When Professor Birch received word from the Hoenn League's upper ranks that Rex had defeated two mythical Pokémon, he was utterly stunned.
However, upon hearing that Rex had also caught Diancie and Shaymin, the news became a bit easier to accept.
After all, if both sides possessed power on the same level, and with Rex as their trainer, it wasn't unthinkable for him to emerge victorious.
Shaymin didn't surprise Professor Birch much, but Diancie? That sparked a cascade of thoughts.
Rex had once discussed with Professor Birch the idea of evolving a Carbink into a Diancie. Though Birch had agreed with the theory in principle, he'd still harbored serious doubts about whether Rex could actually pull it off.
Now that a Diancie had appeared by Rex's side, Birch couldn't help but link the two together.
He already knew Rex had impressive practical ability. Not long ago, Rex had managed to evolve his Swellow into a Totem Pokémon while in Alola.
Because of that, Birch had been regularly exchanging notes with Professor Kukui to refine and improve the method for training Totem Pokémon.
That's right—while Rex had been in Kalos, Professor Kukui had succeeded in evolving his own Incineroar into a Totem Pokémon as well.
Rex had underestimated just how capable these professors were. Though his own process had been aided by unique abilities, Kukui had also developed a method through pure research to transform a normal Pokémon into a Totem.
But like Rex's approach, Kukui's had its limitations.
So far, only his Incineroar had completed the transformation. The other Pokémon involved in the experiments were still a long way off.
That led Kukui to reach out to Professor Birch for help—hoping to refine the method into something more universal.
This collaboration had kept Birch so busy that he hadn't even thought to contact Rex lately to check in.
It wasn't until the League notified him of Rex's latest exploits that he realized the boy had done something truly unbelievable.
Birch knew Tornadus and Thundurus well—they were fearsome mythical Pokémon known for their combat prowess. Even the Hoenn Elite Four didn't claim to be able to subdue them.
Just as he was about to call Rex to ask for details, Rex's call came through first.
"Rex! Is everything okay over there?"
Professor Birch knew the area around Rex Farm had been battered by what could only be described as a natural disaster.
"Yes, Rex Farm has recovered now. Thank you for your concern, Professor."
Rex wasn't surprised Birch already knew what had happened. After all, he'd made quite a scene. By standard League protocol, the upper brass would have immediately contacted Birch—whom they viewed as Rex's mentor.
Rex wanted to say his current strength came entirely from his own efforts—but he couldn't deny that Birch had provided him with plenty of help along the way.
"By the way, Professor, I've reached an agreement with Landorus. I released Tornadus and Thundurus, and in return, they'll use their powers to restore the barren lands of Hoenn."
Rex quickly explained everything. Though he left out a few details, it was enough for Professor Birch to understand the situation.
"That's an incredible idea, Rex. I want to thank you on behalf of everyone living in those struggling areas."
Professor Birch hadn't imagined Rex could convince three mythical Pokémon to repent, much less persuade them to expend their own energy to help Hoenn recover its depleted lands.
"I don't actually know which regions need restoring, so it'd be best for the League to send someone to guide them. I won't be involved in the follow-up."
Rex had no intention of tagging along while the trio traveled. It was far better to hand things over to the League.
"I understand. I'll coordinate with the League right away."
Birch now understood why Rex had reached out. But he was happy to act as the intermediary—this was good news, after all.
After the call ended, Rex looked up at the sky where the Forces of Nature and Swellow were facing off.
Swellow had flown over the moment it sensed Tornadus and Thundurus's presence. It hadn't taken defeat lightly—and still held a grudge for losing so decisively.
Alongside it were Machamp, Gyarados, and other powerful Pokémon. While none could match the Forces of Nature individually, together they could pose a serious threat—especially in their weakened state.
Tornadus and Thundurus were still far from recovered, and Rex had no intention of healing them—not after being attacked during their last encounter.
"Young one, may I ask for the Reveal Glass back? With it, I can shift into my Therian Forme, allowing my powers to reach a wider area."
Landorus looked at Rex's backpack as he spoke.
He had sensed from the start that the Reveal Glass was there. But out of concern for his brothers, he hadn't said anything until now.
"This little mirror is my spoils of war. It wasn't part of our deal. If you want it back, Landorus… you'll have to offer me something worthwhile in exchange."
Rex smiled as he responded, eyes fixed on Landorus.
He wasn't joking. The Reveal Glass might not be of much use to him personally, but as a mythical-exclusive artifact, it wasn't something he'd hand over lightly.
Of course, he only dared say that because Landorus seemed reasonable and good-natured.
Landorus gave Rex a helpless look, then turned and smacked both Tornadus and Thundurus on the head with his fist—hard enough to knock them into the dirt and carve deep grooves in the ground.
It was clear who had caused all this trouble. And now, Landorus was the one stuck cleaning up the mess.
Tornadus and Thundurus looked thoroughly miserable. They were still injured, and now they were getting randomly smacked around. Why? What did they do now?
Not that they dared protest. One glare from Landorus and they stayed perfectly quiet.
For these two blockheads, the only thing that got through to them was raw power. If your fists weren't bigger than theirs, they wouldn't listen.
(End of Chapter)