"'Dragon's Tomb', 'Land of Dragons'..."
Natsuhiko repeated the name Hilona had mentioned.
Understanding that there was a historical evolution process behind it.
"Because, in terms of duty, we residents of Shenhe Town can actually be seen as the 'Gravekeepers' here."
"Gravekeepers..."
This result was something Natsuhiko hadn't expected.
It turns out the residents of Shenhe Town are undertaking such a role.
However, with the passage of time, did their role gradually shift from 'Gravekeepers' to caretakers?
"Come with me."
Hilona led Natsuhiko further.
Along the way, the variety of Dragon-type Pokémon grew increasingly diverse.
High in the sky, among the Quasi-God Pokémon, there were Dragonite, Salamence, Garchomp, and Hydreigon.
Among the non-Quasi-Gods, there were even more, such as Flygon, Altaria, and Noivern.
On the ground were Pokémon like Haxorus, Druddigon, Goodra, and others.
Of course, besides these Dragon-type Pokémon, there were also some non-Dragon-type Pokémon.
However, compared to the existence of these Dragon-type Pokémon, they seemed relatively more inconspicuous.
At the same time, Natsuhiko discovered that, regardless of being here or at Meteor Village in the Hoenn Region's Meteor Falls, he hadn't encountered any Dragon-type Pokémon from the Alola Region or the Galar Region.
He even suspected that in Yanmo City in the Johto Region, the Dragon Cave controlled by Lance's Dragon Taming Race might also lack Dragon-type Pokémon from the Alola and Galar Regions.
Does this signify something?
Along the way.
With Hilona leading the way, the surrounding Dragon-type Pokémon showed no hostility toward Natsuhiko, merely casting curious glances before continuing with their normal lives.
Meanwhile, Hilona's Garchomp had already run to the side, mingling with a few other formidable Garchomp.
Perhaps, they were relatives of Hilona's Garchomp.
Gradually.
Natsuhiko and Hilona arrived at the central area of this dense forest.
Two enormous stone statues stood here.
These stone statues were carved in the likenesses of Dialga and Palkia.
The surrounding Pokémon seemed to hold these statues in high reverence, showing no signs of approaching them.
At the same time.
Natsuhiko also noticed.
On the statue of Palkia, a smooth white gem was embedded, emitting a soft and gentle glow, making Palkia's statue appear more lifelike.
But on the Dialga statue, there was no corresponding Vajra Treasure Pearl, only a conspicuous and abrupt pit.
That spot should have been where the Vajra Treasure Pearl was embedded.
Unfortunately, it was missing.
It's said that by obtaining the Vajra Treasure Pearl and the White Jade Treasure Pearl, one can summon the legendary Dialga and Palkia.
And the Galaxy Team's goal was these two pearls; if they succeeded, Chi Ri would likely attempt to summon these two Divine Beasts to destroy the world.
Natsuhiko didn't expect that one of them, the White Jade Treasure Pearl, was actually hidden here.
"This is the 'Dragon Sculpture'. In Shenhe Town, there is a long-standing legend that if you gain recognition from the 'Dragon Sculpture', you can take a willing Dragon-type Pokémon with you." Hilona explained.
This was also her purpose for bringing Natsuhiko here.
Hearing this, Natsuhiko looked at Hilona with slight surprise, "So, you want me to... give it a try?"
This place was filled with Dragon-type Pokémon and so many Quasi-god Pokémon.
If he could gain recognition, no joke, Natsuhiko was confident he could take away a Quasi-god Dragon-type.
He had considerable experience in this area.
This point, Dragapult was particularly familiar with.
Hilona nodded, "It's sort of... a token of gratitude for helping me evolve Eevee into a Glaceon."
Hilona had always remembered Natsuhiko's assistance in successfully evolving her Eevee into Glaceon.
Natsuhiko had not only helped with Eevee's evolution but also provided advice on training Glaceon, suggestions on raising Togepi, and even strategy combinations for Spiritomb.
These were all things Hilona remembered as her debt to Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko smacked his lips, "This reward... is it a bit too valuable?"
Hilona smiled gently.
"The premise is that you can gain recognition."
Indeed.
Natsuhiko suppressed the joy in his heart.
Being happy now would be premature; what if he couldn't gain the so-called 'Dragon Sculpture's' recognition? Then he'd be happy for nothing.
However, he also understood why Hilona had suggested he visit Shenhe Town when she learned he wanted to choose Dragon-type for his Dojo.
If he really could gain recognition and take away a Quasi-god Dragon-type Pokémon...
Wouldn't that make a perfect Museum Guardian Pokémon?
"What do I have to do?" Natsuhiko asked.
"Just place your hand on this statue," Hilona indicated the statue of Palkia in front of them.
Palkia, huh?
Natsuhiko nodded.
He took a few more steps forward.
The closer he got, the more he felt an indescribable aura emanating from the statue.
It was heavy and oppressive.
He wasn't sure if it was psychological or if the statue truly possessed some special power.
Standing beneath the Palkia statue, looking at the nearly life-sized replica, even the scales on it were lifelike, he took a deep breath silently.