The fireworks of Draco Meteor finally came to an end, and Zacian, the Crowned Sword, landed atop a skyscraper, its calm eyes scanning the entire city.
Although it had intercepted most of the Draco Meteors, a few had still managed to hit the ground, causing damage to the city.
Everything that was once beautiful had been abruptly destroyed.
"Truly a calamity."
In a flash of light, Zacian reverted from its Crowned Sword form, its resolve to eliminate Eternatus growing even stronger.
Zacian transformed into a blue streak of light and vanished into the horizon. Unable to sense Eternatus's presence, it naturally couldn't locate it either.
But that was fine. It had been staying in the Slumbering Weald for long enough, and now it was determined to track down Eternatus.
…
On a vast plain, Ryuu Shiro and his Gardevoir suddenly appeared.
"You've worked hard, Gardevoir. Take a rest now."
After scanning the surroundings, Ryuu Shiro took out a Poké Ball and smiled at Gardevoir.
Worried that Zacian might catch up, Gardevoir had performed over a dozen Teleports in succession.
This distance was more than enough to ensure their safety.
"Saa~nai~"
Gardevoir's ruby-like eyes narrowed into crescent moons as it wrapped its slender arms around Ryuu Shiro's waist, nuzzling its cheek against him and letting out a soft cry to express its affection.
"What a sweet child."
Ryuu Shiro chuckled and returned Gardevoir to its Poké Ball. Though he was arrogant and proud by nature, Ryuu Shiro was also a Trainer who genuinely loved Pokémon.
His bond with his main team was exceptionally close.
"Eternatus, how are your injuries?"
After confirming the direction—there seemed to be a small town in the distance—Ryuu Shiro began walking toward it, using his Dragon Clan abilities to communicate with Eternatus once more.
"That guy's strikes are as ruthless as ever. I've lost a lot of energy."
Eternatus's weak, low telepathic voice echoed in Ryuu Shiro's mind. Clearly, its battle with Zacian, the Crowned Sword, had left it heavily injured.
But that was to be expected. Eternatus's massive size made it an easy target for Zacian.
Moreover, Eternatus had endured two direct hits from Zacian's Behemoth Blade.
Even with its immense stamina and strong defenses, it was struggling to hold on.
"Shiro, I need to replenish my energy. I don't have enough left to sustain my vitality for much longer."
Eternatus then spoke to Ryuu Shiro in a low voice. It was a unique Legendary Pokémon.
To maintain its life force, it required a constant supply of energy.
The battle with Zacian had drained too much of its energy, and it needed to replenish it urgently.
Otherwise, not only would it be unable to sustain its vitality, but it might even 'starve' to death!
When it first awakened, its energy reserves were already low. Before it could absorb the energy from the Energy Plant, Zacian had arrived.
Eternatus felt utterly wronged.
"I understand. We can't return to the Energy Plant now, so we'll have to find another energy source."
Ryuu Shiro pondered for a moment. He wasn't particularly surprised.
After such a fierce battle, it was inevitable that Eternatus's energy would be depleted.
In the Galar region, the place with the most abundant energy was undoubtedly the Energy Plant.
Rose had collected a large number of Wishing Stars and Wishing Star fragments to fully revive Eternatus. These were fragments of Eternatus's body from three thousand years ago…
If it was energy they needed, the Wishing Stars were the most concentrated source.
But returning to the Energy Plant now?
Ryuu Shiro wasn't foolish. While breaking into the Energy Plant would be no challenge for him, what if Zacian hadn't gone far?
To be safe, Hammerlocke was absolutely off-limits. They couldn't return there at this stage.
That left them with no choice but to find another energy source.
"Thank you, Shiro." Eternatus nodded, expressing its gratitude to Ryuu Shiro.
What a good person! This human was truly a great person!
Eternatus was moved to tears, its fondness for Ryuu Shiro skyrocketing like a rocket.
Eternatus wasn't an inherently evil Legendary Pokémon. It had arrived on this planet twenty thousand years ago and had been quietly slumbering ever since, never causing trouble.
Three thousand years ago, it had awakened only because it was running low on energy. Acting on instinct, it began absorbing energy from the Galar region, causing the Darkest Day phenomenon.
But not only did it fail to absorb enough energy, its entire body was nearly destroyed by Zacian and Zamazenta…
It had barely survived until three thousand years later, only to be sealed away in the Energy Plant by Rose. Today, it had finally seen the light of day again, only to be beaten up by Zacian and nearly cut to pieces…
Eternatus's history was a tragic one, filled with blood and tears.
And now, this human had not only freed it but also helped it escape from the 'demon' Zacian's sword. Now, he was even willing to help it find energy.
Eternatus was deeply moved, tears streaming down its face.
"No need to thank me. I just hope that when I need your help in the future, you'll lend me your strength."
Ryuu Shiro grinned. This Eternatus, the most powerful and feared Legendary Pokémon in Galar, was unexpectedly simple-minded.
"Of course. If anyone tries to harm Shiro, I won't allow it!"
"Then let's work well together from now on, Eternatus~"
....
For Ryuu Shiro, this day was undoubtedly the most joyful one in his eighteen years of life.
Because he had obtained the Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon he had always dreamed of! And not just any Legendary—it was Eternatus, a top-tier Legendary with a base stat total exceeding a thousand after Dynamaxing!
But for some, this day was nothing short of catastrophic.
Hammerlocke City.
A robust, orange-red Charizard descended from the sky, and on its back sat a young man with purple hair.
Draped in a red champion's cape, with short stubble and a handsome, mature face, he exuded an air of unwavering reliability.
This was Leon, the undefeated Champion of the Galar region!
Since his debut, Leon's career as a Trainer had been flawless.
Yes, flawless!
Leon was the epitome of a true prodigy. He debuted at the age of sixteen and, within just a year, claimed the Champion Cup, becoming the Galar region's Champion!
To rise to the rank of Champion as a rookie in just one year was Leon's most outstanding achievement.
And after becoming Champion, Leon never grew complacent or lazy. He understood the weight of his responsibilities.
He dutifully safeguarded the peace of the Galar region and treated every challenger with absolute respect, giving his all in every battle.
It was this admirable attitude, coupled with his gentle personality off the battlefield, that made Leon the most beloved star in Galar, earning him the title of the Undefeated Champion.
But now, the Champion known for his calm demeanor wore an unusually grave expression.
"Charizard, return for now."
Leaping down from Charizard, Leon patted his longtime partner's arm and returned it to its Poké Ball.
After surveying the nearby ruins, Leon's expression darkened. He had rushed back from the Crown Tundra after noticing Oleana's urgent message.
But by the time he saw the message, it was already too late. Despite traveling nonstop, he didn't reach Hammerlocke until nightfall.
The devastation before him weighed heavily on Leon's heart, filling him with guilt.
At the moment when he was most needed, he hadn't been there, and Hammerlocke had suffered this tragedy.
"What exactly happened?"
But Leon quickly composed himself and walked into the building ahead, where Oleana and Raihan were waiting.
Without wasting time, Leon asked in a serious tone.
Raihan remained silent, his usual lively demeanor completely absent. His face and eyes were dull, devoid of their usual spark.
"Team Rocket. A member named Shiro infiltrated the Energy Plant. He's incredibly strong."
Oleana's expression was dark and grim as she spoke, her voice cold.
"Just one person? Raihan couldn't handle him?" Leon's frown deepened.
Team Rocket was an infamous organization from the distant Kanto region. Leon had heard some things about them.
"I'm sorry. I was useless."
Raihan's voice was low and hoarse. He was consumed by guilt. If only he had been stronger.
Then Hammerlocke wouldn't have been destroyed like this. And if it hadn't been for Zacian's intervention…
"…??"
Leon stared at his friend Raihan in shock. This wasn't the same Raihan who always bounced back from defeat with unyielding determination.
Noticing Raihan's unusual state, Leon glanced at Oleana.
Oleana shook her head at Leon. She had tried to comfort Raihan, but it was clear that the Team Rocket member and the day's events had dealt him a severe blow.
He had completely shut down. There was nothing she could do but let him recover on his own.
"Team Rocket, huh…" Leon clenched his fists, a rare fire burning in his eyes.
They had destroyed Hammerlocke, left so many citizens homeless, and reduced his friend Raihan to this state!
Damn it!
"We'll discuss the details once the Chairman arrives. I've already contacted him, and he'll be back in Galar by tomorrow morning."
Pursing her lips, Oleana closed her eyes and rubbed her temples wearily. It wasn't just Raihan; today's events had also taken a heavy toll on her.
To Oleana, Rose, who had discovered her potential, was her guiding light. But this time, she had even lost Eternatus, the foundation of Rose's dream.
Oleana couldn't imagine how she would face Rose tomorrow.
…
The night passed quickly.
After a good night's sleep, Ryuu Shiro left the town. At the town's entrance, a girl with a cool demeanor stood quietly, as if waiting for something.
Her jet-black hair was tied into two braids with red ribbons, and her face was exquisitely cute. She wore a pink dress with a black jacket over it.
Her slender, straight legs were eye-catching.
"You're late."
Hearing footsteps, the black-haired girl turned her gaze to Ryuu Shiro. Her emerald-green eyes flickered slightly as she spoke in a flat, emotionless tone.
Her voice was clear and pleasant, but like her expression, it lacked any inflection.
"Marnie, I've told you before. The 'emotionless' trope is cute, but you're seventeen now. You're not a kid anymore."
Ryuu Shiro raised an eyebrow and walked up to the black-haired girl, Marnie. Ignoring her furrowed brows, he mischievously ruffled her hair and teased her.
Marnie's eye twitched, and her slender, pale hands clenched into fists.
"You jerk! How many times have I told you not to touch my hair!"
"I spent half an hour styling it!"
For a moment, the air was still, and then the girl's furious 'roar' echoed.