Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 344 The Lost Pony and the Holy Swordsman's Badge

Lightmoss agreed to Kyurem's trade request, and the assessment began immediately.

Deep within the Giant's Cave, amidst meteorites and frozen rocks, a tremendous cosmic force permeates the air!

"The Giant's Cave is the source of Kyurem's power. As long as it is here, it can exert its greatest power. Although this is my first time here, because the cells in my body are not stable, I have to keep my body frozen with extremely cold air all year round."

Reshiram whispered, "Kyurem is in pain. But it's gotten used to it."

“We represent energy, and it represents the container. A container without energy is naturally cold.”

As spectators, we could only watch from the outside of the cave. But the moss saw Keldeo, looking dejected, licking its wounds in a corner. It had lost its horn.

broken.

"who is it?"

Keldeo sensed the arrival of humans and powerful Pokémon and immediately became alert. It stood up tremblingly, its strength not yet recovered. Upon seeing the Radiant Moss, it was greatly surprised!
"It's you! You're the one who fought Arceus in the ruins!"

"Do you know me too? Did the Three Sword Saints tell you?" Guangtai asked curiously. She had never met Keldeo, but it seemed that the other party had also watched the "live broadcast" in the dream world.

Keldeo nodded, now understanding why the person before it had come here. Sure enough, the appearance of Aegislash attracted Keldeo's attention.

Is that the "other disciple" that the masters were talking about?

Of course! In terms of teaching, I am definitely still the eldest disciple and have received the most dedicated instruction! However, my masters said that this Pokémon is also a rare Pokémon that can learn "Sacred Sword", so Keldeo has a secret competitive spirit in its heart.

Unfortunately, I didn't encounter it during my subsequent dream journeys. I only became acquainted with Calyrex and other Pokémon on that sky island.

The training labyrinth was indeed quite impressive, allowing him to rapidly increase his power. However, his masters said that some unusual situations had arisen in Unova, so they decided not to return to the dream world but instead took him on a new journey throughout Unova.

"Your horn is broken."

Just like in the movie, Keldeo's horn was cut off by Kyurem. However, unlike in the movie, Pony Water didn't lose its will to fight and run away. Instead, it stayed there, seemingly determined to fight to the very end.

If only the horn is broken, it means that it has not yet mastered the "enlightened form".

"I failed."

Keldeo was somewhat frustrated. It had to admit that it had been reckless and arrogant at first, only to panic when the fight started, even though its master had told it not to challenge Kyurem.
However, since I've stayed behind, how can I not test the results of my cultivation?

"You stayed behind and didn't leave with Gopaleon and the others?"

"You can read my mind?" Keldeo was surprised, but quickly didn't take it too seriously. After all, his masters seemed to have said that some humans possessed extraordinary abilities, and that they could see everything if they lived long enough.

"The masters said they were going to do something big, and they wanted Kyurem to leave here to avoid trouble, but Kyurem refused. I felt that Kyurem was very powerful, and then it asked me if I was interested in the universe and astronomy."

"I stayed here so I could continue my studies. Actually..." Keldeo suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

"You really want to fight Kyurem, and you want to get the title of Holy Swordsman as soon as possible, right?"

Guangtai chuckled. One thing about Shuiliu Xiaoma hadn't changed: he was still somewhat impatient for quick success.

"However, I lost because I hadn't mastered the Holy Sword yet."

"Step over that ice gate!"

Kyurem spoke to the Aegislash, and a tremendous chill emanated from its body. Shiny ice pillars began to form inside the giant's cave, and these structures continued to rise and freeze, transforming into a glittering ice gate!
The arena is made of ice. Crossing the ice gate means the trial has officially begun. If you run away during the battle, you will be hunted down by Kyurem!
However, seeing that steel sword leap into the battlefield without hesitation, and listening to the murmurs of the little water horse, Kyurem's interest was piqued.

"What is this so-called king? Show me!"

At Kyurem's request, Aegislash didn't hold back. With a burst of dazzling golden lightning, Aegislash grew even larger and its entire body was covered in a golden glow!
The posture of a king!
"Whoa!" Kyurem's tone rose!

Interesting, this is something I've never seen before. There are Pokémon like this?

“That, that’s the King.”

Keldeo witnessed what happened in the ruins of the capital and knew that its "junior brother" had been given supreme power by a great god—the power to command Pokémon!
However, seeing it from afar and seeing it up close are two different things. The king's aura carried a fierce power, which made the little water horse swallow hard.

Immediately, it became even more dejected.

I had been training for a long time, but this junior brother surpassed me as soon as he arrived. Not only in his new posture, but also because he had mastered the Holy Sword and comprehended the Pure Heart.

"Don't worry about it." Lightmoy patted the little pony: "The Aegislash is a bit straightforward and doesn't think too much. Maybe that's why it cultivates so quickly. The more you think, the slower your cultivation will be."

"Perhaps you need a battle to rebuild your confidence."

There's no Ash here to help you forge bonds.

In the special episode, Keldeo awakens to his true self during the battle.

And it seems that the little pony is unaware of something.
The moss points to Keldeo's broken horn. It explains to the bewildered Keldeo:
"When you survive a tough battle, the horn on your forehead will be trained, thus unleashing your true power."

"To save you from taking unnecessary detours, I'll tell you the real name of this posture."

"Huh?" Keldeo was confused.

He failed to challenge Kyurem, was scolded by the Ice Dragon as a useless apprentice, his horn was broken in the battle, and he didn't learn the Holy Sword. How could such a useless person like himself have any hidden power?

However, the person in front of him was no ordinary person, so a glimmer of hope emerged in Keldeo's dejected heart.

Does this mean I still have a chance to succeed?
"Yes, your hidden form is called 'The Form of Enlightenment,' and you possess a mysterious sword capable of tearing everything apart."

"You can tell from the name, right? You have to be aware of it yourself to activate this state. Judging from your personality, you are reckless, arrogant, and impetuous with youth."

Keldeo immediately lowered his head.

But Guangtai changed the subject: "However, how can you call yourself a young person if you're not spirited!"

Keldeo was slightly taken aback when he heard the human in front of him say, "You need some encouragement. Since there is no one to protect, it is not realistic to use the emotion of protection to inspire a new attitude. So, let's start from another direction."

"Conquer your fears."

Lightmoss took out a charm from her backpack and tied it around Keldeo's neck.

"I've used the Charm of Courage on many Pokémon, and they all thought it was great. I hope this will give you courage."

When the amulet is brought close to the body, a strange energy surges into one's heart, and the previous loss, sadness, regret and anger gradually subside, replaced by positive emotions and self-reflection!

Keldeo felt his mind become clearer, as if many things he couldn't understand before could now be figured out!

Then it looked towards the testing site.

The Aegislash has already begun its challenge. As soon as it started, the blade suddenly grew larger, making Kyurem realize that it was the signature move of the Holy Swordsmen, "Holy Sword"!
The color is that of a ghost, but its attribute is fighting. The color is just a personal logo. When the holy sword is swung, silver-white power suddenly condenses on it!

By compressing steel-attribute energy into the holy sword, the power of this move can be greatly increased, and it can even possess two attributes!
"A holy sword I've never seen before!"

Kyurem was overjoyed. The ice dragon roared and spewed out raging flames from the front of its head!
"Hey!" Guangtai complained.

Kyurem cannot learn Flamethrower, but this is indeed a move Kyurem used in the movie, and it repeatedly shattered Keldeo's Aura Spheres.

It's really not Little Horse's fault for losing the battle; Kyurem learned some illegal moves on his own!

As the Shielded Sword Monster watched the raging fire, it swung its holy sword at high speed and cleaved the flames, which were filled with high-temperature energy, in two in an instant!
Fire-cutting sword technique! Cobalion once demonstrated the sword technique of cutting through flames, and now Aegislash has learned it!
Kyurem charged forward with a thunderous roar, dark energy gathering on his arms, which looked like shadow claws but were actually powerful dragon claws!
The dragon's claw slammed into the shield of the Aegislash!
Battle mode activated, King's Shield!
"It blocked it? It's a good shield!"

I've experienced the swordsman's "sword" enough, but this is the first time I've seen a swordsman's "shield"! A Pokémon with its own sword and shield! Kyurem roared, and a huge amount of cold air gathered in the entire cave, and the swirling snow surged. Kyurem had turned on the weather!
Snowfall is not hail, but snow. The difference is that hail will damage other Pokémon like sandstorms, while snowfall will not. However, in snow, the defense of Ice-type Pokémon is increased by 1.5 times, and Blizzard will always hit, reducing the power and effect of Light-type moves!

However, the Aegislash doesn't react to snow.

There's plenty of snow in the capital region, it's not like I've never seen it before. Snowfall doesn't affect me, even if I increase my defense.
Steel, Rock, and Fighting type moves will still deal double damage to you!
Holy Sword - Start Cancellation!
The flying steel sword quickly rejoined Kyurem in battle, and the unique swordsmanship left Keldeo speechless.

Is this how the Holy Sword is used?

Something feels off. There's no recovery animation during the fight, just one sword strike after another, even Kyurem seems to be struggling to withstand it!

Speaking of Kyurem's attacks, aside from being blocked by the shield, they don't seem to do much damage, and they don't knock it away.
"In the king's stance, he will have a state of invincibility, immune to control-type status. That's how I would put it."

Lightmoss explained to Water Pony, "Every Pokémon has its own special ability, like how you can fly by spraying water from your hooves, right? Most Water-type Pokémon can't do that!"

Kyurem was also surprised. Why were none of his attacks effective? Did this guy have no weaknesses?

Speaking of which, this golden form doesn't even absorb impact, is that cheating? And the continuous attacks don't even have any recovery time. Who taught those bizarre sword techniques? Is this how a Holy Swordsman fights? Is this the right way?

He had originally wanted to make some boastful remarks, saying things like, "Is this all the power a Holy Swordsman can offer?" But now he couldn't bring himself to say it!

This guy is really something!

But Aegislash thought the same thing!
Despite the Holy Sword's incredibly powerful attack, this ice dragon, weak in melee combat, was still able to continue fighting after so long, as if nothing had happened!

I also have Arceus's blessing!

Are you really bad at fighting? Or are you cheating?
Lightmoy: "Hiss, the Fighting-type moves aren't working well?"

“Well, Kyurem isn’t afraid of Aura Spheres or the Holy Sword, which is why it’s the examiner of the Holy Swordsmen.” Keldeo sighed, “My Aura Spheres are completely useless.”

Kyurem realized that they couldn't continue fighting like this.

"Not bad! This is the strength of a Holy Swordsman. In terms of power, you've met the requirements, but the battle isn't over yet. If you can withstand this attack..."

Kyurem's eyes lit up, and a raging "Blizzard" crashed down on the Aegislash!
However, the real killing move is not the blizzard. Kyurem's power is accumulating. If Aegislash uses its shield to block the blizzard, then it will definitely not be able to withstand the next attack!

A frozen world?! No, that's not the move!

"Here you go!"

Aegislash was caught in a raging blizzard. Kyurem's blizzard is not the same as the blizzard of a normal Ice-type Pokémon!

Lightmoss also knows this well. In the Black and White game, Kyurem's blizzard can cover the entire mountain range near the Giant's Cave, turning all the forests into snowfields. Furthermore, Ghetsis has said that as long as Kyurem is in the Giant's Cave, he has the power to freeze the entire Unova.

While it's unclear whether this is an exaggeration, the scene that created the "massive blizzard" is indeed real!

After all, Kyurem is theoretically the strongest of the Three Dragons of the Way. Even without any item boosts, Kyurem's strength is undeniable!

"Let's see if you can stop it!"

The fierce blizzard caused the temperature in the entire cave to drop rapidly, making it feel like the Arctic. Fortunately, there were Pokémon for warmth on the Lightmoss side. Reshiram released flames to form a wall of fire, blocking the further invasion of the blizzard.

After the icy snowstorm, the Aegislash indeed raised its shield, and Kyurem shimmered with golden light.

An even colder chill suddenly gathered and spread outwards like ocean waves, turning the entire cave into a space of ice and snow!
This is a one-hit kill move, Absolute Zero!

In such a close-range attack, with absolute zero cold air filling the entire space, the notion of "missing the target" becomes meaningless!

"Hmph, is this all you've got after the show?"

Kyurem was finally satisfied.

Great!
I've finally managed to say that polite thing.

As an examiner, it's incredibly lame to talk for so long without being able to utter a single harsh remark!

"I'll reluctantly admit it," Kyurem felt that he had said enough, so he prepared to summarize. This competition wasn't about who lost to determine its outcome; it was about what he himself agreed with.

But before he could finish speaking, the Shielded Sword Monster suddenly floated up from the ice and snow.

Kyurem was greatly shocked!
You, you didn't die!
You were hit by a shot of absolute zero, how did you survive? Did you secretly bring some kind of gadget?
Even Keldeo's mouth dropped open.

Absolute Zero—it had never seen Kyurem unleash such a powerful attack before. Wasn't this a one-hit kill move? Even if a Substitute or Shadow Clone was used, there was no way to avoid it, since Absolute Zero had just struck the entire cave!
The Aegislash, on the other hand, responded quite naturally:

Who says I'm not dead? I'm already dead, but I'm a ghost!

So there's another move to use! You can only use it after you're dead! The reason I'm not unconscious now is because this move has been activated!
Kyurem was completely bewildered when he was suddenly enveloped by a ghostly power. As if he had fallen into a nightmare world, he let out a howl and collapsed with a thud!

"They defeated Kyurem?!"

Keldeo almost stood at attention.

Is my junior brother really that powerful?! What was that just now?!

"Same fate!"

Guangtai scratched the back of his head: "I remember now, it's a move I learned when I was making magic candies, and I've never seen it used before! I never thought I'd have to use it today!"

After using a move, if you are stunned by an opponent's attack, your opponent will also be stunned.

Because he thought of the magic candies, Lightmoist also took out several and fed them to the pony. Keldeo chewed the magic candies curiously, and suddenly felt a continuous surge of power emanating from his body, which elevated the pony's entire expression.

Ah, this feels so good! This power is so strong! I feel like I've suddenly made a breakthrough!
As Kyurem fell, the Pokémon that had been lying in various parts of the cave watching the battle also emerged. The power of Absolute Zero was too great, and they had to find cover to avoid being affected. But as bloodthirsty spectators, seeing such an amazing battle between powerful beings was worth the price of admission, even if they died!
"Cuck!"

It's unclear who shouted first, but the Dittos on the roadside were so surprised that they started to contort their bodies, the Clefairys started to dance, the MetalGreymon danced wildly, and the Sunrock and Moonstone floated up and down.

They were utterly shocked, for the all-powerful and mighty Kyurem had actually been defeated!
"Shared fate? Are you kidding me? I actually fell for this kind of move."

Kyurem almost fainted, but fortunately, as one of the three dragons of the Way, it has the strength. Don't underestimate a legendary Pokémon. Even if you use Destiny Bond, it doesn't mean I'll really go black!
But I did fall to the ground!
After a long silence, Kyurem sighed:
"Alright! Well done! You blocked Absolute Zero and even launched a counterattack. You passed!"

"Therefore, I hereby bestow upon you the title of 'Holy Swordsman'!"

A surge of energy, accompanied by a chilling aura, erupted from Kyurem's dragon head, and it roared:
"The three admonitions for becoming a Holy Swordsman are also the three oaths."

"First, never take your eyes off your opponent; keep them focused until the very end. Delacour accomplished it."

"Second, the greatest enemy is fear. You must drive fear out of your own heart. Biligion accomplished this."

"Thirdly, and most importantly, what can be learned from failure? Gopaleon accomplished it."

"Theoretically, you should go to the Three Sword Saints to take the oath of Holy Swordsmanship, but they are not here, so let's skip this process."

At the same time, the light moss received a hint.

[The Shielded Swordsman has completed the Holy Swordsman's challenge! Title awarded: Holy Swordsman!]

[Obtain: The Holy Swordsman's Badge!]

[Description: Challenge Kyurem and obtain his badge of recognition, witnessed by the Holy Swordsmen (including Keldeo).]

[Effect: Critical hit chance upgraded from +2 to guaranteed hit; priority of cutting attacks increased by 1!]

[Additional (Iron-Cutting): The Holy Swordsman's sword can tear apart most energy and structures, and has excellent destructive power against hard metal materials!]

Guangtai suddenly had an idea.

Theoretically speaking, should we now change the name to "Steel Shield Sword Elder"?

Seeing the pony's envious face, Lightmoss transmitted the Aegislash's understanding of the Holy Sword to it through emotional connection.

"Is this... the Holy Sword's enlightenment from the Aegislash?!"

"This, this is too precious," the little pony said somewhat nervously, "Can I really learn the Holy Sword?"

"If you think you can't do it, then you can't." Kyurem walked over, looked at the pony with its head down, and couldn't help but snort.

"An incompetent apprentice."

Rashiram: "How come it seems like I've become your apprentice?"

“Its teachers aren’t here,” Kyurem murmured. “I’m just bored.”

As it said this, it noticed Reshiram's subtle look and immediately felt very uncomfortable.

Long Guangtai thought to herself, "I care about the elderly living alone."

Kyurem urged.
"Alright. Now that you have received the title of Holy Swordsman, let's impart ancient knowledge!"

"Forge the Gene Wedge!"

(End of this chapter)