The battle ended. Tate and Liza had grasped the basic method for using the Power of Reversal, and they happily high-fived each other.
Steven studied that machine. He was not surprised by the outcome of the battle, but he had still enjoyed watching it.
Brendan, meanwhile, had developed a strong interest in Inverse Battles. At the moment the battle concluded, applause was only proper.
So he was just about to clap.
But in the next instant, a wave of enthusiastic applause rose from behind Steven, Brendan, Tate, and Liza. It crackled like thunder.
"So amazing, so amazing! So this is a Champion Trainer!"
"Truly amazing! A legendary figure appears!"
"If it's this young man, he will surely be able to find our successor."
"To share dreams with everyone in Hoenn."
"Join us, and let the legend be passed down once more."
The group immediately turned around and saw five bald middle-aged men standing at the entrance of the Inverse Battle service station at some unknown point. A Hex Maniac was hurrying over in a panic.
"Ah! Store Manager Inver! I'm sorry! No matter what I said, these five uncles insisted on barging in, saying things I couldn't understand at all!"
Although she looked very similar and dressed much the same, this Hex Maniac was not Sayoko. Still, they probably belonged to the same paranormal exploration club, which was why their outfits looked so alike. If she curled up her hair and properly styled it, then changed clothes, she would become a different person.
Store Manager Inver was utterly speechless. "I say, gentlemen, this is not a supermarket! We don't have discounted goods here!"
The bald man in a blue shirt said, "We are not here to shop. We heard the pulse of the stars! Everyone, let us introduce ourselves!"
"First, me. I am the Bard. I love composing beautiful minstrel songs!"
The bald man in the red shirt spoke happily.
"That's right. We sensed the power of the stars, and that is why we came here! I am the Hipster. I teach others very fashionable words!"
The bald man in the yellow shirt seemed to notice something. "Your energy is exactly the same as the voice we sensed earlier, the one that came from outer space. I am Giddy. I tell fairy tales to others."
The bald man in the green shirt was deeply moved. "Thirty years… At last, I have heard the voice of the stars again! Thank you! I am the Trader. You can exchange special items with me for unique decorations."
The bald man in the pink shirt said, "I am someone who tells stories. I know the legends and histories of many people, as well as their battle experiences… Ah… Though to me, legendary Trainers are standing right before my eyes!"
"I am the Storyteller!"
Hikaru said, "The Star Uncle Sentai… Five-Color Rangers! Warriors who inherited the power of space!"
Tate and Liza were extremely surprised. "So they are the people granted power by the star people?!"
Steven and Brendan were both stunned.
Steven said, "In other words, they are the people we were looking for… aliens!"
Store Manager Inver was slightly unable to grasp the situation, but he soon understood.
That was because Steven, Brendan, Tate, and Liza had already explained why they had come. At first, he had not really understood the part about aliens. But now…
Mm! Normal people certainly would not dress this strangely, say such strange things, and all be five bald men!
"Wait. I know you…"
Store Manager Inver suddenly thought of something. "You are the ones living in this city… the five old men from the legendary Apartment 3!"
Five old men who possessed the power of the stars. Could they also be called the Five Elder Stars?
No. The Five Elder Stars were way too scummy.
The Star Uncle Sentai Five-Color Rangers were clearly the righteous organization, which matched their role much better.
The Hipster, the Red Ranger, said, "Aliens, huh… If you insist on putting it that way, I suppose we count?"
The Bard, the Blue Ranger, said, "Indeed. We were originally people of the earth. Thirty years ago, we were granted the power of the stars, so we are no longer normal humans either."
Giddy, the Yellow Ranger, said, "As long as you have companions by your side, you will be as happy as a flower in a flower bed."
The Trader, the Green Ranger, said, "We have known about a certain prophecy for a long time. We knew someone who would inherit the power would appear in this city, which is why we settled here."
The Storyteller, the Pink Ranger, said, "Everyone, please. Inherit the power of the stars! This is the successor of the stars!"
Hikaru said, "The answer is in Apartment 11."
The five uncles went silent. "…?!"
Hikaru cleared his throat lightly. "We originally planned to come here to find you. To allow Hoenn to continue prospering, Mr. Steven and Brendan, as Champions, also wished to find someone who could inherit that power."
"However, are you truly planning to give all five powers to the same person? Though that person is indeed the powerless one from the prophecy."
The five uncles looked at one another. As the Pink Ranger, the Storyteller smiled.
"I understand! Then it is exactly as the prophecy said. So it was the one who lost his power!"
"You, who possess the pulse of the stars, are also our brother! Therefore, to us, you are like an additional warrior."
"That is how it is. Everything is clear now! Thank you, brother."
"I understand what you mean. You want us to pass the power of the stars to Hoenn's two Champions. However, from our perspective, the powerless one is the better choice."
"The strong do not need help. Only the weak need assistance."
"However, if we are merely sharing power, that is something we can do at any time! Although we cannot make you true successors, it is no problem for you to exist as additional warriors. We have also shared this power before with some Trainers traveling here and there."
"Then let us share this power with you as well!"
The power of the stars flowed into Steven and Brendan, causing both of them to feel an astonishing energy.
Steven said, "So this is the pulse that comes from outer space."
Brendan said, "I feel like I can hear… the voice of the stars!"
"Who exactly is the powerless one?"
Brendan asked Hikaru with intense curiosity, "Someone valued by the five uncles, and related to a prophecy… That person must be incredible, right? But they also called him weak. Why?"
Hikaru laughed despite himself. "Just as the prophecy calls him, the powerless one is someone useless."
"He was originally a member of the management at Greater Mauville Holdings. When the company went bankrupt, he and the other executives shouldered massive debts together. Because of that, he almost never appears in Apartment 11. After all, with debt on his back, he has to work to pay it off."
"From that point on, he became a powerless man."
Steven said, "…Greater Mauville Holdings."
The Hoenn Champion's mood suddenly became somewhat complicated.
That was because, in business terms, Greater Mauville Holdings had been crushed by Devon Corporation.
Hikaru said, "Commercial competition, and the person who will inherit the power of the stars turning out to be a former administrator of Greater Mauville Holdings… Steven, you feel regret and shame, do you not?"
"However, that was merely business competition. There is no need to dwell on it. It is just like their slogan."
"Greater Mauville Holdings' slogan was, 'Tardiness strictly prohibited. Overtime encouraged. Sacrifice yourself and ensure safety. Absolutely obey your superiors' orders. Worship and praise the founder. Do not expect leave before retirement. No need to think, only work.'"
"A company like that, after going bankrupt, instead provided Hoenn with a great number of talented people. This is not a joke, but the true meaning of when a whale falls, all things live."
"If that company had not gone bankrupt, there would be no Oceanic Museum, no shipyard, and no S.S. Tidal. They branded Wattson a traitor, persecuted Professor Cozmo's father, and forbade him from going home to visit his family."
The workers of Sea Mauville had been brutally oppressed by Greater Mauville Holdings. That point was recorded in great detail in a certain maritime ruin.
"And there is also a reason he was chosen as the powerless one."
"In Sea Mauville, a facility closed decades ago and preserved to this day as a nature preserve… within that abandoned massive facility, one can find an old notebook."
"The cancellation of the New Mauville Project dealt us a fatal blow. As one member of management, I also bear tremendous responsibility and debt for this. But that cannot bring even the slightest comfort to my subordinates, who lost their jobs. Yet I can do nothing… I am a powerless man."
"Nature, Pokémon, environmental protection. These are lofty ideals, well worth putting into practice. Wattson is also a truly great man. However, the organization I protected, and cruel reality itself, shattered his ideals. Yet I can do nothing."
"Do you still remember why construction on Rusturf Tunnel was halted?"
Steven was a little stunned. In the blink of an eye, that had already been two years ago.
"That was because… the excavation work on Rusturf Tunnel would have affected the surrounding Pokémon's ecosystem, so it was stopped."
Brendan said, "I heard that at first, the excavation used the most advanced machinery, but it was later halted because it would damage the environment. Afterward, Mr. Clark from the construction crew dug Rusturf Tunnel out by hand!"
"He said that if people relied on human strength to dig the tunnel, they would not damage the natural environment. There would be no destruction or roar from machines! Afterward, I received an Aggronite from him!"
"At the time, I didn't even know what it was used for. Mr. Clark also said he sensed an incredible power from the stone."
Steven said, "Yes, Clark. I remember he is the boyfriend of Wanda, Wally's cousin."
Hikaru said, "One very astonishing thing is that in a distant place, Clark's name has the same pronunciation as that of Riley, the Aura Guardian."
"Perhaps that man is also…"
Also a descendant of the Celestica.
Steven said, "If that is the case… then Devon Corporation should…"
Hikaru said, "No. The powerless man who obtains the power of the stars will begin a journey around the world. He will not accept Devon Corporation's invitation. In the future, you will see him again somewhere with a deep connection to Hoenn."
"People will eventually be connected by the stars and understand each other. This is the 'Miracle of Axis'…?"
"Never mind. It is only a name. Let us call it the Voice of the Stars instead."
The power that had circulated in Hoenn for thirty years had finally found a new successor today. Sharing the remaining energy with the Champions was one of the few things the uncles could do.
After that, the five of them were deeply moved after hearing the legend of the powerless man. They lined up, sang as they went, left the Inverse Battle service station, and headed straight for Apartment 11.
And with that, the work entrusted to them in the Hoenn region was fully complete. All that remained was the sealing—or perhaps the use—of the cosmic monster, which would be left to Steven and Brendan.
Tate and Liza had already grasped the technique of the Power of Reversal and would be responsible for sealing it. Store Manager Inver also said he would help.
Steven said, "Although I would like to seal this sphere in Sootopolis City…"
Brendan said, "You can't shove every dangerous thing into Sootopolis City, Mr. Steven."
Steven said, "Mm. Then let us go to Scorched Slab."
Steven said to everyone, "Scorched Slab refers to the sunlit rock cave. How should I put it? It is a hidden place on Route 120, at the center of a lake. Two-thirds of the cave is filled with lake water, while the remaining third is scorched land. That is how it got its name. It is also called the scorched rock of drought."
Brendan said, "There doesn't seem to be anything inside Scorched Slab, but in its depths, the sunlight is extremely intense, almost like Groudon's Drought. I once picked up something like an ancient bracelet inside and learned Sunny Day there."
Hikaru said, "That was probably Heatran, right?"
Scorched Slab was an extremely strange place. In terms of its location, it was very close to the Ancient Tomb where Registeel was sealed, and that also corresponded to the inscription on Registeel's seal: "shine light."
Its prototype was, of course, the rock cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu once hid. Therefore, in Generation III, aside from Groudon, there were not yet any Legendary Pokémon representing fire and light. Ho-Oh and Moltres were unsuitable to place here, so this place only had the Sunny Day TM.
In ORAS, after completing the Groudon and Kyogre story, the protagonist would encounter Flannery from Lavaridge Town on the first floor. She would tell the protagonist that she had investigated the place and found that an extremely rare Pokémon was there.
Most likely, the great battle between Hoenn's supreme beings had caused the Heatran originally hiding deep in the slab to come out.
However, Flannery failed to locate any trace of Heatran. She would say her preparations were insufficient and run straight off.
If the protagonist did not go to the slab, the matter would end there.
But the interesting part was that although Heatran was said to be a Pokémon that had lived there since ancient times, in the game sequence, it appeared through Hoopa's ring. Was that Heatran truly a Pokémon native to Hoenn?
A beast of flame related to a cosmic prison. What Heatran? Was this not King Ultra's underling, EX Zetton, guarding the Valley of Fire?
Tate said, "Scorched Slab, the place where a legendary fire Pokémon exists!"
Liza said, "Heatran… What kind of Pokémon is it? I really want to see it!"
Hikaru said, "Heatran is a Pokémon born long ago when fragments of spacetime fell into volcanoes across different regions during the collision between the powers of two Legendary Pokémon, emerging from scalding lava. However, it may not necessarily appear."
Inver said, "Sealing it in a place so hot one can hardly breathe, a place lit by light, does sound suitable… But I think something this dangerous would be better sealed at the Pokémon League, would it not?"
However, Steven looked somewhat embarrassed. "Well… The Elite Four of the League are not always at headquarters. You can occasionally see them in other places too, right? When there are no conferences, tournaments, or summons, what they choose to do is their freedom."
Inver said, "…Hoenn's Champion and Elite Four are truly lax! And you are the same, new Champion."
Brendan said, "…Well, after it is sealed for a period of time, I will come and take the cosmic monster away. I think that even without companions, it will surely come to understand at least a little during that long period of reflection…"
"Humans and aliens can ultimately understand each other, right? I think people like that exist. If it desires power, then I will use power to make it submit. If it truly heard the voice of Pleorema…"
"That is the reason I intend to travel again through the Ransei region."
Hikaru said, "The sealing technique of the Sealed Chamber, plus the sacred sealing technique of the Paldea Empire. With those two layers of insurance, even if Scorched Slab is destroyed by something like the Team Galactic Bomb, the seal will not be undone. There is absolutely no need to worry about safety."
"What remains is the third seal, the reversal seal."
"We will help as well."
Telepathy rang in Hikaru's heart. Far above this city's distant sky, three Deoxys were communicating through auroras.
They had discussed many things and had continued following everyone from a distance. Over the course of that process, they reached a shared conclusion.
During the final sealing, they would also leave behind their psychic power to suppress the cosmic monster. At the same time, in order to guard against similar monsters appearing again later…
"Partner, we are preparing to establish an organization that has never existed in this world, nor in Pleorema."
"Once our companions throughout the universe all return to the world of light, crossing the distance of three million light-years, we will gather in one place the battle-skilled aliens who once left legends in various worlds."
"We call it the Space Guard."
"Deoxys who wish to join the Guard must undergo strict evaluations and battle tests, and must possess upright hearts that understand others. During this millennium, we will all be stationed on this planet."
"My companions recognized me as the captain. After receiving the power of the stars, my growth is almost complete as well… However, I still have many more things to do."
"When we head to Oblivia, did you not say that in the distant world of the past, there were four Deoxys who accidentally fell there, then vanished from history and may have died? I want to bring them back."
"The two from the polar ice cap and LaRousse City also met with us earlier. They circled at the end of Hoenn and encountered us there. They promised us that in future ages, they will return to this world again."
"An organization of three, four lost members from the past, and two outsiders… The Deoxys who can join this organization have reached nine. During this time, my two companions will patrol the skies of the entire planet. Of course, they will also regularly return to the places they guard, meaning the Ascania Ruins and Fiore's forest."
Hikaru said, "That is a good thing. Congratulations, Zoffy."
"We need a hero. Heroes are necessary."
The Space Guard. Although Hikaru had mentioned it half as a joke, he had not expected the Deoxys to actually establish it so seriously. An independent organization founded by Pokémon—was that not like the Exploration Teams and Rescue Teams in the Mystery Dungeon world?
"In a distant world, there are also Rescue Teams made up of Pokémon. The main goal of Rescue Teams is to rescue Pokémon in different places and help them resolve difficulties. However, the members deployed each time generally do not exceed four."
Hikaru looked toward the Arc Phone. The information displayed on it was exactly the same as the information in his heart.
Rescue Team name established: Space Guard!
Notice: Deoxys Zoffy has been appointed captain of the Rescue Team! You can continue recruiting other Deoxys as members of the "Defense Team" or "Rescue Team"!
A Rescue Team is an organization different from an Exploration Team. They lean more toward assistance and rescue rather than exploration and investigation.
A Rescue Team's rank rises according to the number of rescues performed. Current rank—you have saved the land of Hoenn and the entire planet, accomplishing a remarkable feat. Therefore, even though this Rescue Team has only just been established, its rank has already risen to "Lucario Rank: Ultimate Rank."
Rescue Points: +37,800.
Craftable statue: Lucario Statue. Having the corresponding statue makes it easier to encounter the corresponding Pokémon.
Craftable item: Rescue Team Starter Set.
Includes a Rescue Team Badge, an Item Box, and one issue of Pokémon News from another world. The badge is proof of a Rescue Team. It can activate a miraculous power in mystery dungeons, sending the rescue target back to the Pelipper Rescue Station. After the Rescue Team's rank rises, the badge's appearance will also change.
When used in this world, it sends injured Rescue Team members back to the Space Guard headquarters—Sky Pillar.
Crafting a Rescue Team Badge allows free entry and exit to Wigglytuff's Guild and the Rescue Team Base!
Hikaru smiled and looked toward Brendan.
"Child who understands aliens, when you have time later, go to LaRousse City and meet Professor Rondo's son. His name is Tory. He formed a deep bond with an alien, and LaRousse City is also a representative city of Hoenn's advanced technology."
"I think that city, together with Mossdeep City, will become a bridge for humanity to reach outer space."
————————
When the meteors of December arrived… Galar's postponed Champion Cup would also reach its climax. Those participants, as well as the newcomers who had joined halfway through, would overcome hardships and finally arrive in Wyndon, Galar's largest city.
In that same month, in a certain region, humanity's stars were about to shine.
It would be an academic presentation by the professors who had established numerous fields of study, bringing humans and Pokémon closer together and helping them understand one another.
The following month would bring the all-around martial arts competition held in the Johto region, where martial artists from around the world would gather. Its champion's prize would be a legendary herb.
Mm… Before that, Hikaru could stop by Kurt's house on the way. Although there was nothing left for him to learn there, at least, because of family ties, he had to pay a visit.
In Kurt's family, someone had once moved to the Sinnoh region. In the ancient Jubilife Village, there was a craftsman named Anvin. The shop he opened in Jubilife Village was the very important early-game Craftworks.
Moreover, although it had not been explicitly stated, based on another official short, this man named Anvin might also have been…
In Pokémon: Hisuian Snow.
The man who carved the wooden Pokémon doll and had a very seasoned understanding of craftsmanship was one of the earliest doctors in the Pokémon world, the father of Alec.
In the era before Akari arrived in Hisui.
Alec had once served as a bridge connecting humans and Pokémon, changing the way Cyllene and others viewed Pokémon. Captain Cyllene's Abra was also one of the Pokémon Alec rescued during that space-time distortion incident.
Later, Abra stayed in Jubilife Village just like that, and during the time when Akari was exiled, it played a very important role.
After the game's main story ended, Akari could even meet the returning Alec on a certain plain. He would mention that the last time he came there had already been many years earlier…
That shining purple Hisuian Zoroark, and that ancient curse-fox mask that carried friendship…
"Descendants of the Celestica truly are everywhere."
"So we have always been in this world."
There is still plenty of time.
However, the moment when the crystals gather is also approaching.
After the martial tournament ends, head to Almia!
Two crystal voices Hikaru had not heard in a long time once again surfaced deep inside his heart.
The Blue Crystal and Yellow Crystal had sensed the changes in the world.
The souls of the princes praised Hikaru's actions over this long period and spoke the true thoughts in their hearts.
"You already know our past mistakes."
"Endless darkness was born because of us. Therefore, we destroyed our bodies and used our souls to call back the light. We also became this undying, unliving state."
"If the only goal were to purify the Dark Crystal into a Crystal of Light, perhaps others could do that as well."
"However, what we truly want is…"
"We want to make amends for the mistakes of the past. We want to bring Father's noble soul back into the world once more, to bring back the King of Almia! For that purpose, the raw crystals formed from our souls and bodies—we entrust them to you."
"If you intend to bring experts from the past back into the world so they may appear in the Endless Dream Battle…"
"We will also lend you our aid!"
"That's right. The three princes of Almia, and the noble King of Almia. Perhaps that was also something that happened three thousand years ago, or one thousand years ago."
"Perhaps, the kings and mighty figures of the past… those from a thousand years ago… will eventually see the world again."
The ancient king, AZ. The sword-and-shield twins of Galar.
The King of Bountiful Harvests from the snowfield. The tyrant king of Paldea.
The heroes of truth and ideals. The Celestica hero and the Ten Kings.
The wardens of Hisui. Alola's island kahunas.
The King of Almia and the three princes. Oblivia's Golden Leader.
The Aura Guardian. Hoenn's inheritors of the meteors.
The legendary Pokémon tamer. The legendary merchant who traveled many countries.
Damos, the leader of Michina.
The heroes of Ransei, Nobunaga and Nagamasa.
——————
The so-called upstairs rooms of Mauville City referred to Mauville Hills. After the local Gym Leader, Wattson, completed the city's urban redevelopment, the areas above Mauville City's second floor became an enormous residential district.
And the so-called Apartment 11 was actually right across from Apartment 3.
At the door of Apartment 11 in Mauville Hills.
The powerless man had received a phone call from Apartment 3. He was very confused. Someone burdened with massive debt like himself did not come back often.
Earlier, there had been some strange rumor about Hoenn being destroyed within seven days, so the place where he worked had temporarily suspended business. However, without daily wages during the closure, how was he supposed to repay his debts?
Fortunately, everything was over now. It seemed that rumor had been nothing more than a rumor after all. So he could finally go back to work.
But in this city, how could there be anyone looking for him?
And it was actually from Apartment 3 next door.
Come to think of it, he had lived in this city for so many years, but he still did not know who lived across the hall. Occasionally, he had heard they were some very similar-looking uncles.
A group of uncles living in one apartment?
You people are not about to do something weird in front of me, are you…?!
The powerless man said, "Hello… May I ask what you need from me…? Could you possibly be the rumored…"
The Storyteller said, "Wait a moment! Before that, may I formally ask your name?"
The powerless man looked at the five uncles with a dispirited expression. "I have no name worth giving. I forgot that sort of thing long ago…"
The Storyteller said, "Do not say that! You are filled with power. Your new life is only just beginning!"
"We have learned your story, and I am the Storyteller. I record only Trainers who possess legends!"
"That means the person known by me is you! From this moment on, you too are one of the legends!"
"We were moved by your selfless actions in saving Pokémon. The reason this city's Gym Leader, Wattson, was not dealt with by that company was also the result of your mediation, was it not?"
"Therefore, we will entrust our lives to you! Well, this is not a bad thing. Accept it!"
"'It is not the old who will create the new era. If the young live on, this name and I will be passed down to future generations.' We once heard such a saying! Not long ago, our brother also relayed another line to us."
"People who witnessed the Miracle of Axis, pass hope down to those who come after."
"Previously, this planet faced a life-or-death crisis. A gigantic meteorite truly almost fell, and even the millennium comet… However, precisely because people appeared who could resonate with the meteors, we were saved by the stars rushing here from all across the universe."
"The star people from thirty years ago brought the goodwill of the stars, allowing people to finally look up toward space."
"In the end, even an enormous meteorite was nothing more than a rock. It was smashed apart by Rayquaza, and even the millennium comet was pushed back in one breath by the stars!"
"The next crisis may also be drawing near… That would be the true Axis, would it not?"
"So inherit the Voice of the Stars!"
"We spent thirty years proving that people can understand one another!"
The uncles had a long, intimate conversation with the bewildered powerless man. At last, they convinced him to use O-Powers. What followed was a voice that rang through Apartment 3.
"I feel as if I have been reborn! I… I remember now! I am not some powerless man. I am a warrior of love, the preacher of O-Powers, the successor of the stars! From now on, I am… Mr. Bonding!"
"The Miracle of Axis saved the planet from an unprecedented crisis. The occurrence of this miracle brought an incomparably profound impact to people and brought a brief peace to the world. But that will not last forever!"
"I understand now. I understand everything! I know what that painful emotion I felt back at Greater Mauville Holdings truly was! Now that I possess power, I can move toward lofty ideals just like Wattson!"
"Hmph, hmph, hmph—aaaaaah!"
Kanto region, Pallet Town!
A brown-haired boy in a black shirt was answering a call on his Pokégear.
"What did you say… You won?! And now you can't get out of Mt. Silver? You've become the BOSS guarding Mt. Silver?"
"Oh, that's a good thing… No! The only person who can challenge Red is me! Leaf, even you cannot surpass me and achieve that goal ahead of me!"
"You went to another world to investigate? Huh? What are you talking about?!"
"Damn it! If I weren't busy writing a paper lately, I would definitely go to Mt. Silver. What do you mean Red ran away?!"
In response to Leaf's nonsense, Blue's first reaction was: impossible. Absolutely impossible.
It was almost enough to pierce his ears deaf.
Another major investigation in another world, or whatever. But when the Pokédex contents were all sent over, along with the appearance of that strange upgrade program, Blue had no choice but to scratch his head in frustration.
What was going on? Had Grandpa developed this program? Oak Yukinari?!
"I remember Grandpa did indeed have one… No, maybe two brothers. I think their names were…"
"Samson and Komaki?"
An old woman's voice came from behind Blue.
"I've never heard the name Yukinari before."
Agatha walked in from outside the research lab. Looking at the baffled Blue, she let out a dark, low chuckle.
"I never expected that boy on Mt. Silver to leave. Blue, you were defeated by Leaf again."
Blue said, "…Agatha."
"I am currently organizing materials for my paper."
Granny Agatha said, "What, the one you will present at the upcoming academic summit? 'On the Relationship Between Humans and Pokémon'! Hey, kid."
"Although the content of that old man Oak's research is the study of the relationship between humans and Pokémon, you went straight up to 'humans are also a type of Pokémon.' Don't you think that is a little too shocking?"
"This old lady has lived for so many years, and I have never heard a similar argument. That thing might be treated as academic garbage. No matter how you look at it, it seems far too sensational."
Blue was utterly speechless, but he lightly cleared his throat.
"No! I have already conducted sufficient investigation. This argument has evidence. Leaf also told me that the Store Manager's side has a key portion of the legend, though the corresponding relics have not yet been unearthed. I am currently applying to Sinnoh for an investigation and will go to Canalave Library next."
"Every year, scholars put forward all sorts of outstanding results. The region with the greatest authority in archaeology is Unova… Reportedly, Opelucid City produces a large number of new professors and archaeologists every year."
"Sinnoh may be a rising star in this field, but it seems to possess many incredible legends."
"I do not expect to win an award. I am only going to present my results. Furthermore, there are so many humans with special powers, and Pokémon can use moves of various types as well. That is one of their common points."
"And although you are retired, don't you need to train Kirie? If she does not go back, what will happen to the Saffron Gym?"
Agatha said, "That little girl Kirie was left behind by me to work and help out. Resting for a day or two is not a problem… Mm, the Saffron Gym is currently being handled by a kid named Hibiki. He is the fifth-generation Champion of Indigo Plateau, right? With him there, what is there to worry about?"
"By the way, the location of this academic summit is…?"
"Oh, that!" A tall old man walked in from outside the research lab and answered Agatha's question with a smile.
"It was originally scheduled for Celadon University in the Kanto region! However, perhaps because Celadon University has already hosted the summit many times, the venue has changed this time."
Agatha said, "What have you been doing in the research lab today, old man?"
Professor Oak said, "Sorry! I received calls from other places. It has truly been busy, and very, very unbelievable."
"This year, new professors from distant places will appear. Some of them are people even I have never met, and many new topics will be released."
"Among them, content regarding regional forms is one of the subjects to be presented this time! However, it is still in its early stages."
"Dr. Mirror from Lentil, Professor Bellis, who researches ruins, Professor Krane from Orre, and Professor Sada from Paldea are all coming. Various academies from different regions will also send representatives. Come to think of it, these professors all hold important positions in schools across their regions. Jubilife School, Santalune School, Striaton School, Rustboro University, Paldea's academy with its eight-hundred-year history, Aspertia City's school with a hundred-and-fifty-year history, Castelia University, and Galar's famous Hammerlocke University…"
"And there is one especially astonishing person."
"I have always wanted to meet him… Professor Hastings, as well as Ms. Hinata from the Ranger Union and Principal Lamont from the Ranger School."
"When it comes to the relationship between humans and Pokémon, the professor who invented the Capture Styler and these two are the true authorities."
Blue suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.
"An academic presentation of this level… has already surpassed the previous ones held at Celadon University, hasn't it? This is truly a moment when humanity's stars shine. From the sound of it, such a large-scale event should be held at the Unity Tower. Why would they choose…"
"Canalave City in the Sinnoh region?"
The dream world, the tower of the Endless Dream Battle.
New challengers had already appeared. The three who symbolized the morning star had arrived here.
Entei said, "The second member of the Elite Four has appeared! A brand-new floor has appeared in the tower. People from another world, will you challenge it?"
Crystal, with her bag slung over her shoulder, said, "Meeting again in a dream… We really did get in by following what Lance said. And our clothes changed too!"
Silver held a Poké Ball. "We who were invited are also being called the children of the Celestica. It feels a little strange."
Gold carried a pool cue over his shoulder. "Yo, then let's fight all the way to the top floor and go meet Arceus! Begin the ritual!"
The three young Pokédex holders took out their Pokédexes and entered the mysterious tower shrouded in mist.
Although three Celestica had gathered, the creator of the other world did not seem to appear here. Or perhaps it was deliberately waiting, giving the opportunity to perform to others.
On that stage, which closely resembled the Sinjoh Ruins, two girls wearing cloaks also appeared.
One wore flowers on her head and a white robe.
The other had jeweled anklets around her feet and wore black clothing.
Although both had black hair and black eyes.
Zinnia said, "I really can't tell whether we are challengers or the ones being challenged."
"But this tower reminds me of Sky Pillar."
"The world truly is vast, sister."
Shigana, however, was gazing at the three cards in her hand. Her eyes were very gentle, filled with joy and longing.
"Draw the crest of light and adorn it upon the heavens. Keep light and love by my side. In a world like this, even I, who am already dead, can once again…"
"Fire and souls are naturally drawn to each other. What is born from that is light. Lend me your strength for a little while, Brother."
Stamped upon the starry sky, it was like a mural on a cathedral dome. At the end, the king and the god watched the world together from within the painting, and no one answered prayers anymore.
"Let's go, Beyond."
Zinnia said, "Yes! I'm ready, This Side!"
Shigana raised her hand, while Zinnia half-crouched. The light of Mega Evolution rose from the former's body and from the anklet on the latter's foot.
At the same time, three trails of light were summoned within the dream. The three Pokémon that had appeared from the Sealed Chamber had already been seen by This Side through the trails.
The eternal Pokémon who carried Hoenn's history and its two inheritors!
And then—
Alongside two roars that shook the heavens, the girls' voices left the three young people symbolizing the morning star deeply shocked. The figure appearing within the mist was unmistakably—
"Rayquaza! Mega Evolve!"
(End of Chapter)
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