Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 249 Superpowered Individuals Undergo Major Enhancement
On the outskirts of Sanyo City, the ruins of a massive research institute lie abandoned, and it is clear that the ruins were destroyed in an explosion.

The excessive research into dream energy led to the explosion of the research institute, leaving only exposed ruins and underground basements. Researchers and superpowered individuals continue their studies deep within the ruins, while children play outside.

The abandoned building has been turned into a playground for children.

The steel skeletons gleamed with bluish-gray rust under the sun, and the spires that once cut through the clouds now curled up like the roots of an old tree.

"Yo! Outsider trainer, come and battle me!"

"Ah! Are you Dr. Yew? I'm so sorry!"

Such comments rang out around Lightmoss, but thankfully Dr. Yew's appearance stopped the eager young people from engaging in combat. When asked why they had issued the challenge, the children's answers were concise and powerful:
"When trainers make eye contact, the battle begins!"

Goro, the short-sleeved boy who seemed to be the king of the kids in the area, had two Detective mice and a little York, and was always engrossed in battles.

"I'm going to challenge the Unova League! I have a clear goal, and I have my Pokémon with me, so no matter what happens, I won't be discouraged!"

"Alright, everyone, let's continue the battle!"

Although he is very young, his love for Pokémon is genuine. You can feel the burning passion in his heart. His heart is very pure and full of hope and longing for the future.

What? What do you mean by not being able to survive without fighting?
Guangtai silently complained in her heart, and soon everyone arrived near the basement.

In the game, a Dream Eater with a hidden ability appears every Friday in the basement deep within the Ruins of Dreams, and it seems that Makomo's target is this one.

However, upon entering the basement, Guangtai witnessed a crucial part of the experience that was unavoidable—

Superpowered individuals who bounce around!

In the game, the trainers deep in the Dream Ruins have a special feature: whenever they are in action, they will actively avoid engaging in battle with their trainers!
That's right, these are the only trainers who won't launch an attack, and will even run away!
"What are they doing jumping around like that? Are they performing some kind of mysterious ritual?"

Dr. Yew's timely comment silenced the moss.

It's practically a mouth double for myself.

"Hmm, over there. Let me see... Ah, Saeko!"

Makomo found a female researcher she knew. Although she was very excited and wanted to tell her about the progress in her research on the C device, she had been told by Hikari not to talk about it, so she could only keep it to herself and ask her if she had seen Momoshi recently.

Saeko is one of the female researchers in the basement in the game. She does have a level 60 Dream Eater. However, based on the dialogue of the researchers in the basement, it is highly likely that she captured this Dream Eater within a few months after Makomo invented the C-device.

So Saeko currently only has one Jigglypuff.

"Hmm, Dream Eclipse? Come to think of it, I did see it recently, probably last Friday, but it disappeared very quickly. What do you want to find it for?"

"Still researching the dream world? Oh dear, Doctor, you're still thinking about that? We've already confirmed its impracticality with several superhumans. The dream world is out of the question."

"Our current research focuses on superpowers and the role of the human subconscious. Although we also study dreams, they are different from the dream world you described, Doctor. There is still a lot of incredible energy remaining here. Superpowered individuals also believe that this is a good place to train their superpowers."

"The dream of superpowered individuals is to intervene in subconscious activities and repair psychological trauma—this is the kind of research they are doing."

The basement of the ruins is not as cluttered as it appears in the game. The researchers and superhumans still live here, so the basement has long been transformed into a residential underground apartment.

As for the broken walls and ruins on the surface, there's nothing that can be done about them.

"Indeed, the incredible power here has slightly increased my strength as well."

Guangtai sensed the activity of her mental abilities, and at the same time, her spiritual abilities also became much stronger, perhaps because dreams, subconsciousness, will, and soul are all connected.

Those with superpowers also discovered the Lightmoss, and they all sensed the powerful energy emanating from it!
This made their eyes light up!
"A powerful superhuman, are you also here to experience the incredible power of dreams and train yourself?"

"How about a Pokémon battle?"

These superpowered individuals were eager to try their skills. They had been conducting research here for a long time, and some of them had stayed here to train after the Dream Research Institute was destroyed. They believed that they had honed their superpowers and Pokémon powers to perfection.

"No, if we fight here, the basement of this ruin will be completely destroyed."

Lightmoss declined the challenges, after all, it wouldn't be good if it scared away Mosquito. Its Pokémon all possessed powerful moves, and the basement might not be able to withstand the impact of two powerful Pokémon.

This isn't a game; if it collapses, it's all over.

The superpowered individuals immediately felt it was a pity, but they weren't combat fanatics, so they quickly shifted the topic to the cultivation of superpowers. Through conversation with these superpowered individuals, Guangtai learned a lot about how to use superpowers.

They don't have the same strong superpowers as Gadria, Itsuki, and Sabrina. Their application of many superpowers is still limited to basic telekinesis, teleportation, and rudimentary precognition.

[Gains: Insights into the esper's hope/esper Tatsumi/esper's future!]

[Description: This is the knowledge you gained after communicating with three superhumans!]

【效果：希望的超能力——精神力量强度与韧性+50%；辰巳的超能力——超能防御与反击+50%；未来的超能力——预知力+10%，诅咒力+20%，看穿力+20%。】

[Note: Fighting any superpowered individual may grant you a basic telekinetic reward.]

"Honestly, I just rejected them."

Guangtai shook his head.

Okay, I'll have a little sparring session with them when I go out later.

When they heard that Lightmoss's superpower was a very rare mental ability, the interest of these superpowered individuals was piqued once again!
"Huh, a superpower that can shake the soul? I've never heard of such a thing. Can you use it on me?"

The superpowered individual named Hope pointed to himself:

"Speaking of which, I've recently felt my mental state decline. The incredible energy in this ruin seems to be mixed with something else, which is very strange. This can affect our mental state."

Hope indicates that there has been unusual activity at the Dream Ruins recently, but they cannot find the source of the problem and can only try to eliminate it themselves. Theoretically, exercising here every day and gradually awakening their dormant power should make them feel happy, instead of feeling depressed at times like they are now.
It's like being haunted by some kind of nightmare!
"Well, if you need me to, then I'll get started."

Lightmoss raised its palm toward hope.

My heart is shattered!

boom!
Hope's squinty eyes suddenly widened, and in an instant, he felt a certain "negative emotion" inside him explode like a shattered mirror!
"Oh! What, what is this!"

“I shattered the dark side of your heart with ‘Mind Shatter,’ and you should be able to feel it now,” Lightmoy said, and then immediately saw the super power surging from Hope!

Those tangible, pale pink superpower fluctuations rose from Hope, who became emotionally aroused!
"My dormant power has awakened! My God, I've never felt so good! Thank you so much!"

"Oh, so this is the superpower that's been dormant within me? I... drink!"

Hope aimed at the iron gate next to him, and suddenly reached out, leaving a handprint on the iron gate with a bang!

What a powerful superpower!
Even the moss was stunned for a long time.

Helping superpowered individuals shatter their minds unexpectedly also strengthens their emotions and powers?

That's actually the case, isn't it? Some superpowered individuals' abilities come from the "barrier of the heart." For example, Sabrina and Gadlia both had some psychological issues in the past, but the more isolated they were, the stronger their superpowers became.

That's why I sold the Rachel King dolls to them before, and they had a good therapeutic effect on them.

Now, does my ability surpass that of the Queen of the Lace-Crowned King?

Ah, it's just beyond a doll.

While Mind Shattering shattered the dark side of their hearts, it also destroyed their mental barriers, like a tap turned on full blast, causing superpowers to gush out.
"So strong! Me, me, me! I'm next!" The female psychic Mirai quickly stepped forward, while another psychic, Tatsumi, wasn't about to be outdone: "Actually, I've been feeling down and emotionally unstable lately too. Please heal me, Master!"

master?!
There's really no need to bring up this label of "fraud"!
At the insistence of the two superpowered individuals, Lightmoth grabbed one of them in each hand and used Mind Smash on them simultaneously!

"Wow, I see the future! There will be a torrential rain in three days! My dream is to be able to foresee the future!"

"This is my power! Look at the barrier I projected! Isn't it amazing? It has the same effect as a mirror reflection!"

The two of them immediately went into a frenzy. The great increase in superpowers made them extremely excited. In his emotional excitement, the superpowered Future wanted to see the future of Lightmoss, but he was immediately brought back by the knowledge of "superpower counterattack". His head spun and he almost fainted on the spot!
"Ah! I can't predict your future! Your future is mysterious and unpredictable! My head hurts so much!"

Future crouched down, covering her head, which drew laughter from the other two.

Guangtai sighed.

It's about foreseeing the future again. All the superpowered people I've met use this as a special skill and a power to make life easier. But even powerful superpowered people like the Four Heavenly Kings, Kazuki, and Cattleya can't foresee the future.

Seriously, if you've mentally shattered their spirits, doesn't that count as a battle?

"Hey everyone! I've convinced Saeko, and she's agreed to help us find the Dream Eater!"

On the other hand, under Makomo's persistent pleading, Saeko finally agreed to help Makomo subdue the Dream Eater and to resume the research. However, she was still very reluctant, emphasizing that this was a one-time thing, and if she failed, she would never go back to conduct the research.

"Hey, the dream world is just a fragmented dream. It's really painful for us to throw ourselves into a research project with no future."

"Come with me, I'll take you to where that Pokémon was spotted. It should be in this direction."

The basement in the Dream Ruins is very large, but the researchers and superpowered individuals only utilize a small portion, less than a third, which is different from the game.

In a place where the ceiling has crumbled, lush green plants grow wildly. After the destruction of man-made structures, the forces of nature have taken over. Vines climb the walls, and the copper cores of cables embedded in the basalt have become intertwined with tree roots in a spiral-like twin. The disappearance of human traces and the revival of nature have completely transformed this area, once filled with magnificent industrial structures, into a thriving natural landscape.

"That Dream Eater lurks around here."

Saeko looked at the area covered by nature before her, and every time she came to this neighborhood, she felt a sense of awe.

Human power is insignificant in the face of the power of nature.

"But how do we find it?"

Makomo turned on the equipment she had brought: "I have an instrument here to detect the 'dream fluctuations' of Dream Eater. Leave this to me!"

Previously, the research institute had conducted studies on the Dream Eater. After the explosion at the institute, the Dream Eater returned to nature, and no one could find it.

However, Makomo still had its data. At this moment, Hikari suddenly realized that Dr. Makomo should have a Dream Eater, but its level was very low, only level 10.

It seems that at this point in time, Dream Eater has not yet returned to Dr. Makomo's side, or rather, Dr. Makomo has not yet recaptured it.

In the anime, Dr. Makomo also has this Dream Eater.

The instrument began surveying the surrounding environment.

“Let’s help too, Riolu, use the waveguide.”

Beside Lightmoss, Riolu closed his eyes, and an invisible aura emanated from his body.

"That's right! It's waveguide!" Makomo glanced at the blue-haired puppy and clapped her hands, saying, "You said before that waveguide can be used to investigate the surrounding environment and see through objects!"

Riolu's aura scanned the surroundings like a detector, working in conjunction with Professor Makomo's instruments to quickly ascertain the presence of Pokémon in the vicinity. However, this aura detection caused some of the more sensitive Pokémon to become agitated. They peeked out from behind the grass, ruins, and vines, and saw the many humans who had suddenly appeared there.

"There are so many Pokémon here. After the ruins left by humans were swallowed up by nature, did the Pokémon also make this place their new home?"

Dr. Yew's eyes lit up.

And Lightmoss knew why Dr. Yew was so delighted.

Because Professor Yew's investigation into the "origins" project also includes information about Pokémon habitats, this is somewhat similar to Professor Birch's research direction in the Hoenn region.

In Black 2 and White 2, Professor Juniper's father will upgrade the Pokédex for the protagonist at his home. After upgrading to the National Pokédex, an additional "Habitat" feature will be added, which allows you to view the Pokémon that can be caught in each location.

If you catch all the Pokémon of each type in this location, a solid Poké Ball stamp will be displayed on the right.

"Rada, Ariados, Ladybug, Speaker Cricket, Probe Mouse."

Swish!
A beam of light suddenly shone over, and a Pokémon, detected by the instrument, became inexplicably furious and suddenly jumped out of the grass. The intense light flashed, illuminating a terrifying face!

The doctors were startled, but when Lightmoss waved her hand, Riolu stopped the waveguide detection and immediately used Mind's Eye + Quick Attack!
A punch landed on the Pokémon emitting a fierce light, knocking it to the ground. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be nothing more than a sensual sentry mouse that had reacted to the stress.

Sentinel rats use luminescent substances in their bodies to make their eyes and body markings shimmer, intimidating enemies and causing them to cower in fear.

That being said, it lacks any intimidating properties.

This Pokémon's ability is undoubtedly "Glow". Its accuracy stat changes cannot be reduced by the opponent in any way, it ignores the target's evasion stat changes, and it is more likely to encounter wild Pokémon.

Sentry Mouse became even more agitated after being punched by Riolu!
As if it had been provoked by someone, Sentinel suddenly pounced on Riolu!

Move: The ultimate finishing blow to the front teeth!

It attacks by firmly biting its opponent with its sharp incisors. Sometimes this can make the opponent flinch!
Riolu nimbly dodged, used Quick Attack to get behind it, and under the command of Lightmoy, a Wave Missile struck its back squarely!

For Normal-type Pokémon, Fighting-type attacks are very effective against them. Sentry was knocked to the ground by Aura Sphere, but it did not lose its ability to battle. Instead, it quickly adjusted its posture, although it was indeed seriously injured!
"Huh, it wasn't knocked down? This sentry rat is growing really fast."

In other words, it's a very high level.

The Sentinel's eyes rippled with strange light, and the Lightmoss, which was sensitive to psychic energy, recognized the move!

It's "hypnosis"!
Riolu avoids the hypnotic wave and simultaneously counters with a similar attack!
Imitate hypnosis!
Sentry was caught off guard by Riolu's ability to copy its moves and was hit by the hypnosis spell. Its eyes were glazed over and it collapsed to the ground with a thud, falling into a sleep state!
"Whoa! Why did this Pokémon suddenly attack!"

"Hey, wait a minute, we're surrounded by Pokémon!"

Professor Yew was observing the Pokémon around her when she suddenly noticed that more and more Pokémon were gathering around her!
"Woof!" Riolu quickly stood back, and the blue-haired puppy very politely stopped them from moving forward.

There was a subtle hostility in the auras of these Pokémon. They refused to answer Riolu's questions and only wanted to fight!

At this moment, the appearance of the Aegislash monsters stopped them.

The Pokémon King has a powerful influence on other Pokémon, and the Pokémon that gather around him feel his immense power and the energy that makes them feel close to him.

"Pokémon, stop! Just like the scene in the news!"

Professor Yew was astonished: "How did your Pokémon manage to do that? It shouldn't recognize any of the Pokémon here."

Lightmoss: "My Aegislash is the 'King' of Pokémon. A King is a special Pokémon that has the power to lead other Pokémon."

A king, a type of Pokémon never heard of before. Professor Juniper watched Aegislash's movements intently, while Glowmoss explained in his ear:
"Aegislash is calming down the Pokémon. The probe yielded no results, so we need to ask the Pokémon. These Pokémon say that not long ago, a group of people were conducting research here that could damage Pokémon, so they mistook us for those humans."

"How could this be? We've never conducted any research on harmful wild Pokémon." Saeko felt something was wrong; these researchers from the Dream Ruins usually didn't come to this area covered by plants and nature!

Furthermore, recent research has shifted to psychics, and research on Pokémon dreams has long since ceased!
Meanwhile, Aegislash and Riolu were communicating with the wild Pokémon, conveying Saeko's words and asking them if they had seen Mewtwo or Mewtwo.

The Pokémon whispered among themselves, and ultimately decided to obey the King's will and head to a certain area.

Upon hearing this, Saeko immediately remembered:
"That used to be the core area of ​​the research institute. After the explosion, there should have been nothing left there."

"No, there's still something left over there."

Guangtai suddenly spoke up: "There is still 'dream' there."

"A dream?" Saeko asked, puzzled.

The moss explained:

"The ruins of the dream used to be a research institute and a factory. People who pursued their 'dreams' day and night worked hard here to create certain things. But when everything disappeared, all that remained were those 'dreams'."

"That's right, within the incredible power left by the explosion, countless dreams must still linger here!"

"Wow, that sounds so romantic!" Makomo clapped her hands. "As expected, you and I are on the same page! I also believe that people's dreams are left behind here! As long as we can obtain the smoke of dreams, we can connect people's dreams!"

“That’s right.” Guangtai nodded: “Human dreams never end!”

As they talked, they arrived at that area, and Mengmengshi, who was sleeping under the light of the courtyard, was emitting strange pink smoke from its head. Around it, countless phantoms gathered and dissipated like quicksand. This was the first time that everyone had seen those "dreams" directly!
In the game, in order to rescue Dream Eater, Dream Eater used its power to conjure up a phantom of Ghetsis, scaring away the Team Plasma's grunts.

"Dreams have become reality! That's the power of Dream Erosion!"

Makomo was thrilled and started taking out Poké Balls, intending to catch it. However, at that moment, Riolu suddenly looked in a certain direction!
The waveguide sensed hostility!

Furthermore, the blue crystal pendant on Guangtai's chest also emitted light! A wave of mental disturbance emanated from the darkness!

[Affected by nightmare radio waves! You are now immune to the negative status of weakened mental power!]

Meanwhile, the surrounding Pokémon one after another showed expressions of pain and quickly ran away!

However, Dr. Yew, Dr. Makomo, and Saeko all clutched their heads in pain, finding the strange signal unbearable.

At the same time, everyone heard a voice:
"Dreams come true! I never knew such things could happen! Our research direction was definitely on the right track!"

A group of researchers emerged from another patch of darkness, and at the same time, different techniques surged forth from the darkness, launching an attack on Guangtai and her group!

Various techniques stirred up shockwaves and dust, as if the area was about to be destroyed. Among the group of researchers stood an old man wearing a sage's robe.

"I've been observing these people ever since they entered the basement and the old experimental area, and it seems I was right. The young man in the lead matches N's description; he's looking for something so important."

"And what we really didn't expect was that the research we conducted here would suddenly pay off and turn our dreams into reality. This kind of Pokémon is exactly what Team Plasma needs."

"Ok?"

The old sage Asura had thought this attack would be foolproof, but after the dust settled, a huge golden shield blocked all the attacks!

King's Shield!
The Shielded Swordsman's gaze carried a terrifying sense of oppression, and the old sage's narrowed eyes also opened a crack.

"Could that Pokémon be the 'King' of Pokémon mentioned in the previous information?"

"This is really troublesome. In that case, let me hold it off while you go and capture Dream Eclipse."

"Come forth, Coffin of Death!"

　PS: Regarding Asura, after the first round of the Black and White game, he will appear deep in the Dream Ruins and say, "The dream smoke that appears here is nothing but an illusion... The dream that is achieved through one's own efforts is the only true dream..." This shows that he has a deep understanding of dreams. It is highly likely that the reason why the Plasma Squad grunts came to find Dream Eater in order to obtain Dream Smoke in the early part of the story was because Asura gave the order.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)