's see if your intel's worth the price."

Hearing that, Lance dropped the jokes and took out a Mega Stone... green at the core, streaked with black and red.

Sato's eyes lit up. Internally, he was surprised. 'Lance influence in the clan was growing rapidly.'

It also meant that Lance himself must've grown a lot stronger.

The two of them entered the studio. Once the door was closed, Sato spoke first. "I've got two pieces of intel. One benefits your clan. The other benefits you. Choose one."

"Can't I pick both?" Lance blinked, trying to look innocent.

"...No."