Vulpix's extraordinary spiritual talent brought Roy many surprises.
But in truth, Latias felt the most joy.
'Big brother, I finally see hope of resurrecting you,' Latias thought.
With this Vulpix's exceptional spiritual talent, as long as its comprehensive evaluation reached Elite level, it would be enough to meet the requirements for the Soul Dew. This was much simpler than waiting for the birth of a Champion-level Pokémon.
Latias had waited a hundred years without finding a Psychic-type Champion Pokémon. The difficulty was unimaginable.
This was the charm of her brother's unique abilities—something hexagonal fighters couldn't understand.
Over the past century, whenever a tester appeared, Latias had cheered for them, hoping they might reach Champion level.
However, in all those years, not only had no Champion emerged, but only one Elite-level trainer like Carter had been born among the testers... barely worthy of being considered a runner-up.
Each time Latias had hoped for a Champion, each time the result was a "four-three-zero" disappointment, she had grown weary of hoping.
"This time, it truly has the most promise of producing a Champion!" Latias decided to add one more advantage.
Her eyes glowed as she released an invisible Psychic, enveloping the Pokémon egg in Roy's hands. Simultaneously, the Soul Dew floated upward and landed before Latias.
"Latias, what are you...?"
"Don't worry, I'm empowering Vulpix."
Latias exhaled streams of mist, gently wrapping around the Pokémon egg.
—Mist Ball.
Latias's exclusive move, which in the games functioned as an attacking move. But obviously, Latias, being a "Legendary," could perfectly control her unique power and transform it into a blessing, similar to Wish.
At the same time, the Soul Dew began to spin, and a beam of purple energy emerged from the depths of the gem, pouring into the Pokémon egg.
—Luster Purge.
Latios's exclusive move.
The blessings from both Legendary Pokémon perfectly merged with the creature inside the Pokémon egg. Through Roy's Aura vision, he instantly sensed that Vulpix's spiritual energy had become extraordinarily pure.
Good deeds deserve completion.
After blessing Vulpix, Latias transferred the remaining power of Mist Ball and Luster Purge to Riolu and Squirtle.
Though Riolu and Squirtle received barely a tenth of Vulpix's blessing, both gained a measure of pure psychic energy.
"This way, they can connect more smoothly with your Aura power, making it easier to capture spiritual energy," Latias explained, her voice exhausted.
Mist Ball was manageable as it belonged to her own abilities. But forcibly invoking Latios's Luster Purge from the Soul Dew had placed an enormous burden on her.
Roy hurried forward to support Latias, feeling her weakness. The debt of gratitude was mounting too high.
There was no point in merely saying thank you—remembering was what mattered most.
Roy promised, "Don't worry, Latias. I'll do everything in my power to help you revive Latios."
Latias smiled. She could sense people's hearts and naturally knew whether Roy's words were sincere.
"So, I'm going to teach Riolu and Squirtle the 'infinite' method of Calm Mind—"
Roy officially settled in the town. This small community existed within a spiritual realm. Though limited in physical size, it housed many professional trainers and naturally offered plenty of training facilities.
Roy continued coaching Riolu and Squirtle daily, occasionally seeking advice from the town's professional trainers. For Roy, a tester whom Latias favored, the professional trainers were eager to establish good relationships. They willingly shared many battle tactics and insights for Breeders with him.
Beyond regular training, Roy dedicated two hours daily to bringing Riolu and Squirtle to the temple for Latias's Calm Mind instruction. Unfortunately for Roy, humans couldn't learn the 'infinite' Calm Mind technique, so he could only gradually refine his Aura powers independently.
Meanwhile, the Carter family received a message from Professor Cole, confirming that Roy had passed the test.
"I identified the right person," Carter remarked with a slight smile. "The Aura power that Riolu demonstrated that day truly came from Roy himself. Surprisingly, he possesses a rare Aura ability among Psychic users..."
Cade stood silently beside him.
He had been humbled again.
Despite his previous loss to Roy, Cade still maintained his pride, convinced he would eventually reclaim victory.
Cade's confidence stemmed from his natural psychic abilities, along with his father's favor and teachings.
But now, his father also showed great interest in Roy, willing to teach him as well.
Even regarding psychic abilities, Roy possessed them at a level no less impressive than his own, plus the legendary Aura power.
In murals excavated from ancient ruins, there were stories of a hero called Aura Guardian who once quelled wars and saved the world with similar powers.
The Aura power was considered a world-saving ability.
This son of an Elite, who had looked down on others since birth, felt a sense of inferiority for the first time.
Pokémon strength, trainer talent, the affection of elders, psychic abilities... everything Cade had once prided himself on was now completely overshadowed.
"My child, whenever you feel like criticizing someone, remember that not everyone in this world has what you've been given," Carter said gently, looking at his son.
"Cade, your nature is kind, and you've never used your status to bully others. But you're too proud. You've never considered others as true rivals and have always looked down on your peers. I've been waiting for someone who could defeat you thoroughly... When you find yourself completely outmatched by someone, you'll face your true self."
"Now you should clearly understand your actual level when you set aside your status as an 'Elite's son'..."
"You enjoy the privileges of being an Elite's son, but what obligations should you fulfill in return?"
"Even I, an Elite, fulfill my obligations. For our region's prosperity, I've postponed retirement and continued mentoring the next generation of Breeders."
Cade stared blankly at his father.
So his father had wanted someone to humble him all along?
Was he afraid Cade would become too arrogant?
"...Dad, did you expect Roy to be this impressive?"
"How could I have predicted that?!" The Elite trainer broke character instantly, his calculated confidence vanishing as his mouth twitched. "Honestly, I don't understand how he advanced to step so quickly... I've investigated and found no supporting organizations behind him."
"I had someone else in mind who could humble you, but it wasn't him..."
"I was just as surprised when you lost, and I couldn't comprehend what happened with him at all."
"This young man is too mysterious, shrouded in fog and secrets..."
Cade complained, "You supported him so enthusiastically without knowing his background?"
"Who doesn't have secrets?" Carter smiled. "What matters is character. Though I can't see through this young man, I sense he's not ill-intentioned."
Carter's judgment was based on Roy's choice of Vulpix at the breeding house.
Roy himself never expected that his kindness toward Vulpix would become the basis for many to judge his character, and the reason why Elite Carter decided to train him.