The divine radiance faded, and the people of the Divine Flute would now each embark on their own journeys. The three of them watched as the deity departed, their hearts slowly calming from the overwhelming excitement.

It was time to part ways.

Volo was the first to bid farewell. He handed over some treasures he had collected during this time to Hikaru.

“Don’t worry—though free gifts usually come with traps, this time, there really aren’t any!”

“This is simply a gesture of gratitude. Well, they’re not exactly priceless, but if they can help you, all the better!”

Volo reverted to his classic merchant attire—his blue coat—and even spent a hefty sum to purchase the Arceus statue from Cynthia. When Cynthia asked why he didn’t buy a new one from Hikaru, Volo’s answer was perfectly justified:

“This is the statue that witnessed our battle! Its significance is immense! I’m not buying it for the move-teaching effect!”

This left Hikaru a bit regretful. He had originally intended to rip Volo off for a big sum!

But considering that guy had already given him a bunch of useful stuff… forget it!

Indeed, he’d received quite a lot!

Aside from the Timespace Orb entrusted by Arceus, there was also the Origin Hall floor tile quietly knocked loose by Aegislash—clearly with Arceus’s tacit approval. After all, despite the intense battle earlier, the Hall of Origin’s scenery hadn’t been damaged at all!

“The Life Orb, the Toxic Orb… no good, I got poisoned.”

The purple orb slipped from his hand, leaving Hikaru with a visible purple poisoning effect. He quickly used an Antidote and sighed in relief.

His resistance to poison wasn’t exactly high.

There was also a seed emitting a dazzling greenish glow, and an intricate pendant.

“The Life Orb and Toxic Orb are rare items in most places, especially the Life Orb—its origin is unknown. A pity, I wanted to find a Flame Orb to complete the set. A trio of Orbs would sell for a fortune!”

“But you can’t really find Flame Orbs in snowy, icy regions. Those Orbs are crystallized fire energy—you’d have to go to a volcanic island for that.”

Volo grinned and introduced the seed, but Hikaru had already recognized its name:

[Item: Sun Seed]

[Description: A seed emitting a brilliant light, said to be a variant of the Miracle Seed. It cannot sprout, but it holds radiant solar energy. Certain Pokémon associated with seeds adore it, and it enhances sensitivity and affinity to Grass- and Fire-type energies.]

[Effect: “Light-based moves” have their power and effects increased by 30%. Light-based moves that require charging will instantly finish charging.]

[Light-based Moves: Solar Beam, Solar Blade, Sunny Day, Morning Sun, Moonlight, Aurora Beam, Confuse Ray, Light Screen, Swift, Flash, Synthesis, Dazzling Gleam, Seed Flare, Signal Beam, Photon Geyser…]

“Oh, you knew what this was? I just thought it was shiny and pretty, so I picked it up. A lot of Grass-type Pokémon were fighting over it at the time. Took quite an effort to snag it!”

Volo seemed surprised by the seed’s effects but showed no greed for it. In fact, he joked:

“A power-boosting item for light moves? Suits you perfectly, oh divine messenger!”

“And here, take this too. I found it in an ancient ruin. It’s definitely a relic of the Divine Flute people, but I have no idea how to use it. Maybe giving it to you will let it regain its special function.”

It was an ancient pendant, resembling a charm, but far more exquisite than the safety charms Cynthia had brought. It was perfectly round, crafted from a material resembling lapis lazuli or bronze.

Intricate spiral patterns like unknown plants wove across its surface. At its center, a once-lustrous but now dim and dusty gemstone still gleamed with crystalline clarity.

As Hikaru accepted the pendant, a flood of information surged into his mind:

[Mythical Artifact: Diamond of Miracles (Pendant)]

[Description: Crafted by the artisans of the Shinto Era, embedded with the core of the Adamant Crystal. This pendant holds the power of Dialga, the god of time. It’s said that a chosen hero who bears it can cross the ages and guide the flow of time. However, as the Divine Flute people have scattered, it has long been shrouded in dust and seemingly lost its temporal powers.]

[Effect: Must be paired with the “Mysterious Pearl” and the “Strange Platinum” pendants to fully unlock the ability to traverse time and space. If infused with enough Creation Energy, its dormant powers may reawaken. Requires the Adamant Orb or the Adamant Crystal as an energy medium. Can generate temporal ripples. Using it recklessly may cause you to become lost in the rifts of time.]

“Well then, farewell, final divine messenger. You who have been recognized as a hero by the gods!”

“We’ll meet again in another world, in the future!”

Volo waved, hoisted his travel bag onto his back, and became the first to leave the Shinto Ruins. He summoned Garchomp, leaped onto his mount in a flashy move, and vanished into the distant sky.

“Off he goes…”

Cynthia’s divine attire faded as Arceus’s presence dissipated, and the surging power settled down.

“I need to return to Sinnoh too. I must begin investigating Team Galactic.

In Arceus’s name, I will utterly defeat them. I won’t let this world suffer any unexpected disasters. That’s the mission and responsibility I’ve been entrusted with.”

“Although… convincing the League to act against the Galactic Foundation will be tricky. We still lack concrete evidence.”

Cynthia bit her lip. That was the frustrating part about being the good guys—always tied up by procedures and rules. After all, you couldn’t just “accuse” someone without proof.

And at least on the surface, Cyrus was one of the biggest philanthropists around.

“You’ve got work to do too, right? Don’t you need to organize all the historical records?”

Hikaru smiled, reassuring her:

“Remember what I said?”

“Whenever history reaches a turning point, a young person with unshakable conviction will step forward—just like you stood upon the Stage of Light. They’ll have their own stage of heroes too.

History continues, forever passing from one generation to the next.”

“That young person should have appeared by now.

Maybe one, maybe two, or maybe even more.”

“And your role isn’t to fight alone, but to stand by them in their moments of choice—

To guide them, and to be a strong, reliable pillar of support.

Give them your utmost help.”

Cynthia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“You sound like a prophet from ancient mythology or something…”

“True, I do have a mountain of work piling up like mountains.”

“The history of Shinto, Hisui, Sinnoh…

I still need to visit Professor Rowan, and I want to investigate the ancient lands you and Volo mentioned, even if they no longer exist.”

“The Fogbound Ruins, the Temple of the Divine Flute, the Divine Flute Path… even Celestic Town, my hometown, once the Ancient Hideaway.”

“Lake Verity, Lake Valor, Lake Acuity, Turnback Cave… even the Distortion World! And the Plates…

Ah, so much to record, investigate, document… and I have to inform Professor Rowan about all of this too.”

“But still, I’m happy.

This kind of busy, thrilling, and exciting feeling… it’s been so long since I’ve felt this way.

When I think about it, the motivation just keeps flooding in.”

“Alright! In that case, I can’t stay here either. Anyway, I know you’ll come to Sinnoh eventually! I’ll be waiting for you in Sinnoh!”

Hikaru: “Ah, just remember—don’t publish detailed information about the relationship between Unown and Arceus, okay? You know the impact that would have on the world.

Those villainous organizations are itching for information about the creation gods.”

“Of course, it’s fine to share Arceus’s name and achievements.

Even if we don’t, there are others who are already spreading the story everywhere.”

Cynthia smiled: “Got it! Don’t worry.”

“But the others… are you talking about the people from the Valley of Creation?”

Hikaru nodded.

“Like the Divine Flute people, the people of the Valley of Creation also formed bonds with Arceus in ancient times. They gained the ability to communicate with Arceus, even borrowing its divine power.

That power can create all things—or bring destruction.”

“Unlike us…”

“The Divine Flute people have scattered, but the people of the Valley of Creation still thrive.

Many of them still possess that power.”

“Some remnants have perished, but others endure.”

“Another place to investigate, huh…”

Cynthia was deeply intrigued by the Valley of Creation. After all, as of now…

She was the only one recognized as a chosen Trainer by Arceus in this era.

Hikaru bid farewell to Cynthia:

“You’re a seeker, and I’m a traveler. So, take care. Farewell.”

“I’ll leave Shinto too—heading for distant lands.”

Cynthia, like Volo, summoned her Garchomp and rode off—but in the opposite direction, toward Sinnoh.

It was over.

In Hikaru’s mind, Arceus’s earlier “promise” slowly resurfaced.

It was the method for creating the Timespace Orb and the Arceus Phone… though the required materials were absurdly demanding.

Aegislash floated over, clutching a fragment of the pale blue translucent floor tile. The state of the King’s Blessing around it gradually faded—

That power could be toggled on and off at will.

[Item: The Floor Tile of the Hall of Origin?]

[Description: A floor tile that should be impossible to damage—yet here it is, a “fragment.” Clearly a gift from Arceus. It allows you to do something with the floor of the Hall of Origin.]

[Effect: Contains the might of the Great Sinnoh. Its properties are nearly identical to the Origin Ore, revealing the origins of the Pokémon world.]

“Off to travel, are you?”

An old man—Gramps from the mountains—had quietly emerged from his hut at some point.

His Abra floated beside him, and the old man stroked his beard. A complex expression spread across his kindly face as he sighed:

“Arceus has descended once more…

The Shinto Ruins no longer serve their purpose. My descendants’ long vigil can now come to an end.

The legends left behind… have been passed on.”

Hikaru realized:

“Ah, Gramps… you’re also a descendant of the Divine Flute people.”

The old man nodded:

“Sigh… such is the nature of myths. They reveal the truth of the world in ways beyond understanding. They make us ponder the Great Sinnoh, and the world we inhabit.”

“Well then, farewell, last descendant.

When you return next time, I might no longer be here.”

Hikaru: “Are you going traveling too?”

The old man:

“The Stage of Light has lost its power.

No matter who comes here now, they’ll only see a mysterious ruin.

No matter how much they pray or attempt to destroy it, the stage will remain, but no one—neither people nor gods—will respond.

Just as the descendants of the Divine Flute each have their own destinies, the Stage of Light has its own purpose.”

“Though I’m old, I’d like to see the world too. Don’t worry—Abra’s with me.

I can go anywhere. I may be old, but in my youth, I was quite strong, you know.”

“Well then, up we go! Farewell!”

Gramps somehow produced a backpack, waved at Hikaru, and vanished in a flash—Teleport!

Who would’ve thought the old man guarding Shinto would have such a cool exit? Hikaru gazed at the Shinto Ruins, feeling something stir within him.

Suddenly, a snowstorm began to whip through the skies.

[“This ruin is about to be sealed. Let me help you leave.”]

A powerful mental voice rang out in his mind.

It was Mewtwo.

It told Hikaru it had watched the entire battle and was genuinely happy for his victory.

[“Next, you’re heading to Unova, right?

Like you, I’ll soon embark on my own journey again.

I’ll remember Arceus’s words.

No matter what happens—whether laughter, sorrow, joy, or pain… this is proof that I, as a Pokémon, am truly alive.”]

[“So… eh? There’s another Pokémon here?”]

“Mew!”

Hikaru turned.

At the entrance of the soon-to-be-sealed Shinto Ruins, a pink Pokémon was covering its mouth and giggling.

It blinked curiously at Hikaru, then exchanged a glance with a wide-eyed Aegislash.

“Mew!”

Why was it here?

As the Mew floated over, circling Aegislash and inspecting it, Hikaru immediately understood.

This Mew—could it have been…?

Aegislash, though, had never seen Mew’s true form.

But friends… only need to recognize each other’s “voice.”

Aegislash was stunned.

That playful companion it used to play tag with by transforming into different shapes—could it really have been this Pokémon before its eyes?

Mew—the ancestor of all Pokémon.

It only appears to those with a pure heart and a deep desire to meet it.

“Where did you come from?”

Mew giggled, covering its mouth. It didn’t answer Hikaru immediately.

Just moments ago, it had been invisible, witnessing Arceus’s arrival and departure.

To Mew, this was a rare and entertaining “spectacle.”

Then, happily, it patted Aegislash’s hilt!

Friend—long time no see!

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep