"When can we have another battle?"
Natsuhiko: "..."
He pressed his lips together.
"Soon, I guess."
It won't be long now, the Alola Region should be ready for development soon, Professor Oak has already received the news.
At that time, it's likely to be even more challenging than the "Lily Youth Competition"...
...
...
"Did you hear? The entire Longmu Town was frozen last night, even the houses turned to ice."
"I know, not only Longmu Town, but even Twin Dragons City was affected, the whole city is almost paralyzed."
"The worst is the 'Village Bridge' between Route 11 and Route 12, the entire river surface is frozen, and the bridge has become an ice sculpture."
"Aindoak is still better, with its perpetual spring, the outside cold doesn't concern us."
"It's those poor people of Longmu Town and those Wild Pokémon who are suffering."
"..."
Early the next morning.
Natsuhiko, along with Lance, heading towards the "Earth Sword," overheard the residents talking.
The two exchanged glances.
"Natsuhiko, do you think it's..."
"It should be."
Natsuhiko's expression was somewhat grave.
Most likely, Plasma Team has already engaged with Kyurem, possibly even completed the battle.
The result is still unknown.
The alliance might not reveal all these matters.
The specifics are uncertain; no one can say definitively.
Anyway, Natsuhiko has already shared his guesses, knowledge, and alerts to Police Chief Lira and reminded Xia Ka.
There's not much more a small Dojo Leader like him can do.
The chatting of the residents brought a slight gloom to the originally decent mood of the two.
When they arrived at the castle below the "Earth Sword," Mayor Mormondo and Drado were already waiting at the entrance.
"Gentlemen, please follow me."
The broad and heavy mayor greeted them warmly, leading the three into the castle.
The castle was not uninhabited; there were still many staff maintaining the cleanliness within.
However, they could only be active below the castle. Only a few people could ascend to the peak of the actual "Earth Sword."
Throughout the journey, Drado spoke little.
But judging by the expression, there was a noticeable excitement.
For the Earth People, being able to ascend to the top of the "Earth Sword," a place once reserved only for the Royal Family, is a source of honor.
Nevertheless, Mormondo first led them to the middle level of the "Earth Sword."
On an ancient bronze table, a variety of items were laid out.
"Gentlemen, these are your prizes this time. Each can choose only one, with the Champion Mr. Natsuhiko picking first," Mormondo said with a smile.
Natsuhiko approached the table.
He found many items that he did not recognize.
The ones that most caught his eye were the two palm-sized scales, one black and one white, placed in the center.
Unquestionably.
They were the scales once shed by Reshiram and Zekrom.
Though not the avant-garde scales, like the Dragon Scale Rayquaza left for Natsuhiko, they certainly weren't something ordinary "Dragon Scale" could compare to.
The only pity was the uncertain amount of time those scales had been shed, causing their energy to somewhat dim.
Yet their value remained indisputable.
Mormondo enthusiastically introduced these items to Natsuhiko.
Some had practical uses, while others bore only a name and a legend.
"This is the 'Philosopher's Stone,' a treasure left by our last King. Allegedly intentionally left by the old King before activating the 'Earth Sword', but no one knows its specific purpose," Mormondo said, smiling.
Natsuhiko's gaze fell upon this deep purple crystal.
Flowing on the crystal's surface, a special power seemed to reside inside.
Furthermore, the crystal's shell appeared specially treated, showing no signs of energy loss from inside.
If it were someone else.
Perhaps it would be seen as a fine stone, a high-value collectible, like Flint might perceive.
But to Natsuhiko.
He sensed the energy it contained.
Psychic power!
Pure psychic power.
However, understanding its precise function requires serious pondering.
Two dragon scales, and this "Philosopher's Stone."
Natsuhiko rubbed his chin.
Finally.
He chose to grab the deep purple crystal on the table.
Without much need for thought or hesitation.
The energy of the Twin Dragons' scales had dissipated, not to mention he had a piece of Rayquaza's scale, its worth somewhat repetitive.
Whereas the item deliberately left by the old King seemed rather significant in function to Natsuhiko.
The old King's psychic power and understanding and usage awe Natsuhiko, even Nancy can't compare to him in usage.
Moreover, it was intentionally left before his death, certainly wanting to leave something or tell future generations something.
At least.
Natsuhiko recalls Drado, who soon obtained Reshiram or Zekrom's acknowledgment, and again used Victini's power to control the "Earth Sword."
It likely concerns the "Philosopher's Stone."
After Natsuhiko made his choice, it was Lance's turn.
He straightforwardly took Reshiram's scale.
While Drado opted for the "Earth Stone," which has special meaning to the Earth People, its specific effect is still unknown for the time being.