Riding back on the Mudsdale carriage.
As for the cave in the gorge behind, it would probably soon be occupied by another powerful Wild Pokémon.
Even though some unexpected things happened, the outcome was still good.
Not only did Natsuhiko collect three Noivern Pokémon Eggs, but he also managed to take two Noiverns with him.
As for the poison in the female Noivern, Natsuhiko found the corresponding antidote in the supplies left by Atuo.
However, the female Noivern's body was already severely weakened and then hit with Highly Poisonous substance, so recovery wouldn't be a short-term affair.
Moreover, its weakened body would need a long time to fully heal.
"Yujira, how do you feel?" Natsuhiko asked with a smile.
Floating beside him with psychic powers, Yujira displayed a contemplative expression. Due to its ever-growing psychic powers, Yujira had almost abandoned walking on its legs altogether.
It's likely because of the gradual strengthening of psychic powers that Yujira, possessing excellent psychic-type talents, can accomplish many complex tasks with just a thought, allowing their limb abilities to regress as their brains become more developed. Mega evolution will further amplify this.
"Yongji." After a moment, Yujira softly called out, rubbing the shiny spoon in its hand.
Not long ago, it accidentally triggered the psychic mark within the spoon, left by its ancient owner, an Alakazam from long ago.
This Alakazam was incredibly powerful, protecting a group of Psychic-type Pokémon, enabling them to survive in the doomsday-like Pokémon Realm and was hoped to withstand the terrifying aftershocks of the Three Dragons' clash. Alakazam's power was stronger than Natsuhiko had imagined.
Anyone who uses an object for a long time leaves their mark on it, especially a powerful Alakazam and the Curved Spoon it relied upon.
Yujira inadvertently triggered the mark, "seeing" fragments of memories and psychic waves left when Alakazam wielded the spoon.
It was through this mark that Yujira learned the moves "Eye of Miracles" and "Strong Mental Will."
Also, because the spoon was long accustomed to these techniques and Yujira had a strong kinship with the Alakazam, having "seen" a large number of its usages of these techniques, its proficiency wasn't low from the start.
However, as the last mark of Alakazam dissipated upon being triggered, the spoon in Yujira's hand was etched with its psychic powers, completely turning it into its own.
For the item "Curved Spoon," Yujira had truly mastered it, as if it always belonged to it.
But still...
Patting Yujira on the shoulder, he could feel its inner weight.
"This is a legacy. Perhaps hundreds or even thousands of years later, this spoon will meet another owner, who will also gain what you've imprinted on it. Do not mourn the passing of your kind, but feel proud of inheriting such a great legacy." Natsuhiko comforted.
Hearing this, Yujira stared at the spoon, its eyes gradually brightening.
"Yongji!" It nodded earnestly at Natsuhiko.
It is a beneficiary of the legacy, but it can also become a bearer of that legacy.
Natsuhiko patted its shoulder again, feeling gratified.
Walking through the bushy forest, the sky had already darkened, and the inherently dim forest had reduced visibility.
However, close to Breloom's territory, on the way to find Kona, Natsuhiko noticed something unusual.
Squatting down, looking at a row of messy footprints on the damp, muddy ground covered in rotting leaves, Natsuhiko furrowed his eyebrows.
Looking up in the direction the footprints led to, it was heading towards Breloom's territory.
After a brief contemplation, he put away Mudsdale, signaling the Pokémon to conceal their forms and slowly advance in the direction of the footprints.
Encountering people in the Alternate Space wasn't surprising, but from the number of footprints, it was clear this wasn't left by a single person—likely more than three people. After encountering Hoshino Ryosaki and Atuo, Natsuhiko had heightened his vigilance towards the Trainers participating in this trial.
Do not underestimate the Trainers of the Alliance; not every one of them grew up in a greenhouse. Some might resort to extreme measures.
Especially after learning about the ineffectiveness of the three Elite Four's rescue.
After a while.
As Natsuhiko approached cautiously, faint sounds of battle emerged from the distant densely wooded area.
Natsuhiko and Yujira exchanged a glance.
In their seamless momentum, Yujira activated its super sensing ability.
As the psychic power spread quickly, the scene within the distant woods unfolded in Natsuhiko's mind.
A battle was ongoing.
One of the protagonists was Kona.
However, she was up against three people.
But seeing what those three were wearing, Natsuhiko's expression turned grave.
The three were donned in uniform attire—fiery red cloak-like garments with matching hoods connected to them, each topped with two small gray horns.
The most notable detail was the "Ω" symbol imprinted on their clothes.
Just as Rocket Team has the fiery red "R" as its marker, this "Ω" signifies an underground organization.
Magma Team!
The "Ω" on their garments wasn't self-created but derived from a certain Pokémon.
The one that Natsuhiko had been searching for in this Alternate Space—the owner of those Shell Fragments.
Groudon!
Neither the regular form of Groudon nor the Original Groudon lacked the "Ω" symbol on its markings. As the formidable force pursuing Groudon, Magma Team utilized this symbol as their emblem, engraving it on their uniforms.
Conversely, the Ocean Team that Natsuhiko previously encountered also bore the "α" symbol representing Kyogre.
In this Alternate Space, supposedly a secret place sealed away by the Alliance, with three Elite Four members from different regions stationed here, how did members of Magma Team manage to enter?
Natsuhiko couldn't help but mutter a curse under his breath.
Even if the three Elite Four members failed their rescue duty, allowing members of Magma Team into the Alternate Space, who then brazenly attacked the Alliance's Trainers, was intolerable.
With Magma Team's strength, they shouldn't be able to contend with the three Elite Four members.
Especially being the seasoned Elite Four.
While Natsuhiko couldn't accurately gauge Kikuno's strength, either Genji or Agatha alone could easily overpower Flarepine.
Clearly, something outside happened that he's unaware of.
Little did he know that the origins of the incident were somewhat interconnected with him.
Given Magma Team's aim within this Alternate Space, Natsuhiko didn't have to guess—they were here for Groudon, or more specifically, the Original Groudon Shell Fragments in his possession.
Upon identifying the enemy's identity and intentions, Natsuhiko wasn't prepared to merely watch from the sidelines.
Their target was the Original Groudon Shell Fragments in his possession; there was no guarantee they wouldn't come for him eventually.
Instead of waiting for Magma Team's approach, it was better to take the initiative and eliminate a few first!
With this in mind, a chilling gleam appeared in Natsuhiko's eyes.
He slightly curled his finger, devising a simple strategy for his Pokémon.
Those Magma Team members surrounding Kona weren't precisely weak, but saying they were strong would be an overstatement.
"Move!"