"Alright, put it away for now."
After confirming the meteorite's condition, Johan nodded with satisfaction.
This meteorite indeed contained "cosmic power." This force might be able to help Jirachi end its thousand-year slumber.
Johan really missed that cute little thing, Jirachi.
Back when he went to space with Rayquaza, he had actually searched for "cosmic power"—meteorites containing similar "cosmic power."
However, the main purpose then was dealing with the giant meteorite, so after a quick search without finding any, he gave up.
Rayquaza had said meteorites with this kind of "cosmic power" were very rare, which was why Jirachi needed to wait a thousand years until the millennium comet appeared before awakening.
He hadn't expected that the meteorite summoned by Eternatus this time would contain considerable "cosmic power."
And it wasn't just "cosmic power"—it also contained even richer Dynamax particles.
It was fortunate that Eternatus hadn't managed to grab the meteorite and that Gengar had hidden it ahead of time. Otherwise, with such powerful Dynamax particles plus "cosmic power"...
Eternatus's own Eternamax state would have become even stronger, and its "cosmic power" would probably have maxed out directly.
With its defenses becoming even more exaggerated, taking it down would definitely have been more troublesome—they might have needed to call for more help.
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar breathed a sigh of relief and happily put the meteorite away again.
It had thought Johan was going to "confiscate" the meteorite, but he'd just taken a look.
The Dynamax particles on the meteorite provided tremendous benefits to Eternatus, but for Gengar, they were also a rare "delicacy."
Watching Gengar store the meteorite again, Johan lightly rubbed his chin.
Gengar hadn't undergone Gigantamax yet. If it absorbed the Dynamax particles from this meteorite, he wondered what it would look like when it Gigantamaxed in the future...
He felt his Gengar was becoming increasingly unreasonable.
But his Gengar was already unreasonable to begin with. As they say, having many skills doesn't hurt—there wasn't much difference between being a little unreasonable and being extremely unreasonable, right?
"I forgot."
Johan slapped his forehead.
"What?" Cynthia asked curiously.
"I should have told Leon to find Professor Magnolia first," Johan said.
He remembered that in the anime, after Leon captured Eternatus, he entrusted it to Professor Magnolia.
After all, in the field of Dynamax and Galar particles, Professor Magnolia was the authority.
And later, Eternatus being able to roam freely in the Galar region was probably largely thanks to Professor Magnolia's contribution.
"The key point is giving Leon, that blockhead, more opportunities to interact with Sonia," Johan added.
Cynthia smiled slightly. "You still have time to worry about other people's business."
Johan took Cynthia's hand and "proudly" raised his chin. "Of course!"
"Then just call him later. At Leon's speed, he's probably still circling above Wyndon."
Cynthia had quite a bit of contact with Sonia too. Although Sonia usually acted very dismissive toward Leon, Cynthia could sense that Sonia actually liked Leon—it was just that Leon was completely focused on battles and competitions, comparable to Lance.
She and Johan didn't mind playing matchmaker.
"Good point!"
Johan squeezed her hand tighter, then said: "No wait, I should call Sonia instead. Setting two destinations for Leon is somewhat difficult for him."
Cynthia smiled, hearing Johan's implicit criticism of Leon's sense of direction.
The moonlight was bright and clear.
After Eternatus's rampage, Wyndon Stadium had become almost completely ruins.
Fortunately, thanks to Johan's advance arrangements, the International Police and League Police had set up a perimeter in time, so there wasn't much damage beyond Wyndon Stadium and the energy plant.
The black-red vortex had dispersed, and all the Pokémon that had lost control and Dynamaxed under the Dynamax particles had returned to normal.
However, quite a few Pokémon would probably have some bad psychological trauma from this inexplicable Dynamax experience.
But fortunately, all the trouble and danger had passed.
Crisis resolved!
In the ruins of Wyndon Stadium, Johan and Cynthia with their Pokémon were preparing to bid farewell to Zacian, Zamazenta, and Calyrex.
[Let it stay with you for now.] Calyrex gently stroked Spectrier's neck, speaking to Gengar.
[It still enjoys being with you, and you can now properly utilize its power.]
Calyrex used to alternate between riding both steeds, but from now on, it could only ride Glastrier.
But this was only temporary—a way for Calyrex to express its gratitude.
"Ka-kaah! Ka-kaah!"
Gengar turned its head, waving its hands repeatedly while its other hand very "honestly" took the reins Calyrex handed over.
This coy attitude made Johan's eye twitch—it looked exactly like himself during New Year's, saying "no, no" while opening his pocket to receive red envelopes.
But this time Johan didn't stop it.
On one hand, as Calyrex said, Gengar's "ghost-horse fusion" with Spectrier had become more skilled, and Gengar truly possessed the power to control Spectrier.
On the other hand, his island had been completely developed. The white and black radishes planted earlier had overflowed their containers—feeding one Spectrier should be enough.
At worst... he could have Gengar take Spectrier to participate in "horse races" in the future, winning some prize money to cover feed costs.
The only downside might be that during competitions, Gengar couldn't bring Spectrier as an "item," otherwise Gengar would truly dominate in battles.
"Ghost-horse fusion" plus Gengar's own legendary-tier strength could even stand a chance against ordinary first-tier legendaries.
Clearly in the "Pokémon battle" games, Calyrex riding a horse counted as one Pokémon.
But if it were double battles, then hehe! No fancy tricks needed—Gengar would dominate!
Pat!
Gengar patted Spectrier's neck.
"Neigh—"
Spectrier reared and neighed, clip-clopping into the shadows.
No need to worry about following issues anymore.
On the other side, Zacian and Zamazenta were thanking Tinkaton for its help.
The two large wolf-like Pokémon, one blue and one red, with scar-like patterns covering their bodies, had serious expressions but gentle gazes.
[You have the potential to become a hero.] Zacian said.
[We hope you won't disappoint the power you wield.] Zamazenta also fully approved of Tinkaton.
Tinkaton had helped them repair their sword and shield, and had also allowed its own hammer to be further strengthened.
When dealing with Eternatus earlier, their sword and shield had helped Tinkaton fully master "Behemoth Hammer."
This was the only Pokémon besides them and Eternatus to master a "Behemoth" move.
"Behemoth" moves had extremely strong striking power against Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon—the move's power would directly double!
If Eternatus ever summoned the "Darkest Day" again while they couldn't exert their power, Tinkaton would become the most crucial existence for subduing Eternatus.
This was power, but also responsibility.
"Cha..."
Tinkaton shouldered its hammer, swaying its pink twin tails, glancing carefully at Zacian and Zamazenta before muttering.
Coach, I want to craft...
Zacian & Zamazenta: "..."
[When the time comes for you to shoulder responsibility, you won't be able to escape.]
[We believe you can do it.]
"Cha?" Tinkaton tilted its head.
Coaches—no, teachers—did you hear what I was saying?
Zacian nodded slightly. [Very good, we believe you can do it.]
Zamazenta turned around. [Since that's the case, let's part ways here.]
"Cha..." Tinkaton gripped its hammer handle with both hands.
Oh no, did you teachers get your heads knocked around? Want me to help treat you? Don't worry, I'm fast—just one hammer blow will do.
Following Johan, Tinkaton felt it had learned a little bit of "technique."
Zacian & Zamazenta: "..."
Retreat!
Whether Tinkaton had listened or not, they'd delivered their message.
"Awooo—"
The two wolves howled and transformed into blue and red beams of light, flying away.
What awaited them might be another long slumber.
"Cha!!" Tinkaton waved its hammer in farewell.
Eh? Not getting treated? Then goodbye! Make sure to come for treatment promptly next time!
The two beams of light seemed to accelerate as they departed.
"Whew—"
Johan lowered his waving hand and breathed a long sigh. "That takes care of one worry."
With Calyrex's request resolved, it could focus more on helping him grow vegetables.
"What about Rose?" Hearing Johan's words, Cynthia asked.
Ultimately, this whole incident was caused by Rose's meddling, so he couldn't escape responsibility.
But Rose's identity was too special.
Chairman of the Galar League, president of the monopolistic Macro Cosmos Group in the Galar region...
And when Eternatus had lost control after going Eternamax, Oleana had already run off with Rose.
Johan hadn't stopped them.
He couldn't handle it.
"Let this big problem give the main League and Leon headaches," Johan said.
Even if they stripped Rose of his League Chairman position, what about Macro Cosmos Group?
Such a massive corporation, one closely related to every Galar resident—could they really dismantle that too?
Who knew how many people would lose their jobs, and the entire Galar region's economy and development would regress by years.
"True."
After thinking it through, Cynthia also felt Rose's identity was too sensitive to handle easily.
The best outcome might be finding someone to take over Macro Cosmos Group.
But with loyal subordinates like Oleana, who knew how many of Rose's die-hard supporters remained within Macro Cosmos Group.
The Eternatus incident had come to a close.
The Galar League didn't stop functioning due to Rose's disappearance, which showed Rose's management of the Galar League.
In fact, Macro Cosmos Group continued operating as well.
The Galar League immediately issued a disaster report about Eternatus—casualties were virtually nonexistent, and they expressed sincere gratitude to those who contributed during the incident.
Mainly Johan and Cynthia, the two Champions.
Of course, there were also people like Hop, Gloria, and Officer Jenny who had forcibly established a perimeter to isolate Wyndon Stadium and the energy plant.
There were also those who had subdued rampaging Dynamax Pokémon or helped others—all these people were on the Galar League's thank-you list.
But most importantly, it was for Champions Johan and Cynthia.
The value of "Champion" skyrocketed again.
Being Champion represented not just strength, but responsibility.
As many people said, if even the Champion couldn't solve a problem, then that region was doomed.
In many people's hearts, "Champion" represented... safety, represented being the tall person who would catch the falling sky.
Of course, Teacher Johan's reputation had already spread "far and wide."
He was famous for teaching and saving the world on the side.
As for Eternatus and its importance to the Galar region, the Galar League's announcement didn't mention this.
After all, it involved secrets about Galar region's Dynamax, and to avoid more people coveting Eternatus...
At this moment, above the Galar region's Wild Area:
"Where is this? Turffield should be that way, right, Charizard?" Leon pointed in a direction and asked.
"Roar..."
Charizard looked around, then back at Leon, and closed its eyes.
It didn't know when it started, but it had been led astray by Leon and could no longer tell directions.
It used to be good at navigation! Even in complex mountain forests, it could accurately find water sources within 500 meters!
"No, it's the opposite direction, Leon."
The sudden voice from behind made Leon pause.
Looking back, he saw a large Corviknight taxi flying in mid-air. In the passenger compartment it carried, Rose sat by the window, smiling and waving at him.
Oleana, who usually stayed by Rose's side, was nowhere to be seen.
"Chairman... Rose..."
Seeing who it was, Leon's expression became complicated.
After hearing Johan's account and reading the Galar League's emergency internal announcement, Leon understood what Rose had done.
But Leon had personal feelings toward Rose.
Honestly, without Rose's help, while Leon was confident he could have grown strong, the speed definitely wouldn't have been as fast as now.
But as the newly appointed Champion of the Galar League, Leon couldn't ignore Rose's actions.
Rose smiled broadly, as if the Eternatus incident hadn't affected him at all.
He said: "Leon, in the future when traveling, if all else fails, call a Flying Taxi, or... bring that little girlfriend of yours along."
Leon: "..."
The two stared at each other in mid-air.
For a moment, both fell into silence.
After a long while, fatigue and loneliness finally appeared on Rose's face.
"I've already made arrangements with the League and the company."
Leon's expression shifted slightly.
Rose continued: "From here on, it's up to you. I'm entrusting the Galar region to you, Champion!"
Using "up to you" once and "entrusting" once, Rose still had deep feelings for the Galar region he'd devoted most of his life to.
Leon's eyes filled with complex emotions.
His lips moved several times, but he still couldn't speak.
Seeing this, Rose smiled slightly.
"You can do it, Champion!"
After speaking, Rose signaled the Flying Taxi driver. The driver saluted Leon before carrying Rose away into the distance.
Leon looked down at his hands gripping Charizard, tightening and loosening them repeatedly.
He took a deep breath.
Slowly exhaled.
He shouted toward the sky where Rose had vanished: "I can do it! Because I'm the Champion of the Galar League!"
"Charizard, let's go—Turffield!" Leon said with determined eyes.
"Roar—!!"
Charizard could feel Leon's state and roared with full spirit, flying toward the direction Rose had indicated.
Rose had given him the starting direction, but the distant journey ahead... he'd have to explore slowly on his own.
Three days later.
"What use are you? Nowhere to be seen when trouble comes, first place in eating!"
Johan looked at Flint, who was busy eating, and his anger flared.
He'd brought him along specifically to attract Eternatus's aggro, but even when Eternatus was rolling its eyes, Flint was nowhere to be seen.
"You can't blame me for that! Teacher Johan, you didn't call me, and I was on my way!" Flint defended himself "righteously."
"Leon came from Wyndon and made it, but you couldn't make it from within Wyndon?"
"Leon didn't get lost?" Flint asked instinctively, then quickly added: "That's different—Leon has Charizard!"
Johan glared. "Leon can capture a Charizard, can't you capture one? Or are you saying Charizard isn't a Fire-type Pokémon?"
"I..."
Flint wanted to argue further, but facing "aggressive" Johan, his momentum weakened as he muttered quietly: "I want to capture one too, but I have to be able to afford raising it..."
For Flint, it wasn't enough to just capture Pokémon—he had to train them too.
He'd previously spent everything training one Ninetales to build his so-called "sun team." Where would he get resources to train a Charizard?
Moreover, as one of Kanto's starter Pokémon trio, Charizard was so popular—how easy did they think it was to capture?
Did they think everyone could encounter an abandoned Charmander?
And... it had been so many days, yet Teacher Johan kept bringing this up repeatedly.
Watching Johan and Flint "bicker," Caitlin hugged Cynthia's arm, pitifully recounting the entire process of being "bullied" by Johan.
Cynthia felt helpless about this.
Both were dear to her—she could only comfort the "wounded" Caitlin while listening to her complaints.
It wasn't just Johan going on about it repeatedly; Caitlin had been using Johan "bullying" her as a talking point for days.
"Speaking of which, Teacher Johan, are we staying in the Galar region? I heard quite a few contestants went to the Paldea region to climb ranks," Flint suddenly asked.
After such a major incident with Eternatus in the Galar region, plus Chairman Rose's disappearance, many contestants—especially those like Leon and Raihan who shouldered responsibilities—had to spend more energy on League management and Wyndon's reconstruction and maintenance.
More importantly, none of them—whether Johan, Cynthia, Flint, or Caitlin—had been to the Paldea region.
Everyone was somewhat curious about this unvisited region and the Pokémon they'd never seen.
"The Paldea region..."
Johan was successfully distracted by Flint.
Compared to the Paldea region, what Johan was most curious about were the ancient and future forms of Pokémon.
They weren't in the Pokédex, but there were occasional rumors about ancient form Pokémon—he wondered if they actually existed.
He was quite curious about the so-called "Area Zero."
He wondered how his Tyranitar would react to meeting the future form Iron Thorns.
Nothing else mattered, but the future form Iron Valiant looked pretty cool. If there was a chance, getting a photo together would be nice.
"It's not impossible to consider," Johan said thoughtfully.
He suddenly asked: "By the way, are Friede and the others not in the Wild Area recently?"
The few days at Lake of Outrage had made Johan recognize the safety configuration of the "Brave Olivine" and the "Rising Volt Tacklers."
Being able to stay safely at Lake of Outrage for several days at least ensured that under Friede's protection, the "Rising Volt Tacklers" could go to most wild areas in the Pokémon world.
Of course, extremely dangerous places like Mt. Silver were out of the question.
Even Johan had to be careful on Mt. Silver, or he might suffer serious injuries.
"Then when they return, let's all go to the Paldea region together!" Johan decided, with no objections.
The Paldea region had special Terastallization, another enhancement method they hadn't experienced much.
Terastallization could not only strengthen a Pokémon's type but also change its type to some extent—this ability often produced surprising effects in battle.
For example, a Pokémon weak to Fighting could directly Terastallize into Ghost type, creating a very significant type reversal effect.
However, most Pokémon's Terastallization matched their original types—for instance, when Gengar Terastallized before, it was always Tera Ghost.
Because changing a Pokémon's Tera type required special "Tera Shards."
This stuff... was fairly easy to obtain in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, but he didn't know if it existed in the Pokémon world.
If he could change Tyranitar's Tera type to Ground, that would be perfect!
"Oh right."
Cynthia suddenly said: "Professor Sycamore couldn't reach you, so he's been calling me instead."
"Professor Sycamore?" Johan was surprised.
These past few days, Johan had put his phone in airplane mode.
On one hand, to properly spend time with Cynthia; on the other, because the existence of a legendary like Eternatus—anyone with eyes could see it was somehow related to Galar region's Dynamax—had many people wanting to understand the situation from him.
Most of these people were Pokémon research professionals.
Leading them was Professor Oak.
Professor Oak was extremely curious about the never-before-seen legendary Eternatus.
So Johan had simply turned off communications for three days.
He hadn't expected Professor Sycamore to call Cynthia's phone directly.
Probably got the contact from Diantha?
"About Eternatus?"
"No, about..." Cynthia glanced at Flint and Caitlin. "About bond evolution."
Although Johan had cleared the area, some people had inevitably captured images of Wyndon Stadium from afar.
Most people's attention was on Eternatus, but he hadn't expected Professor Sycamore to keenly notice Gengar's change.
That made sense—he was the Pokémon professor researching Mega Evolution after all.
Johan understood.
"Bond evolution?" Flint and Caitlin looked confused hearing Cynthia's words.
What was that?
"I should indeed send Professor Sycamore some data on this."
"Bond evolution" was related to further Mega Evolution research—the direction Professor Sycamore was pursuing. Johan and Gengar's appearance was equivalent to pointing Professor Sycamore in the right direction again.
Professor Sycamore should give him half his doctorate degree.
Back then, Mega Evolution had also been based on first-hand information he and Gengar provided.
This time, "bond evolution" was again pointing him in the right direction.
"Mm, contact him yourself later," Cynthia said.
"Yeah."
Brave Olivine.
"The Paldea region?" Hearing Teacher Johan's intention, Friede's eyes immediately lit up.
"I can't speak for other regions, but I'm very familiar with the Paldea region."
Friede had previously worked as a researcher at the Paldea region's largest company, Rotom Phone Company.
Additionally, his teacher Rica was also working as a teacher in the Paldea region.
"I can arrange accommodations!"
It had been a while since he'd seen his teacher or little Liko. He wondered if the child still remembered him.
Counting the time, Liko was probably about school age, right?
If she could meet an excellent teacher like Teacher Johan early, it might give Liko a very good start.
"Really? Then I'll leave it to you, Friede," Johan said.
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Powerstones?
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