You are not allowed to be a Pokémon Trainer!

Chapter 280 Battle Round Resolution: Reshiram the White Dragon and the New Hextech Runes! (1 votes requested)
We really won!!

【No, are you serious, Prison Water?】

[Both your stats and health are reduced to zero. There probably isn't a more impressive way to defeat someone, right?]

[Winning the championship after only one year since debut? I wouldn't even dare to dream of something this incredible!]

[You're such a coward, but I dare to do it!]

Honestly, Lao Shui really benefited from having two Mega Evolution slots. His Mega Evolution effect is like it's been blessed; it's way more powerful than others. Can you handle that?

[They only benefited from the 3v3 format, double super evolution, and the Grand Festival format. If it were a normal format, do you think Mikoli wouldn't crush Xia Chi?]

[Sigh, even the prison water could subdue Mikoli, but it still couldn't subdue Little Blackie!]

When keyboard warriors are typing away, the hardest thing in the world isn't a tiny diamond anymore, lol.

[No, I accept 3v3. Everyone's benefiting from the Grand Contest format, so who's going to be the Grand Legend?]

[Xia Chi: 6v6? Great! Egui Peng, prepare for battle!]

【.】

With hundreds of millions of people witnessing it, the Mikkelsen Cup finally came to a close with an ending that few could have predicted.

Despite being at a disadvantage in terms of both Pokémon strength and familiarity with spectacular battles, Xia Chi defeated Wallace, the GOAT of the Contest of Contests, with a score of 3:1 to claim the championship.

In addition, there was the stunning debut of Mega Evolutions in a major tournament, and the aftermath of the epic battle between Groudon and Kyogre that served as a grand backdrop throughout the entire tournament.

This year's McCorley Cup is destined to be etched in the annals of the entire league's history in its most dazzling glory, becoming a classic chapter of great significance.

As for Xia Chi, this legendary champion, well, given his current status, he doesn't need this trophy to add any more honor.

In conclusion, with the successful conclusion of the Mikkuri Cup, Xia Chi's journey to Hoenn has finally come to an end.

September 10, evening.

Inside the restaurant at Mikkelsen Estate, soft lighting illuminates the exquisite tableware.

Outside the window, the city of Liuli was just beginning to light up, and the sea reflected the twinkling lights.

Xia Chi cut off a piece of tender and juicy steak and fed it to Ponpo, who was sitting next to him with her mouth wide open, waiting to be fed. Then she said, "By the way, Mikeli, I plan to set off back tomorrow."

"Are you leaving already? Why not stay a few more days?"

Michael put down his knife and fork and earnestly urged her to stay a few more days. "There are still many places worth seeing in Liuli City."

His time together led him to regard Xia Chi as a true friend who could truly understand him.

For Michael, who appears easygoing and unruly but is actually somewhat proud and aloof, this was perhaps the first time he had met Daigo since they met.

Even setting aside appearance, ability, and countless achievements—these are all qualities that are considered excellent in a worldly sense.

Interesting, responsible, and kind-hearted, while also being decisive and efficient in handling matters.
With such undeniable qualities, Xia Chi is undoubtedly a person of great personal charm.

At least that's true for Mikoli.

However, he also understood that all good things must come to an end.

Before Xia Chi could answer, he gently shook his head, a relieved smile playing on his lips: "Well, it seems there really is no reason to force you to stay any longer."

Xia Chi put down his fork helplessly. "What era are we living in? It's like a life-or-death situation. It's just a matter of a few hours' flight. Who knows, I might be in Fengyuan again in a while?"

"Hey, you can't say that."

Mikkuri immediately raised his index finger in a shushing gesture and joked, "If you, humanoid Absol, are to come to Hoenn, you'll be going to Lazuli City. Sootopolis City can't take any more of this."

Xia Chi twitched her lips, wanting to refute, but seemed unable to find a reason.

But then again.

However, it seems that neither Beishang Township, Shuidu, nor Liuli City were initially visited with any utilitarian purpose.

All we can say is that it was Arceus's choice.

"But I remember you haven't finished exploring Hoenn yet, have you? Aren't you planning to check out places like Mauville City and Lilycove City further north?"

Mikkuri recommended, "The cities in the Hoenn region are quite interesting, and they're a good choice for a trip to relax."

"There may be a chance in the future."

Xia Chi smiled and politely declined, saying, "Right now, all my attention is focused on that little island."

During the past two weeks of the Mikkuri Cup, Huoyan, or rather, Youyi, had been very responsible in reporting the island's construction progress to him.

It has to be said that perhaps it is the unique farming genes in the bones of the people of Donghuang that make Xia Chi feel a great sense of accomplishment in watching the island take shape little by little.

After finishing all the affairs in Hoenn, I can go back and finalize some details according to my own ideas.

Michael shrugged and didn't try to persuade her further. "Alright, I'll give you those Slowpoke and the Poké Balls for Drowsy tomorrow."

This was the "housewarming gift" he had promised Xia Chi in the previous meeting.

"Thanks, I'll invite you over at the end of the year so we can have a meal together."

Xia Chi smiled and nodded, without refusing.

Dinner ended in a relaxed atmosphere.

After returning to her room with the elves, Xia Chi first took a bath and changed her clothes.

Then he rubbed against Miaoha, Ponpo, and Latias to absorb some of their good luck.

After the ceremony, the last important thing of the entire journey began.

"Brother Tong, settle the battle round!"

------

[Battle Round 3-2: The Mystery of Mega is Over!]

[Assessing host performance.]

[System Rating: 100/100, Congratulations on obtaining a Prismatic Rank Orb*1!]

The score remains perfect, but the reward has reverted to the more common Prismatic Scale.

That's normal, though. In terms of difficulty, this round of battle is nowhere near as challenging as quelling the conflict between the Primal Solid and the Covered.

To think you could create another rainbow-tier magic orb is just wishful thinking.

Xia Chi was just about to unpack the box when Tongzi's voice rang out again.

[All three phases of the battle have ended. Overall score: 300/300. Congratulations on obtaining a Prismatic Orb*1!]

[New Hextech Runes are now available. Would you like to make a selection?]

Hey, there's another Prismatic Rank Sphere?

Xia Chi was slightly taken aback, and then remembered that there was also this extra reward when all the rounds of the second phase of the battle were settled last time.

I almost forgot about this.

That would be fantastic. Two Prism Orbs combined would definitely be much stronger than a Chroma Orb.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Xia Chi thought to himself, "Brother Tongzi, let's open both Prismatic Orbs at the same time."

[The Prismatic Rank Orb has been activated. Congratulations, host, you have obtained: 2 Light Equipment Upgraders, 1 Artifact Forger, 1 Golden Shovel, 1 Giant Lucky Lantern, and 4 Basic Equipment Forgers!]

There was nothing new, but Xia Chi was very satisfied with what he had gained.

Two Light Equipment Upgraders and one Artifact Forging Tool are both great items that can significantly boost an elf's combat power.

Xia Chi has a fairly clear understanding of his current strength.

Although he won the Mikkuri Cup this time, it does not mean that the normal strength of most of his Pokémon has reached the champion level.

The three Pokémon that battled Mikuri were the strongest lineup Xia Chi could field, aside from Ponpo, among all the Pokémon in the game.

Tyranitar and Latias benefited from the powerful boost of Mega Evolution.

In stark contrast is the Mioha, which did not undergo super evolution.

It may seem like it can fight Milotic to a standstill, but in reality, without proper buffs, it's practically ineffective.

Later, it was completely suppressed by the giant swamp monster with terrifying power.

Xia Chi's relatively objective self-analysis.

Excluding the factors of Mega Evolution and Ponpo, which are outside the standard range, the strongest individual Pokémon in Xia Chi's lineup are Magic Masked Meow and Tyranitar.

His strength is between that of a gym leader and an Elite Four member, and he still has a lot of room for improvement.

Xia Chi's goal for all his Pokémon is definitely not simply to become champions.

Even legendary battles like Masde's are not the end.

That battle against the gods, and the experience of witnessing Mega Rayquaza firsthand, made Xia Chi understand what a true divine Pokémon is.

Perhaps one day, we won't need regional guardians like Rayquaza, or even Ponpo's intervention.

Ordinary Pokémon like Masked Meow and Tyranitar in the conventional sense are capable of intervening in or even suppressing a divine war of this magnitude!
That is Xia Chi's ambition, and the elves' vast universe.

These thoughts made Xia Chi feel much more excited as she opened the box.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, he first turned his gaze to the two Light Equipment Upgrade Devices.

Which two pieces of equipment should I upgrade?
Xia Chi made a decision immediately, ruling out Miaoha first.

Magic Masked Cat's equipment is already luxurious enough; if the elves knew, they would all say it's biased.

Moreover, Titan's Resolve also offers the cost-effectiveness of upgrading to Bloodthirster.
Honestly, with the artifact [Dance of Death], it's not really worthwhile to consume resources.

Most importantly, what Meowha lacks is not equipment, but level.

Getting a spirit fragment from a Terror Chest to upgrade to two stars is a much greater improvement than upgrading equipment.

Speaking of which, we can open the Fear Chest again after this match; I'll go check it out later.

------

After some consideration, Xia Chi decided to give the two upgrade devices to Xiong's apprentice's [Hand of Justice] and Tyranitar's [Steadfast Heart], respectively.

One side attacks, the other defends; both sides benefit equally.

[The Bright Equipment Upgrade Tool was successfully used!]

Upon hearing Tongzi's suggestion, Xia Chi immediately opened the Pokémon interface to check.

[Hand of Light and Justice: +20% Critical Hit Chance, +20% Total Energy, Unique Passive: When Health/Stamina is above 50%, gain 60% Adaptive Attack; when Health/Stamina is below 50%, gain 60% Life Steal!]

[Light of Steadfast Heart: +20% Physical Defense, +20% Health, +20% Chance to Critical Hit, Unique Passive: Reduces damage taken from all sources by 20%!]

Looking at the upgraded and enhanced attributes of the two pieces of equipment, Xia Chi nodded in satisfaction.

As expected, this kind of mechanical equipment is more valuable for enhancement than simple numerical equipment.

In this way, combined with the [Rock Attribute] synergy, Prisoner's damage reduction reaches a whopping 35%!

If its level increases a little more, it can handle even the Mega Swampert's Aura Punch.

Even the Sword of the Cliff, I, the Sandstorm King, dare to take!

On the other hand, the bear apprentice who carries the Hand of Light and Justice can also directly gain more than 100% life steal when his health drops below half!
It is also a concept god.

Not only do they not need to drag out the time like Fa Jie, they also won't be targeted by "removal of enhancements" methods like [black mist] or exiting the stage!

Speaking of which, Xiong's apprentice is only four levels away from meeting the evolution requirements of that Water-Evil hybrid scroll.

You can keep that in mind when you get back.

Then there's the artifact forging machine.

"Brother Tong, activate the artifact forging machine!"

[Forging successful! Please choose one of the following three divine artifacts!]

【飞升护符：+10%生命、33%物攻与特攻，战斗开始的200秒后获得100%最大生命，伤害提升100%！】

[Gold Collector: +25% Physical Attack, +30% Critical Hit Chance, Unique Passive: The wearer's skills will execute opponents with 12% of their maximum health, and the execution has a 33% chance to drop 10,000 Alliance Coins!]

【Mithril Dawn: +100% Physical Attack, +50% Physical Defense, +50% Special Defense, Unique Passive: Grants the held Pokémon immunity to Cowardice, and the Pokémon's moves can Cowardice the opponent for 1 second, but the held Pokémon's move casting speed is locked at 2 seconds (after a move is used, there is a 2-second interval before energy can be converted)】

There's not much to say, just choose the secret!

I won't comment much on the Ascension Amulet; its base stats aren't much better than the complete item, and its passive is terrible.

Two hundred seconds have passed; a normal 1v1 match would be over by now.

Gold coin collectors are even more of a laughing stock.

12% of lives being directly executed sounds appealing, but the same problem remains—

In a normal battle, a high-damage move would easily take down a Pokémon with 12% health. What's the point of this passive ability?
Executing someone to take the gold coins is somewhat useful.

If this were back when Xia Chi was penniless and only had a single Xin Ye cat...

In short, if it were when they were taming Shinno-Nyan, it and Sansei Natsuike would have hesitated a bit.

Now.
Hesitating for even a second longer is disrespectful to [Mithril Dawn]!

Instantly select Mithril Dawn and equip it on Tyranitar.

In this way, Prisoner also has three divine sets, and they are high-end sets with one divine weapon and one set of light armor.

After dealing with the artifact, the next thing to do is to get the golden shovel, which hasn't been available for a long time.

This is definitely a good thing; it can be combined with basic equipment to create different bond emblems.

Allows a spirit that previously did not have a certain bond to acquire that bond.

As we all know, most bonds, when upgraded to a high level, have effects comparable to, or even surpassing, divine artifacts.

For example, the Evil attribute bond currently has 1600 points of Fear value.

If you gave Ponpo a Dark-type Bond Emblem, the damage would be absolutely explosive.

The only problem is that the Bond Emblem takes up an equipment slot.

As a result, even with a Dark Bond Emblem equipped, Winged Hair still only has two pieces of equipment.

If it's given to Ponpo, then her future potential for upgrading her equipment will be really limited.

Furthermore, the current evil-type bonds are already saturated, so it's better to synthesize new bond emblems to create higher-level bonds.

For example, the Grass attribute bond has been stuck at four.

But then again
Even if you combine a Grass-type bond and equip it on a Prisoner or something, it will only be a 5-Grass Pokémon, still one Pokémon short of the maximum 6-Grass level.

Do you need to specifically catch a Grass-type Pokémon to complete the Six Grass Bond Pair?
There are still two vacancies in the team, and Xia Chi is unable to make a decision for the time being.

------

Put the golden shovel into the equipment warehouse and leave it for now.

Xia Chi then opened the forging tools for four basic equipment items.

I opened two Tear of the Goddess items, a B.F. Sword, and a Needlessly Large Rod.

After combining an Archangel's Staff, you'll also have a Goddess's Tear and a Greatsword.

Used to prepare and combine with the Golden Spatula to create Grass or Dark type Bond Emblems.

The plan goes through!
The Staff of the Archangel was naturally given to Latias, who currently has no equipment.

[Archangel's Staff: +10% Special Attack, +10% Total Energy, Unique Passive: During battle, every 5 seconds increases the wearer's Special Attack by 5%, up to a maximum of 200%!]

Although it's been significantly nerfed compared to the infinite stacking in the Golden Shovel game, the 200% cap is actually not low.

Furthermore, it synergizes perfectly with Latias [Infinite Corridor], making it an excellent magic-based item.

After dealing with all the equipment, the last thing on the list is naturally the lucky lantern.

This thing is a regular; not only is the probability of getting it from each magic orb extremely high, but it's also a must-open for every Fear Chest.

It's definitely the top food on Brother Tong's must-eat list.

Summer Pool is still very enthusiastic about opening lucky lanterns.

Not only can it yield many illegally modified items that are actually available in real life, but it can also serve a kind of very mystical "prophetic" function.

"Brother Tongzi, open the lucky lantern!"

[The giant lucky lantern has been activated! Congratulations, host, you have obtained: 1 Light Stone!]

Xia Chi: "."

It's not because Brother Tongzi is stingy and only gave me one prop that I'm speechless.

Quite the opposite.

What the hell did Brother Tongzi get?!

Even though Xia Chi had been using the system for almost a year, he was still incredibly shocked.

You mean, I just randomly opened an account and got Reshiram, the doujinshi king among the legendary Pokémon from the Unova Generations cover gods, true dragons, and mythical beasts?!

That's right, if this Luminous Stone is the same as that Luminous Stone.

That is indeed the case.

Xia Chi couldn't wait to open the prop warehouse, where a pure white, round stone lay quietly.

[The Lightstone: The core stone formed after Reshiram's physical body was destroyed, awaiting the arrival of the "White Hero" who can awaken his true form.]

I'm super!

It really is that Bright Stone, Brother Tong!
Xia Chi was so excited she almost fell off the bed.

The magical masked cat, not far away, reacted with lightning speed. A bright green vine instantly sprang out, precisely wrapping around Xia Chi's waist and pulling him back onto the soft mattress.

Her crimson cat eyes held a hint of helplessness and curiosity as she tilted her head to look at him: "Meow?"

【What's wrong? Why are you so agitated?】

Xia Chi calmed herself down and waved her hand, saying, "It's nothing, it's nothing."

No wonder he was so excited, because Rashiram was his favorite cover god in his previous life, without a doubt!

First of all, let me state that Xia Chi is not a fan of Fu Rui.

Secondly, Rahiram is absolutely gorgeous!
It's so beautiful that countless Pokémon fans consider it the pinnacle of cover art design!
Her body was flawlessly white, without a single impurity, and her figure perfectly blended strength and elegance, exuding charm from head to toe.

This is Rashiram!
Of course, Xia Chi's fondness for this elf is not entirely due to its appearance, but also to her fondness for the storyline of the Black and White generation.

After all, it's a scene where "N and I are atop a magnificent castle, each wielding the dragons of ideals and truth respectively, engaging in the ultimate battle for the world ideals they both firmly believe in."

The impact on Xia Chi, who was so young at the time, was enormous.

To this day, he still has a deep impression of the storyline from the Black and White era.

The [Light Stone] that just came out of the Lucky Lantern is the one that can summon Reshiram, or rather, is Reshiram himself!

So is this implying that he is the White Hero who can gain Reshiram's approval?
Brother Tongzi has such a good eye!
【.】

[A reminder that the new Hextech runes have been unlocked. Would you like to make a selection?] Tongzi remained silent, only urging Xia Chi on.

Xia Chi, who was about to take out the Bright Stone from the item warehouse, said, "Wait, choose it right away!"

The moment the thought crossed his mind, Brother Tong's voice immediately rang in his heart.

[Due to the host's outstanding performance in the third phase of the battle, the third round of Hextech Runes is "Prismatic Tier"!]

Please choose one of the following three Prismatic Tier Hextech Runes!

[Fairy Crown: Your team will be considered to have an additional "Fairy" type Pokémon, and you will receive an "Archangel's Staff" and a "Pokémon Fragment - Ditto"!]

[Overflowing Belts: Gain four "Giant's Belts," which provide an additional 20% health!]

[Emblem Equipment+: Spirits equipped with "Bond Emblems" will gain an additional equipment slot, receiving a non-unique Bond Emblem that you already possess!]

------

Compared to the slightly more complicated Hextech rune selection in the second phase, this time it's much easier.

The main problem is that the first two Hextech systems are terrible.

Fairy Crown is barely acceptable, as its bond mechanism is quite strong, but the problem is that Xia Chi doesn't have any other fairy-type spirits besides Wings of the Wind.

The overflowing belt was even more noticeable on the roadside.

What's the point of having so many Giants' Belts?

Wearing the thickest armor, enduring the most brutal beatings?
Compared to these two Hextech runes, "Emblem Item+" looks much better.

This perfectly solves the flaw that elves carrying bond emblems would have one less equipment slot.

The only problem is that Xia Chi doesn't have enough Bond Emblems.

Even including the Golden Spatula I just got today, and the random emblem provided by Hextech, there are only three in total.

Another one is the [Evil Attribute] bond emblem on Zhenyi's body.

But it's okay, there will always be a time when we get new bond equipment.

Having made his decision, Xia Chi thought to himself, "Brother Tongzi, choose [Emblem Equipment+]."

[Hextech Rune selection successful. Congratulations, host, you have obtained: Fairy Attribute Synergy Emblem *1!]

Fairy-themed Bond Emblems?
Xia Chi was stunned for a moment, not expecting to draw this.
He thought it would be a Dark or Grass type with a larger base number.

However, this synergy is quite strong.

Undoubtedly, to maximize the effect of "Infinite Skin," one should ideally possess a powerful ability to absorb blood, like Chow Yun-fat.

Although all Pokémon have at least 10% life steal thanks to the group buff from the Latias [Infinite Corridor] bond.

But the most suitable ones are undoubtedly the Magical Masked Cat and the Bear Apprentice.

The former has two lifesteal items, while the latter is a berserker build where the lower the health, the more lifesteal the more the berserker can.

After a slight hesitation, Xia Chi ultimately chose to give it to Miaoha.

There's no particular reason; it's just a special preference for the initial Pokémon.

As compensation, Xia Chi still combined the golden shovel and the Storm Greatsword from the item warehouse into a grass-attribute bond emblem and gave it to his bear apprentice.

The continuous improvement in physical attack, physical defense, and health during combat is also a good fit for the Bear Apprentice.

With this, all system rewards for this Hoenn trip have been processed.

Next, naturally, is to study the Light Stone that I have been longing for.

With his mind entering the item warehouse, Xia Chi took out the Light Stone.

This pearl-like gem wasn't very big; Xia Chi could easily hold it in one hand.

It's only about two sizes bigger than a Keystone and a Mega Stone.

Xia Chi placed it in his palm and examined it carefully.

Besides its exceptionally round shape, the most distinctive feature of the Radiant Stone is its white color.

It is pure white, as if it does not exist in the world, without any impurities.

I really want to roll it in the mud a couple of times to see if it's really spotless. What should I do?
A somewhat perverse idea suddenly popped into Xia Chi's mind.

The moment this thought arose.

The pure white light stone in his palm flickered extremely faintly, as if it were an illusion!
The faint light was so fleeting that Xia Chi couldn't determine its presence for the moment.

"Tini~"

Just then, the curious Victini fluttered its little wings and landed beside Xia Chi's hand, its big eyes fixed on the Light Stone.

"Bictigini."

Xia Chi lowered his voice and asked, as if seeking confirmation, "Did you just see the stone flash?"

Victini tilted her head slightly, her large blue eyes filled with confusion, and honestly shook her head to indicate that she hadn't seen it.

"Tini?"

But it seemed to have a strong interest in the Light Stone, its small body moving even closer, almost touching it.

Xia Chi's heart stirred, and he watched Bictini's reaction with great interest.

Is Bictini interested in the Light Stone?
This is a bit strange.

Although this little guy did indeed co-star with the Black and White Dragons in the theatrical version of "Victini and the Black and White Heroes", and the two elves also have a historical connection in the story background.

But my Victini hatched from a fairy egg!
It shouldn't be related to Victini, who protects the land of the earth and has a lifespan of thousands of years in the movie, right?

Perhaps it can only be explained as fate.

Just like at this moment, none of the legendary Pokémon, including Ponpo and Latias, showed any curiosity about the Light Stone.

But these are not the key.

The key is
How can we awaken Reshiram, who is slumbering within the Lightstone?
In the game, Reshiram is set to follow and pledge allegiance to the humans she approves of.

Basically, it's a process where the "chosen children" obtain the Light Stone, which allows them to awaken and subdue Reshiram.

The theatrical version that features Victini is a bit more complicated.

After Ash found the Light Stone, he was questioned by the sleeping Reshiram about "what is reality".

Then, the foolish thing moved the white dragon with the pure reason of "wanting Victini to live" and gained his approval.

so
Why don't you ask me any questions?

I can talk, and I can be real!
Xia Chi held up the Bright Stone, looking it over from left to right.

He even tried calling out in different tones in a low voice: "Reshiram? Lord White Dragon? True Dragon? Are you there? Let's talk?"

However, all that answered him was the silence in the room and Victini's curious gaze.

The luminous stone remained warm and unresponsive.

Does this mean I haven't actually gained recognition?

Or is it simply that the time is not right?

Xia Chi rubbed his chin, feeling that the latter was more likely.

It's not that I'm narcissistic, but since Brother Tongzi allowed me to unlock the Light Stone, it means there will definitely be a time when it will come in handy.

Perhaps the answer will only be revealed when we go to Unova.
After some deliberation, Xia Chi decided against entrusting the extremely important Light Stone to Victini for safekeeping or keeping it on his person.

Instead, it was put back into the prop warehouse.

With this, the battle rounds of the third phase of the Hoenn Journey have been resolved, and the dust has settled.

------

The next morning.

A thin mist enveloped Liuli City like a veil, and the sea breeze carried a damp coolness.

Xia Chi formally bid farewell to Mikoli.

Daigo, who had been immersed in the Super Evolution Laboratory for the past two days, has finally made a public appearance.

Just like Mikoli yesterday, he also tried to persuade Xia Chi to stay: "Are you really not going to stay a few more days? Next week is the global launch of the super evolution technology. You, the 'father of super evolution,' are the absolute main character. Without you, the launch will lose a lot of its luster."

Xia Chi smiled and politely declined, "Never mind, having you guys is enough."

Everything about hyper-evolution was showcased at the Mikkuri Cup.

This press conference felt more like a pure product launch, just announcing prices and such.

Having experienced the globally acclaimed launch event of Taijingzhu, Xia Chi was indeed uninterested in such a procedural spectacle.

A hint of regret flashed in Daigo's eyes, but he nodded understandingly and did not insist.

"Alright, have a safe journey home."

In the port of Liuli City, where mist and morning light intertwine, Xia Chi drove his flying car away from Liuli City.

As the first gift I received after arriving in Hoenn, this flying car is definitely going to be driven back to Hoenn.

It has not only commemorative significance, but also practical value.

Although Xia Chi has shed the title of "cannot fly" after subduing Latias, flying cars are still a better choice for travel when there is no rush.

As the altitude continued to rise, Liuli City rapidly shrank beneath its feet, transforming into a delicate gem embedded in the azure sea.

Inside the car, the atmosphere carried a hint of farewell.

Having spent more than a month here, it's natural to feel a bit sentimental when it's time to say goodbye.

The elves instinctively lay down by the bed, gazing at the island beneath them that was gradually shrinking.

However, this does not include Bangilas.

Before it evolved, it could barely stay in the back row.

After evolving, both its size and weight will be significantly increased. If the prison guards were released, even if this flying car is incredibly durable, it would probably be scrapped in a second.

"The flight path has been set, destination is Donghuang area, Shanghai Stock Exchange, total distance 2743 kilometers, expected to arrive in Luotuo in 21 hours!"

The lively voice of the Rotom navigation system broke the slightly somber atmosphere in the carriage, carrying a sense of anticipation for returning home.

In autopilot mode, the flying car smoothly climbed to cruising altitude and began to accelerate toward the distant east.

“Wait, Rotom.”

Xia Chi suddenly interrupted, "Well, let's go to Odomare first."

This trip back to Donghuang, I don't know when I'll have another chance to return to Shuidu.

This is a good opportunity to take another look and let Latias say a proper goodbye to her family.

Latias, who had been sitting quietly in the back seat in the form of a human maid, trembled almost imperceptibly, a gentle ripple spreading through her heart.

Although she didn't bring it up with Xia Chi, returning to the Water City to take one last look at the place that held countless memories for her and to say goodbye to her brother was indeed a secret and intense desire deep in her heart.

What matters is never the act of "going back" itself, but that this desire is keenly perceived, understood, and actively fulfilled by the person who cares most about it.

This feeling of mutual understanding is more precious than any treasure.

So who says life is the same no matter who you live it with?

"Okay, Loto! Destination set: Odomare, 438 kilometers in total, estimated arrival time in Loto in 4 hours!"

Rotom responded quickly, the car nimbly turning southwest in mid-air before accelerating away.

The flight path was as precise as Rotom's calculations.

At one o'clock in the afternoon, under the bright sunshine, the flying car arrived on time at the dreamlike water city of Odomare.

Familiar waterways, bridges, colorful houses, and melodious gondola songs once again fill the senses, while the air is filled with the unique salty scent of the sea breeze.

Before even landing in the city's secret garden, a blue and white figure appeared in sight, gracefully hovering in front of the flying car.

It was his brother-in-law Latios who had received the news in advance and came to greet him.

【Xiachi.】

A gentle and familiar telepathic connection resonated directly in Xia Chi's mind.

Xia Chi smiled gently and said, "Yes, go ahead."

Having received permission, Latias cheerfully responded, pressed the button on the car window beside him, and the graceful figure of the maid disappeared like ripples on water.

The next second, a dazzling red light shot out from the car window, unfolded in the air, and transformed into the elegant and beautiful Infinite Pokémon itself.

"Ooh-ee!"

A clear and joyful cry rang out in the sky, and Latias, like an arrow released from a bow, rushed straight towards Latias in the air, filled with the joy of reunion.

"Ooh-ooh—"

Latios responded with a tender and longing sound, and then went to meet him.

Two figures, one in red and one in blue, chased and played like intertwined rainbows against the azure sky of Odomare, leaving streaks of light in the air.

Xia Chi smiled slightly, not wanting to disturb the siblings' reunion.

The flying car descended quietly and came to a steady stop in the secret garden surrounded by greenery.

Manon had been waiting there for a long time.

Two months later, the girl's complexion was noticeably better, with a healthy rosy glow on her cheeks and brighter, more expressive eyes.

During this period, the two would occasionally chat on Pogaman.

Xia Chi knew that Manong was preparing for her trip by consistently exercising.

"You must be tired from your journey!"

Manon greeted her with a bright smile.

"Tini~"

As soon as they got off the bus, Victini couldn't resist rushing into Manon's arms, nuzzling her chest affectionately with her fluffy little head.

Following her senses, Manon caught the mischievous little guy red-handed and smiled at the V-mon that had revealed itself, saying, "Long time no see, Victini~"

As she spoke, she expertly rubbed Bictini's sensitive V-shaped ear, and the little one giggled.

------

We've had a long and tiring journey, and haven't even had lunch yet.

Manon, with her thoughtful nature, had already prepared a simple yet heartfelt picnic.

On the spread-out checkered picnic mat were sandwiches made with fresh vegetables and ham, golden-brown and fluffy bread, Kanto-style rice balls filled with plums or pork floss, and seafood specialties from Odomare.

Although it wasn't a lavish meal, the picnic felt especially pleasant and cozy in the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves in the secret garden filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.

Latios and Latias, the brother and sister, also stopped playing around, landed lightly, and joined the picnic, eating with the other companions.

Xia Chi and Manong sat side by side on the picnic mat, eating and chatting about their recent lives.

The sea breeze, carrying the fragrance of the garden and the slight saltiness of the distant sea, gently caressed us.

"How many days do you plan to stay this time?"

Manon picked up a rice ball and asked casually, a hint of barely perceptible expectation hidden in her eyes.

Xia Chi swallowed the sandwich in his mouth, thought for a moment, and said, "We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning. This trip is mainly on the way, so we can let Latios come back and say a proper goodbye to Latios."

The glimmer of expectation in Manon's eyes dimmed slightly, and she forced a smile, saying, "So rushed?"

"Ah."

Xia Chi nodded, gazing into the distance. "I've spent quite a bit of time in Hoenn; it's time to go back."

He looked at Manon and then asked, "By the way, when we parted last time, you said you were going to start a trip? Have you decided where to go first?"

"go"

Manon blurted out the Hoenn region, which she had been planning to visit for a long time.

Although she is a Hoenn, she has never actually left Otomare.

Hoenn was also a completely new region for her, one she had never explored before.

The words had just reached his lips when, upon seeing Xia Chiwen's gentle face, the words that came out of his mouth took an unexpected turn.

"Let's go to the Donghuang region!"

The girl's voice was clear and bright, and her smile was radiant: "I really want to visit Xia Chi's hometown!"

"Oh?"

Xia Chi raised an eyebrow with interest, somewhat surprised by the answer. "Welcome to Donghuang! But is it a gym challenge trip with the goal of the Imperial Capital Tournament?"

The capital city serves as the heart of the Eastern Empire Alliance and is also its location.

The quadrennial Imperial Capital Tournament is one of the most coveted stages for all Eastern Trainers.

"Ok!"

Manon nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future.

Then, with a hint of anticipation, she looked at Xia Chi and asked, "Xia Chi, will you participate too?"

"Uh"

Xia Chi paused for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, saying, "No, at least not this year."

With his current strength, he would be a complete shoo-in for any regional tournament.

Unless you encounter an outrageous being like Darkrai, the legendary Pokémon from the Lily of the Valley tournament, who wields multiple legendary Pokémon.

But then I thought, if I really went, wouldn't I become an even more outrageous "mythical beast man"?
Let's leave the stage to new generation trainers like Manon.

Moreover, even without the bond equipment, Latios, though powerful, is still within a reasonable range, making him a suitable partner for Manon's debut challenge.

I spent the night resting to the tranquil sound of the waves at Odomare.

The next morning, Xia Chi and his companions bid farewell to Manon and Latios in the secret garden.

Because Manon and Latios were also about to embark on a journey, the atmosphere of parting was not very heavy.

"Have a safe journey, wait for me in Donghuang!"

Manon waved vigorously, her smile as bright and full of vitality as the rising sun.

Xia Chi waved to her through the car window and smiled, "Okay, I'll be waiting for your good news."

The engine started, and the airflow stirred the grass in the garden.

This time, the destination has finally been set in the Donghuang region: Shanghai Stock Exchange!
(30/37 chapters owed for monthly votes, please vote!)
(End of this chapter)