Plasma Team, N’s Castle.

Ghetsis had been informed of the recent setbacks in their operations. The failure in Mistralton City had caused problems for Team Plasma’s propaganda in several cities. With no other choice, he had to dispatch their most experienced agent—Rood.

As for N, who was traveling around and even battling in the Battle Subway, that information hadn’t escaped Ghetsis’ intelligence network either.

But Ghetsis didn’t believe this would affect N in any meaningful way.

“Our King already knows that Pokémon and humans cannot coexist. Sure, there are a few Trainers who treat Pokémon kindly, but they’re just a minority.”

“When our ideals are realized, an era without conflict will finally arrive.”

He waved his hand dismissively, trying to calm the anxious subordinates in front of him.

Right now, aside from himself, all the other Seven Sages were out carrying out various missions.

These missions, Ghetsis believed, were unquestionably meaningful.

Of course, setbacks existed, but they were merely temporary.

Asura’s failure at the Dreamyard and the loss of several researchers didn’t matter much. Researchers were everywhere. Recruiting more was no problem—there were still many who sympathized with their ideals, even those who had previously worked at the P2 Laboratory or had experience with the League.

Rather than chasing after vague dreams, Ghetsis preferred practical solutions—like hacking into the League’s Pokémon Storage System and, at N’s command, instantly freeing all Pokémon. That was the real path forward.

“I’ve read Asura’s report. It seems the dream research has stalled. Although they confirmed that dream energy is usable, it’s merely a new form of energy. We’re not an energy company.”

“Trying to make people give up their Pokémon through dreams? Unrealistic. Let’s look at the next report.”

“Ryoku failed to capture Volcarona in the Ancient Castle, and even lost part of his memory. The report says there’s some sort of strange psychic energy in that place. Interesting… that’s valuable intel.”

“But too bad… My ancestors—and the King’s ancestors—have nothing to do with the Ancient Castle.”

“This world has always been filled with special powers. The ancestors of our King were rulers of the sea, the founders of Unova itself. That was the beginning of the creation myth. He could communicate with all Pokémon and understand the hearts of all people.”

“That power lies in the Abyssal Ruins. If we uncover all of its secrets, we will gain the blessing of the King of the Sea.”

“In that underwater tomb lies the sacred remains of the ancient King.”

“As the only heir worthy of inheriting the King’s power…”

Ghetsis mumbled, almost like sleep-talking, before his face suddenly changed.

He himself could never pass the trial.

Which is why N had to go.

Only N possessed the same power as the ancient kings. He could open the deepest chambers of the ruins, and even raise them from the seabed. He would provide the coordinates.

Once Ghetsis decoded all the related information, they could officially head for the Abyssal Ruins.

He was the pride of Harmonia, and also its monster—a being without a human heart.

Maybe the ancient kings were monsters too.

“It is precisely because I cannot do these things, that I must raise a true King—one with both the aura and power of a ruler…”

“N battling is a good thing. He’ll face more and more battles from now on. Only he can unleash the full potential of Pokémon and use them as proper tools in combat.”

“As our King, one day, he must show power beyond that of Unova’s Champion. A Champion represents the pinnacle of Trainers. Only one who surpasses a Champion can unite the people and shock the world!”

“Colress, you think so too, don’t you?”

Ghetsis looked toward the shadowy corner where a researcher stood. “Are the research samples still adequate?”

“We’ve found many strange phenomena,” Colress replied, pushing up his glasses. “A lot of Trainers seem able to boost their Pokémon’s abilities through bonds, drawing out greater power from them.”

“Not only that, but in Mistralton City there was also a case of a ‘Royal Pokémon.’ We lost the trail, though.”

“N’s power is certainly the most effective means of triggering Pokémon potential,” Colress continued, “but similar powers appear in others too. The sample size is growing.”

“All of those powers are false. Only N’s is real and lasting,” Ghetsis rebutted. “No need to investigate ordinary Trainers. Just focus on the exceptional ones—like the Trainer controlling that Royal Pokémon.”

“From among these exceptional ones, we will select the hero.”

“I even have a hunch now… I might know who that Trainer is.”

A strange gleam flickered in Ghetsis’ eyes.

Truly, fate was at work. That peculiar item craftsman—could he be another descendant of the Harmonia bloodline, lost in the outside world?

“Bonds with Pokémon? Don’t make me laugh. Pokémon and humans are different species. They can’t understand each other. That’s the root of all suffering. Our King is a special existence.”

“As for the investigation into the Legendary Dragons—”

Ghetsis clutched a thick stack of documents. “There’s proof of a third dragon. But the one in the dream has disappeared… maybe it was just a dream of one of the Dragon Pokémon.”

“Still… to think there’s a third hero beyond Truth and Ideals. Such power must not fall into the wrong hands.”

“The hiding place of the third dragon remains unknown. And what about Alder? Wasn’t he investigating the Legendary Dragons? Why did he suddenly vanish in Opelucid City?”

“That Champion… his subconscious isn’t so easy to pry into.”

Colress shrugged. “I focus solely on Pokémon potential research. It would be nice to record the power of the Champion’s Pokémon, but I doubt Team Plasma currently has the ability to challenge him.”

“Even though your side tried to stir public opinion, blaming the deaths of Pokémon on him—turns out that Volcarona didn’t die. It came back to life.”

Ghetsis scoffed. “So what if it did? That was a political narrative. Facts are irrelevant.”

“Volcarona was near death. That’s enough. And many now support us. There’s growing resentment toward Pokémon battles.”

“We will revive the legends in Unova and seize the hearts of the people. Language is a sharp blade—and the sword that reveals truth.”

“Well then, prepare yourself. The battle you want to witness… is about to begin.”

“A clash between hero candidates—no spectators allowed. The showdown at Celestial Tower must be witnessed by our members.”

“Unfortunately, I have more important matters. Such a pity. Let the other Sages attend in my stead.”

Ghetsis narrowed his eyes. Of course, the duel between N and Hikaru at Celestial Tower hadn’t escaped his notice—especially with the Triad monitoring things.

And just recently, Ghetsis had sensed a pulse—

A pulse from the direction of the Abyssal Ruins. He had studied that hidden ruin for so long that he recognized it immediately.

Something unusual was stirring there. The power of the ancient King was selecting a successor!

This had never happened before—not even when he had chosen N.

It had only started… after the appearance of the second person who could truly communicate with Pokémon.

“So… even the ancient King must now choose someone in the modern era… Twin Heroes… Heh heh, it’s just like the war between the Ancient Castle and the Abyssal Kingdom, isn’t it?”

“The loser will leave behind nothing—wiped from history. The victor shall be sung as the Hero-King!”

“But… there’s more than one hero candidate. Every exceptional Trainer could become one.”

After learning about the third dragon and the Void Hero, Ghetsis had changed his entire approach.

There were three dragons in the legends—how could he be sure he had chosen the right one?

And beyond the founding heroes, there were the Swords of Justice. Though Pokémon, they were also seen as heroes in legend. That meant someone might eventually tame them too.

Not to mention the Weather Trio, who could call forth storms and sunlight.

The legends of Unova were countless. The number of hero candidates—endless!

Too bad… Ghetsis wasn’t one of them.

Giant Chasm.

Cobalion had brought Keldeo here, though Virizion and Terrakion hadn’t come along.

The little blue colt looked around curiously. Mist drifted through the area, strange magnetic fields pulsed, and jagged meteorite-like stones radiated waves from space.

From the bushes and forests, countless emotionless eyes stared out at them.

Cobalion nodded toward the observing Pokémon. These creatures lived here, drawn by the Chasm’s strange power.

Among the cliffs and caves, a couple of Beldum flickered past. One Metang was sprawled atop a rock, its red eyes fixed on Cobalion and Keldeo.

Just watching—no aggression. It was just worried about having its meal disturbed.

“Those are Metang and Beldum. They feed on magnetism.”

“And hiding in the woods are Solrock, Lunatone, and Clefairy. It’s said they all came from space long ago.”

“Space?! What’s it like out there?” Keldeo asked with fascination.

Cobalion didn’t answer.

Because even he didn’t know.

He headed deeper into the cave. As a holy swordsman who had roamed the land for over a thousand years, Cobalion knew many secrets—like how the Giant Chasm was said to be formed from a falling meteorite from space.

“Kyurem! I’ve come to—”

WHOOOSH—

Suddenly, a blast of icy wind surged forth. A massive, gray dragon with blank eyes and frost-covered scales emerged from the darkness.

“Kyuuuuureeem!” Keldeo shouted excitedly, though a bit nervously.

According to his masters, if he could challenge Kyurem and gain its approval, he would be acknowledged as a true Swordsman.

Keldeo could barely contain his anticipation.

“Stop, Keldeo! You’re not strong enough to face Kyurem!”

Cobalion lowered his head, sternly warning the reckless colt not to act out. Keldeo pouted, disappointed.

He had gotten stronger—why not let him try?

Kyurem glanced at the colt, and hearing that no battle would happen, turned disinterestedly to leave.

No fight? So it’s not an exam for your student?

Then why summon me?

“Wait, Kyurem! I have something important to tell you!”

Cobalion called out just as Kyurem was about to vanish.

“Unova is becoming unstable. The humans’ search for the Legendary Dragons is growing more intense. You should relocate.”

“You’re telling me… to move out of Giant Chasm?” Kyurem rumbled, his deep voice carrying biting cold.

Giant Chasm was too exposed!

In contrast, the Full Metal Factory was far more hidden. It had once been a Kyurem test site—an abandoned human facility no one would suspect held the third Legendary Dragon.

“What about that imposter?” Kyurem asked.

“They seem to have realized it was a fake,” Cobalion said, recounting the encounter with Walking Wake in the dream realm.

Kyurem was intrigued. “Hoh, the ancient Water Dragon… So that’s the fourth one that entered my dream, huh.”

As a self-proclaimed shut-in, Kyurem believed staying home was best, but he had been truly angry when he first heard about Team Plasma’s schemes—and had considered moving.

“Tch… This again? Forget it.”

“Kyurem?” Cobalion was shocked.

Why give up now?

“Even with decoys, they’ll still track me. Maybe they don’t even care how many dragons there are.”

Kyurem growled, clearly annoyed.

“Three dragons? Four? Who knows—maybe there are even more, just hiding like me.”

“To humans, the more dragons they can control, the better. If that’s the case, then I’ll stop running. I’ll use my power to show them how foolish they truly are!”

Cobalion tried to persuade him: “You’re wrong. Humans now possess something terrifying—’technology.’ Stronger than ancient magic.”

“You think their machines will work on me?” Kyurem countered. “Human strength is too feeble. Only the Hero of Legend can wield us. And even then—it is we who choose them.”

“Cobalion, have you gone soft?”

“I’m staying right here. My power is strongest here. This place is of the cosmos—”

Kyurem paused, choosing not to continue.

Long ago, his memories had fractured. The truth of his Tao form and the past had grown blurry. But he still remembered… along with Reshiram and Zekrom… where they had come from.

A vast realm, filled with stars.

“The cosmos?” Keldeo’s curiosity was piqued again. Kyurem’s gaze focused on the little water colt.

“Oh? You’re interested in space and astronomy, kid?”

—

Striaton City – Striaton Gym

This was a Pokémon Restaurant. The Gym Leaders were the comedic Cilan, and his water-and-fire brothers, Cress and Chili.

Cilan, in the BW era, had traveled with Ash. As a Pokémon Connoisseur, he offered professional insights and advice throughout their journey. More than just a jokester or walking encyclopedia—he was also stubborn.

He always insisted on explaining supernatural phenomena through science. The principle was sound, but he often took it too far.

According to the games, they were all new Gym Leaders during the Black and White storyline—meaning they had only just taken over the Gym, possibly less than a year.

“Welcome to Striaton City Gym!”

“I’m Cilan, the one who favors Grass-type Pokémon!”

“And also a Pokémon Connoisseur!”

When Hikaru entered the Gym, a few patrons were there to eat. The green-haired youth who greeted them was none other than Cilan.

“Would you like to order?” he asked—then froze when he saw Fennel and Truffle.

Professor Fennel and Miss Truffle?

Wait… nobody told him Professor Fennel had a boyfriend.

“No, I’m here for a Gym Challenge.”

Hikaru stated his purpose. Cilan blinked—then his expression turned thoughtful.

Ah, so that’s it.

Recommended by Professor Fennel for a Gym Challenge!

How many rookie battles had they hosted now?

Newcomers who didn’t even grasp type advantages usually lost hard—at best, they won one round before being crushed.

Though not long since taking office, Cilan felt he’d upheld his Gym Leader duties well.

But this guy today…

Wait, he looked familiar.

Cilan frowned. Something wasn’t right. After seating Hikaru, he rushed to the back—and returned moments later, eyes sparkling with excitement.

“You’re Mr. Hikaru! The famed artisan! The rising star of Unova! Your work has been displayed in both the Mistralton Gallery and the Nacrene Fashion Exhibition!”

“I’m a huge fan! Please, sign something for me—I’m begging you!”

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep