Chapter 486: Arrival at White Poplar Town, Tower of Time and Space
March 30th, Tuesday, White Poplar Town.
The picturesque White Poplar Town had crystal-clear rivers flowing through its magnificent courtyards, with a clock tower soaring into the clouds.
The courtyards and clock tower designed by genius architect Gaudí were grand and majestic, serving as the town's landmark.
But this clock tower had an even more profound name - the Tower of Time and Space.
In an antiquated library chamber.
A bespectacled researcher frantically rummaged through a room scattered with blueprints and crammed with books.
"No, not this one... The ancient text recording Darkrai..."
Finally, the researcher slumped to the floor, removing his glasses and taking out a photo from his shirt pocket.
It was a group photo - a sunny, cheerful girl hugging his shy, introverted self, both wearing sweet smiles.
Tony took a deep breath, mustering his resolve before plunging back into the vast sea of books. "If I can just find that book documenting Darkrai's legend..."
"Then I can find a way to stop the nightmares and make Darkrai appear!"
Dong-dong-dong—
The majestic clock tower's solemn chimes echoed across the flower-scented town.
A flock of Starly flew overhead above the town.
Young boys and girls held hands, smiling brightly as they tap-danced across the marble-paved square.
"Did you hear? The famous Mr. Wallace is visiting White Poplar Town today!"
"Is it for the Mikuri Cup? We'll get to see another gorgeous performance in town!"
"But... what about that dark shadow troubling our town..."
"Don't worry! I heard Teacher Lu is coming too! With two champions here, they'll definitely drive it away!"
A refreshing breeze swept to the town outskirts, sending ripples through the wild pampas grass.
A rose-colored luxury convertible sped along the country path.
Wallace wore a white cap, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting on the window frame as he inhaled the countryside's fragrance.
"Back in White Poplar Town again."
Wallace sighed nostalgically, "Every time I come here, I'm captivated by its beauty."
"You seem to visit this place quite often," his assistant in the passenger seat remarked with a smile.
Wallace neither confirmed nor denied, gazing at the distant Tower of Time and Space with a faint smile.
"That's a tower brimming with artistic spirit."
"It's my honor to host the Mikuri Cup there."
The assistant checked his memo and said, "The audience and contestants will gradually gather at White Poplar Town's main stage."
"Teacher Lu and Ms. Melisa are also on their way," the assistant closed his notebook.
"Saori," Wallace looked ahead with interest, "Tell me, what kind of person do you think Teacher Lu really is?"
Pidgey startled from the fields, flapping their wings toward the blue sky;
Budew glanced at the passing car before pretending not to see it.
"He's... hard to describe."
The assistant pondered before answering, "He appears perpetually broke, yet is remarkably generous, willing to donate his prize money."
"As a coordination master, he doesn't follow traditional coordinator styles, as if forging his own path."
"And as a champion..."
The assistant paused, "Some say he enjoys competing in Baby Cups, but I think like Unova Champion Alder, he's just searching for promising newcomers to nurture."
"Just like the succession between Mr. Adam and you, and you and Ruby."
"Teacher Lu's enthusiasm for rookie tournaments simply reflects his desire to find a worthy successor."
Wallace rested his hand on the steering wheel, bursting into hearty laughter:
"Saori, you're absolutely right!"
His laughter echoed across the fields before the green-haired artist composed himself, eyes glinting:
"For him, money, fame, power - they're all just worldly possessions."
"What he truly wants is to shoulder the title of 'teacher' and spread knowledge and ideals to more people."
"Isn't that precisely why you founded the Mikuri Cup?" the assistant smiled.
Wallace nodded slightly, feeling a kinship with Teacher Lu akin to his mutual trust with Steven.
If it's Teacher Lu, he'll surely understand my vision.
And then, at this very Tower of Time and Space...
Wallace gazed at the tower, smiling.
I'll challenge Teacher Lu and showcase the beauty of contest battles to the world!
Connecting via Bluetooth to Steven, Wallace chuckled:
"Steven, my apologies. I might face Teacher Lu in battle before you do!"
The blue-haired young man in a suit showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Wallace typically maintained an elegant demeanor, rarely initiating battle challenges.
Even when assuming the Hoenn Champion title, it was only after Steven's repeated requests that he reluctantly agreed.
Yet now he was eager to battle Teacher Lu...
Steven realized it might be their shared identity as coordinators that sparked this rare competitive spirit.
"Good luck."
Steven smiled wryly:
"Don't end up owing Teacher Lu your life like I did."
Wallace's green bangs fluttered in the wind as he smirked, eyes profound.
"Even in an unrestricted battle, I'll deliver a spectacular performance!"
......
Lu Ye stood on the hillside outside White Poplar Town, pampas grass brushing against his legs.
Across the lake stood a classical town with unique architecture.
Most striking was the enormous structure with carved patterns, spiral designs, and two separate towers.
As the towering spire reflected in his pupils, Teacher Lu pursed his lips.
This thing... looks somewhat familiar?
The Rotom Dex enthusiastically explained: "The clock tower of White Poplar Town, also called the Tower of Time and Space, is Gaudí's most famous design!"
"Rotom, mute mode."
Lu Ye massaged his temples, "I need some quiet."
"Unable to comprehend... Rot! (⊙x⊙;
)"
If memories of White Poplar Town were vague...
The Tower of Time and Space instantly brought cold sweat to his brow.
This structure was famous enough to name an entire movie after it!
A catastrophe rivaling Hoenn's awakening twin deities, an epic clash between two gods!
"Showdown at the Tower of Time and Space! Dialga VS Palkia..."
Teacher Lu muttered the movie title with a complicated expression.
If caught in that crossfire... even a hundred thousand lives wouldn't be enough!
Teacher Lu glanced up at the clear blue sky.
Everything was peaceful, with cheerful town music drifting from afar.
He comforted himself:
Just passing through doesn't necessarily mean the space-time dragon plot is happening.
Though timeline-wise, Ash should be traveling through Sinnoh now, approaching the first movie's events—
Suddenly, a chill ran down Teacher Lu's spine as he warily scanned his surroundings.
Confirming Ash wasn't nearby, he sighed in relief.
As long as the Super Human isn't here, this plotline won't trigger... probably!
His priority was meeting Mengmengda, then getting her out of this dangerous place ASAP.
Though Cynthia was strong.
Ash with his "Super Human" constitution could handle things alone—no need to risk her safety.
Checking the chat group confirmed Ash wouldn't reach White Poplar Town today. Teacher Lu nodded.
He could just tell Wallace he felt unwell and couldn't judge!
As Lu Ye turned to leave, his gaze fell on the Tower of Time and Space, vaguely recalling the movie's plot.
Looking toward the town, Teacher Lu pondered.
"Maybe... rescue Darkrai before Ash arrives?"