WebNovels

Chapter 238 - Chapter 238

The Moor of Reflection—this is where the legendary Swordsman Virizion is said to have once slumbered. According to legend, Virizion awoke in the depths of this forest and began roaming the lands of Unova once again.

Guided by Bug-type Pokémon, Hikaru arrived at this hidden glade. Unlike in the games, the Moor of Reflection was quite difficult to locate. Even though Virizion had already departed, the lingering remnants of its powerful aura still hung in the air. Dozens of enormous, circular boulders lay scattered about, resembling the remnants of an ancient ruin.

Around them, dozens of softly glowing four-leaf clovers swayed in the breeze. Compared to the ordinary ones the Bug Pokémon had found elsewhere, these emitted a far brighter radiance.

Most of the Bug-type Pokémon living in other parts of the forest had never even set foot in this secluded glade. Overwhelmed with joy at the abundance of four-leaf clovers, they let out delighted cries.

From now on, this place would become the Pokémon's secret garden.

The leader of the Scolipede tribe clicked its many tiny feet and turned to Hikaru with a low chirp.

Finding so many lost four-leaf clovers was certainly worth celebrating—but something even more important awaited deeper in the glade. Look—right there!

Wait... what's that stick in your hand?

"This? It's the best magic wand in the whole forest!"

Hikaru twirled the branch from Pinwheel Forest in his fingers. It could be used to craft a "magic wand." In this world, that typically meant something like the Staff of the Aura Guardians. But in other worlds, wands had different meanings—mysterious powers.

Honestly, holding this ordinary straight stick made him feel like a Jungle Grand Mage or something. After all, wizards did exist in the Pokémon world—rare, but real.

Scolipede blinked its eyes slowly.

Its small brain couldn't keep up with such deep concepts.

Eh, whatever. That stick looks really cool, though. I wish I had one too!

That was its version of high praise.

After Hikaru entered the Moor of Reflection with the Bug Pokémon, they found no sign of Virizion, since the timeline hadn't reached the events of Black 2 and White 2. Instead, there was only a sea of radiant flowers—calm and beautiful. The mysterious forest ranger who usually informed travelers about Virizion's whereabouts was also absent.

Deep in the glade, the leader Scolipede led Hikaru to a broken stone.

The stone, dull green in color, resembled a tablet. Embedded in its top was a blooming crown of flowers that had long since fused with the stone, now inseparable. The flowers blossomed quietly—even in winter, they had not withered.

This was what the Bug Pokémon had discovered by chance. They had heard the forest's echoes—after Hikaru left the Hidden Grotto, the entire forest seemed to hum with light joy.

[Artifact (?): Dream Crown of the King]

Description: When the rift in the dream was shattered, this item emerged. No one knows when or by whom it was placed here, or what life it mourns. Legend says it once belonged to a ruler of an ancient city—or a kingdom beneath the sea. The flowers seem born of dreams, altered by cosmic stardust. Only those acknowledged by the forest may take it.

[Special Plant: Flower of Dreams]

Can be used to craft potions: Max Elixir, Max Revive (Meteorite Fragment required)

Effect 1: Coronation — When placed on a Pokémon, the crown grants special powers, nurturing life and stamina. Additional effects are unknown.

Effect 2: Friendship +100%, Legendary Affinity +100%, Recognition +70%. Pokémon influenced by Dream Fragments or Starry Energy will obey the King's commands.

Below the crown lay a dusty, cracked stone—a spherical object roughly the size of a fist.

[Artifact (?): Fantasia Keystone]

Description: A fantastical stone that fell long ago from the cosmos. Said to have descended alongside the great Dragon Meteor.

This stone shares origins with the Trial Boulder outside Pinwheel Forest and the meteorite in Nacrene Museum. Long ago, Pinwheel Forest was linked to the Forest of Connection, and the energies of the Moor of Reflection passed into this stone, giving it the same properties—able to store the will of life.

Effect: The Fantasia Keystone can imbue any Orb with natural energy and temporarily substitute for one. It resonates deeply with certain Pokémon. Similar stones exist throughout Unova, believed to be fragments of the "God Stone."

Fantasy +100%, Legend +100%, Cosmic Secrets +100%.

Fantasy increases the chances of encountering wondrous items.

Legend brings one closer to myths and builds a heroic legacy.

Cosmic Secrets reveal mysteries of the universe.

Use the Rock Principle to awaken its power!

Indeed, Hikaru sensed the voice of another world emanating from this stone.

This object didn't belong to this world—it came from another. Because Hikaru had discovered the Forest Seal Stone, the treasures hidden in the Moor of Reflection had revealed themselves.

Was the power that kept Virizion asleep born from the will of humans? Of Pokémon? Or of all life?

In the game, it's said that a Sun Stone could be found nearby. That made Hikaru start searching the area—with help from the Bug Pokémon, he indeed uncovered some clues.

The Sun Stone—like the Moon Stone—is a meteorite fallen from the cosmos. In the game, one such stone appears near the Moor of Reflection.

Meanwhile, outside Pinwheel Forest, the Trial Boulder would drop a Star Piece daily when struck by Fighting-type Pokémon. That enormous boulder seemed alive—damaged but regrowing as if living.

So Pinwheel Forest and Nacrene City must have once been a major meteorite impact zone!

Wait... that Fantasia Keystone—it kind of resembles the Dragon Stone of Reshiram and Zekrom. Could this be a piece of the "God Stone"?

"Thank you, Scolipede, and everyone else."

"May I take this with me?"

The Bug Pokémon all nodded. They sensed it wasn't from this world. The forest had already accepted Hikaru.

If left behind, it would only attract greedy humans or villains. The forest didn't need treasures—it needed peace.

To express his thanks, Hikaru used some berries to make PokéPuffs, treating the Bug Pokémon to a feast. As for the four-leaf clovers, he only picked a few—replanting the rest using a special cultivation method.

Torterra helped by enriching the soil, using Mud Shot and Earth Power to till and prepare it.

Four-leaf clovers increased Pokémon's luck, helped them find rare berries, and acted as valuable medicinal herbs. They were rare—but Hikaru cultivated a whole field in no time.

When golden, sand-like energy burst from his palm, the transplanted clovers grew at visible speed—even ordinary three-leaf ones sparkled and sprouted a fourth leaf!

"Scooll~"

The Scolipede leader watched the clovers, then looked at Hikaru, puzzled by the power he had just seen.

But in truth, very few knew of the Power of Creation. Only those from Kalos's Origin Valley lineage could channel the blessings of Arceus and enact judgment or creation like the ancients.

The Moor of Reflection was now blooming with flowers, rich in four-leaf clovers. Bug Pokémon danced with joy, and even some passing Grass Pokémon like Petilil and Cottonee joined the celebration.

A Krikatoon played music in the center. As it performed, it too began to ponder. Hikaru could read its thoughts—it and the Scolipede leader both felt a strange power stirring their minds since arriving here.

It was the energy of the land—one that encouraged thought, growth, and wisdom.

"This crown would be perfect for Miss Lilligant. It's a flower of dream and stardust, blooming from seeds left in ancient times..."

It carried a mysterious romantic charm.

Hikaru took out the crown and summoned Miss Lilligant. Surrounded by watching Pokémon, he placed the crown gently on her head.

"Dore~?"

Lilligant adjusted the crown. It formed a circular halo that fit perfectly over her original Victory Crown.

A gentle starlight flowed into her—subtle but full of joy and longing.

It felt like the crown had been waiting for her… and had finally found its rightful place.

Lilligant tilted her head in confusion—but soon smiled.

No matter what, she was happy.

She twirled her skirt and began to dance, spreading an aromatic fragrance that filled the Pokémon with cheer.

The celebration lasted a while. Eventually, some Pokémon returned to their Trainers, and the rest dispersed—this glade would now be their secret place for gatherings and ceremonies.

Thunk.

A fruit fell from a tree just before Hikaru and Torterra left with the Forest of Connection.

[Berry: Pearblossom Berry]

Description: A rare, undocumented berry not found in standard guides. Said to heal sore throats and grants special effects when given to Meloetta.

Effect: Heals throat. Boosts sound-based move power by 20%, grants immunity to Perish Song.

Can be processed into: Soothing Spray

As Hikaru and his Pokémon departed, a few Rangers and Trainers appeared, lost in the forest's maze. It was strange—even veteran Rangers who knew these paths well couldn't reach their destination.

An older Ranger finally understood.

"The forest has a will of its own. If it doesn't want us to see something, we shouldn't force it. The Pokémon will return soon… look!"

He pointed, and the others saw Hikaru surrounded by a group of Bug Pokémon. They vanished one by one into the grass, the trees around Hikaru seeming to blur and shimmer.

Ranger Bonnie spotted her Krikatoon—it held a faintly glowing blade of grass and was running toward her, while the strange human...

He was accompanied by a strangely colored Torterra, a Pokémon shaped like a great sword, a beautiful elegant Pokémon, and a Riolu perched on his shoulder.

And then... he was gone.

Bug Pokémon were sending him off. The Rangers were stunned.

"He's not blending into nature—he is nature."

"There are legends of people like that in far-off lands. Forest-blessed humans."

"That guy seemed like a leader of Bug Pokémon! Are there really Trainers like that? The world is full of wonders."

They tried to chase him—but the forest warped around them, keeping them from closing the distance. He vanished.

"Was he a ghost?"

"Don't say that—I'm scared of ghosts! But hey—my Krikatoon is back!" Bonnie knelt and gently picked up the glowing grass blade.

What kind of plant was this? She had never seen it in all her years patrolling Pinwheel Forest.

She looked at Krikatoon again. Was its body shinier? Stronger?

Did it eat something... magical?

Krikatoon pointed in the direction Hikaru had gone. The Rangers' curiosity only grew.

"If he became a Ranger, he'd be a top-class one in no time..." someone said, dialing Altano's number.

"Hello? Mr. Altano? Something amazing just happened—wait, your voice sounds good. Not depressed anymore? That's great!"

"We met an incredible Trainer in the forest, and his Pokémon—"

"What? You know him?!"

Meanwhile, other Trainers and explorers had varied experiences—some never saw Hikaru and simply found their Pokémon returning, while others briefly spotted him but lost their way trying to approach. Yet their return trips went smoothly.

"Eh?! What was that? That guy's Pokémon looked strong—I was gonna challenge him!"

A Shorts Kid scratched his head, puzzled. But his Scolipede returned, carrying a glowing four-leaf clover.

"You're back! Was your secret ceremony fun? I missed it, bummer!"

Scolipede rubbed against his leg and nodded comfortingly.

Don't worry. You missed it this time... and you'll miss it next time too.

So give up already!

"Wait… are you judging me?"

"Scoool~ (Exactly)."

"Aw, you are comforting me. I knew you cared."

"Scooool... (Not even close)."

The boy didn't care. The world was full of mysteries, and he had many adventures ahead. With his Scolipede, he dove back into the forest for more summer bug-catching.

Thunk… Thunk...

Meanwhile, the Scolipede leader guided Hikaru through an off-trail route. The trees grew sparse, bushes thickened, and rocks of all shapes filled the area.

Scolipede raised its venomous tail, pointing straight ahead.

There it was.

A massive boulder, standing atop a high hill. Just past the grass and stairs.

"Thank you," said Hikaru, pulling out a Rare Candy as thanks.

Scolipede was baffled at first—but after tasting it, it felt its powers spike instantly. Shocked, it gave Hikaru a firm nod of respect.

Good stuff. Very good stuff.

Thanks, human. Not bad at all.

Tail swaying happily, it darted back into the forest.

Hikaru and his Pokémon climbed the Trial Steps.

As in the game, they found several Fighting-type Trainers shadowboxing around the area.

"Oh! Here to train with the Trial Boulder too?" one called out cheerfully.

"Yes. A... friend asked me to come."

The "friend" was the Forest of Connection.

"The Trial Boulder in Pinwheel Forest is one of its many secrets! We Fighting Trainers and Pokémon strike it to hone our strength! It's tough—it only responds to Fighting-type moves!"

"That Riolu of yours—what a rare Pokémon!"

"I'm Kentarō! Future Champion of the Fighting-type world! I may be weak now, but just you wait!"

Despite calling Hikaru "bro," Kentarō wasn't much older—his daily training just made him look older. His partner was a Timburr.

"Yaaah!"

"Dokk!"

Timburr swung its wooden beam dramatically, trying to teach Riolu how to strike properly.

Riolu sweatdropped.

From its aura senses, this Timburr was way weaker. But its sincerity was kind of refreshing.

Even a master learns with a beginner's heart.

Riolu respectfully accepted the lesson.

Timburr beamed and—

SMACK!

Broke off a chunk of the Boulder with Rock Smash. The fragments sparkled like stars.

"This is how we do it! Sometimes you get Star Pieces—though I don't care about those. The magic is in the process. The boulder always regrows by morning!"

Kentarō stroked his chin, explaining. "Go ahead—try it! Great for training Fighting-types!"

Hikaru touched the boulder.

[Mythic Material: Trial Boulder]

Description: A colossal meteorite that fused with Unova's land, possessing life and great power. Striking its shell releases Star Pieces.

Effect: Boosts Fighting-type strength and evolution. Resonates with the "Rock Principle." Reacting to Hikaru's touch...

Use Rock Principle to awaken its might! Gain "Star Power (VSTAR)"—said to be a gift of Arceus, descended as comet energy!

Can be crafted into: Defense Charm, Strength Charm, Time Fragment (Cosmic Amulet)

Hikaru activated the Rock Principle.

The boulder responded!

In the Pokémon world, rocks are sacred.

From the Plates used by Arceus, to Mt. Coronet's temple stones, to the White Stone of thanks, Mega Evolution stones, and meteors destined to destroy the world—

This boulder held cosmic power. As it awakened to Hikaru, its energy began to pulse.

Could a Jirachi be sleeping inside? Was it ever distributed during Unova's era?

Lilligant approached. Kentarō gasped. "Whoa! What a beautiful Pokémon!"

Timburr went starry-eyed with love.

Lilligant just gave a polite smile. She knew this stone's secret. She tapped Riolu gently and focused.

Hikaru pointed.

"Together—use Rock Smash!"

Lilligant and Riolu struck together. A powerful wave of energy exploded from the boulder!

At Nacrene Museum, a meteorite in a glass case shimmered faintly.

"Hey! Assistant Director Muku! The exhibit is glowing!"

Above Nacrene, auroras rippled faintly across the sky—dim, yet breathtaking.

(End of Chapter)

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