The ancient spirits held Hikaru in high regard.

He had fought his way here, and carried within him an unfathomable power. This power felt not only cosmic in origin but also carried a familiar resonance of the Linking Tree.

The ancient spirits could not recognize Arceus’s power, but they sensed its greatness. Thus, without needing many words, they decided Hikaru was the most suitable person to carry the will of the Ancient City.

“King of the Ancient City?”

[“Indeed… it is you. Only you can.”]

The ancient spirits whispered, surrounding Hikaru. At some point, Ryoku and the Plasma Grunts had disappeared. Hikaru was surprised, but the spirits explained it was their doing.

The birth of a king did not need witnesses with ill intent. Removing them entirely from this sacred room was the best choice.

But Hikaru felt a bit disappointed.

He had planned to use Psychic Crush on Ryoku to blow apart his darkness and plant some future seeds of trouble within Plasma, but now he had no chance.

“Geh!”

Aegislash popped out of its Poké Ball by itself, clearly displeased. That strange power had forcefully ejected and locked it away earlier! These ancient spirits were too much!

[“Indeed, the alien sword that follows the king… you are worthy.”]

[“The crystal on you has also borne witness. That crystal is no ordinary thing.”]

The spirits whispered. Seeing Aegislash made them evaluate Hikaru even more highly. Apparently, they knew of events from immemorial times. Considering Kalos’s ultimate weapon 3,000 years ago, perhaps it had impacted Unova as well.

After all, the Ancient City existed from 3,500 to 2,500 years ago.

And Hikaru’s blue crystal, along with the blue-haired prince it manifested, confirmed to them that it contained the lingering thoughts of an ancient spirit from another land. Being recognized by such power said everything.

That was why he was worthy.

“Then what is the price?”

Hikaru asked without thinking. Though he had calmed their wrath, accepting their gift surely came with conditions. Since it wasn’t about restoring the city, what did they need?

At that moment, he sensed sorrow within the sun spirit.

That unfathomable presence, its power, and a bit of joy mingled within its sadness.

“I see. You don’t want the world to forget you. You need a proxy to wield your power so your story continues to be told.”

“Maybe… I could arrange for someone to clean this place periodically and turn it into a heritage site. At least then, time wouldn’t erase you.”

In Black 2 and White 2, this place had been mostly buried by sand. The desert’s constant storms made its decline natural, and psychics visiting here often left with heavy hearts, lamenting the cruelty of time.

[“The choice is yours… perhaps that is fine. We do not fully understand what that is. But as long as it resists time’s flow…”]

They agreed to Hikaru’s suggestion. They didn’t understand what a heritage site was, but it sounded promising.

Though… what was there to see in the desert?

“No, exploring ruins is worth it. It will attract adventurers. There must be treasures buried deeper within, right?”

“I’m not saying people should take those treasures. But if you let guardians occasionally leave some on the upper floors, it will draw more visitors. Even if they don’t find treasure, they’ll be happy just to explore ancient sites.”

“Vast desert, buried city, hidden treasure legends… your story will continue and attract psychics and unique travelers, who will stand here and remember the people and things of old.”

“By the way, is the Dragon Stone here too?”

Hikaru asked about the Dragon Stone. The spirits confirmed, but—

[“We have glimpsed the future… The stone is for heroes. You have gained its recognition, but it asks you this.”]

[“Do you intend to shoulder the hero’s duty? Will you take it away from Unova?”]

[“It saw certain visions. It was once firm, but now it hesitates…”]

Hikaru didn’t mind either way.

In his dreams, Light Stone and Dark Stone were still firewood and power sources. In reality, it seemed they had their own thoughts. To shoulder Unova’s fate… beat the entire region within ten days? Unrealistic.

He had other things to do. Recognized in dreams was fine too. The Dragon Stone likely wanted to aid heroes at critical moments.

Or maybe when he went to Icirrus City, it saw the hero it was meant to choose and was attracted.

Or perhaps meeting Arceus in the dream made it hesitate.

Any was possible.

Hikaru did not force such matters.

“It’s fine. A hero in dreams is still a hero. If anything terrible happens, come find me. That’s my mission… probably.”

“Just tell that to the Dragon Stone. After all, we’re always together in the dream world.”

[“We have one last request… though we call it a mission, it is truly our plea.”]

[“We hope you will go to the Undersea Ruins. As the last king of this city, challenge the king there. Win or lose, we will bless you.”]

[“Before that… you may go beneath Mt. Rose and seek the giants’ aid. They will grant you power. You need a key, located within Mt. Rose’s ruins, along with Sun Stone, Moon Stone, and Dusk Stone from that mountain.”]

[“Once, we borrowed power from moon-born giants to battle an outer dragon… We lost… But… one prince agreed with our ideals… so this city bears the dragon god’s traces…”]

Since its founding, Unova’s kings always came in pairs. It had been so from the start, and remained so after the dragon of ideals split.

The origin place Ancient City, the mysterious Sea Temple.

And the Moon Kingdom hidden beyond the world did not count among them.

The grudge between Ancient City and Undersea Ruins lasted over 2,500 years, perhaps longer. Even now, the spirits still remembered.

This was Hikaru’s first time hearing such Unovan origins.

But he had no reason to refuse. He had already heard the Undersea Ruins’ call.

When the spirits learned Hikaru and his Pokémon had heard it before, they fell silent.

Perhaps saddened by their slowness, or shocked by the Undersea Ruins’ power, or relieved Hikaru came here first. All kinds of emotions swirled within the sun disc, broadcasting to all life present.

[“Heroes must choose. Only… kings can be chosen by both.”]

[“For a hero to become king is tragedy. It has always been so.”]

[“We truly bless you. Thank you for accepting our plea.”]

[“This Sun Stone from that mountain, and this Shiny Stone, we entrust to you.”]

A brilliant light erupted from the spirits, shining upon Hikaru and blessing all his Pokémon!

An orange-red stone like a meteor sun and a gleaming Shiny Stone fell into his hand.

The Sun Stone was needed to open the moon’s gate.

Hikaru examined it:

[Cosmic Material: Sun Stone (Light of Cosmos).]

[Description: Unlike ordinary Sun Stones, this fell to Mt. Rose from space. It bears ancient power and cosmic light. Giving it to certain Pokémon will cause evolution. In specific situations, this power will awaken, greatly enhancing Pokémon aligned with light, aura, history, or cosmos.]

The Shiny Stone had a similar description, though it was naturally formed rather than cosmic.

[Material: Shiny Stone (Natural Light).]

[Description: Unlike ordinary Shiny Stones, this was found deep within Mt. Rose. Said to enhance light and purify corruption. Giving it to certain Pokémon will cause evolution. Bestows great power upon Pokémon aligned with light, fairy, or nature.]

Overall, it could make a decent flashlight.

The spirits further explained:

[The Dusk and Moon Stones will be found at specific sites. Do not worry. Stones from that mountain are not only in the ruins. Long ago, they were symbols of civilization and spread across Unova. That mountain holds unusual power. Just follow the psychic guidance.]

[Mission Complete!]

[Rewards: Reveal Glass ×5, Ancient Sun Spirit ×1, History Record ×1, Sun Emblem ×7, Fiery Scales ×6, Revival Herb ×10, Ancient Medal ×1.]

[Ancient Sun Spirit: Power bestowed by the spirits as the Ancient City’s king! Your psychic level greatly increased! You can now use “Psybeam (Basic)” and “Sunlight Power”!]

[You can give sunlight to others or gather light to purify darkness and soothe hearts, easing hostility slightly.]

[In ancient ruins, your psychic, spiritual, creation, and aura powers will surge to unimaginable heights, but will return to normal outside.]

[History Record: Fragmentary records of the Ancient City. Mostly commemorative. Perhaps your story here will become the next legend.]

『Sun Emblem: Awarded after defeating the ancient spirits.』

『Requirement: Defeat the spirits directly in the Ancient City and receive their blessing!』

『Effect: Under the sun, you and your Pokémon brim with life, slowly recovering energy from natural light. All your Pokémon are blessed with special powerful spirits!』

『Extra: Your Pokémon’s mental and willpower greatly increased! They will never flinch or be intimidated!』

[Fiery Scales: Scales from Volcarona, revered as the sun’s incarnation. Dropping them ignites a sea of flames. A mysterious forging material that greatly enhances Fire-type Pokémon.]

[Revival Herb: Material for crafting Revival Pots, which store natural energy as usable vitality for Pokémon.]

[Ancient Life Medal: Increases psychic control and physical vitality. Symbolizes life’s meaning. Slightly improves affinity with ancient Pokémon.]

Sunlight power… everyone possessed it to a degree. In Alola, all life held otherworldly light and could return it to powerful Pokémon.

After all, psychic power originally represented light.

“Light…” Hikaru gathered a glowing orb, resonating with Deoxys’s light. All sunlight came from the cosmos—an eternal truth.

“Larva?” Larvesta curiously reached its stubby legs for Hikaru’s glowing hand. Unable to reach, he sprinkled the light onto its body. Larvesta wriggled happily.

The warmth felt like basking in dream sunlight.

The spirits bestowed a special blessing upon Larvesta too.

[“Child of the ancient sun god… you shall inherit our will, not as king, but as deity.”]

『Obtained Title: Incarnation of the Sun God!』

『Description: Proof bestowed by the spirits, recognizing you as child of the sun god.』

『Effect: Greatly increases firepower and radiance!』

[Larvesta gained a special move: Heat Wave GX! After using Fire-type attacks, it burns away any elemental energy from opponents!]

[Note: GX powers traverse time and space. When combined with Ultra Aura, their power doubles, producing mysterious fusions!]

“Larva! (So strong!)”

Larvesta wriggled, feeling the endless power surging within.

So hot, so warm, so powerful!

[We will take this with us.]

The sun disc was essentially a TM representing Calm Mind. Hikaru recalled that in BW2, Ryoku gave it to the protagonist after reflecting here. Now it served as the spirits’ vessel.

Perhaps TMs themselves contained mysterious power. Ryoku had once said something similar.

Then what about Volcarona?

Hikaru recalled the flashing Deoxys into its Master Ball, which floated by his side.

He treated the fallen Volcarona with many medicines. This old friend of Larvesta slowly awoke. Seeing Hikaru, the Pokémon, and Larvesta, it froze.

Then it recognized him.

Ah… the challenger of Relic Castle’s god!

It wondered… had it done something terrible? That glowing disc was the ancient spirits’ power.

Its memory was hazy; it had raged uncontrollably under possession, unable to think clearly.

But now, clarity returned.

Parting time had come. It had long sensed this day would arrive, but not so soon.

“Urr…”

Volcarona looked down sadly, then encouraged Larvesta.

Go forth, little one. You are our family’s most unique child. Use your special traits and, together with your friends, reach the world’s pinnacle, like the kings of old!

“Will you stay here?”

Hikaru asked. He always wondered—did Volcarona truly only need to eat fire to survive?

Perhaps that was how it lived centuries in this empty desert city, self-sustaining.

[Take it with you. Bring it somewhere safe. Otherwise, greedy men will keep coming to capture it. Its legend will always lure them.]

[And… it is too lonely here.]

[We too… will rest for a time.]

The spirits spoke softly. This Volcarona had lived hundreds of years. It was the descendant of the city’s original Volcarona, hatched after its fall. To them, it was their child. Today’s events saddened them.

If Hikaru hadn’t come, those men wouldn’t have reached this room. But human desire never ended. Failing today only meant coming another day to capture it.

“Urr…”

Volcarona hesitated. It had never seen the outside world, having lived here all its life. Its happiest days were those dream adventures.

Hikaru knew exactly where it should go.

For dream research, Fennel was best—but she was too busy. The ideal place was Professor Juniper’s back garden.

Perhaps this year, it would bond with Touya or Hilda.

After all, in the original timeline, either they or N captured it.

Better that than Plasma. From BW’s plot, Ryoku’s investigations were fast, letting Ghetsis enter the ruins and await the hero unopposed.

[You must see the world. Born here, raised here… will you die here too? You are life, while we are ancient spirits. Child of the sun, you must see the new world. If you grow tired, you may return anytime.]

Guided by their words, Volcarona nodded slightly and was absorbed into Hikaru’s Poké Ball as a beam of light.

Larvesta jumped from Hikaru’s arms, guiding him behind Volcarona’s mural where its own Poké Ball lay.

Poké Balls brought from dreams transformed into Dream Balls upon entering reality.

Hikaru captured Larvesta with the Dream Ball, finally relieved.

“Hmm, I should leave something behind.”

“Thank you, ancient spirits,” he said, taking out a Reveal Glass.

“If Calm Mind’s TM breaks, use this as your vessel.”

Then he touched the blazing mural.

[Obtained: Ancient Mural Style!]

[Description: An enchanted mural imbued with the spirits’ power. Gazing upon it radiates mysterious energy, enhancing certain moves and deeply immersing viewers. Similar murals resonate and call to each other.]

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep