CHAPTER 686: SPECIAL TRAINING BEFORE DISASTER! SUDDEN TORRENTIAL RAIN (3/3)

Hoenn region, Kanaz City.

Forty-eight hours had passed since that legendary giant stone disappeared.

And only seventeen days remained before the colossal meteor would arrive.

Steven decided to find the right moment to inform Wallace of the situation and present a plan:

Have the successor travel to the Sky Pillar and form a bond with Rayquaza. Using the Prismatic Meteor’s energy to perform the “Final Touch,” they could harness Mega Rayquaza’s power to shatter the colossal meteor!

That was only Plan A. Under the premise of a secret assignment, Devon Corporation’s energy division also offered related suggestions.

Plan B.

That department believed the Prismatic Meteor was a living entity with independent consciousness, which explained why it vanished from Meteor Falls via spatial migration.

Inspired by King AZ’s ultimate weapon from Kalos, the living energy of the Prismatic Meteor could be used to extract Infinite Energy—‘∞ Energy’.

∞ Energy, used as the core of a dimensional transfer device, mounted on the rocket at Greenridge Universe Center, could be launched to teleport the colossal meteor to another dimension!

This “teleport the meteor” idea was wild and fantastical. Rumor had it that the scientists drew inspiration from Teacher Lu—

If Dark Void can teleport a warship, then a dimensional wormhole could reasonably teleport a meteor too!

But no one could guarantee that the world the meteor was sent to would be lifeless. Even if one world was saved, another world might perish before the colossal meteor!

The plan remained unresolved, but regardless, the premise was to locate the vanished Prismatic Meteor.

August 10, Tuesday.

Steven met the Ultimate Granny, who had traveled all the way from the Sevii Islands, in a coastal cave north of Kanaz City.

The Ultimate Granny held a tin staff with a golden ring shaped like a wheel attached to it, its appearance strongly reminiscent of Arceus.

This modest-looking old woman was one of the mentors who taught the “Final Technique,” and even Red, Green, and the Cerulean City girl had been her students.

“You brought me here to discuss the disaster in a fortnight’s time, didn’t you, Mr. Steven?” the Ultimate Granny rasped. She had interpreted the murals left by the Meteor People and learned of the foretold catastrophe.

“That’s right.” Steven frowned and nodded. “I can’t handle that disaster alone. The immediate priority is to recover the Prismatic Meteor the moment it reappears!”

Steven’s expression grew grave. “For that, I need more helpers, and I need you to give them special training!”

The Ultimate Granny’s eyes flicked to the cave mouth. “Ruby, Sapphire, Alain… are those three young people the helpers you’ve chosen?”

“There’s actually also Manon,” Steven said with a smile. “But her Chespin hasn’t fully evolved yet, so I won’t trouble her.”

“At a time like this, don’t joke around!” the Ultimate Granny said indignantly. “Also… how are you sure one of them can pass the test and become Rayquaza’s recognized successor?”

“Because… the Sky Pillar’s barrier seems to have an age limit.”

Steven frowned. “I once heard Mr. Qianli mention that a special energy field and narrow terrain prevented him from entering the Sky Pillar. Ruby and the others are my favored juniors… I believe in their abilities!” 𝖗ἁƝȱβĘȘ

The Ultimate Granny grumbled, “But with only half a month left, even if they win Rayquaza’s approval, what if the meteor refuses to appear?”

“It won’t.” Steven lifted his gaze toward the looming storm clouds. “There were energy fluctuations from the meteor about thirty kilometers east of Kanaz City’s coast. It should manifest within these three days.”

“Three days?” the Ultimate Granny exclaimed. “What kind of special training can you possibly do in three days!”

“I will train with you.” Steven smiled. “Anyway… just make Ruby and the others more familiar with Mega Evolution and the Final Technique!”

“That Alain kid looks a bit overage, doesn’t he?” the Ultimate Granny murmured. “But his Charizard handles Blast Burn well… that’s commendable.”

Steven put his hands in his pockets and watched the sky.

In truth, Steven had an uneasy premonition…

The Prismatic Meteor’s terrifying energy might even trigger a struggle between Groudon and Kyogre!

Even so… I must save all of Hoenn from them.

Steven’s gaze hardened as he murmured softly:

“If only Wallace and Teacher Lu were here…”

**

Near the beach, Ruby, Alain, and the others learned that Steven would be giving them special training.

Meanwhile, Ash was training on Mt. Silver under Green’s guidance.

“Do I really have to carry such heavy luggage?!” Ash, carrying a pack as big as a small mountain, flared his nostrils and trudged behind step by step.

“What exactly is in this, Master Green?” Ash asked.

Green, draped in a cloak, walked calmly ahead.

“Excadrill’s protective gear, Pinsir’s wooden stakes… you’ll know once you reach Mt. Silver’s summit.”

“But—”

“There is no ‘but.’ I am tempering you as a trainer, not your Pokémon!” Green snorted.

Ash stopped complaining and gasped for breath as he followed, whispering, “Is Red not on Mt. Silver today?”

“Hmm… he’s planning a trip to Hoenn.” Green replied absentmindedly.

“What about A-Jin senior?”

“A-Jin?” Green gave a cold chuckle. “He probably tricked Red into going on a date with Yellow so he could escape Red’s training.”

At that, Ash pictured A-Jin’s mischievous grin as he cheerfully slid down Mt. Silver.

“Seems like that’s exactly what happens.” Ash smiled awkwardly.

“Anyway, Ash.”

Green walked ahead, speaking to himself, “The strength of your team is already very valuable.”

“But trainers must not rely on Pokémon;

instead, Pokémon should be able to rely on their trainer.”

Green paused, “With Teacher Lu’s ability, borrowing your Unova team could even win the Vertress Conference… do you understand?”

Ash was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“Maybe that tournament format isn’t best for you.”

Green looked up at the summit of Mt. Silver. “But if you want to become a Pokémon Master, this is a path you must walk.”

Turning, he glanced at the sparks of determination in Ash’s eyes and said calmly, “The next tournament will be held in Miare City… good luck, Ash.”

**

August 13, Wednesday.

Lu Ye stood at the doorstep of Manchong’s house to say goodbye while Manchong’s parents sent him off enthusiastically.

“Thank you for taking care of Manchong, Teacher Lu…”

“This child has always been introverted, but he has become much more cheerful recently!”

Soft-spoken and taciturn, Manchong stood between his parents, unsure what to say, so he offered a shy smile.

“Manchong will become an excellent trainer,” Lu Ye said with a smile. “I’ve always believed that.”

Maybe he could not be compared with Ruby or Sapphire.

But Teacher Lu would be proud of Manchong as his student.

Manchong’s parents exchanged a look, relief and pride showing in their eyes.

Having declined their repeated invitations to a send-off banquet, Lu Ye walked through fragrant fields at dusk in high spirits.

Darkrai hid within Lu Ye’s shadow, a thread of frustration across his features.

I actually thought that guy had real trouble…

But in fact, he prepared by calling back the bodyguard and making sure the energy cubes aren’t extra charges!

Speaking of which.

Darkrai glanced at Latias floating beside Lu Ye, feeling complicated.

In just a few days, this kid had once again attracted a Legendary Pokémon to accompany him…

“Home visits finished… next I’ll go to Devon Corporation to pick up flight equipment.”

Lu Ye stretched and chuckled, “Seems like nothing major happened!”

“Teacher Lu!”

Lu Ye turned and saw the frail green-haired boy running toward him, out of breath.

“Manchong.” Lu Ye said, “Slow down, take your time.”

“Just now, when my parents were here, I couldn’t say it.”

Manchong panted, trying to compose himself. “I want to speak to you alone, Teacher Lu.”

“Of course.” Lu Ye smiled.

“I’m not a genius like Ruby;

I can never catch up to him, but I will work hard to be an excellent trainer—”

Manchong shouted with all his might, “I am Teacher Lu’s student… so I won’t let you down!”

In the golden dusk, a quiet, peaceful scent of flowers wafted by.

Lu Ye put a hand on Manchong’s shoulder and smiled.

“You’re my proudest student… Manchong. So I believe in you.”

Not everyone in this world was born with superior conditions.

Teacher Lu trusted each of his students and was proud of them.

Manchong nodded vigorously, waved to Lu Ye, and forced out, “Passing through the Greenshade Tunnel gets you to Kanaz City… Teacher Lu, goodbye!”

Lu Ye nodded gently and turned to leave. Latias sent a telepathic comment beside him.

“He sounded like he was about to sniffle.” Latias said softly.

“What’s wrong?”

“You won’t console him?” Latias tilted her head.

“Sometimes a good cry is more useful than pretending to be strong.” Lu Ye smiled.

“I don’t understand.” Latias shook her head, then added, “I won’t sniffle though.”

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.

Got it—two onions for tonight’s dinner!

**

After passing through the Greenshade Tunnel, the metropolis of Kanaz City rose before them.

The landmark Devon Tower was visible at a glance, its glass façade glittering and reflecting sunlight.

“This place is even grander than Geocity...” Lu Ye murmured.

Unfamiliar with the area, Lu Ye decided to call Steven.

But Steven’s PokéNav line was busy.

At that moment, people on both sides of the road began to quicken their steps and then ran forward, jostling one another.

Amid the chaotic footsteps, the Rotom Pokédex hovered before Lu Ye and started broadcasting a news clip.

[Breaking news: An unidentified meteor has appeared in the sea near Kanaz City, accompanied by heavy rainfall. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and avoid going outside...]

Lu Ye froze slightly and watched the footage.

A meteor shimmered with multicolored rainbow light, hovering above the sea like a coveted treasure!

A chill ran through Lu Ye as he glanced at the sky, which turned ink-dark in an instant with lightning streaking across and thunder exploding!

Rumble—!

“Teacher Lu!”

Steven’s call finally connected, his voice unusually anxious.

“Are you in Hoenn? I have something important to discuss with you!”

Lu Ye drew in a deep breath, feeling his chest tighten and his eyes sting.

What had to happen had finally come!

Lu Ye: “...I’m right below your building.”

Steven: ???