Although the Alpaca's creation myths told of wars with certain "giants," it was clear those giants were not of the Titan lineage of the Colossal King, Regigigas.
Regigigas and its kin seemed more like beings sent into the world by Arceus, entrusted with the mission of separating the land.
And Hikaru confirmed one thing—
The Regigigas of this world were indeed just like in the games: spread across multiple regions.
There wasn't just one!
Of course, the most special remained the one in Snowpoint Temple.
But even so, the one here in Mount Ross was not to be underestimated!
This Colossal King of Unova once stood against the Dragon God of the Path. Though it was defeated, it was a loss with honor! That kind of monster was never something ordinary Pokémon could handle in the first place.
After all, that Dragon God still could not manifest even now!
Even with the DNA Splicers as a fusion catalyst, the Tao Dragons could not return to their ancient form.
It was hard to say—perhaps something was still missing.
Hikaru began repairs on the Colossal King.
Polishing, maintenance, restoration—while channeling the power of the Giant's Heart and the Vortex of the Heart into its body.
Regigigas felt the changes.
Huh? You're using the energy I gave you… on me?
[But surely this won't work…]
"No. It will work."
This was Connected Crafting: a cultivation, repair, and modification process tailored to each Pokémon.
Rather than "craftsmanship," it was better described as a way of applying the Power of Release.
Regigigas truly resembled some kind of giant machine.
Unlike the three Regi pillars, its body's composition could not be identified as any known substance. But at the very least, it was not flesh and blood.
Then again, strange Pokémon were nothing unusual.
Even actual mechanical Pokémon existed in the world.
Hikaru pulled out a small hammer and began knocking around.
Dong, dong, dong…
Black stripe-like lines ran across the Colossal King's body like pipelines—on its head, waist, back, and all four limbs, angular zigzagging patterns were carved.
These lines were one reason it looked mechanical. They were not only vital components of its power, but perhaps mysterious runes as well.
On its head and legs grew patches of green vegetation.
That meant the Colossal King had ties to natural life as well.
It carried a striking resemblance to the giant robots from Laputa: Castle in the Sky.
And if it contained organic parts, then Hikaru's plant-cultivation methods would work on it too.
Of course, if one saw the Colossal King as a living ruin, then all of Hikaru's ancient restoration techniques would also apply—allowing it to better channel natural energies suited for Pokémon growth.
It was said that the patterns and spirits of the legendary giants were once carved into stone, resonating with the power of nature.
To restore this, ancient crystals were needed.
"Oh, Hikaru, what are you doing there?"
Boss Clay was drawn over by the noise.
Others turned to watch as well.
Hikaru said, "I'm giving the Colossal King a round of maintenance and repair. It'll be done soon."
"Adjusting its runic patterns, repairing the body, polishing, sanding, and charging it."
"Watering and catalyzing its vegetation."
"Infusing its frame with power and… pouring heart into its spirit."
He treated the Colossal King as a crafted masterpiece, injecting the Vortex of the Heart—long-buried memories and emotions—into its form.
Golden light of Creation appeared in Hikaru's hands.
Though faint, within this underground ruin, his power surged by virtue of being the Last King of the Ancients.
Moss-like vegetation covering Regigigas absorbed this creation energy as it catalyzed their growth.
Hikaru even spread special soil across its legs and crown. Soon, the soil dissolved into the body.
[Precious Material: Mesozoic Thriving Vegetation]
[Description: Some of the oldest plants in the world, symbiotic with the Colossal King, forming part of its body.]
[Effect: Eternal Verdancy—ancient plants that thrive by absorbing nature's energy, greatly enhancing resilience, allowing them to survive in any environment without ever being destroyed.]
Come to think of it… didn't these plants count as crystallized grass essence themselves?
If crafted from these, one might even create Regi-Flora, a Grass Regi!
"Repairing the Colossal King? Don't make it sound like a machine!"
Boss Clay chuckled, then added: "By the way, I suddenly feel curious about my ancestors' history."
Hikaru smiled. "Do you want to hear it? It's not even that ancient. A long time ago, we were all one people."
Skyla tilted her head. "Boss Clay, are you two speaking in code?"
Boss Clay burst into laughter, refusing to answer.
At that moment, Regigigas suddenly felt its body shifting.
Long ago, the people of the Ancient Castle had also performed such protective maintenance for it. That power was the Power of Release.
Adjusting the black runes across its body was like realigning its power—something even Regigigas itself could not fully comprehend.
Its Slow Start ability had lingered ever since it channeled its might into the world.
Once, it could override this limitation. But after being defeated by the Dragon God of the Path, the ability began to affect it constantly.
It always needed time to get going. Its broken body could no longer summon its old strength.
Me, Slow Start… You tell me, am I not supposed to be anxious?!
And now—thanks to this careful repair by the Last King—it was as though the power it had lost so long ago had returned!
Connection established!
That familiar sensation—it was the power of the Entralink Tree?
This special restoration involved mysterious runes. Regigigas felt Hikaru carving something into its form, embedding auxiliary tools into its body.
They were fragments of stars.
[I feel it—the call of great power, and the voices of Pokémon!]
[Abilities… the unique powers each Pokémon possesses.]
"I used one Ancient Crystal, one Release Orb, and several Star Fragments as external power cores. I reshaped the black rune-lines, carved new inscriptions, polished and restored, and re-cultivated the Mesozoic plants!"
"All done! Now, please feel your new strength!"
｛Regigigas is filled with the power of nature—its Ability has changed! Slow Start has disappeared!｝
｛Regigigas's full might has been restored!｝
Regigigas could now sense the presence of surrounding Pokémon—their existence pressed in on it so strongly, it was impossible to ignore.
Natural waves resonated, tuning frequencies. The Colossal King began to perceive the very abilities of Pokémon!
So, if the Power of Release could link it—
"The black rune-slots exist on the two arms, two legs, and torso. That makes five.
Theoretically, it can connect with five Pokémon, record their abilities, and by channeling natural force, simulate them—replacing Slow Start entirely."
The inscriptions across its body glowed as it reached out to nearby Pokémon with abilities akin to its former power!
Its right hand unlocked. Its left hand unlocked. Its left leg unlocked. Its right leg unlocked. Regigigas itself unlocked!
Nature's power surged into it.
Colossal energy revived once more!
Huge Power, Adaptability, Filter, Intimidate, Pressure, Regenerator…
A multitude of abilities swirled, waiting for Regigigas to choose!
Its long-lost strength…!
After suffering for so many years, the very first ability Regigigas chose to invoke was—
It searched nearby Pokémon, found the power it needed, and replaced its own.
Huge Power, Filter—those were once part of itself already. No rush to reclaim them.
The very first one it chose was—
Ability: Speed Boost!
Me, Slow Start—how could I not be anxious?
But now—
I am Regigigas, the Swift Warrior!
(End of Chapter)
[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"]
[Every 500 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]