Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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Mauville City is one of the larger cities in the Hoenn region. Strategically located, it's the only city in Hoenn with connections in all directions.

To the east lies Route 118, to the south Route 110, to the west Route 117, and to the north Route 111.

When people in Hoenn think of Mauville City, what often comes to mind is the famous Cycling Road—a high-speed bicycle route constructed on an elevated bridge that connects Mauville City to Slateport City.

This impressive route was built because the stretch of land between Mauville and Slateport is mostly sea. While there is some winding land connecting the two cities, high tide often submerges it.

Perhaps in the distant past, this overwater route was meant for vehicles, but for reasons unknown, it eventually became exclusively for bicycles.

Thanks to this Cycling Road, both Mauville and Slateport have developed rich cycling cultures. Mauville even has a bicycle company that developed two unique types of bikes: the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike.

Riding along the Cycling Road has become a fashionable leisure activity, especially during sunset. Couples often enjoy riding bicycles together while watching the sunset over the sea, creating a romantic atmosphere.

As a result, during sunset, the road is typically crowded with pairs of young couples. Singles are better off avoiding the area during this time to spare themselves the sight of such romance.

Additionally, Mauville and Slateport's cycling associations host an annual bicycle race that is a favorite event for cycling enthusiasts.

Participants compete alongside their Pokémon, working together to complete the race.

All this information about the Cycling Road was gathered by Sato from a bikini-clad woman standing nearby.

The woman's name was Lilina, a florist in Mauville City and the owner of a flower shop. She was initially drawn to Sato because of his shiny Beautifly.

Unfortunately, the Beautifly displayed an inexplicable hostility toward anyone other than Sato, ignoring all of Lilina's attempts to engage with it. 

Eventually, Sato ended up treating her as a source of information.

However, Lilina didn't seem particularly enthusiastic about cycling. She preferred swimming to maintain her figure and wasn't well-versed in the latest updates about the Cycling Road. 

In contrast, the muscular Troy had the much needed firsthand knowledge.

Since the Cycling Road is the fastest route from Mauville to Slateport, Sato was eager to learn more about it. After all, the road is quite long, and the lack of security there could easily give rise to trouble.

"Oh, there's been a lot of trouble recently," Troy said angrily as he placed some grilled seafood before his Swampert. 

"The bicycle gangs on the Cycling Road have been unusually active. There used to be several small gangs, none of which amounted to much, but now they've been united under a powerful leader. They frequently rob travelers on the road, to the point where people now avoid it, opting for the slower sea route instead."

Troy's expression darkened further as he emphasized the word "robbery," revealing he might have been a victim himself.

"Really? Have they gotten that bold? Isn't the League police doing anything about it?" Sato asked, his face turning serious.

"Brother Sato, have you ever ridden a Mach Bike? Let me tell you, those bikes are faster than most cars. The gang members are expert cyclists, and they always wear masks during their heists. Most importantly, their leader is both incredibly strong and clever. The League police have attempted several raids, but their plans were all foiled."

Troy's frustration was palpable as he explained the situation.

"I see. So the person uniting the gangs must be quite formidable. I guess the Cycling Road is a no-go for now. There goes my plan to experience riding there," Sato said with a disappointed sigh as he finished the last bite of his seafood bowl.

"Yeah, it's a real shame," Troy agreed, his tone equally disheartened. "The annual bicycle race scheduled for tomorrow might even be canceled because of them. My Manectric and I have been preparing for this event all year. It's really frustrating."

After finishing his meal, Sato bid farewell to Troy and Lilina. Although Lilina tried to invite him to a seaside resort, he politely declined, citing his need to stay on schedule. 

Nevertheless, they exchanged contact information for future correspondence.

Despite her primary interest in butterflies, Lilina's true motive for approaching Sato was transparent. She wanted her male Beautifly to breed with his Shiny Beautifly in hopes of obtaining an exceptional offspring. 

However, when it became clear that Sato wouldn't agree, she gave up.

Sato proceeded along Route 118 and entered Mauville City proper through its eastern gate. The streets were bustling with activity, filled with vibrant energy.

Interestingly, the main streets of Mauville had very few cars. Instead, bicycles of all kinds dominated the roads. 

Students, office workers, and even Pokémon were riding bicycles alongside their trainers, creating a lively and unique atmosphere.

Sato was also able to witness the speed of the Mach Bike firsthand. 

Although it didn't quite reach sonic speeds, its swift movement was a blur on the dedicated cycling lanes. Clearly, Mauville's cycling culture was thriving, and the city's vibrant energy reflected that.

Not long after entering the city, Sato came across a bicycle shop named "Windy Bicycle Store." Outside the shop were numerous bicycles on display, including Mach Bikes for sale.

However, Sato wasn't particularly interested in the Mach Bike. The high speed of those bicycles required exceptional skill, making them dangerous for novices. 

Moreover, without a Mach Bike license issued by the cycling association, no shop owner would sell one.

Instead, Sato set his sights on the Acro Bike.

This versatile bike was perfect for trainers who frequently traveled in the wilderness. It could handle complex terrains with ease.

"This one seems great. With this, traveling will be much more convenient," Sato thought as he examined a brand-new black Acro Bike, admiring its intricate parts and advanced design.