Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 591 Returning Everything to Its Origin: Project AZOTH!
Groudon, a legendary Pokémon of the Hoenn region, is covered in red, sheet-like skin, as if it were wearing a thick layer of red armor. Large spikes extend from its head, torso, and tail, and four bulldozer-like teeth stick up at the end of its tail!
However, although Groudon appeared inside the tower, its eyes were still black and had no pupils, indicating that it was in a deep sleep.

Although it emitted a strong light, its current state is the same as when it was in the Land Cave and the Underwater Cave.

Daigo stared at the ancient behemoth; this was the second time he had seen it. The intense light brought back unpleasant memories for Daigo.
"Groudon is said to be the embodiment of the earth, and has long been described in mythology as a Pokémon that creates land and expands the continent. Two years ago, when it first appeared, it caused all the rain clouds that Kyogre had stirred up and swept across the entire Hoenn land to disappear!"

"Furthermore, it underwent a further transformation. At the time, we did not understand what kind of power it was, but later, after research by professional doctors, we determined that this phenomenon was very similar to Mega Evolution, which has been passed down in Hoenn since ancient times and has also been inherited in the Kalos region."

Therefore, it was named primitive regression.

Lightmoss: "Actually, there is still a big difference. After all, it is a phenomenon caused by natural energy, while the root of super evolution is the life energy released by the ultimate weapon, which is combined with high-energy radiation from the universe. After being irradiated by evolution stones such as the Fire Stone and Leaf Stone, it causes changes."

Do you know about Project AZOTH?

Daigo: "I don't know, what is that?"

Lightmoss: "The goal of this project is to restore this world, to restore everything, to return to the original starting point. It's a target that Team Lava, or possibly Team Ocean, once researched."

"The Crimson Flame Pine and the Water Wutong are both related to this plan."

"Among them, Team Magma took the lead in taking action. In order to facilitate the realization of this plan, they began to study Groudon's Primal Reversion. Therefore, the so-called 'Doctor's naming' was problematic from the very beginning."

Daigo's expression suddenly changed.

This name was originally chosen by the researchers at the time, along with PhDs invited from other regions and Dr. Odamaki, as part of their collaborative research.

So, this name already existed?!

Daigo: "...So now...there's a mole within the research team?!"

Guangtai: "Well, you can't say that. Primitive regression is a name that has been around for a long time. The so-called 'new naming' is probably just something that was found in ancient books and documents."

"Project AZOTH indicates that Primal Reversion is a possibility for Pokémon evolution, a possibility different from Mega Evolution. They have realized that the difference between the two abilities lies in the source of energy."

"Then, we'll get to the main point of this plan."

"【A】 represents the original starting point."

"【Z】represents the end of everything."

"According to the information currently available, the Z character also represents the legendary Pokémon of the Kalos and Alola regions, the balancer of nature, Zygarde."

"As for the meanings of [O], [T], and [H], they are not clearly stated in the investigation report."

"In the Galar region, AZOTH refers to mercury in alchemy. And in the Carlos region, there is an ancient kingdom with the same name."

“AZOTH – Kingdom of Azoth”

"A super-mechanical city developed and passed down through mysterious science, with giant gears constantly turning throughout the town as a characteristic of the kingdom. Its appearance as a kingdom built with mysterious science seems to have remained unchanged for five hundred years."

"The kingdom's mysterious science originates from the ultimate weapon from 3000 years ago. Devon Corporation has also investigated that thing and the legends, although we don't know how you obtained it. Even the Lava Team and the Ocean Team have research results."

"The final product was a Mythical Pokémon named Magearna."

"The name Azot comes from the ancient sorcerers' belief that it is a flowing soul existing within any matter, and that possessing it makes the transformation of matter possible. It is something like the Philosopher's Stone, and is considered the greatest secret of alchemy, on par with the Philosopher's Stone!"

The Philosopher's Stone, the essence of all elements, is an indestructible object that no element can damage or destroy; it is the fifth element. It is a dual, living mercury with its own spirit, capable of processing all indestructible and imperfect metals.

So, does such a thing exist in the Pokémon world?
Daigo did indeed ask the follow-up question: "What...does that kind of thing exist?"

Lightmoss: "If infinite energy exists, then the Sage's Stone must also exist. Rather, infinite energy is just another manifestation of that thing."

"The ancient alchemy passed down through generations is ancient knowledge bestowed by dragon gods from the universe, known as the three elements of alchemy. It is said that only heroes can obtain it."

"In the Unova region, before this important juncture 3000 years ago, in an era of unknown antiquity, it was formed from the power of people's spirits, souls, and dreams, and is exactly the same as the Philosopher's Stone, a universal stone that can be used as any material—"

"【Released Jade】!"

"Three thousand years ago, a war broke out in Kalos, and the most powerful mysterious science was invented; a dark night occurred in the Galar region, and a large number of Pokémon grew to gigantic size and went berserk."

"At the same time, the brother of the first king of the Carlos region, in order to seize the whole of Carlos, introduced many [outsiders] into Carlos. These people are generally believed to be ancient Galatians. In order to escape the attacks of the Dark Night and to obtain new land, they broke out with Carlos in an unprecedentedly fierce war."

"At the same time, the Path Dragon appeared in the Unova region. The ancient king formed a bond with it, and the underwater ruins were successfully built. But then the heroes' fateful battle took place. The legendary dragon split and fought each other, and even the Tree of Entry was destroyed as a result, losing its ability to create the Release Jewel."

"At the same time, a mythical Pokémon named Melmet was worshipped for its power to produce iron, and used the iron it created in war."

"A is the transliteration of Alpha, O is the transliteration of Omega, and the remaining ones are T and H."

"Of course, this understanding may not be correct. Whether the letter A actually represents Kyogre is still debatable. But O is indeed Groudon."

Because the so-called God A could also refer to Arceus. It should be noted that the name Arceus comes from Alpha or A, which means "originator," and Zeus, whose first character is Z.

A gruff voice, accompanied by loud laughter, rang out from near the entrance to the Buried Tower!
"I never imagined that you would even know about such a confidential document, and what's more, you heard even more unbelievable things! Did you investigate all of this by yourself?"

"The recipient of the Crimson Orb that the Hoenn Champion mentioned must be you!"

“Crimson Pine and I were once in the same organization. The [AZOTH Project] is a product born from the legacy of that era.”

"However, our thinking was too immature back then. Both land and sea are extremely important. But now, the operation to awaken Groudon can be seen as the restart of Project Azoth!"

"To end everything, or to usher in our own end!"

A burly man with a full beard, wearing a blue diving suit, a headscarf with the Alpha emblem, and carrying a vermilion jewel, arrived here!

The leader of the Ocean Team, Archie!

However, it is not the image from the three-color gem, but the Water Wutong from the gem replica, which means that he is a guy with a generous personality and is deeply trusted by his subordinates.

Of course, the Water Archie from the Tricolor Gem will make a comeback during the RR event.

"For Pokémon, we once wanted to restore the world to its natural state. That was Team Aqua's wish."

"However, we are now committed to protecting the marine environment and will not repeat the mistakes of the past."

Archie brought the crimson orb and placed it in a transparent container. Upon seeing Groudon appear inside the Buried Tower, even this leader, known for his unconventionality, became unusually serious.

"Groudon's power evaporates moisture, eliminating all water molecules from the air and ocean. Of all weather moves and abilities, this guy's ability is the strongest!"

"Although I don't know what connection this tower has with Groudon or Kyogre, the situation is urgent!"

"If Groudon goes berserk, are you confident you can defeat it?"

Lightmoss: "Of course, I'm ready."

"As the embodiment of primal nature, rage is normal. However, before the Primal Reversion occurs, Groudon's power, while still exaggerated, is not invincible."

There is no doubt that the three Hoenn gods are extremely powerful. Their performance in the special episode was even more exaggerated, evaporating and burning all the plants in the entire Lilycove City, causing a massive drought and tearing the Hoenn region in two.

However, even with such immense power, it was once suppressed by Ms. Cuckoo, the young gym leader of Karnaz City.

So, while expressiveness is one thing, actually fighting is another! The reason why it was difficult to intervene later was because it collided with Kyogre's power, resulting in a 1+1 greater than 2 outcome.

"Groudon's weaknesses are water, grass, and ice!"

"Waves, Dolphin Warrior, Evil Creature."

"Miss Skirt, Ancient Sword Leopard!"

One Poké Ball after another opened, revealing Water-type and Grass-type Pokémon, as well as a Leopard that had just learned Permafrost!

“Grass and Ice types are indeed strong against Ground types, but I hope you know,” Archie said with a worried look, “I’ve told you before, in strong sunlight, the water vapor will evaporate completely.”

"Furthermore, the power of water is suppressed under bright sunlight, so even if you use a water-type move, it won't deal much damage. Also, although grass-type moves are super effective against Groudon, Groudon itself has fire-type moves."

"After it undergoes its primal reversion, the power of fire will be further enhanced!"

Lightmoss: "Of course. This is due to the characteristics of sunlight, and Groudon's own sunlight energy is many times stronger than that of other Pokémon."

"However, as the saying goes, water and ice are inseparable. Water-type Pokémon can usually use ice-type moves as well. Under sunlight, ice moves will not lose their power."

That's the power of the ice attribute.

Even Groudon in the special episode world was hit hard by Wallace's Seal Ball's Ice Ball. The intense heat couldn't melt the ice's energy or reduce its formation, which is very strange in the Pokémon world.

Although fire still counters ice, sunny weather does not weaken the power of ice, and right now...
"what!"

The leopard roared first, eager to try!
Archie looked at the Pokémon that had appeared and stroked his beard:

"One is a dragon-type, and the other... well, it looks like a superhero?"

"Man!" Dolphin Man was striking a pose when he and Water Wutong exchanged a glance, as if they were instantly telepathically connected!
Archie: "The feeling I just got from 'Hero of the Sea' is that, without a doubt, you are a Pokémon born to protect the sea, and you love the ocean and water! You are a true man."

"Manly!" Dolphin Man gave a thumbs up!

Sea Warriors and Ocean Rangers have arrived!

Daigo looked at the lineup in front of him: "Are there two, or three, Water-type Pokémon?"

"Bonnie!" Ergui Pong rummaged inside his little cloak!
Well Mask, Mask Transformation!
It has become a water/grass type!
"No, no, no!" Lightmoss waved her hand at Ooze: "The Well Mask isn't actually an advantage for Groudon, so we need to become a Dragon-type!"

"Bonnie? Oh!" Ergui Peng tilted his body, and although there was a question mark above his head, he still did as he was told!

Dragon God Mask, Mask Transformation!
Lightmoss: "That's right, Grass/Dragon type, resists Ground, not weak to Rock/Fire, and also resists Grass/Electric!"

Steven was very surprised: "The type has changed?! Hmm, there's a similar Pokémon in the Hoenn region, Float! Its type changes when the weather changes."

"Dragon-type Pokémon do have an advantage over Groudon, which is incredible. But among these Pokémon, there's actually a Fire-type one?" Steven looked to the other side.

Besides the few that appeared, a large knight, about two meters tall and wearing golden armor, also appeared!

"The Pokémon of the Padia region, the legendary Fire Warrior Crimson Knight."

Lightmoss answered Steven's question: "Although Groudon is a Pokémon that lives in lava, Fire-type attacks can still damage it. Moreover, there is a reason why Fire-type Pokémon were involved in this battle."

Crimson Lotus Armor Knight nodded to Lightmoss.

All ready, so when do we start the fight?

"Now." Lightmoss took the crimson orb from Water Wutong's hand and whispered to Dolphin Man. Dolphin Man received the instruction, struck a heroic entrance pose, and gave Water Wutong a thumbs up.

Heroes are always necessary!
Sometimes, it's not just those standing in the spotlight who are heroes!

"Oh! I don't know what you're talking about, but I'll still do my best."

Archie looked on in bewilderment as Dolphin leaped from outside the Buried Tower into the sea, and then turned back in confusion: "Wasn't the plan to have a Water-type Pokémon use Ice-type moves? Why did it just jump into the sea?"

I don't understand the current situation!

Lightmoss didn't explain, but immediately gave an order to Groudon, whose energy was surging but had not yet awakened!
Just like what the Crimson Flame Pine did on the rugged mountain path!
The crimson pearl released a dazzling red light, and then, the legendary incarnation of the earth opened its eyes!
"Mmmmmm!"

The Burial Tower shook violently, and Groudon awoke from its slumber, immediately seeing the group of people in front of it!

Wait, two of these people look familiar!
Oh, those are the people who used to appear in front of me and interfere with my battle with Kyogre!
However, where am I? This is not the previously dormant Land of Destiny, but a more orderly and ancient place.
Wait, where is this place?!
Groudon saw the emblem emerging from the Buried Tower, and then saw that one of the three held a crimson orb in his hand. In that instant, the scene before him seemed to overlap with ancient memories.

It remembered the Burial Tower, but that was a long time ago!

Some people from a certain era left the Hoenn region and built this tower on this distant land to worship the earth, the sea, and the sky!
I myself was once summoned here by them!
Furthermore, in order to escape the disaster, they created new jewels!

"Hey! This guy's eyes have changed!"

Archie looked at Daigo: "It seems to still remember us!"

Steven: "I originally thought that the ancient Pokémon wouldn't care about small fry like us humans, but Groudon's memories seem very clear, and there is a huge amount of anger in its eyes."

"However, since it can recognize us, it means that it can understand the current situation."

"Groudon, listen to me!" Steven stepped forward and spoke to the enraged Earth Avatar:
"The Hoenn land you created is now facing the crisis of a meteorite impact, and at the same time, there are madmen preparing to create monsters on the land."

"In other words, the sky and the earth are fighting at the same time. Now we need your power. This time it's not for expanding the continent, nor is it for fighting against Kyogre. We ask you to fight alongside us to protect the nature and land of Hoenn!"

Groudon listened to Steven's explanation, still baring its sharp teeth, but showed no reaction. Then, its body emitted a white light, and a white beam of light shot out from its body towards the top of the Buried Tower!
The sky around Highway 47 became cloudless, the waves stopped, and the water vapor began to evaporate violently!

"This guy doesn't care about the Hoenn region at all!" Archie has already released his Pokémon!

Of course, it wouldn't be his ace Sharpedo, because sharks can't fight while floating in mid-air. Therefore, Archie's Pokémon is Mightyena, which wields the "Ice Fang"!
Both Team Lava and Team Ocean have Coyotes and Big Dogs in their teams, which led to the famous "Chimney Mountain Dog Fighting Tournament".

"As the embodiment of nature, I already understood this two years ago when Groudon and Kyogre engaged in an epic battle."

Archie said to Steven and Moss, "These two are only after the natural energy of the Hoenn region. Everything else, whether it's the life or death of humans or Pokémon, is none of their business!"

"Therefore, they understand the current situation, yet disregard the possible outcome!"

Lightmoss looked at Groudon: "But there must be such a legend, right?"

Steven was preparing to unleash Metagross for battle when he noticed that Moss was still seemingly engaged in conversation, leaving him puzzled:
"legend.?"

Lightmoss: "Legend has it that Groudon appeared before people suffering from floods as a savior, and so the custom of worshipping it was passed down among them."

"So it's not that we don't care about Hoenn, but that we feel we have no right to control its battles. Whether it fights or what it does is up to it to decide."

"After all, unlike Rayquaza, Groudon and Kyogre have no connection with humans, and their Primal Reversion Forms do not require human power."

"However, the current situation is indeed very dangerous. Holding onto the old ideas is not an option. So, is it alright if the natural energy of Hoenn is obtained by aliens, or even if the natural energy of the Hoenn land is taken away by monsters?"

"Gurrrara!" Groudon roared deafeningly, causing the Burial Tower to tremble violently!

It stared at the humans before it, and its roar just now was also a warning.

The natural energy on the land of Hoenn can only belong to itself!

Expanding the land is the meaning of my life. You humans, after experiencing that event two years ago, do you still think you can control me?

Give me the crimson pearl! Otherwise, I will make you taste the terror of drought once more!

"Hey, my team detected the sunlight outside, and it's 'extremely strong' right now. And it's just like what happened in Hoenn two years ago!" Archie said urgently, "Back then, the sky over Sootopolis turned a color like lava!"

"A world half scorching under the sun, a world half shrouded in dark clouds. And now, without Kyogre's power, and with Rayquaza injured, can it still suppress it?!"

"Could it be that it still retains the natural power left over from when it used the orb two years ago?! Look, this thing is grinning!"

Groudon was indeed grinning maliciously at that moment.

The jewel is a crystallization of natural energy, and the energy it contains cannot be completely consumed at once. It is a gift from the world, so even though it was defeated by Rayquaza, it still retained a bit of power!
Although it wasn't enough to immediately return me to my original, regressive state, my strength was significantly enhanced compared to my normal state!

In particular, the weather cannot be overwritten!

A fierce flame gathered in Groudon's mouth!

Big characters explode!

Under clear skies, the power of fire-attribute moves increases by 1.5 times!
The destructive flames turned the Burial Tower into a sea of ​​fire. Groudon stared at the humans and Pokémon engulfed in flames and uttered a disdainful sound.

If it weren't for the Burial Tower, he would have used the more powerful Cliff Sword and Earth Shatter.

It was precisely because he was still inside this tower that he was able to restrain himself somewhat.

This attack should have severely burned these humans; now all that's needed is to retrieve the crimson orb.
Groudon stared at the dark figure in the flames and strode forward, but the next moment, a hurricane swept away the flames, and with the charge of two figures, the flames were absorbed and extinguished!

"Characteristic: Fire."

Lightmoss: "Pokémon with this ability can absorb the flames when attacked by fire, making their own fire-type moves stronger."

Wielding a golden spear, the Crimson Lotus Knight used the property of ignition to enhance the power of his fire-attribute attacks!

"The weather cannot be covered up, which is normal."

"Although they are both [Sunlight], there are differences between Sunlight and Sunlight. Your energy is too powerful, which is not comparable to Crimson Pulse."

"Miss Skirt, Triple Spin!"

Triple Spin Strike, an ice-attribute special move that utilizes the power of ice. It strikes the opponent three times in succession. The first strike has a power of 20, the second doubles that, and the third triples that, with each strike having an equal probability of hitting a critical spot!
Actual power: 120; expected power: 180! After the critical hit multiplier is adjusted to 2x, it can reach 240!

Groudon was stunned by the sudden attack. It took a step back, causing a violent tremor in the alternate dimension of the Buried Tower. Moreover, the Groudon that appeared at this time was much taller than three meters, completely different from the description in the Pokédex!

But even with such a huge height, it was instantly defeated by the restraining attribute!

Groudon stared in disbelief at the Ice Shield engulfed in flames!

That white leopard, which is clearly countered by fire, had its Sunny Day Blaze attack blocked by an ice shield?!

What it is!
Shui Wutong looked shocked: "Hey, what's this ice shield?"

Daigo was equally surprised: "I've never seen such a move before. Ice-type Pokémon should have very weak resistances."

Lightmoss: "The true essence of ice attribute obtained from a parallel world, a technique that can compensate for weak resistances: [Permanent Ice Wall]!"

"Freely manipulating the energy of ice and snow, it gathers moisture from the atmosphere to continuously create an unbreakable ice shield that even fire-type moves cannot penetrate! Although Groudon can weaken the power of water and eliminate rain clouds, water-type Pokémon can create water vapor on their own!"

"Furthermore, Route 47 is surrounded by cliffs and the sea. No matter how powerful Groudon is, even if it can evaporate some of the water, it cannot evaporate the entire vast ocean between Johto and Hoenn. Fighting here is actually advantageous for us!"

"That's right, that large amount of water vapor comes from—"

The three turned their heads and saw the towering waves surging outside the Burial Tower!

Dolphin Man went in and out of the towering waves, striking heroic poses:

"man!"

The Dark Man will lend a hand at crucial moments in the battle. Who says only those who fight blizzards are heroes?

"Dolphin Man's Waterfall Climbing!"

"Pour the power of the sea into this place; the seawater is inexhaustible!"

In the battle of the special episode, although Old Man Guliu was suppressed by Akin's Sunny Day Tactics, it only suppressed Ice Man's regeneration speed, not [regeneration]!
The permanent ice wall can truly be described as the "essence of winter"!

"Then why are fire-attribute moves ineffective against the grass-attribute Miss Skirt?!" Daigo saw Miss Skirt rushing out, and at this moment, Miss Skirt had already swung her Sunblade!
After the three spinning attacks, comes the Grass-type STAB Light Blade Slash!

Lightmoss: "That's why we sent the Crimson Lotus Knights to assist."

"Move [Play Role]! Change your ability to be the same as the target's ability!"

"This is the [Ignite] tactic that my Miss Skirt is so proud of!"

To make a Pokémon that is weak to Fire become strong in Fire, all you need is a move that can change its ability!

In official derivative works, strategies such as ability swapping have even been used, resulting in the famous Flashfire Scizor!
(End of this chapter)