After defeating Lulina, the notoriety of the Superpower User grew further.
Surrounded once again by spectators and reporters, he used the same method as before—Instant Movement.
But this time, just as he was preparing to head to Fanpuoting Seafood Restaurant for a meal, he was intercepted by Luozi, who had been waiting for some time.
[You watch the smiling President Luozi and suddenly feel that although the food at Fanpuoting Seafood Restaurant is delicious, getting to eat it smoothly is not so easy.]
A long string of ellipses appeared above the Superpower User's head, making him look utterly speechless.
Baimu guessed that he was probably wondering if Luozi lived in Fanpuoting Restaurant, after all, how else would he run into him every time? It's simply unscientific.
Luozi, unaware of the Superpower User's thoughts, in his suit and tie, proactively invited him to lunch.
The Superpower User could not refuse, so he silently accepted.
During the meal, Luozi expressed his hope that after the match, he would accept an interview with the reporters and interact with the audience.
In the Galar Region's Gym Challenge, even someone as socially anxious as Ghost Gym Leader Onio would accept interviews and appear on television talk shows to talk about their past.
President Luozi was displeased with the Superpower User's tendency to avoid reporters.
[You remain silent for a few seconds, considering that President Luozi has graciously provided you with a letter of recommendation, and decide to agree to his request. President Luozi thanks you very happily.]
Baimu, seeing this scene, couldn't help but sigh at how Luozi had taken graciously promoting talented people to the extreme.
Apart from this, Luozi also reminded the Superpower User to attend the opening ceremony of the Gym Challenge in Mechanical City. Although he had already defeated two Gym Leaders, the opening ceremony of the Gym Challenge is held at a fixed time each year.
At that time, all Gym Leaders and challengers will appear; it's an important ceremony—
It's understandable as a commercial promotion.
The Superpower User had no objections, after all, the next Gym he would challenge was the Mechanical Gym, and the opening ceremony coincided with the Gym Challenge.
After enjoying lunch.
The Superpower User bid farewell and left.
[You leave Hulbury Town at your fastest walking speed, Luozi's excessive enthusiasm makes you feel overwhelmed and awkward in the absence of common topics, wanting to dig your toes into the ground in embarrassment.]
Above the narration, Luozi and his secretary Olivia continued to enjoy the meal casually, not even turning their heads, as if they were used to it.
On the other side.
The Superpower User embarked on a short journey to Mechanical City after leaving Hulbury Town.
Between taking a train and walking, he chose the latter, following the tradition of old-generation veteran Trainers, not being like the "young" Trainers of the new generation who travel by train.
But he didn't take the path from the Second Mine but chose to cross the Wilderness Zone.
[You decide to search for new Psychic-type Pokémon in the Wilderness Zone and plan to collect Gigantic Mushrooms to make Gigantic Soup for Orbeetle's Gigantamax.]
In the animation, Gigantic Soup is different from the game. As long as you have the recipe and can collect three Gigantic Mushrooms, you can make it anywhere, not just at the former Galar Champion Mustard's house. Ash Ketchum's Gengar's Gigantic Soup was brewed by Onio, and its location was near Inheritance Town.
This shows that in the animation, the existence of Gigantic Mushrooms is not limited to Armor Island.
However, Gigantic Mushrooms are not easy to find. The Wilderness Zone is vast and abundant, with groups of Wild Pokémon residing here, causing great difficulty in the Superpower User's search.
As the opening ceremony day approached, he still hadn't found any Gigantic Mushrooms.
He did find a new Psychic Attribute Pokémon, though—
Galarian Slowpoke.
Its appearance is basically similar to a regular Slowpoke, except its forehead is golden and wrinkled and it lacks the Water Attribute, existing solely as a Psychic Attribute.
In the game, they are characteristic of Armor Island, wandering in groups near Yili Wilds, but in the animation, their activity range is slightly expanded to include the Wilderness Zone.
The Superpower User and his Slowking were particularly interested in this Galarian Slowpoke, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity, and decided to capture it.
The Slowpoke didn't resist and obediently went into his Pokeball.
[You captured the Galarian Slowpoke, increasing your Pokémon with the Psychic Attribute.]
Having successfully added a new member, the Superpower User wanted to start special training as usual, but with the opening ceremony approaching, he had to head to Mechanical City first.
The scene shifts.
The Superpower User walked up the long steps, entering a peculiar city resembling an ancient fortress.
[You have arrived in Mechanical City, the first to utilize the steam engine, and realized early modernization as an industrial city. The ubiquitous mechanics and structures feel refreshing.]
In Baimu's view, the pixelated Mechanical City is a bit like an updated version of Pyrite Town.
Of course.
It's much more beautiful than the environment of the former Pyrite Town, lacking the latter's wasteland punk vibe.
Also, many buildings that look ancient are actually no different from special tourist spots, purely displaying historical traces to enhance cultural heritage, while most buildings in the city use modern electrical technology.
Upon entering the city, the Superpower User immediately went to the Mechanical Arena to apply for the Gym Challenge, worried that he might miss his turn after the opening ceremony.