"Cha! (Д)σ"
Tinkaton pointed at the "exploded" Melmetal and the Meltan scattered across the ground.
It split apart!
Johan: "..."
Taking a light breath.
"It's not your fault. It had already reached the 'cycle' stage." Johan explained helplessly.
Melmetal was a very special Pokémon.
Though it was a Mythical Pokémon without gender, that didn't mean it lacked reproduction methods.
Supposedly.
When Melmetal's lifespan reached its limit, its body would rust, covered in mottled rust marks.
Each time it reached the limit, Melmetal's body would shatter into countless fragments, becoming numerous Meltan.
This was Melmetal's reproduction method.
When Meltan grew to a certain extent, they would call companions again, and with their help, through special dances and electromagnetic waves, they would evolve together into a new Melmetal.
Like Ash's Meltan, which evolved with help from a large group of Meltan.
Of course.
The number of Meltan Melmetal split into was more than needed for re-evolution into Melmetal.
However, Melmetal's lifespan was extremely long, and the time from evolution to re-splitting was even longer, so though Melmetal could reproduce, their numbers remained pitifully small.
"Cha..."
Hearing this, Tinkaton immediately sighed in relief, patting its chest.
Good, good - as long as I didn't smash it.
Otherwise, wouldn't Tinkaton's "lifetime reputation" be ruined?
After Melmetal split, the resulting Meltan scattered to various corners of the ruins in the blink of an eye, all disappearing.
Only one palm-sized Meltan remained, standing before Tinkaton, the small black ball in its golden nut head curved into a crescent shape.
"Meltan~~"
It called out happily, running toward Tinkaton, then...
Clang!!!
Like a magnet attracting metal, it stuck to the hammer with a "smack."
"Cha?"
Tinkaton lifted its hammer, looking at the little one stuck to it, grasping the golden nut to "pry" it off and examine it closely.
"Meltan~ Meltan~"
Being held, Meltan seemed very happy, waving its limbs and hugging Tinkaton's hand.
Johan, who had returned to Tinkaton's side, smiled at this scene: "Tinkaton, it likes you."
Tinkaton scratched its head.
Obviously not yet realizing the "seriousness" of the situation.
"Meltan can absorb and contain metals from soil, converting them into needed electricity while condensing these metals."
Johan felt Tinkaton might have found its own "external support."
"Cha?!"
Sure enough, hearing Johan's words, Tinkaton's eyes immediately widened, voice rising.
A "forging master" getting assistance from a Pokémon that could produce precious metals?
"Cha~ Cha~"
Tinkaton began talking to Meltan.
"Meltan!"
Meltan immediately puffed out its chest, patting it with "thump thump" sounds.
It swayed as it jumped down from Tinkaton's body, but having just split from Melmetal, both its strength and abilities had almost returned to the starting point. It couldn't stand steady and sat down directly, leaving a little impression.
But the little one's body was obviously quite sturdy. It patted its bottom and stood up, then toddled over to where Melmetal had shattered.
"Meltan!"
The little thing's expression immediately became serious, clapping its hands together for encouragement before placing both hands on the ground.
Bang!!!
Rustle rustle rustle—
Suddenly, the metal fragments left by Melmetal's shattering that hadn't become Meltan - those completely rust-covered, useless metal pieces - began gathering toward Meltan.
These rusted metal fragments quickly merged into Meltan's body.
Meltan's seemingly smooth, shiny metal body now resembled liquid metal or mercury, rapidly absorbing these rusted metals.
Simultaneously.
At the spot Meltan pressed, underground metals also gathered like silver snakes into Meltan's body.
Soon.
Silver-bright metal blocks of unknown material dropped from behind Meltan.
Johan's expression became increasingly strange.
Expelled from behind?
But seeing these metal blocks, Tinkaton was especially happy, even excited.
As a "forging master," it was quite knowledgeable about metal materials, understanding that these metals produced by Meltan were... extremely high quality and rare!
You had to know, current Tinkaton had Champion-level strength. Those metals that once caught its eye now had little attraction for it.
No matter how much these metals were hammered or refined, they couldn't be integrated into its hammer - the quality gap was too large.
This was why the cutlery and such at Johan's house remained safe.
But seeing these metals produced by Meltan, Tinkaton seemed to return to its original state, treasuring them and wanting to immediately hammer these rare metals into its hammer.
Moreover.
Don't look at these few small blocks condensed by Meltan - each one's weight was extremely exaggerated.
They created dents when dropped on the ground.
Among them was part of the previous Melmetal's body. Even in the entire Pokémon world, metals comparable to this material were definitely rare.
"Meltan..."
After all the rusted metal fragments left by Melmetal disappeared, Meltan straightened up, wiping its forehead and breathing heavily, looking exhausted.
"Cha!"
Tinkaton quickly caught the swaying little one about to fall.
This was a treasure!
Tinkaton even produced its "treasured" food, stuffing it into Meltan's arms.
"Meltan!"
Like absorbing metals earlier, Meltan directly stuffed the energy cube into its mercury-like body.
Meltan, which showed no change after absorbing so many metals, immediately puffed up after stuffing in one energy cube, its small black ball curving into a crescent with a satisfied expression.
Tinkaton carefully collected all the metal blocks from the ground.
With these metal blocks, its hammer's quality and weight could probably rise another level.
Almost equivalent to fusing one-fifth of a Melmetal into the hammer - how could there be no improvement?
Satisfied, Tinkaton attached the contentedly full Meltan to its hammer.
Clang—
For a long time afterward, its hammer would probably have an extra "pendant."
Meltan, comfortably stuck to the hammer, suddenly seemed to remember something, "dying and sitting up" style as it raised its upper body, pointing toward the forging platform by the giant furnace.
"Meltan! Meltan!"
There were still good things there, and things it couldn't absorb!
Hearing this, Tinkaton's eyes gleamed.
Still more experts?
No.
Still more good things?
And good things even Meltan couldn't absorb?
Following Meltan's guidance, Johan also knew its direction.
"Perfect, I originally wanted to take you to see that platform anyway." Johan said.
Those molds on the platform were just molds to Johan, a layman.
But for Tinkaton, it might gain something.
After all, Tinkaton loved crafting most.
"Cha!"
Tinkaton immediately jumped onto Dragonite's head, raising its hammer to point.
Let's go!
"Dragonite—"
So Johan, Dragonite, and Tinkaton came to the brief platform again, while Gengar still rode Spectrier around the forging platform.
The shrewd Gengar obviously knew this was a forging platform.
It was pondering.
How to cajole, no, how to persuade Tinkaton to forge cool armor for it.
"Cha!"
Just arriving at the platform, Tinkaton's attention was immediately drawn to the sword and shield molds, shouldering its hammer and trotting to the two molds for careful observation.
Johan came to where Meltan had pointed earlier - beside a stone box placed on the forging platform, resembling a... toolbox.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar's eyes rolled, signaling Johan it would go in first to look.
"Be careful." Johan reminded.
Though it looked like an ordinary stone box, his aura surprisingly couldn't sense the interior.
"Ka-kaah ヽ(￣▽￣)"
Gengar made an "OK" gesture indicating no problem, then "squeezed" inside.
For Gengar, who could easily pass through doors, needing to "squeeze" showed this "box" was indeed special.
Soon.
Gengar emerged, looking somewhat excited as it called:
"Ka-kaah! Ka-kaah!"
Really good stuff!
"Open it and see!" Johan's expression grew serious.
Then, with Gengar and Spectrier's combined effort, they opened this toolbox-like "box."
When Johan saw the contents, he was also stunned.
"This is..."
In his hands were two extremely heavy stones emitting strange metallic luster.
If it were before, Johan might need confirmation, but having seen much more, after brief hesitation, he was certain.
Plate fragments!
"Iron Plate!"
Steel-type Plate fragments!
No wonder Meltan couldn't absorb them but could sense them.
Then Johan had a somewhat bold thought, or rather, guess.
"Zacian and Zamazenta's sword and shield weren't forged from Iron Plate fragments, were they?!"
No.
The Iron Plate was on Arceus. Even if many Iron Plate fragments were scattered, they shouldn't all be collected, since many were scattered throughout the vast universe.
"Were they forged combining Iron Plate fragments with Melmetal's metals?"
This was more reasonable.
It also explained why Zacian and Zamazenta's sword and shield became rust-covered and decayed over time.
Even Melmetal would rust, so the legendary sword and shield decaying wasn't strange.
"Cha?!"
When Johan placed the two Iron Plate fragments before Tinkaton, who was still pondering the sword and shield molds, Tinkaton jumped up from the platform in surprise.
For me?
Johan smiled: "Who else would I give them to? To forge armor for Gengar?"
"Ka-kaah!" Gengar pouted, muttering.
That wouldn't be impossible either...
Tinkaton happily collected the Plate fragments.
Great harvest!
Today was really a great harvest!
Hammering those rare metals, then hammering these two Iron Plate fragments - how amazing would my hammer become? Tinkaton couldn't help fantasizing.
"Stop celebrating. Figure out this thing - if there's a chance... get everyone in our family a set." Johan joked.
"Cha!"
Tinkaton nodded seriously.
Makes sense!
Better to share joy than enjoy alone.
Goal: get everyone in Johan's family a sword and shield set!
"Teacher Johan, this time... thank you so much."
At the ruins entrance, Peony pulled Peonia and Penny along, speaking with deep gratitude and sincerity.
Not only thanking Johan for this rescue, but also for Johan's influence on Penny.
Peony could clearly feel Penny had become much more cheerful and optimistic. Though still somewhat shy compared to ordinary people, she was definitely much better than before.
Moreover, after this incident, Penny's relationship with him had obviously grown much closer.
This was more important than anything to Peony.
So taking advantage of the summer vacation's final days, Peony decided to temporarily stop Crown Tundra exploration and return to Galar with Peonia and Penny for a good few days.
Johan naturally strongly supported this decision.
It wasn't in vain that he'd come so far for rescue.
However, before they left, Johan still called out to Peony, revealing some information.
"Regarding Galar Particles, Professor Magnolia definitely researches them more, but... when I was previously in Galar region, I also saw Galar Particles appear."
Johan began "reasonably and evidentially" making things up.
"I vaguely saw these scattered Galar Particles seemingly... flying out from Hammerlocke City."
"Hammerlocke City?"
Hearing this, Peony was stunned and somewhat surprised.
Then he frowned.
Theoretically, if these Galar Particles that made wild Pokémon lose control and Dynamax came from Hammerlocke City, the city's residents should see them.
Even if residents couldn't see them, Hammerlocke City's Gym Leader Raihan would notice.
Raihan was second only to Leon among Galar region's young generation, qualified and capable of competing with Leon for Champion position.
But whether during Peony's Championship or after resignation, he'd never heard of Galar Particles flying from Hammerlocke City.
But Peony trusted Johan greatly - otherwise he wouldn't have entrusted daughter Penny to Johan's care.
So only two possibilities existed.
First, the Galar Particles moved too fast or were initially scattered, so Hammerlocke residents including Raihan didn't see them.
Second, someone was covering it up!
Who could have such influence...
Self-evident!
"Actually I don't understand the specifics very well, just vaguely 'saw' it." Johan displayed "non-stick pan" characteristics, using ambiguous language.
Whether he saw it or not wasn't important.
What mattered was that Rose's and Macro Cosmos Corporation's energy factory was in Hammerlocke City.
And Eternatus was also imprisoned in the energy factory's deepest part, the factory's greatest energy source.
"I understand." Peony said gravely, brows furrowed.
Regardless, he planned to visit Hammerlocke City.
Though he'd resigned as Champion, Galar region's new Champion hadn't taken office yet, and he believed Galar region's trainers would still cooperate with him.
Seeing Peony's expression, Johan nodded without further words.
He couldn't reveal everything, but giving these hints should be enough for Peony.
The rest depended on how Peony handled it and how Rose responded.
Bidding farewell to Peony and his daughters.
Johan brought his Pokémon back to Crown Shrine.
While returning the steeds, he wanted to ask about that giant ruin and the sword and shield's origins.
Crown Tundra, Crown Shrine.
"Correct."
Calyrex took Glastrier's reins, stroking its neck and nodding:
"That was indeed where the sword and shield were forged."
Pausing, it put hands behind its back, walking outside Crown Shrine to gaze at the vast northern snowy landscape, saying softly:
"Back then, not only did I sense the 'Darkest Day's' approach, but two heroes also felt it."
"They found me, hoping I could help them confront the 'Darkest Day'..."
So the sword and shield were born?
Johan asked in surprise: "Don't tell me you helped them forge the sword and shield, Calyrex?"
"Though I know ancient and modern matters, forging... truly isn't my expertise." Calyrex showed slight embarrassment.
"However, I helped them find someone skilled and excellent at forging."
It turned to Johan: "Johan, you should know them too."
A thought stirred.
Johan tentatively asked: "Regigigas?"
"Correct." Calyrex looked like "the student can be taught."
Johan: "..."
Such a large ruin, such a large furnace - besides the massive Regigigas, Johan couldn't think of anyone else suitable that he knew.
Moreover.
Among Crown Tundra's many ruins were all the Regis including Regieleki and Regidrago. Johan didn't believe Regigigas hadn't visited Galar region.
And with Regigigas's strength and power, after recovering from "Slow Start," it was quite suitable for swinging hammers.
"Regigigas was naturally skilled at crafting - it created the Regis."
Calyrex's eyes were full of recognition for Regigigas.
"Finally, I drew blueprints and made molds, Regigigas handled forging, combining Plate fragments with Melmetal's power to forge them!"
Calyrex's expression didn't hide pride in creating the sword and shield.
And the sword and shield did grant Zacian and Zamazenta even greater power.
Good grief.
Hearing Calyrex's account, Johan exclaimed internally.
Calyrex and Regigigas working together - such prestige?
No wonder before going to find Peony, Calyrex had told him much about the "Darkest Day" and Eternatus... Johan thought.
"Johan!"
Calyrex suddenly spoke gravely, hands behind its back, looking seriously at Johan.
"I owe you much, but for Galar region, for my subjects, I want to request your help once more!"
That manner made Johan's mouth twitch.
Even without saying it, Johan roughly guessed Calyrex's request.
Calyrex continued: "Please, help me, help Galar, find those two missing 'Legendary Heroes'!"
Hearing this, Johan inwardly said "as expected."
He sighed lightly.
"Even if your subjects don't remember you?"
"Whether they remember me or not is their business, but whether I protect them is my own business!" The small Calyrex's eyes were determined.
Johan slowly put away his helpless expression, looking at the solemn Calyrex and nodding slightly.
"I understand. I'll try, but can't guarantee results."
Such a determined Calyrex was hard to refuse.
Moreover.
Johan already had thoughts of actively strangling the "Darkest Day" or triggering it early to minimize impact and disaster.
If he could find Zacian and Zamazenta, it would naturally make this easier.
"If it's you, no problem."
Don't raise flags randomly... Johan complained internally.
Calyrex raised its hand, making a gesture to pat Johan's shoulder but finding it couldn't reach, so it became patting his arm.
"Thank you, Johan!"
Thus, he'd taken on Calyrex's task.
As for revealing the Galar Particles matter to Peony, he didn't tell Calyrex.
No need.
If things progressed to that point, just directly face Eternatus.
If not, worst case, he could "rebel" with Calyrex.
Bidding farewell to Calyrex.
Johan took the train, leaving Crown Tundra.
The sun was setting, twilight dyeing half the sky red, adorably crimson.
Galar region, Postwick.
"Teacher Johan!"
Sonia, with Yamper beside her, waved excitedly at the train station exit, looking especially thrilled.
"Yamper!"
Yamper panted with its tongue out, tail wagging rapidly, looking eagerly toward Johan's side, also appearing excited.
But to Yamper's disappointment, it didn't see the beloved Ninetales' figure.
However, to Yamper's delight, it spotted a beautiful, proud, eye-catching light green figure beside Johan.
"Yamper!"
Golden electricity sparked from Yamper's tail as it ran toward Servine beside Johan with its tongue out, calling eagerly.
Servine crossed its arms, chin raised high, gaze slanted upward, eyes showing slight confusion.
"Servine?"
Who's calling?
"Yamper..."
Yamper immediately froze as if struck by lightning.
"Congratulations, Teacher Johan, no, Champion Johan!" Sonia smiled as she congratulated him.
"Where's Leon?" Johan asked with some teasing.
Hearing this, Sonia's expression changed slightly, pouting: "How should I know? Probably lost somewhere again."
Johan smiled and shook his head.
In finding girlfriends, Leon was several levels behind him.
He couldn't help feeling somewhat proud.
Honestly.
In finding girlfriends, not just Leon but among all peers in the Pokémon world, Johan felt he had no opponents!
Only Professor Kukui barely counted as an "opponent."
Sonia obviously didn't want to discuss Leon with Johan, so she immediately said:
"Teacher Johan, grandmother has been waiting for you at home for a long time."
Professor Magnolia?
"Then let's go quickly."
Temporarily abandoning thoughts of continuing to tease Sonia.
Coming to Postwick's Professor Magnolia's laboratory, he met the white-coated, glasses-wearing Professor Magnolia with noble lady temperament - an authority on "Pokémon Dynamax research" and Galar region's Pokémon research authority.
They'd met before at researcher exchange meetings.
And Sonia studying in Hoenn region obviously had Professor Magnolia's approval.
Professor Magnolia gently brewed Johan coffee.
"I heard from Sonia that you prefer coffee."
"Thank you." Johan politely thanked her.
"During Sonia's time in Hoenn, she's been under Champion Johan's care." Professor Magnolia leaned on her cane, slowly sitting across from Johan.
"Please just call me Johan, Professor Magnolia." Johan said, then added: "Sonia works very hard and has great talent. I really didn't do much."
This was truth.
But to Professor Magnolia's ears, it sounded modest.
"To express gratitude..."
Professor Magnolia took a white wristband-like device from her coat pocket, placing it before Johan with a smile:
"This should help you. Please don't refuse."
"Dynamax Band?"
Johan was stunned, immediately recognizing what this was.
During the day, he'd seen Peony use a "Dynamax Band" to make his Copperajah Gigantamax.
Johan jokingly called it the "Gengar's delight band."
Dynamax was actually similar to Mega Evolution in some ways.
For example, only certain specific Pokémon could Mega Evolve, while though Dynamax applied to all Pokémon, only some could Gigantamax.
And Gengar was among Pokémon that could Gigantamax!
In this aspect, Gengar was second only to Charizard, on the same level as Venusaur and Blastoise.
Previously Johan worried about what appetite his Gengar would show if it Gigantamaxed and how big a "hit" it would deal his wallet.
But now...
He'd come to terms with it.
Even without Dynamax or Dynamax Band, Gengar's appetite was bottomless.
This didn't depend on its size but on how much it wanted.
Moreover, Dynamax wasn't limited to Gengar - all his Pokémon could use it.
Professor Magnolia gently adjusted her glasses: "Yes, Dynamax Band, but currently Dynamax can only be used in Galar region, and after one use, it needs charging time."
Mega Evolution and Z-moves weren't region-limited.
But Dynamax and Terastallization were temporarily only usable in Galar and Paldea regions.
However.
The upcoming "Pokémon World Championship" would be held in both Galar and Paldea regions, so having Galar-exclusive Dynamax was necessary.
So Johan didn't refuse.
"Thank you so much."
Under Gengar's eager gaze from the shadows, Johan accepted the "Dynamax Band."
Then in his mind.
He pictured Ash during the Eight Masters Tournament, both hands full of "enhancement equipment."
"Professor Magnolia, I came to ask you to help upgrade Rotom Pokédex's Galar map information." Johan stated his purpose.
Though Rotom had Galar region maps, those were "general versions" anyone could download from Galar League's website.
But more remote, hidden places weren't included.
Like Crown Tundra, which was why Rotom navigation told Johan to jump off cliffs.
Like Slumbering Weald.
This forest perpetually shrouded in mist, extremely easy to get lost in after accidentally entering.
If expectations were right.
The rusted sword and shield should be deep in Slumbering Weald.
Since he was thinking "strike first," he'd actively search for Zacian and Zamazenta.
"Of course that's no problem."
Professor Magnolia looked behind her: "Sonia."
"Coming, grandmother, Teacher Johan." Sonia, who was "eavesdropping," quickly ran over.
She'd thought Teacher Johan was visiting for a home visit - apparently not. She sighed in relief, her steps becoming much lighter.
"Thank you, Sonia."
Johan produced the Rotom Pokédex.
"It's what I should do."
Map coverage and Pokédex upgrades took time.
Plus with nightfall, Johan temporarily stayed at Professor Magnolia's lab.
Professor Magnolia also asked Johan for help.
Night fell, moon bright and stars sparse.
Behind Professor Magnolia's lab, many Pokémon were also kept.
Including wild Pokémon, Pokémon fostered by Galar region trainers, and Pokémon needed for research.
"These are the children."
Professor Magnolia leaned on her cane, eyes downcast, voice somewhat heavy.
"They're wild Pokémon struck by mysterious Galar Particles. Most were sent to me, but these children... whether frightened or fearful... all have lingering problems."
She looked at Johan.
"If possible, please help them."
As a famous Pokémon psychologist, current Johan was considered an expert, even authority, in Pokémon psychology worldwide.
"Yes!"
Facing such a request, Johan wouldn't and didn't want to refuse.
Clang clang clang—
While Johan worked with Ninetales and Gengar on Pokémon psychological issues, Tinkaton again became a little blacksmith, diligently forging.
Compared to before, it had a cheerleading little fan beside it.
"Meltan~ Meltan~!" Meltan worked hard providing emotional support.
Such a small one - Johan worried Tinkaton might accidentally hammer the little guy into its hammer.
"Cha?"
Suddenly.
Tinkaton wiped its forehead, looking up toward the southwest with slight confusion.
Who's calling me?
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Powerstones?
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