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"Wow, we've finally arrived at Lavaridge Town!"
After leaving the village at the foot of Mount Chimney, Gary, Rosa, and Hilda continued their journey in the Hoenn region. Finally, after a long time, they reached their destination, Lavaridge Town.
Rosa looked at the bustling streets of Lavaridge Town and sighed, expressing the difficulty of camping in the wild during their journey.
She then turned to Gary and Hilda, who were walking towards her, and said, "I heard there are hot springs in Lavaridge Town. How about we go soak in the hot springs?"
Rosa looked at Gary and Hilda with hopeful eyes, wishing they would agree.
"Rosa, you actually know there are hot springs in Lavaridge Town. It seems you did some research," Hilda said with a smile, noticing Rosa's eagerness.
"Of course, I prepared by learning about Lavaridge Town before coming here!" Rosa replied, a bit embarrassed as she touched her nose.
"Since Rosa said so, it would be unreasonable for me not to agree," Gary said. However, he added, "But the hot spring visit should be after we challenge the Lavaridge Gym, which will be perfect for our Pokémon to rest and relax afterward."
"Well," Rosa pondered for a moment after hearing Gary's suggestion and then nodded in agreement. "Since Gary said so, let's do it your way."
"Alright, let's rest at the Pokémon Center for one night and challenge the Lavaridge Gym tomorrow," Gary decided after seeing no objections from Rosa and Hilda.
"Okay," they both agreed.
When Gary and the others arrived at the Pokémon Center in Lavaridge Town, they were recognized by Nurse Joy at the front desk.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Gary?" Nurse Joy asked, looking at him.
Gary nodded, even though he didn't know why Nurse Joy wanted to see him. "I am Gary. Nurse Joy, what can I do for you?"
Rosa and Hilda were curious about Nurse Joy's reason for seeking Gary, so they also looked on with interest.
After confirming Gary's identity, Nurse Joy explained, "Dr. Oak is looking for you, and he hopes you can call him back."
"I see, thank you, Nurse Joy," Gary replied, grateful for the message.
"You're welcome," Nurse Joy said.
Gary and the others not only booked a room at the Pokémon Center but also handed all their Pokémon to Nurse Joy for recovery. During this time, Gary went to the video phone at the Pokémon Center to call the Oak Research Institute.
As to why Dr. Oak didn't call Gary directly but left a message with Nurse Joy, this was something Gary wanted to find out.
After the phone rang for a while, Gary's grandfather, Professor Oak, appeared on the screen.
"This is the Oak Research Institute. What can I do for you?" Professor Oak asked, busy with his research.
"Grandpa, it's me, Gary," Gary said, showing a helpless expression.
"And me, Professor Oak," Rosa added, making her presence known.
"Oh, it's Gary, Rosa, and you guys!" Professor Oak said, smiling as he recognized them.
"By the way, who is this person next to you?" Professor Oak asked, noticing Hilda.
"She is my friend, Hilda, from the Unova region like me, and she is currently traveling with us in the Hoenn region," Rosa quickly introduced her best friend to Professor Oak.
"It turns out to be Hilda, nice to meet you," Professor Oak nodded.
"Me too, it's an honor to meet you, Professor Oak," Hilda responded politely.
"Hahaha, you're welcome," Professor Oak said, happy to see Hilda's politeness.
"By the way, do you have anything to ask me? Please let Nurse Joy know," Gary asked, curious about why Professor Oak was looking for him.
"I want to tell you some good news," Professor Oak said with a mysterious smile.
"What good news?" Gary asked, intrigued.
"It's about your Blastoise," Professor Oak hinted.
"Could it be?" Gary immediately reacted, looking at his grandfather with surprise.
"Yes, Blastoise has successfully advanced to the level of a master trainer," Professor Oak revealed.
"That's great!" Gary exclaimed, thrilled to hear the news.
Blastoise was Gary's initial Pokémon and had always been by his side, so their bond was very deep.
"Congratulations, Gary!" Rosa and Hilda were also happy for Gary and didn't forget to send their congratulations.
After Gary calmed down, Professor Oak continued, "Since Blastoise has been promoted to the King level, I think you should need it, so I asked Nurse Joy to contact you and send Blastoise to you at the same time."
"So that's it!" Gary understood.
"Then I will send Arcanine back," Gary decided after thinking for a while and took out Arcanine's Poké Ball.
"Okay," Professor Oak agreed.
After saying goodbye to Arcanine, Gary sent it back and received Blastoise's Poké Ball.
"Then I'll ask you to take care of Arcanine, Grandpa," Gary said, entrusting Arcanine to Professor Oak.
"I know," Professor Oak nodded, understanding Gary's request.