Oreburgh City was located in the central region of Sinnoh and boasted extremely rich coal resources. It was also a major industrial hub.
Its eastern edge pressed right up against the base of Mount Coronet, so Haruki had to circle around to the northern part of the city and come down along a gentle slope.
The closer they got to Oreburgh City, the more the faint smell of sulfur lingered in the air.
It wasn't strong, but Skiploom really didn't like it.
"You can return for now."
Haruki didn't force it and entered the city slowly with just Marowak at his side.
This time, Haruki didn't stay at the Pokémon Center. Instead, he chose a nearby five-star hotel.
After so much hardship out in the wild, it was time to reward himself and his Pokémon.
---
Inside the room, Haruki drew the curtains and carefully checked everything before finally releasing Beldum and Skiploom again.
"I've got something to take care of. You guys can hang out for a while… I'll take you out later."
Leaving the three little ones to explore the room freely, Haruki opened his laptop and logged onto Team Rocket's internal platform.
As a major hub in Sinnoh, Oreburgh City naturally had IT Officers stationed there by Team Rocket.
Since becoming a MIO, Haruki now had access to all Level-1 intelligence. And among that intel were several pieces of information Haruki urgently needed.
Like Gym Leader, the Oreburgh Trade Association, Oreburgh Museum, Oreburgh Mine, the underground black market, and more…
As an Intelligence Officer, Haruki had gotten into the habit of always having a plan before making a move.
After fully researching Oreburgh City's general profile, Haruki finally recalled Beldum and Skiploom, then took Marowak with him to the Team Rocket contact point.
A Tumblestone Antique Shop.
Once he gave the correct code phrase, Haruki was quickly invited into the back room.
"I've caught some Pokémon. Help me convert them into points."
Haruki got straight to the point and laid out everything he'd captured along the way.
"P-Please wait a moment."
The receptionist was clearly stunned by the table full of Poké Balls, but quickly got to work identifying each one.
Half an hour later, Haruki's points sat at 3,210. Compared to earning through missions, this was slow, painstaking work.
Still, it was low-risk and safe.
Only then did Haruki head to the Pokémon Center and hand over Marowak and Skiploom to Nurse Joy.
"Thanks for your help."
Nurse Joy smiled but didn't say much, turning to her work right away.
Haruki sat quietly in the lounge, listening to the conversations of the other Trainers nearby.
To Haruki's surprise, the person being discussed most often wasn't the Gym Leader.
It was the upcoming Oreburgh Festival!
The so-called Oreburgh Festival was a traditional celebration passed down in Oreburgh City. Over time, it had gradually evolved into a city-wide event.
Aside from various performances and lantern festivals at night, the highlight was undoubtedly the Sandstorm Showdown, unique to Oreburgh.
The Sandstorm Showdown only allowed Rock-, Ground-, and Steel-type Pokémon to compete. The entire tournament/event was held under sandstorm weather, making it a huge challenge for both Pokémon and Trainers.
Of course, winners also received prizes… but they hadn't yet been announced.
Haruki became interested. This sounded like the perfect match for Marowak.
As a Ground-type, Marowak had a strong advantage over Rock and Steel types; and this would be the ideal warm-up before challenging the Gym.
Back then, Byron hadn't yet become obsessed with mining or abandoned his son to head off to Canalave City.
As one of the veteran Gym Leaders, Byron's strength was formidable.
Even if he didn't go all-out to test Haruki, he wasn't about to hand over a Badge easily.
The Sandstorm Showdown could be an excellent chance to level up.
----
An hour later, the announcement came over the intercom: Haruki's Pokémon were ready for pickup.
"Marowak and Skiploom are both in great health, you've done a wonderful job raising them. Keep up the good work!"
Nurse Joy raised a small fist with a sweet smile that nearly knocked the wind out of Haruki's chest.
"…I will. Thank you."
Haruki averted his gaze and replied softly.
Nurse Joy smiled quietly to herself. 'A handsome boy who also took good care of his Pokémon, what's not to like?'
Back to business. After healing his two Pokémon, Haruki went to register for the Sandstorm Showdown.
"The Oreburgh Festival begins in three days. The Sandstorm Showdown will start that same morning at 7 a.m. in the stadium. So don't oversleep!"
The receptionist cheerfully handed Haruki his contestant number and event handbook.
"Got it. I won't." Haruki smiled as he took them.
"All the event details are in the handbook. Good luck to you and Marowak!"
"Thanks."
"Maro~"
Haruki couldn't help but notice: while Oreburgh City's air wasn't the most pleasant, its receptionists were way more cheerful and cute than those in Pastoria City.
"Alright, let's head back to the hotel for dinner."
"Marowak~"
Man and Pokémon, both in good spirits, made their way back. They soon arrived downstairs at the hotel.
Along the way, Haruki found himself a bit regretful.
It wasn't quite the right time for Beldum to join in, otherwise, letting it try would've been nice too.
Just as he was about to walk in, someone rushed up from behind and nearly bowled him over.
"Sorry, sorry! I'm in a hurry… sorry again!"
Haruki sidestepped and took a closer look; he actually recognized the guy.
"Roark?"
"Huh? You know me?" Roark blinked, then quickly added, "No time! I'm late!"
He turned and dashed into the hotel, disappearing in a flash.
'Running into him here… small world.'
After sighing inwardly, Haruki followed in, curious now.
Inside, he saw that the hotel lobby was already packed with people.
"Bertha of the Elite Four is here for the Oreburgh Festival too!"
"Yeah, yeah! I heard she's staying at this very hotel. Everyone's hoping to catch a glimpse!"
"Ah! Really? I love Bertha so much!"
"Who doesn't?!"
"…"
As Haruki listened to the chatter around him, he pieced the situation together and was surprised to realize he was staying at the same hotel as an Elite Four member.
He looked over at the front desk… it was completely swarmed. Clearly, rooms were impossible to get now.
Haruki wouldn't mind seeing the legendary Bertha in person, but he wasn't going to stand around the lobby gawking like a fool.
He swiped his card and headed upstairs.
Back in his room, Haruki opened his laptop and began researching more about the Oreburgh Festival. He quickly realized it was far livelier than he'd expected.
The Sandstorm Showdown wasn't some cheap promo event like the ones Galactic Department Store held when they opened.
Some Elite-level Trainers even made the trip specifically to compete.
And the final prize pool was impressive: high-quality items, evolutionary stones, medical supplies, and more.
After reading all that, Haruki knew Marowak wasn't likely to win the whole thing. Still, maybe they could place and earn a decent reward.
'Maybe… I should switch the order, challenge Gym Leader Byron first to warm up for the Sandstorm Showdown?'
The idea popped into Haruki's head, and he chuckled to himself.
"Sharpen the Thick Club before battle, it may not hit faster, but at least it shines. Marowak, time for some serious training."
"Maro!"
Marowak didn't pause from polishing its Thick Club, just nodded quietly.
Alright. They'd talk once it was done.