Yet Anabel didn't seem inclined to explain her background, and Lucas had no standing to ask about her privacy. He wasn't one to pry anyway.
Temporarily setting aside his doubts, Lucas changed the topic: "We're climbing to Glaseado Mountain's summit at midnight, right?"
Anabel paused in her equipnt check, nodding slightly: "Yes. We need to climb Paldea's highest peak under cover of darkness, because it's highly likely Hunter J will act at night. But with only us—non-professional mountaineers—it's a pipe dream to reach the summit at night. So we need soone suitable to help."
"Although you're without a doubt the expert in battle, please let handle these logistics."
Anabel's manner was sincere and direct. Lucas had no objection.
After all, the temperature atop Glaseado Mountain was too low. As a Dragon/Flying-type, Dragonite struggled in such an icy environnt.
If Anabel had a solution, Lucas didn't mind letting Dragonite rest in its Poké Ball. Against whatever vehicle Hunter J might have, only Dragonite among his main six could both reach and threaten it.
Lucas nodded: "I'll leave it to you, then. We still have half a day before midnight—what should we prepare?"
Anabel straightened, her tailored suit outlining her perfect figure.
Looking at Lucas, she replied firmly: "We need to find soone in town. If we want to reach the peak quickly, he's indispensable."
…
Outside a house in Montenevera Town, a police officer called inside as he was pushed out the door.
"Sir, we really need your help!"
There was no response from within, but the officer persisted, waiting at the door for a long while.
Whether out of annoyance or sothing else, a voice finally sounded from within.
"You know, my wife is in poor health right now. I can't possibly leave her to climb Glaseado Mountain's summit."
"We have dical staff who can care for her temporarily—please…"
"No. I can't rest easy."
After that, no matter how the officer pleaded, the door remained shut.
This was the scene Lucas saw upon arriving with Anabel.
"Buddy, report the situation."
Anabel stepped forward and spoke.
"Ms. Anabel!" The officer called Buddy was montarily stunned, then, seeing Anabel, he brightened and quickly answered, "It's like this—no matter what I say, Mr. Tront refuses to help."
"I see…" Anabel pondered for a mont, then turned to the curious Lucas. "Let explain briefly."
Lucas withdrew his gaze and nodded.
Anabel explained, "The owner of this house is Tront, a seasoned Ranger. His wife has been bedridden with unexplained weakness, so he's declined our request for help."
Lucas stroked his chin and asked, "Ranger—as in the special profession trained by the Ranger Sign of Fiore, Almia, and Oblivia? Their philosophy is environntal protection and fighting poaching, right? For soone like that to refuse, did you explain the mission?"
Anabel looked at Buddy, who nodded vigorously. "We did."
"Then it just ans his concern for his wife outweighs his sense of duty—that's not sothing we can interfere with."
Lucas observed the area. The snow at the door had been neatly cleared, and hardy plants grew nearby—signs of a diligent, life-loving hoowner.
Considering Tront's identity as a Ranger, Lucas realized what Anabel planned: to use the Ranger's unique "Capture Styler" to call on wild Pokémon native to Glaseado Mountain for help, many of whom have the strength and abilities to summit the mountain.
With this in mind, Lucas voiced another question: "Wouldn't it also work to temporarily catch so wild Pokémon in Poké Balls, then release them afterward?"
Anabel nodded, "That's our backup plan, but having an experienced Ranger lead us would be much safer."
"If we can persuade him, I'd like to try."
With that, Anabel adjusted her attire and tie, stepped forward, and knocked on the door.
Whatever she said, it wasn't long before a graying man opened the door, inviting them in.
Before entering, Anabel motioned for Buddy and Lucas to follow. Buddy hesitated, then hurried after her.
Lucas glanced at the snowy ground nearby, where a purple-flad candle was burning.
Wait—had that candle been there before?
A sudden inspiration flickered in his mind, but lacking key information, Lucas decided to enter the house first.
Inside, an ashen-faced elderly woman lay in bed, surrounded by people.
The fireplace burned brightly, keeping the room warm.
"I see—an unexplained depletion of vitality. Do you keep any Ghost-type Pokémon, especially young ones?"
"If doctors can't diagnose her, perhaps her energy is being drained by a Ghost-type, leaving her in a coma."
Anabel asked after hearing the diagnosis from the doctor.
Tront thought hard, then shook his head: "No. At least, not to my knowledge. She's never kept or co into contact with Ghost-types."
"Ahh…"
Buddy sighed in disappointnt—was the trail cold again?
Just then, Lucas spoke up: "Mr. Tront, may I ask a sowhat impolite question?"
Tront only now noticed Lucas, who looked even younger than rookie officer Buddy. After a mont's hesitation, Tront realized that neither Anabel, who clearly seed in charge, nor Buddy, said anything.
Perhaps… this young man was soone special.
With that thought, Tront nodded, "Go ahead."
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