"Black of House Hulbury, are you saying that those two Pokémon fell alongside the meteorite?"
Sordward's voice rang out sharply, his brows furrowed in disbelief. The implications were staggering.
A powerful existence from beyond the stars—if such beings harbored ill intent, they could pose an unimaginable threat to the Galarian Kingdom.
It was already difficult enough to guard against human enemies—but now they had to consider threats from the heavens as well?
As heir to House Cavendish, Sordward could not allow such a threat to linger. His family was Galar's sharpest blade, forged to cut down any who endangered the kingdom.
This was no longer just about commissioning a sword and shield. He needed to uncover the truth about these two Pokémon. Perhaps that was his true purpose in coming here.
"Maybe," Black replied, shaking his head. "It happened a long time ago. It's possible those Pokémon were merely drawn to the meteorite rather than arriving with it."
"You're right…" Sordward exhaled, forcing himself to calm down. "But regardless of their origin, they are undeniably powerful, aren't they?"
"Absolutely." Black's answer was firm.
Summer remained silent, his thoughts racing.
At first, he had assumed the two streaks of light seen during the meteorite's fall were Zacian and Zamazenta, their red and blue fur reflecting the glow. But now, he wasn't so sure.
How could mere villagers have identified the exact colors of a falling meteor? Wouldn't they have described it more vaguely—simply as a bright light, or a fiery blaze?
Perhaps… there was another answer—one that only Zacian and Zamazenta themselves could reveal.
"I understand now," Sordward said, refocusing on Summer. "And your question for us?"
Summer nodded, his gaze steady. "Tell me—what do you know about House Howard?"
The moment the name left his lips, Sordward's expression changed dramatically.
"Howard?!" His shock was evident, but he quickly composed himself. "…I apologize for my reaction. That was improper of me."
Taking a breath, he answered, "House Howard stands as one of the most prestigious families in the Galarian Kingdom—equal in status to House Cavendish. The current Chancellor of Galar hails from their lineage."
"House Cavendish wields the sword," he continued, "while House Howard wields the pen. Together, they serve as the two pillars of Galar's defense."
Summer's eyes narrowed slightly. "Can you tell me more?"
Sordward hesitated.
He wasn't sure how much he should reveal. Summer's strength was evident, and if his intentions were unclear, sharing too much could put Galar at risk.
Sensing his young master's uncertainty, Fowler stepped in smoothly. "Perhaps I can share a few stories about House Howard," the old butler suggested. "Some lighthearted tales, nothing of consequence."
Sordward nodded in approval. If these small anecdotes were enough to satisfy Summer, then that was ideal.
"That's fine with me," Summer agreed easily.
Fowler stroked his chin thoughtfully. "House Howard may be known for their administrative duties now, but in their family records, they claim to be descendants of dragon slayers."
"Dragon slayers?" Summer repeated, intrigued.
"Indeed," Fowler continued. "According to legend, a great ancestor of House Howard was an extraordinary young man—pale-skinned, with brilliant blue eyes, a love for flowers, and a penchant for wearing a beret-like crown."
Summer's breath hitched.
A beret-like crown?
Why did that description sound so familiar?
That wasn't a noble's headpiece. It was something far more ancient…
The Crown of Calyrex.
Could it be that House Howard's ancestor was somehow connected to Calyrex?
"Is something the matter, Sir Summer?" Fowler paused, noticing the flicker of shock in his eyes.
Summer quickly shook his head. "It's nothing. Please, continue."
Fowler nodded. "This young man was said to have worn a pale cloak and rode upon a magnificent Pokémon resembling a steed. This Pokémon could command both blizzards and spirits, and it was the young man's most trusted companion."
Summer clenched his fists.
A horse-like Pokémon that wielded ice and spectral energy…
There was no doubt about it.
Glastrier. Spectrier.
This was Calyrex's steed.
"Around that time," Fowler continued, "a crimson dragon descended upon Galar, bringing chaos and destruction. And with it came an army of giants, monstrous beings that served as its minions."
The "crimson dragon"—could it be…?
Eternatus.
And the giants…
Gigantamax Pokémon.
Summer's pulse quickened.
Was this the real story behind the Darkest Day?
"Faced with this crisis," Fowler went on, "the young man and his Pokémon did not hesitate. He took up a spear and rode into battle, striking down the dragon himself. With their leader slain, the giants scattered in fear, never again daring to set foot in Galar."
"And that," Fowler concluded, "is why House Howard claims the title of Dragon Slayers. Their crest is said to depict the very steed that fought alongside their ancestor."
Sordward scoffed. "Tch. Typical of those bookish bureaucrats to invent such grand tales. A dragon-slaying scholar? Give me a break."
Fowler cleared his throat loudly before leaning in to murmur, "Sordward, my lord, you would do well to keep such opinions to yourself. The walls of Wyndon have ears."
"I know, I know," Sordward muttered, waving him off. "I'm just saying it's nonsense." He turned to Summer. "Wouldn't you agree, Sir Summer? …Sir Summer?"
Summer didn't respond.
Because in his mind, everything was falling into place.
A white-cloaked figure wielding a spear.
A horse Pokémon capable of controlling ice and spirits.
A crimson dragon leading an army of giants.
It wasn't House Howard's ancestor who fought that battle.
It was Calyrex.
And the "spear" wasn't a weapon—it was Calyrex's own Ice Lance.
The giants hadn't fled in fear—they had simply lost their Dynamax energy after Eternatus was defeated.
The entire legend had been distorted over time, just like the tale of the Hero Twins.
People once believed that two brave trainers had driven away the Darkest Day—when in reality, it had been Zacian and Zamazenta.
Just like them, Calyrex had been erased from his own legend.
And yet… House Howard still carried fragments of his legacy.
Had they once known the truth?
Had their ancestor witnessed Calyrex's battle firsthand?
Summer took a deep breath.
One thing was certain.
If Calyrex had once fought Eternatus…
Then his power might be the key to stopping it again.