High above, Garchomp roared—invigorated and overflowing with strength!

Its draconic cry summoned a Meteor Shower—gleaming meteors rained down like a storm across the battlefield. Arceus looked up and was struck head-on by dozens of celestial blasts!

“Oh, that’s definitely Draco Meteor!” Hikaru exclaimed as the phantom Arceus was pelted by a barrage of meteors. For a moment, he couldn’t help but think of that old meteor-chucking geezer from Michina…

And Cynthia’s current outfit? It looked exactly like the “Divine Vestments” from that one mobile game—Arceus Gear! He’d just unlocked the crafting for it recently.

“Uuuuuuhhh—!”

Arceus let out a pained cry for the first time! The piercing force of the Dragon-type move was among the most potent in all typings!

As the meteors fell, Garchomp, using the last of its strength, dove from the heavens cloaked in a fearsome aura—

Dragon Rush!

The impact slammed directly into Arceus’s forehead, making the god stagger backward, head spinning, and finally—with a massive crash—fall to one knee!

[Phantom Arceus: Ngh… Such strength! Well fought. The bond you share with your Pokémon, your resolve to let life shine brighter—I’ve seen it clearly.]

Cynthia herself was in bad shape. Her will was fading—on the verge of collapsing. Arceus noticed this too. Garchomp, landing with a crash, saw its Trainer barely able to stay upright and ignored its own wounds, dragging its beaten body toward her.

Arceus gazed upon the near-defeated Pokémon and the Sinnoh Champion.

Though he had allowed Trainers to join the battle, modern humans clearly didn’t have the physical endurance for prolonged no-holds-barred fighting. Tossing a few Sticky Globs and they’re already collapsing? Perhaps this was a bit too intense…

The phantom Arceus slowly stood again.

[You may not yet have surpassed the ancient heroes—but you’re not far off. Will you still continue to fight?]

Though Cynthia hadn’t technically defeated him, Arceus was willing to “go easy” and declare a loss—perhaps even grant her a divine blessing.

Cynthia, recovering slightly, looked at her nearly fainted Garchomp with regret.

To think, even as Sinnoh’s Champion, she still hadn’t overcome the god’s avatar. The world was vast—its peaks ever higher.

“So this is the summit of the world, huh… Even in defeat, I’ll fall only when I’m truly spent. No matter the obstacle—if I’m with my Pokémon, I’ll face it head-on!”

Garchomp roared, wheezing, preparing one final attack.

But at that moment—Arceus’s gaze snapped to the northernmost crest on the Stage of Light.

The black-red emblem.

“…No. This battle’s not over yet!”

Volo suddenly froze—his eyes locked onto the emblem. A familiar, chilling presence crept up his spine.

“Cynthia! Can’t you feel it?! That terrifying aura!”

[It’s alright. Let it come. I intended for it to witness this battle.]

The phantom Arceus turned toward Hikaru.

Long before now, the true “Arceus Avatar” had already peeked into the Distortion World.

Giratina had been watching the entire fight—burning with anticipation.

“Miss Cynthia, a Pokémon wants to assist you. Please step onto the crest,” Hikaru said calmly.

Cynthia blinked, then quickly understood.

She already knew who the “helper” was. But… was it really okay to call in Giratina now? Wouldn’t this be considered… opportunistic?

[Giratina has watched over your world for centuries. I’ve seen how it’s changed. In the future, it will stand against one who seeks to remake the world. It’s done well. This chance—this battle—is one it rightfully deserves.]

Hikaru found the whole situation oddly amusing.

If there truly were two Arceuses in this world, then the phantom before them wasn’t even the one who created Giratina. The real creator was still snoozing somewhere.

But it was still true that all Arceuses—phantom or real—were the parents of the Creation Trio.

Cynthia stumbled to the crest representing Giratina. The Celestial Arm pendant in her hand glowed brilliantly. A blessing from another world surged into her, changing her clothes once more.

“Is this Giratina’s blessing?”

And then it happened.

With black lightning and shadowy mist, a massive, swirling vortex tore open the air. From the gloom of the Distortion World, the shadow dragon of antimatter finally descended!

A god among gods—Giratina took its place behind Cynthia, standing tall. Volo stared in awe—it reminded him of himself… so long ago.

Hmm. Something’s missing… Oh yeah—where’s that dramatic line?

‘Let’s defeat Arceus!’

“GRRRRAAAHHH!”

Giratina bellowed—but didn’t immediately attack. It turned to face Arceus. There was something that needed confirming first.

I drank a whole barrel of wine for this! This fight is MINE!

[Are you here to defeat me? Seeking vengeance? Though I did not create you, for you… there’s little distinction, is there?]

The voice of phantom Arceus echoed directly in Giratina’s soul.

The wine-empowered Giratina was at max confidence, resolve, and drive. Yet at that question, it shook its head.

No—this battle wasn’t about rebellion.

Nor was it about protection.

“Graahhh?” (You came to the Distortion World recently, didn’t you?)

“Gragrruh!” (I just thought this girl had the potential to beat you. I chose her as a temporary partner. Definitely better than that loser Volo!)

“Oh…” The phantom Arceus seemed pleased.

[So you’re learning to bond with humans, too. In other worlds, this moment still hasn’t come… Saying goodbye to your past is also a sign of growth. As that craftsman once said: Victory is easy, but only in defeat do we truly reflect.]

[You never lost before. But after being defeated by another human, your heart changed. In loss, we face ourselves—we see things we never noticed, and acknowledge our flaws. Victory breeds arrogance. Vengeance dims the soul’s light.]

Giratina lowered its head slightly in shame.

The old Giratina would’ve snapped back immediately. But now… it knew better. It stayed quiet.

Arceus continued gently:

[You have companions now, don’t you? The Pokémon of the Distortion World live with you. That realm is becoming vibrant—but you still see yourself as its master. You’ll soon realize… you are the same as them. Just another being in this universe.]

[You once asked the craftsman to be your partner—because he is a descendant of the Sinjoh people, the only ones who ever believed in you.]

[You extended goodwill to him, because his ancestors once did the same for you. That kindness birthed a bond—a connection that crossed time and space.]

[He changed you. And in return, you now change your world. Together, people and Pokémon shape history.]

[You seek real connection. And in that, you may surpass Dialga and Palkia.**

That is what it means to be a “pillar.”

[Only Pokémon like that can uphold reality. The lake gods never enter time or space—but they remain linked to you. The red chain binds time and space—but never you.]

[Because the Distortion World is a hollow heart. Once you learn how to fill it, it will overflow with light—and bear strength. Kindness. Power. Joy. Grief. These emotions together give rise to life.]

[A world without pillars—time and space collapse. A heart without one—will and future vanish. In other futures, even Dialga and Palkia fell into ruin.]

[But now—you’ve done well. You’ve changed your world. You’ve turned desolation into paradise.]

[Now fight. You’re no longer alone. I permit your partner and their Pokémon to support you. Likewise—I shall use all of My remaining power.]

Brilliant light surged around Arceus.

The 19th Plate appeared—

Legend Plate!

Clearly, seeing Giratina appear had excited even Arceus. It dropped the idea of holding back.

Then, Arceus’s gaze passed over Cynthia and Giratina—and landed on Hikaru and Volo.

Though these two weren’t allowed on the Stage of Light—their Pokémon could join!

Arceus wanted more.

[Show Me more! Show Me the strength of those who walk with you.]

Giratina froze for a moment. Then looked down at the stunned Cynthia—quietly meeting her gaze.

And she felt it—

Be my partner. In this battle, we are companions. Trust me—and I’ll trust you.

As for my old teammate Volo? Well, fine—I’ll own up to being a coward. But this time—I won’t run!

This substitute phantom father—way better than the real one! If he’ll have me… I’d call him Dad!

It turned to Hikaru—its first bonded human. Hikaru nodded gently, raising his hands. At that moment, a massive surge of confidence and willpower filled both Giratina and Cynthia!

“Bond Boost. Willpower Link. Harsh Bond. With these… you can go all out—without fear of mental collapse.”

Then Hikaru tossed something to Giratina—

Leftovers?

Normally useful—but against the god of creation?

“Nope! These leftovers are made from Golden Apples!”

Then Hikaru turned to the giant sword beside him:

“Aegislash, go. This chance to challenge a god—only comes once. If you want your dream… what’s more important than a god’s acknowledgment?”

Aegislash—ever seeking recognition from all Legendary Pokémon—would never miss this!

It floated to the battlefield—burning with eagerness!

“HAHAHAHA!” Volo, of course, was more… abstract.

First stunned, then grinning madly. He knew exactly what this meant.

The god knew the truth. It was letting him support Cynthia.

Not a formal challenge—but perhaps this was even better!

“Togekiss!”

Of course—his starter Pokémon. Volo’s eyes burned with pride.

“Cynthia! Use my Pokémon well! This is not just about your bond—you represent us too!”

Hikaru: “Humans have history. Pokémon have history. When those two histories collide—a new legend is born!”

“Go, Giratina! Together with us—show Arceus everything! Let’s defeat Him!”

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep