After the Crystal Tower incident came to a perfect close, Ash and his companions said goodbye to Professor Oak, Delia, and Molly, then set out once more on their journey toward Ecruteak City.
In the faint morning light, the three of them walked along a winding forest path.
Ash was in an especially good mood. Not only had he successfully resolved the crisis, he had also unexpectedly gained thirty Unown.
In the future, whenever he encountered a troublesome situation, all he needed to do was release these thirty Unown and make use of that power from before.
What made him even happier was that the rewards issued after completing the system mission far exceeded his expectations.
Aside from the originally promised Rainbow Wing, progress on researching the GS Ball, and a Mega Stone, he had also received three special items, the Tidal Bells.
Although they were currently sealed, the system notification stated that these treasures would be able to summon Lugia, the god of the sea, at a certain time.
Ash carefully put the bells away, believing that the moment to activate them would come soon.
In addition, the newly obtained Radiant Power had perfectly merged into his Aura, and the system had also given him an ancient looking Z-Ring.
Just as he was about to study it further, the system notified him that a version update was about to begin. That made him full of anticipation for the new functions that might appear in the future.
"Ash, I really have to thank you this time." Brock's words interrupted Ash's thoughts.
"Looks like your Onix successfully evolved?" Ash smiled knowingly.
Brock nodded excitedly. "During the battle against Molly, it was all thanks to the Metal Coat you gave me. After Onix evolved into Steelix, not only did its defense increase dramatically, it also learned brand new Steel type moves."
Misty also recalled the danger of that battle. "That match really had me on edge. Good thing everything turned out all right in the end."
As they chatted and laughed, the group arrived before a rapid river.
The original wooden bridge had already collapsed, and the workers were gathered by the riverbank, discussing a repair plan.
"I heard it'll take at least a month to repair this bridge." After asking the local workers, Brock returned with the discouraging news.
Ash, however, calmly took out a Poké Ball. "Looks like it's time for Snorlax to show what it can do."
With a flash of red light, the adorably goofy Snorlax appeared before everyone.
After resting at the research lab, it looked to be in excellent condition.
"Snorlax, can we trouble you to carry us across the river?" Ash lightly patted its round belly.
Snorlax nodded docilely and walked into the river with steady steps.
Its huge body became a natural floating boat.
"Is... is this really safe?" Misty asked hesitantly as she looked at the rushing river.
"Trust me." Ash was the first to jump onto Snorlax's belly, then reached out to his companions.
Once all three of them were seated firmly on Snorlax, the enormous Pokémon began paddling with its thick arms, steadily advancing toward the opposite bank with a practiced backstroke.
Ripples spread across the river around it, but they did not affect its stable posture in the slightest.
"This is incredible!" Misty cried in surprise. "Snorlax is actually this good at swimming!"
Ash smiled proudly. "My Snorlax has gone through special training, after all."
After they safely reached the other side, Ash gently recalled Snorlax. "Thanks for your hard work. Get some good rest."
Not long after they continued forward, an ancient group of ruins came into view.
This was the famous Ruins of Alph. Reliefs of various Fossil Pokémon were carved into the stone walls, giving the place a rich sense of history.
"These stone carvings are so beautiful!" Misty said, looking up at the patterns on the rock walls.
"After all, this place is an important discovery site for Fossil Pokémon," Ash explained, unable to help thinking of his experience at Grampa Canyon in Kanto.
That ferocious Aerodactyl had left a deep impression on him, and now it had already become one of the fierce generals under his command. Perhaps at some point, he should let that ruler of the skies come out for some fresh air.
Just as they were immersed in the grandeur of the ruins, a familiar figure appeared ahead.
"Professor Oak? Why are you here?" Ash asked in surprise.
Professor Oak was equally surprised. "Ash? What a coincidence!"
Through the professor's explanation, they learned that he had come here at the invitation of his student, Foster.
This young researcher had claimed in his letter that he had made a major discovery, but had kept them in suspense and had not revealed the specific details.
"In that case, why don't we take a look together?" Professor Oak invited them warmly.
Following the professor deeper into the ruins, Ash already had a guess in his heart. This was very likely related to ancient Pokémon.
However, he chose to remain silent and looked forward to the surprise that was about to be revealed.
The inside of the ruins was even more magnificent than they had imagined. Glowing minerals were embedded in the rock walls, lighting up the passage.
From farther ahead came the excited voices of researchers discussing something, as if some truly astonishing discovery was waiting for them.
Ash exchanged an expectant look with his companions, then followed Professor Oak deeper into the ruins.
A new adventure seemed to be quietly unfolding on this ancient land.
...
RedX43's Note:
➤ Want More? Get up to +25 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ [email protected]/RedX43
➤ +200 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
➤ Consider giving a review or leave some comments, it help boost the story!
➤ Thanks for reading! 🙌