As the words fell silent, Gardevoir's gaze, brimming with hostility, fixated on Zoroark.
Terrifying psychic energy surged around her, sending ripples cascading through the air.
In an instant, tension gripped the room, poised on the brink of violence.
The slightest opening, and Gardevoir would unleash her psychic power, intent on tearing Zoroark apart.
But…
Unlike moments ago, Zoroark no longer had the slightest desire to fight.
She stared blankly toward Elias's direction, her beautiful pupils trembling slightly.
A realization dawned upon her... perhaps this wasn't an illusion after all.
Whether it was Elias's familiar scent gradually saturating the air, or the way Gardevoir had addressed him during her earlier apology—
Everything seemed to indicate that the person before her was truly real.
Gulp.
Zoroark unconsciously swallowed.
She still couldn't fully trust her judgment.
Centuries had passed since Elias disappeared from her embrace, yet now he had suddenly reappeared within the Distortion World.
How could something like this... possibly happen?
And yet…
Zoroark gently clasped her head, trying to calm the chaos within her mind.
Nearby, Elias noticed this and extended a hand, halting Gardevoir, who was ready to charge forward.
Judging from Zoroark's expression alone, he was certain that this was indeed the Zoroark he knew.
Though, her mental state appeared far worse than expected.
Not only had she suddenly attacked him earlier, but now she was clutching her head helplessly, looking pitiful and confused.
With these thoughts, Elias began slowly approaching Zoroark.
"Elias!"
Seeing this, Gardevoir quickly called out to him in panic.
Zoroark was dangerous. She couldn't understand why Elias would risk getting close.
Yet, after receiving a reassuring glance from him, Gardevoir obediently restrained herself.
Clearly, Elias had his reasons, even if she didn't understand.
Trusting his judgment, Gardevoir could only stand aside, ready to intervene at a moment's notice.
After calming Gardevoir, Elias continued toward Zoroark.
As the distance between them closed, Zoroark's trembling intensified.
"Don't—don't come any closer."
Zoroark bared her teeth, snarling fiercely in warning.
Clearly, she still hadn't fully relaxed her guard.
However, Elias paid no heed to her threats.
He swiftly approached, and before she could spiral out of control, he reached out, gently laying a hand upon her fluffy head.
The vibrant green glow of the [Power of Viridian] flowed from his palm, softly seeping into Zoroark's fur.
"Ngh…"
Zoroark, who had intended to run, froze instantly at the familiar touch of the life-giving aura.
A comforting, nostalgic warmth flowed through her mind.
There was no longer any doubt.
This presence—this gentle warmth—could only belong to Elias.
Though centuries had blurred most of her memories, this feeling was etched permanently into her being.
She didn't even need to consciously recall it; her body instinctively relaxed, savoring the soothing energy.
"Elias?"
The crimson hue gradually faded from Zoroark's eyes as she hesitantly called his name.
When Elias cast her a questioning look, her heart leaped violently.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Zoroark."
With that, Elias gently rubbed her head apologetically.
Of all his Pokémon, Zoroark had waited the longest. Centuries far exceeded mere years or decades.
Yet this outcome was inevitable from the moment he selected Hisui as his simulation.
But Zoroark could no longer hear what Elias was saying.
All she knew was that this time, it was no illusion.
She wasn't dreaming.
The person she had longed for centuries had miraculously returned to her side.
Indescribable excitement and joy filled her heart.
She didn't understand how this had happened, nor why Elias had suddenly reappeared.
But none of that mattered—only the result did.
Centuries of bitter regret had long extinguished her desire for explanations.
All she knew was… her trainer had returned. And that was enough.
"Elias?"
Behind them, Gardevoir was growing impatient.
If earlier she had felt merely angry, now she felt outright deceived.
Where was the legendary loyalty to one's trainer?
Where was the fearless defender of love?
Why… why was this damn fox suddenly so eager, practically begging Elias to touch her head?
Although Zoroark showed no signs of further rampage, Gardevoir was even more furious.
Eyes wide, she glared daggers at Zoroark.
Feeling Gardevoir's intense stare, Zoroark narrowed her eyes slightly.
The overwhelming excitement that threatened to overwhelm her receded just a bit.
She finally realized that the trainer Gardevoir had mentioned was also Elias.
She should have guessed. How could anyone else in the world resemble Elias so closely?
Coincidentally, there were now too many questions she wished to ask—and far too many things she wanted to do with Elias.
Thus…
She had no choice but to temporarily "ask" this Gardevoir to wait outside.
As soon as this thought emerged, Gardevoir felt an ominous chill.
She tried hurriedly to move, but it was already too late—
BOOM!
A dark, shadowy claw appeared before her, striking with masterful precision.
Even though Gardevoir had reacted quickly, the claw's force—purposefully non-lethal—was overwhelmingly powerful.
Gardevoir found herself forcibly pushed outside the room.
Immediately afterward—
BANG!
The wooden door slammed shut, and the house gradually began to fade.
In mere moments, the entire building, along with Elias and Zoroark, disappeared before Gardevoir's eyes.
With her Illusion Technique, making the house vanish temporarily was child's play for Zoroark.
The confrontation between Zoroark and Gardevoir had lasted only a second or two, ending with Zoroark's effortless victory.
Afterward, Zoroark inhaled deeply, her fierce expression softening.
Meeting Elias's gaze, she lightly threw herself into his arms.
"Elias, am I truly not dreaming?"
"I'm warning you now—even if this turns out to be another illusion, I refuse to wake up this time."
Zoroark muttered quietly.
If even this overwhelmingly real sensation turned out to be fake, then she'd gladly drown herself in the illusion.
She… refused to be separated again.