When the nightmare dissipated, Nacrene City welcomed another peaceful day. It seemed no different from the day before.

Gym Leader Aloe (Leonore) looked at the now-empty meteorite display case. From Professor Juniper, she learned what had truly happened last night.

“I never thought that meteorite was actually alive… and that it was a Pokémon.”

A cosmic virus mutating into a Pokémon undoubtedly provided strong evidence for the origins of Pokémon. This confirmed that Pokémon didn’t just exist on this planet – perhaps even the oldest Pokémon came from outer space.

“Change the label on this display, will you? The meteorite is gone, after all. We can’t just let visitors stare at an empty glass case. Burgh recently excavated some fossils and artifacts at Twist Mountain. Use those to fill the display.”

“Nightmares of the universe… The cosmos is also part of nature – vast and boundless.”

“In any case, thank you for resolving this incident. Otherwise, the entire city would’ve been trapped in that nightmare.”

Aloe thanked Hikaru sincerely, intending to gift him one of her personal treasures – a rare bone.

Though they were all valuable bones, their sources differed. Aloe was known as the Mother of Natural Bones. As a child, her father, who mined in the mountains, often brought back bones, nurturing her fascination.

Hikaru examined the claw-like bone in his hand.

In Sinnoh legend, there was also a tale about bones. It was said that after eating Pokémon caught in the sea or rivers, if one washed their bones clean and carefully returned them to the water, the Pokémon would regain their flesh and return to this world.

That Pokémon eaten and reborn was the white-striped Basculin, which alone could evolve into the Ghost-type Basculegion.

[Rare Material: Dragon’s Claw (Rare Bone)!]

[Description: The fossilised claw bone of an ancient Dragon Pokémon. Indestructible, it carries a mysterious power. Perhaps it can be crafted into a dragon claw gauntlet.]

[Effect: When held by a Pokémon, Dragon-type moves deal an additional 30% damage to opponents.]

“There’s also this… I saw you on the news. Burgh told me yesterday that he had invited a strong trainer for a Gym battle.”

“This Basic Badge is yours as well, as part of my thanks. After all, you saved Nacrene City. The fact that you could make a Pokémon from space your partner proves your strength.”

“Yesterday, I was battling something in my nightmare too… but I couldn’t win at all. That must have been the nightmare cast by that cosmic Pokémon.”

As she spoke, Aloe handed Hikaru the Basic Badge, a token of genuine gratitude.

This time, Hikaru did not refuse.

Mainly because the Connection Tree had previously enchanted the Bug Badge, allowing knowledge to be drawn from it.

Hikaru said, “This is truly…”

“No worries. Keep it! With your strength, the result of a Gym challenge wouldn’t change anyway. My Gym awards Basic Badges, you know. Beginner trainers usually choose the Striaton Gym first, then Nacrene Gym.”

She explained, “The Striaton Gym teaches newbies about type advantages, while Nacrene Gym tests foundational ability. Those who earn a Basic Badge prove their Pokémon have solid qualities. In theory, no matter how prepared one is, nothing replaces true combat.”

“But for someone like you, such tests are unnecessary. Occasionally, I award badges directly to trainers I acknowledge. Gym battles are merely a means of assessment.”

“Besides, I know you’re not an official League challenger.”

Aloe chuckled softly.

“But it really is a pity if someone as strong as you doesn’t participate in the League. Pokémon battles hold so much meaning… growing stronger alongside them, seeing new changes every day.”

The Connection Tree then linked with the Basic Badge.

[Acquired: Basic Badge.]

[Description: Symbol of victory at the Nacrene Gym. Although this time, it was obtained without a Gym battle. Its design motif is a purple book spine. Holder of the Basic Badge, use your knowledge well!]

[Effect: Proof of eligibility to enter the Pokémon League. A reward item.]

[Note 1: The Connection Tree linked to the Basic Badge! Knowledge obtained – Environmental Harmony!]

[The ordinary is the backdrop of the world. You can now harmonise conflicting energies or knowledge within any system. Your psychic power, spiritual power, mental force, Creation Power, and other special abilities gain enhanced “adaptability.”]

Meanwhile, though Professor Juniper desperately wanted to research Deoxys – her eyes gleamed with tangible desire – her remaining rationality told her Hikaru probably wouldn’t agree.

After all, it was his friend. Who would let their friend be dissected for research? So she instead asked Aloe if there were any other meteorites at the museum.

Aloe said helplessly, “Of course not. Meteorites aren’t exactly common, let alone ones carrying cosmic viruses. Do you think this is Hoenn?! This is Unova!”

“All the exhibits here are precious treasures!”

But Hikaru remembered.

In the anime, there was indeed a second meteorite at the Nacrene Museum – the Lunar Meteorite, once used by the Ancient Castle as an artificial sun, holding great power capable of changing the weather.

However, since the heroes’ journey hadn’t begun yet, that meteorite likely hadn’t been unearthed. Its fate was unknown.

Just then, Deoxys sent out a pulse.

If they just wanted to “study” or “get to know” it a bit, that was fine.

After all, it had only just been born. It barely understood its own potential powers. If someone could help… all the better.

“Really?! Thank you so much!”

Professor Juniper lit up, staring curiously at Deoxys floating in its Master Ball, suspended mid-air by its psychic power.

“What’s your homeland like?”

[“It is sacred… filled with radiant light. But that light… is different from your world’s.”]

Thus began an exchange of questions and answers between her and the Pokémon, soon sinking into academic discussion. Even Gym Leader Aloe felt a bit awkward, though she was deeply amazed that a Pokémon could converse with humans so fluently.

More than the alien Deoxys, what caught Aloe’s attention was Uxie, the name that came up in their conversation.

She realised that the Nacrene Museum might have been chosen by that Pokémon long ago, as a place to carry Unova’s memory and wisdom. This filled Aloe with a sense of mission.

“Talking with alien Pokémon… it’s like a Hollywood plot… No, even Pokémon Hollywood has never filmed something like this.”

Assistant Curator Makomo adjusted his glasses, marvelling at what he saw.

Today, the museum was closed for rest and rearrangement of exhibits.

Hikaru seized the chance to distribute new medals to Aloe and Makomo.

At first, Aloe was puzzled, but when she held the medal, she suddenly heard faint “echoes,” looking around in wonder.

Hikaru said, “Looks like you can hear them – the voices of relics, of nature and history. This Psychic Medal will help you sense their presence more clearly. Sometimes, it will have special effects.”

Aloe was amazed. Since childhood, she loved bones, fossils, and history. She could always sense vague powers from them, but never this clearly.

“This medal is incredible… it feels like I understand the artifacts better than ever!”

“Thank you. I accept it with gratitude.”

She truly felt happy. Looking at Hikaru, she pondered.

“…To craft such items… Perhaps you carry a greater mission.”

Hikaru smiled. “I’m just helping a friend.”

As Sinnoh’s envoy, his mission was to keep moving forward, helping world wills like the weakened Connection Tree. And it wasn’t a journey without reward.

Next, Hikaru had to find Ms. Fennel– his purpose in Nacrene City.

Professor Juniper decided to follow him, eager to continue speaking with Deoxys.

“Where’s your next destination? If you’re not in a rush, how about visiting Camphrier Town?”

She enthusiastically suggested it. Honestly, not just Deoxys, but the other Pokémon by Hikaru’s side were ones she had never seen before!

Even that Riolu seemed different. As a former backpacker, she’d met many trainers with Riolu partners, but none gave her such an extraordinary feeling.

She wanted more time to study these special Pokémon.

Hikaru looked at the blue-haired pup on his shoulder. “Humans can sense it too… this waveguide from the stars.”

“From the stars?! Related to space again?!” Professor Juniper was stunned.

To her, Hikaru was like a walking treasure trove, akin to a legendary trainer from myth – perhaps like the twin heroes who founded Unova.

Hikaru said, “By the way, I have a few questions for you.”

“Do you know Champion Alder? And is Professor Fennel currently living in Striaton City?”

Professor Juniper was surprised. “Eh? You know Fennel?”

Hmm, Fennel… they were university classmates and close friends. But Fennel’s research was rather whimsical. She studied dreams and the dream world, though she hadn’t made much progress yet.

“She should be living in Striaton City. If you want to meet her, I can help. But why?”

“Because she studies the Pokémon Dream World.” Hikaru thought for a moment before continuing. “I know that world exists, so I want to see her. I need her help.”

“What?! The Pokémon Dream World?! You believe it’s real too?”

Professor Juniper was shocked. “Though Fennel believes many Pokémon have visited it, and there are legends about it everywhere, no one I know has ever truly entered that world.”

“So it’s always been treated as an ancient, distorted rumour.”

“There used to be a research facility studying dreams and aspirations – the Dreamyard outside Striaton City. But originally, they wanted to develop a special energy source. After an explosion… the entire lab was destroyed.”

“Some researchers still work there amidst the ruins. I heard they’ve cooperated with psychics too.”

“That ruin still holds mysterious power. Who knows what they were studying back then. That’s why psychics gather there.”

To Hikaru, such things were unsurprising.

Most companies and organisations in the Pokémon world, no matter how great their ambition, initially focused on energy research.

“As for Champion Alder… I don’t know his whereabouts right now, sorry. His hometown is Floccesy Town in western Unova. But Sunflora, who gave you the Master Ball, might know more.”

Hikaru fell silent.

According to the head ranger, Alder had stayed in Nacrene City, likely sensing Uxie’s lingering power, but unable to awaken cosmic heavenly might, he must have left.

The Connection Tree said Alder might be lost in another world, though that was only a guess. At the very least, he was not in this connected world.

Hikaru had asked Drayden as well. He’d consulted Marshal of the Elite Four, but still found no trace of Alder.

No one seemed worried.

After all, Alder was the type to vanish frequently. If he showed up daily, that would be strange.

“Oh, Alder? I actually saw him.”

Aloe interrupted their conversation.

“He lingered outside the museum for a long time, about two days, saying he sensed something mysterious. It was probably this Pokémon, or that Uxie you mentioned.”

Uxie…

Memory and wisdom. Alder was the oldest Champion. Among them, he wasn’t known for sheer strength, but for his memory and wisdom.

Though often criticised as the weakest Champion, in the journey of later heroes, Alder fulfilled his role as a guide.

Also, his ancestor appeared in old paintings from Hisui’s Diamond and Pearl clans, with half-sun-shaped hair resembling Alder’s.

He too was a descendant of the Sinnoh people. Perhaps he truly saw something from the Lake Trio. Speaking of which, the Hollow of the Heart was right near Floccesy Town!

“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

Right now, Hikaru’s priority was confirming the C Device’s research progress.

Professor Juniper was also happy. More time with Hikaru meant more research results – such a rare opportunity!

She felt lucky today.

“Of course, I’ll help! Honestly, I don’t completely dismiss the Dream World. I just remain skeptical. But hearing you say it exists… I think I believe it now!”

“After all, I’ve witnessed such incredible things today! A researcher I knew once said, half the world can be explained by logic, the other half only by feeling.”

Her mood improved greatly. But when Hikaru mentioned his next stop was to meet Fennel , a furniture designer, she grew curious.

“Fennel ? I know her! She’s a renowned furniture designer in Nacrene, specialising in fairytale and vintage styles. Her workshop should be…”

Guided by Professor Juniper, Hikaru soon arrived at Fennel’s studio.

In the Black and White era, her workshop lacked a fancy signboard, but by Black 2 and White 2, it had gained colourful markings.

“Yes, yes! Such wonderful inspiration!”

Before even entering, they heard her excited shouts from within. The blonde Fennel was like a woman possessed, sketching furiously amidst discarded drafts. What she was drawing resembled something straight out of a nightmare.

Just a glance revealed its unique, almost alien design.

“Nightmares give me inspiration! This dark furniture… isn’t it eye-catching?!”

“Huh? Customers? Hold on, I’m almost done!”

“Nightmare themes expressed through colour, material, shape… dark tones, flowing lines, luminous accents… dark wood and deep purple fabric, sprinkled with stardust-like decor. Nightmarish yet retaining Pokémon fantasy…”

“Memory, fragments, mirrors… an illusory display cabinet! Surfaces covered in irregular mirrors, reflections slightly distorted, drawer handles made of half-melted coloured glass…”

“Wait, I need to add star elements. I saw the pitch-black cosmic sky… Such interiors only exist in dreams!”

“No… Something’s still missing. Just a bit more, but the inspiration won’t come out!”

“I’m envisioning furniture that can only exist in dreams…”

[Connection Task: Furniture seen only in dreams.]

[Rewards: Release Orb ×2, Dream Design Draft ×1, Genius Badge ×1, Dream Projection ×1.]

[Note 1: Fennel possesses an unknown ‘Dream Talent,’ allowing her to project real objects into dreams. Her dreams freely travel between reality and dreams, but this connection is unstable. She needs others’ voices to find inspiration.]

[Note 2: This assistance will count as a “display,” strengthening Unova’s hearts within dreams. Human dreams aren’t connected to the Pokémon Dream World, but are made of their own aspirations. If hearts fracture within dreams, their waking minds shatter too.]

Hikaru nodded.

This task could be completed immediately. Afterwards, he might gain the passive ability to turn dreams into reality, like Fennel .

In the Black and White era, Team Plasma also spoke of manipulating dreams to make people abandon Pokémon. They hoped to control hearts through dream energy, but their research never succeeded, and they abandoned the plan.

Unova’s art, its colourist talents, mythic crafting, and the styles collected from many artists…

Now was the perfect time to use them!

Absurdism, fear, turmoil, shadow… and Darkrai.

“Seeking inspiration? Then, how about this?”

Fennel turned, exasperated, as Hikaru walked up to a canvas and began sketching without a word. At first she was puzzled, until she noticed Professor Juniper entering too.

“Ah, Professor Juniper?!”

“You only noticed me now?” Juniper sighed.

Fennel wasn’t normally so obsessed with her art, but today’s nightmare must have driven her into a creative frenzy.

“Who is he…” She tried to ask, but her eyes were glued to Hikaru’s sketch.

Melancholy, silence, gloom, solitude.

Absurdity, fear, dark turmoil.

“That Pokémon… Yes! This is exactly the style I wanted!”

Hikaru said, “Is that so? However, overly dark, depressive furniture can raise suicide rates. As an art piece it’s fine, but as furniture… perhaps not.”

“So… it also needs this one.”

His brush danced. Beside the dark Pokémon appeared a pink, glowing Pokémon. Instantly, the oppressive terror lifted, replaced by dreamlike wonder.

“Ah—” Fennel stared at the second Pokémon in a daze.

Yes, this was the style. She had only just realised – piling on nightmare elements wasn’t always best. Adding this second Pokémon transformed the entire piece’s impression!

Moreover, these two Pokémon could be paired! Their contrasting styles would make the furniture sell brilliantly!

“Wow… I’m no artist, but even I see the artistic value here.”

Professor Juniper studied the two Pokémon intently. As a Pokémon Professor, she didn’t recognise either.

After all, in Unova, Darkrai never appeared, nor was it recorded. Only rumoured sightings near the Stranger’s House. Cresselia even less so – there were no records at all.

“Inspiration is overflowing!”

Fennel rushed to Hikaru’s side. Though his painting wasn’t finished, her mind’s eye was already filled with dream furniture designs.

“These two Pokémon… what are they?”

“Pokémon of Dreams and the Moon – Darkrai and Cresselia. They symbolise nightmares and sweet dreams,” Hikaru answered.

At that moment, a system message appeared:

[Reward: Nacrene City – recognition from Dream Furniture Designer Fennel ! Dream +100%, Furniture Design +100%, Impact +100%!]

[Description: Your artwork filled Fennel’s mind with dreams. Furniture designed in this dream state, when brought into dreams, will have unique effects, making dreams come true! It may even attract special Pokémon – Munna.]

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep