Devon Corporation building.
Steven held the report he had just received from Mossdeep Space Center, his heart quite heavy.
According to Mossdeep Space Center's cosmic observation report, they had actually known about the meteorite situation for a while.
No.
More precisely, they knew there was a cluster of small meteorites that might approach, which was a relatively common occurrence - after all, meteorites fell somewhere in the Pokémon world every day.
This time there were just more of them, slightly larger pieces, at most forming meteor shower levels.
But after Steven's repeated emphasis, the observers finally discovered that among this cluster of small meteorites, there was actually a massive meteorite mixed in!
Obscured by numerous small meteorites, plus planetary shadow coverage and blurred distant observations, it had created an observation blind spot.
Only with the approach of this meteorite cluster, combined with Steven's emphasis, did the observers confirm this.
According to emergency rough calculations, the small meteorites in this cluster could be ignored, but if the largest one fell... it would at least completely change a region's topography!
A major crisis!
Steven didn't blame Mossdeep Space Center's observers though.
Observation deviations and oversights were normal - after all, humanity's space exploration was still in its initial stages. Otherwise, why would people like Steven and Professor Cozmo run around looking for meteorites?
They could just wait where meteorites were going to fall.
When the cosmic visitor Deoxys appeared, the Hoenn League should have been prepared well in advance.
The only fortunate thing was that there was still some time before that massive meteorite arrived.
Mossdeep Space Center was the largest cosmic observation station in the entire Pokémon world, so what Steven received was first-hand information.
Of course, if Steven knew, that meant Joseph Stone also knew.
The old man's expression was very grave and complex, with both sighs and some relief.
"Steven, take a look at this."
The old man took out a secret document from his drawer and placed it on the table.
Steven looked confused.
But from the old man's expression, plus taking this out at such a critical time...
"Dimensional Transporter?"
When Steven saw the document's header, he was stunned.
As he read further down, his brow gradually furrowed.
The so-called "Dimensional Transporter" was a device that Devon used massive amounts of "Infinity Energy" to open wormholes, utilizing Infinity Energy's enormous power and special properties.
Obviously, this was one of Devon's secret projects. Even Steven, as the young master, was just learning about it.
If they used this "Dimensional Transporter" to load massive amounts of "Infinity Energy" onto rockets and open wormholes in front of the giant meteorite with the rockets, it would indeed be a decent solution.
However...
If he didn't know what Infinity Energy was, that would be one thing, but after learning that Infinity Energy was actually "life energy," Steven developed some resistance to this so-called infinite energy source.
Of course.
The Infinity Energy Devon currently used wasn't extracted from life, but rather remnants from the "Ultimate Weapon" - this was also why Steven often traveled to the Kalos region.
But to create energy that could swallow wormholes with the "Dimensional Transporter," and in such a short time, probably...
"Father, I disagree."
Steven placed the document on the table and stated his answer without hesitation.
Joseph Stone was obviously not surprised by this at all. He smiled bitterly and helplessly: "Steven, how could I want to do this either? It's just..."
Some things required sacrifices and choices.
The old man sighed: "This isn't something we can decide, Steven. I'll report this plan along with the meteorite news to the League. As for what decision they make... we'll see what the League decides."
After all, Devon was just a company.
Although it was a massive corporation that could influence League decisions to some extent, decisions involving the safety of an entire region were definitely not theirs to make.
Hearing this, Steven was stunned.
"The League..."
At that moment, Steven suddenly felt he should compete for the Champion position.
Knock knock—
President Stone's door was knocked. After getting permission, his secretary entered.
"President, this is an anonymous letter we just received."
"Anonymous letter?" The old man looked at his secretary.
He had received too many anonymous letters, but why would an anonymous letter reach his hands?
Unless this letter was somewhat special.
"The recipient is Young Master Steven, and the sender is Kanaz Pokémon Academy."
The old man understood.
No wonder.
"The Academy?"
Steven took the letter, flipping it up, down, left and right twice to confirm it was indeed an anonymous letter with "Kanaz Pokémon Academy" written in the sender column.
But wasn't it summer vacation now?
And why would academy teachers or anyone need to send him letters? An anonymous letter at that...
With such doubts, Steven opened the letter. After a quick scan, his expression immediately changed drastically.
Noticing Steven's expression, the old man frowned: "What's wrong?"
Steven took a deep breath, calmed his inner turmoil, then handed the letter to the old man while saying:
"Father, I'm afraid we'll need to go to the League together for this trip."
The old man, taking the letter, glanced at it and appeared much calmer than Steven, though equally grave.
"The credibility of this matter..."
Steven thought of the door and path he and Wallace had opened together, the rainbow stone they'd seen and Rayquaza, thought of that stone's function, and couldn't help rubbing his temples:
"I'm afraid... it's true."
"Let's go." The old man trusted him completely, immediately standing up and telling his secretary: "Prepare the plane to the League."
"Yes!"
The secretary immediately went to arrange it.
Fortunately, Devon Corporation building's top floor had a helipad.
The letter fell on the table, with only a brief line written on it—Team Aqua, Kyogre is about to awaken!
"This really never ends."
On the ocean.
Johan stood at the bow, looking at the gray expanse before him, his expression extremely speechless.
This storm had not stopped since he left the Kalos region!
It was as if his luck wasn't bad, with storms wherever he went, but rather that there was a large rain cloud above him that followed wherever he went.
The new generation "Rain God" and "Dragon King."
A sailor handling waterproof tarps with his shirt off seemed accustomed to Johan's presence and smiled: "Teacher Johan, this is very normal on the ocean."
"Very normal?"
"Yeah. I remember once being trapped in a storm for a month - the rain fell like it was free." Another sailor also said.
"Actually, there are many dangerous sea areas in the Pokémon world. The route we're taking is a safe route explored bit by bit by countless people. Just having rain without encountering wild Pokémon colonies is already quite smooth."
Johan: "..."
He looked up at the dense gray clouds in the sky and opened his mouth.
"Why do I feel like I've crossed into One Piece's Grand Line?"
"One Piece? Grand Line?" The surrounding sailors were confused.
Johan shook his head.
He should have taken a plane if he'd known.
If not for the "risk" of long-distance travel on Dragonite being too great, he might have already "run away."
He originally wanted to let Snivy experience the ocean's unique scenery, but who knew it would just be rain.
It's all water, but the difference was quite significant.
"How far are we from Hoenn?"
"Should be soon." The old sailor had some authority on this matter. "Although it's been raining the whole way, we haven't encountered any major troubles, so we're sailing even faster than usual."
What troubles could there be?
The sailors on deck almost instinctively turned to look at the nearby sea surface.
There they saw—
"Ka-kaah~!"
A pitch-black Gengar stood on a Gyarados's head, gripping its head tentacles with both hands, excitedly calling out.
The Gyarados rode the wind and waves all the way. If not for its bruised and swollen appearance, it would probably look quite impressive.
"Roar—!!"
On the other side, Tinkaton and Larvitar stood on a similarly wave-riding Sharpedo's head, chasing the Gyarados that Gengar was riding.
In the water, there was also a terrifying big bear maintaining perfect swimming form, competing with them.
Of course.
In the sky was a Dragonite, plus Snivy with vines tightly wrapped around Dragonite's head tentacles, maintaining a stern expression as if serving as referee.
"Yoji! Yoji!"
Faster! Speed up, let's go!
Seeing they were about to catch up to Gyarados, Larvitar kept cheering on Sharpedo.
Sharpedo's heart was bitter, but it didn't speak.
Watching this scene, the sailors' eyes twitched.
With this situation, you think they could be unsafe? What troubles could they encounter?
Any wild Pokémon unlucky enough to encounter the Seagallop would most likely...
Johan had no choice about this.
The little ones' energy needed to be expended.
Otherwise, should he let them dismantle the ship?
Although the Seagallop had training rooms and battle areas, Johan didn't dare bring even Larvitar in to train, let alone battle.
He really couldn't afford the damages.
So he could only use these fierce Pokémon to exhaust their energy.
Don't say - it was quite effective.
Johan felt even his sleep had become more peaceful recently.
"Snivy!" Johan called to Dragonite and Snivy in the sky.
"Draaa~~"
Dragonite folded its wings and descended toward the deck.
"Sni—ni—"
Snivy gripped Dragonite tightly, its little face tense.
Fortunately, Dragonite landed quickly, allowing Snivy to breathe a slight sigh of relief.
Seeming to notice Johan's slightly teasing gaze, Snivy immediately held its head high, putting on a "that's nothing" expression.
Johan just smiled at this, not delving deeper into the matter.
After all, someone who could only walk fifty steps had no right to laugh at someone who walked a hundred.
"Ahem."
He cleared his throat lightly. "It's special training time today."
"Sni!"
Hearing this, Snivy immediately dropped its previous arrogance and showed a serious expression.
Special training!
For Snivy, who had worked hard to grow stronger since childhood, training was still very appealing.
Johan was also willing to exhaust more of his Pokémon's stamina and energy during such "boring" times.
Except...
Snivy's appetite was somewhat surprising.
Don't look at Snivy's small size - its appetite was quite large.
However, Johan felt this might be due to the intensive training these past few days, plus the continuous storms preventing sunlight, so Snivy couldn't photosynthesize.
"As long as it's sunny, as long as the sun comes out, it'll be fine." Johan comforted himself mentally.
Anyway...
No matter how much it ate, could it compare to Larvitar?
"Rotom, Mow form."
Rotom immediately floated out of the Pokédex, then dove into a pre-prepared lawn mower.
"Mow Rotom form, transform Rotom!" Rotom called out excitedly, as if piloting a mecha.
Soon, Rotom transformed into Mow Rotom.
"Watch carefully." Johan said to Snivy, then waved his hand. "Rotom, Leaf Storm!"
"Rotom!!"
Mow Rotom's body glowed with electric arcs, and from the mower's cutting opening, it blew out an extremely strong wind accompanied by countless sharp grass blades, like a green tornado sweeping toward the sea surface.
Snivy hadn't learned Leaf Storm yet.
This move was the best combination for Snivy's "Contrary" ability.
But no problem - among Johan's Pokémon, Rotom could perform it after transforming into Mow Rotom.
Perfect for demonstrating to Snivy.
Snivy watched intently at every detail of Rotom performing Leaf Storm.
"Sni."
After watching, it nodded, then seriously raised both hands. Glowing leaves appeared around it along with swirling wind.
The wind wrapped around the leaves, making them dance and spin. The sharp leaf blades were like blades in a blender - anything entering would be ground to powder.
However, this situation lasted less than a breath before the leaves seemed to lose their power support and fell down.
"Sni!"
Snivy frowned, reviewing where it might have gone wrong in its previous attempt.
"No rush."
Johan smiled comfortingly.
After all, this was a Grass-type move with 130 power, stronger than Solar Beam and Solar Blade which required charging. The only side effect became a huge boost under the "Contrary" ability.
This would definitely be Snivy's, and even future Serperior's, most important move.
So mastering it shouldn't be rushed. First thoroughly understanding this move's fundamentals would make it stronger over time.
Moreover.
Rotom itself was also a "half-baked" teacher, only able to instruct while Snivy didn't know it yet. Once Snivy learned it... Rotom could "retire."
"Eat something when you're tired." Johan took out a box of energy cubes.
Never shortchange children, never skimp on learning.
"Sni."
Snivy frowned deeply, seeming not to really hear what Johan was saying, just nodding subconsciously.
Seeing this, Johan showed a satisfied smile and exhaled slightly.
Finally.
Finally he'd caught a Pokémon that seemed relatively "normal."
The talent of Gengar and Ninetales learning moves instantly was scary just thinking about.
Other trainers desperately wanted their Pokémon to learn moves quickly, but Johan... was really somewhat afraid.
No choice.
Learning moves wasn't just about learning - there was also resource consumption during the learning process.
Like energy cube energy supplements, materials and items needed for learning specific moves, etc.
Everything required significant financial support.
Learning moves quickly meant having to learn the next move, right?
All aspects needed massive funding help.
And Snivy...
On one hand, Leaf Storm was indeed an extremely difficult to master, high-power move. On the other hand, it showed that at least in terms of learning talent, it wasn't as "terrifying" as Gengar and Ninetales.
This was good.
Johan felt reassured.
"Rotom, Snivy, take it easy. I'll go watch Gengar and the others."
"Leave it to me, Rotom!" Rotom immediately responded.
Hey~
Having a "normal" friend made Rotom happy too.
"Sni?"
Snivy didn't hear what Johan and Rotom were saying. It just frowned deeply, pondering the problem.
They're both leaves - why... couldn't Leaf Storm be used together with Magical Leaf?
"Na-nani (ω)!"
Rotom picked its ear.
What was Snivy saying?
"I must have misheard, Rotom!"
"Sni."
Snivy continued talking to itself.
If Leaf Storm and Leaf Blade were combined, would it be easier? After all, Leaf Blade also emphasized sharpness...
"(ω)!"
Rotom stared blankly at Snivy with its mouth open, as if hearing some century-level horrifying joke.
"Sni."
But I feel Leaf Storm actually goes best with Twister, right? Should I try adding Magical Leaf...
"Ro-Rotom! Wait a minute, Rotom!"
Rotom quickly stopped Snivy.
"Sni?"
Snivy finally snapped back to attention.
Rotom swallowed: "Have you already learned Leaf Storm, Rotom?"
"Sni~" Snivy waved its hand.
No~
But before Rotom could breathe a sigh of relief, it heard Snivy continue:
"Sni?"
But don't you think a simple Leaf Storm... is too easy?
"Ea-easy, Rotom?"
Rotom's forehead dripped with droplets - whether sweat or raindrops was unclear.
Facing Snivy's puzzled gaze, Rotom immediately straightened its face and said seriously:
"Ye-yes, it's simple! Ac-according to calculations, Leaf Storm might be more compatible with Petal Dance, Rotom!"
Petal Dance?
Another move it hadn't learned...
It seemed the Grass-type Pokémon at the Day Care knew too few moves - too little to learn. Sure enough, it was right to come out.
Snivy felt a bit hungry. A vine extended from its body and grabbed an energy cube to toss in its mouth.
"Sni."
Then let's start with the basics.
"Ba-basics, Rotom?"
If Gengar were here now, Rotom would definitely point at it with a "bullet finger" expression.
Hey, this is the one calling Leaf Storm basic.
One day later.
Hoenn, Hoenn League headquarters building.
Outside the large floor-to-ceiling windows, the sun shone brightly, but the Hoenn League's high-ranking officials sitting around the conference table all looked as if storm clouds covered their faces.
Sizzle—
The large screen showed some fluctuation, then an ocean scene appeared.
The sky was gray and hazy, accompanied by terrifying arcs of jumping lightning. The sea waves were unusually turbulent, and in those waves, a huge blue figure was locked onto.
Beep!
Glacia, who was hosting the meeting, pressed a button in her hand, and the image froze on one frame.
Looking at the figure in the image, even though everyone in the conference room had mentally prepared for the worst, they couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted.
Glacia turned around, placed both hands on the conference table, and looked at everyone present.
"I believe everyone has seen it."
"Kyogre!" Steven responded.
"Correct." Glacia nodded. "Although the signal isn't very stable, this image alone is enough to draw conclusions."
She took a deep breath and announced the result in a heavy voice.
"The legendary super-ancient beast, the Sea Basin Pokémon Kyogre, has awakened!"
!!
Everyone's hearts trembled.
"If..." At this time, Drake, who had his arms crossed and rarely attended meetings, spoke up. "If Kyogre has awakened, then the other one probably also..."
Everyone's hearts shook again.
Right.
If Kyogre had awakened, then the other one...
Glacia expressionlessly turned around and pressed another button on the remote.
On the vast ocean, under blazing sun, the heat was almost palpable even through the screen.
A massive red monster was walking through the ocean. Wherever it passed, massive amounts of lava erupted from the sea floor, and as the lava cooled and solidified... it actually formed a small island!
"The legendary super-ancient beast, the Continent Pokémon, Groudon!"
They really had all awakened!
No one in the conference room wasn't troubled by this.
At this time.
The large screen suddenly flickered, and a signal was patched through.
It was actually Professor Sycamore from the Kalos region!
Professor Sycamore's expression was equally grave. Without wasting words, he brought up an overhead view of the Hoenn region on screen, with three locations glowing with intense red light.
They were Groudon in eastern Hoenn, Kyogre in western Hoenn, and Sootopolis Island where Steven and Wallace had seen the rainbow stone!
Hm?
Seeing this image, Steven's pupils contracted.
"According to my observations, the Hoenn region experienced extremely strong energy fluctuations at these three locations yesterday afternoon and around 3-4 AM today, especially at Sootopolis Island."
Professor Sycamore paused, then added gravely:
"Mega Evolution energy fluctuations!"
"So, Professor Sycamore," Glacia asked, "are you saying that Groudon and Kyogre's awakening is related to the super-strong Mega Evolution energy at Sootopolis Island?"
"Related." Professor Sycamore nodded, but quickly continued: "However, I don't think this is the key factor."
"What do you mean?" Drake frowned and asked.
"The extremely strong Mega Evolution energy at Sootopolis Island resonated with Groudon and Kyogre, but I don't think this alone was enough to make them like they are now. Look..."
As he spoke, he enlarged the images of Groudon and Kyogre on screen.
You could see.
On both Kyogre and Groudon's bodies, their distinctive patterns were gradually turning golden.
"Primal Reversion!" Glacia said heavily.
So-called "Primal Reversion" was Pokémon returning to their primitive forms - their true power as super-ancient beasts.
To some extent, "Primal Reversion" could be considered another form of Mega Evolution.
All the Hoenn officials present had studied up on the Hoenn duo's data and knew about "Primal Reversion," which had appeared a thousand years ago!
Then, everyone thought of the anonymous letter Steven had received.
Glacia and Drake exchanged glances.
Drake drooped his eyelids and said: "I suppose... it's the 'Red Orb' and 'Blue Orb.'"
"Team Magma, Team Aqua!" Glacia added.
It must be that the rainbow stone's powerful Mega Evolution energy resonated with Kyogre and Groudon, allowing Team Magma and Team Aqua, who were constantly watching and searching for them, to pinpoint their exact sleeping locations.
Otherwise, why would there be such a long gap between the rainbow stone's Mega Evolution energy fluctuations and the energy fluctuations caused by Kyogre and Groudon?
Therefore.
Another thing they could confirm was...
The anonymous letter Steven received very likely came from a Team Aqua member, possibly even a high-ranking Team Aqua officer!
Why they did this was unknown, but it gave the Hoenn League some preparation time.
"Wait, that means..." Steven stepped forward and operated the computer, reaching a conclusion on the large screen.
"Kyogre and Groudon's travel routes - their target is both Sootopolis City!"
Setting aside Kyogre for now, wouldn't Groudon have to cross half of the Hoenn region?
The disasters and destruction it would cause along the way...
Glacia pressed her hand down and said:
"Although it's somewhat inappropriate timing, this matter must also be mentioned."
After thanking Professor Sycamore, she switched screens again.
This time it showed a space scene.
Very blurry.
Magnified dozens of times, it became even blurrier.
But you could vaguely make out the outline of a massive meteorite.
"As you can see, this is the latest image observed by Mossdeep Space Center. Soon, a massive meteorite will accurately and inevitably impact Hoenn." Glacia said in a low, suppressed voice.
!!
The Hoenn region was a disaster-prone region.
Volcanic eruptions, tsunami sweeps, meteorite impacts...
It could be said to be the region most severely affected by natural disasters in the entire Pokémon world.
But correspondingly, massive disasters also brought abundant resources - like lava after volcanic eruptions, underground metals and ores, meteorite remnants after impacts, etc.
This was also an important factor enabling Hoenn's major development.
Like Devon Corporation being able to start as a steel company was because Hoenn's mineral resources were extremely abundant.
In recorded history, Hoenn had experienced massive meteorite impacts twice.
Once led to the creation of Meteor Falls, another created the very special Sootopolis City.
Now it was the third time.
Setting aside post-impact products, the current problem was... how to survive the meteorite's terrifying impact.
"All at once." Sidney leaned back in his chair, vigorously rubbing his temples. "How did so many big problems appear all at once?"
Usually none appeared, but when they did, they came one after another.
Deadly.
"What do we do?" Usually smiling Phoebe now wore a worried expression, counting on her fingers: "Groudon, Kyogre, super meteorite..."
And each one could bring massive disaster, even destruction, to the Hoenn region.
"This is a solution Devon has provided."
A solution?
Everyone picked up the documents on the table and read them.
Initially, everyone showed surprised, excited, hopeful expressions, but reading further, they all frowned.
Devon hadn't mentioned the source of Infinity Energy needed for the "Dimensional Transporter," only saying that this method might also cause considerable destruction, just on a much smaller scale than meteorite impact.
"Mr. Stone." Elite Four Sidney asked Joseph Stone while holding the proposal: "This so-called 'considerable destruction' specifically refers to..."
The old man pondered briefly before saying: "Possibly equivalent to losing nearly ten thousand or more lives."
!!
This became a choice between major and minor disasters?
Everyone knew how to weigh options and knew that trading minor disasters for major ones was definitely worth trying, but...
No one spoke up, because speaking meant nearly ten thousand lives - immense pressure for anyone.
But no one opposed either, because those opposing couldn't think of better solutions, except...
"I oppose executing this plan." Steven stood up without hesitation, expressing his position.
His speaking was like opening a breach in the silent conference room, with many others voicing opposition.
Glacia and Drake exchanged glances.
In that instant, they saw responsibility and commitment from Steven.
Not because he voiced opposition.
But because of the resolve in his expression, tone, and attitude when proposing opposition.
As if he would use his own methods to resolve disasters to the best of his ability because of his opposition, even if... it meant sacrificing everything.
Joseph Stone sitting in his seat had complex emotions.
The plan was proposed by Devon. Honestly, he didn't want to execute it either, but he had no better choices and... lacked the courage to risk everything.
But Steven had that courage.
This made the old man both gratified and worried.
The child had finally grown up...
However.
Some opposed, while others more rationally considered the plan's feasibility.
Just discussing the matter objectively.
Comparing major disasters with minor disasters - no, there was no comparison at all.
At this time.
Elite Four Phoebe suddenly raised her hand. When everyone looked over, she cleared her throat and lowered her voice:
"Everyone, aren't we automatically ignoring someone's existence?"
Who?
Wait!!
Everyone in the conference room immediately looked around - whether those present or those attending via video call...
"Wait, where's Teacher Johan?" someone asked.
Right, where was Teacher Johan!
Such an important meeting concerning the entire Hoenn region's survival, yet Teacher Johan wasn't there?
"Ahem." Glacia cleared her throat.
What, you just noticed Johan wasn't here?
Didn't you see we were actually staying relatively calm?
Speaking of who in Hoenn currently had the strongest power - whether that was Johan might still need discussion.
But speaking of who in Hoenn could best resolve legendary Pokémon crises, that was definitely Johan without question.
Legendarily, every time Groudon and Kyogre appeared, the one responsible for cleaning up - no, for calming them down - was Rayquaza.
And Rayquaza's relationship with Teacher Johan...
How many people present didn't know about it?
He'd even ridden it.
Now the only troublesome thing was how to minimize the disasters caused this time and keep casualties and losses to a minimum.
As for whether Teacher Johan could call Rayquaza for assistance - that was his business.
Anyway, everyone believed he could.
Mm.
If he couldn't, then it was Teacher Johan's fault!
"Johan is returning by Seagallop. Continuous storms have caused extremely poor signals. Based on departure information from Fula City in Kalos, we've determined the Seagallop's route and sent people along the shipping lane to find them. They should locate him soon." Glacia said.
Everyone: "..."
What.
Such a critical moment and you have poor signal?
Seemed the League's satellite system needed upgrading.
Though this really couldn't be blamed on the League.
With such a "daddy" living in the atmosphere, the League managing to establish current network coverage was already quite impressive.
For some reason.
The originally very tense conference room atmosphere suddenly relaxed considerably upon hearing "Teacher Johan's" name.
As if this name gave people tremendous confidence.
Even.
Professor Sycamore, watching through the screen from afar, breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Johan hadn't arrived yet?
Then it was fine.
This meeting wasn't very meaningful.
"So..."
Glacia took out another report. "Taking things one at a time, if we can't stop Groudon and Kyogre, the evacuation and rescue issues..."
At the same time.
On the ocean.
After waiting so long, Johan finally saw a ray of sunlight shining down through the clouds.
Finally, finally!
Beep beep—
His phone rang.
The first message he saw was from "Teacher Johan's Little Classroom."
It contained a "wooden tablet" image sent by [Stone-digging Steven].
"This is..."
Seeing this image, Johan was slightly stunned, then suddenly stood up from the sofa, rapidly typing with both hands.
[Teacher Johan]: Steven, don't touch that tablet!
However.
Just as he clicked send, his phone froze.
The next second.
Beep beep beep beep—
The phone made a series of dense sounds as massive amounts of information flashed by in the blink of an eye.
[Overtime-working Lucian]: Wow! Teacher Johan's reaction speed is quite fast, almost as quick as Aaron.
[My-name-is-Flint]: Don't talk nonsense, Aaron isn't this fast.
[Bug-catching boy Aaron]: ?
[Stone-digging Steven]: @Teacher Johan, Teacher, save me, help me~
[Teacher Johan]: @Stone-digging Steven, ?
What, what was going on?
Steven had touched that tablet?
Found the rainbow meteorite?
Then.
Steven sent a private message with a photo.
Hoenn League high-ranking officials were in a meeting.
On the large screen were images of Groudon and Kyogre moving, along with their movement paths and speeds.
By this trajectory.
Groudon would most likely land at Kanaz City, then cross the Hoenn region to reach Sootopolis City, maybe even stopping for lunch when passing Chimney Mountain.
Johan: "..."
He closed his phone, reopened it, closed it again, reopened it, and after triple-checking his phone wasn't broken, sat back on the sofa.
How was it that disconnecting from the internet for just a few days felt like the outside world had gone through a century?
He'd been taunting Kyogre to not run away just two days ago, and now Kyogre had appeared?
"Did I jinx it?" Johan muttered.
Outside, on the ocean, Gengar and Urshifu were holding a simple red flag, planting it on an island less than thirty square meters.
"Ka-kaah~!"
One small step for Gengar, one giant leap for mankind!
Click—
"Already photographed it, Rotom!"
Johan removed his monocle and rubbed his nose bridge and brow.
So... should he return to Hoenn or not?
Wait!
Johan, who had just sat down, suddenly stood up again.
No wait!
If Groudon landed at Kanaz City, his house was in Kanaz City!
Went out for a bit... and his house was gone?!
"Ninetales!"
Johan shouted, grabbing the coat hanging on the sofa and directly opening the balcony door to step on the railing.
"Oowoo~!"
Ninetales, curled up on the other side of the sofa, immediately opened its eyes upon hearing the call. Azure light flashed in its blue eyes as it transformed into an agile white figure, stepping on the railing and leaping down before Johan.
Frosty white mist quickly swirled around its body, and before it hit the ocean, the freezing breath had already frozen the sea surface beneath its feet.
Pat—
Ninetales landed gracefully, with Johan following closely behind. With Ninetales' psychic help, he also landed steadily on the ice surface.
Throwing on his coat.
He ran toward where Gengar and Rotom were.
"Rotom, Bike form!"
On the other side.
"Yoji?"
Larvitar in the room rubbed its eyes and sat up, finding the room empty with the balcony door open.
It quickly ran out to look.
"Yo-Yoji!"
I-I haven't gotten on yet!
Thud!
Larvitar sitting on the bike's back seat irritably tapped Johan's back.
Were you that urgent?
"Sni! (#`皿)"
Hearing Johan being hit, Snivy in the front basket immediately poked its head out and bared its teeth at Larvitar behind them.
Who told you to hit him!
"I'm fine." Johan smiled at Snivy.
"Sni-sni~!"
Snivy crossed its arms and turned away.
I-I'm not worried about you!
The Seagallop's sailors and passengers all poked their heads out, watching Johan rapidly disappearing into the distance on the sea surface with a bike, accompanied by a running Ninetales at incredible speed, all showing shocked expressions.
Was this even possible?
But honestly, it looked kind of cool.
Wait.
A bike... was faster than a cruise ship by this much?
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar asked what was wrong.
Johan briefly explained the situation.
Looking toward distant Hoenn, he gritted his teeth and muttered:
"Groudon, Kyogre, you two can fight all you want, but my house that I've 'desperately' protected for so long - if even a little bit of wall paint falls off, even if you two undergo Primal Reversion, I'll make you know how! Expensive! That! Wall! Paint! Is!"
----------
Powerstones?
For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates