For some reason, today the renovation crew arrived unusually fast.

The Timburrs busied themselves clearing rubble;

when they passed Pupitar they shrank back and trembled.

"Bangii~ (￣～￣)" Pupitar glanced left and right, occasionally picking up a chip of stone and crunching it.

Back in the front hall.

"I told you so." Cynthia pointed at the Rotom screen showing Lu Ye raising both claws as if trying to intimidate, and laughed, "That's adorable."

Lu Ye gave an embarrassed chuckle.

Next time before using a Z-Move, you should shut Little Rotom down first!

What had been an only slightly awkward Dark Z pose looked like a whole new flavor through the screen.

Lu Ye had already, with his toes, tapped out the layout of the two-bedroom unit and, clenching his fist, cleared his throat: "Regardless of the choreography, purely in terms of power... it can rival the starter trio's ultimate moves."

"Maybe even stronger."

Cynthia's expression sobered;

her eyes flickered. "And Z-Moves don't have stiff recovery;

they can link into follow-up attacks—you could even use a Water Z to empower Blastoise's Hydro Cannon!"

Lu Ye: "Performing a seaweed dance Water Z in public…"

Cynthia: "Saying it like that… I can kind of see why there weren't any male trainers using Water Z at the World Championships."

"I'm planning to tweak the Dark Z movement."

Lu Ye pondered: "The essence of Z power is also wave motion, so I can use Aura to slightly modify the original motion."

"For example?" Cynthia asked.

"For example, changing Dark Z from raising both hands to raising just one."

Lu Ye brightened, letting out a light sigh. "Too bad there's only a Z-Ring, not a Z-belt..."

The Z pose was indeed awkward, but if you added a belt—

For some reason, Teacher Lu could suddenly accept the Z pose!

In terms of power, that earlier Dark Z "Black Hole Eclipse" rivaled Mega Blastoise's "Hydro Cannon."

Because its area was enormous, it could even have surprising effects against huge Legendary Pokémon.

Lu Ye sank into thought.

Once Blastoise masters the "Core Disturbance" hidden in the indigo shard, that should be the moment it becomes a 'battle legend.'

Haunter's breakthrough lay in the Reversal Power, and in deeply exploring the "Dark Void" move.

Dark Z "Dark Void" had even produced a Planetary Devastation special effect… none of this made scientific sense!

Oh well, if it doesn't make sense, so be it…

Lu Ye looked up at the sky.

Red's Snorlax that withstood a high-speed train, Pikachu that struck down Primal Kyogre with thunder—those weren't things science could always explain either…

...

The suddenly appearing meteor caused quite a stir in Miare City.

But no one dug too deep;

after all, there had been too many scandals lately to keep up with them all.

The next day.

The courtyard renovation was finished.

As planned, Steven would visit in the afternoon to discuss the specifics of the "mining" trip.

Since it was Monday, Bamboo Lan had to return to the Sinnoh League to continue her duties as champion.

"So troublesome…" Cynthia sighed lightly. "How does Wallace manage working overtime while also hosting such glamorous tournaments?"

Lu Ye thought of Steven grinding for twenty-two straight days and couldn't help but exclaim:

"Maybe Hoenn trainers are all made of sheer endurance!"

"I remember… Steven's coming for tea this afternoon?"

"Mm."

Because the trip to the Mineral Kingdom concerned the ring Lu Ye planned to use to propose to Mengmengda, he kept that hidden for now and only said he had invited Steven for afternoon tea.

Cynthia narrowed her eyes. "You seem to have traveled more with Steven than you have with me?"

Lu Ye was momentarily stunned.

Think about it carefully—it seemed true!

He'd traveled with Steven to save the World Tree, to quell the strife between Kyogre and Primal Groudon.

Both were long, drawn-out events.

But he'd also gone through White Poplar Town and Michina with Mengmengda… the difference wasn't that big.

Lu Ye cleared his throat: "Maybe Steven retired, and he has plenty of free time, creating that impression."

"Is that so?" Cynthia paused and looked thoughtful.

Lu Ye nodded earnestly.

It was easy to understand—Ash had spent far more time with Clemont than with Serena!

"Forget it…" Cynthia fell into indecision. "What should I ask for when we next meet? A men's cologne from Celadon City? Autumn clothes from Miare?"

"I want one hug from you," Lu Ye said plainly.

"You can have it right now." Cynthia smiled faintly.

"…There are still guests. How about we go inside?" Lu Ye scratched his cheek.

Cynthia gave him a look, then turned and said, "Let's go, Garchomp—"

"Goodbye, little ones." Cynthia's grey eyes flickered.

For a moment, Victini, Meloetta, Latias… the little ones circled around the smiling Cynthia and bade her a reluctant farewell.

Lu Ye rubbed his chin. "Our relationship has gotten better, haven't you noticed, Garchomp?"

"Chrah? (〝▼皿▼)" Garchomp gave him a sidelong crimson stare.

Nope, not at all.

...

As afternoon approached, cottonwood fluff drifted through the streets—there was a faint touch of autumn in the air.

Cynthia mounted Garchomp and returned to the Sinnoh League to continue her champion duties.

Steven had passed the champion title to Wallace because the duties were so cumbersome.

Among champions, Lance's tasks were also arduous, needing to cover Kanto and Johto while combating crime.

Karine's duties were hard too—she was busy filming…

There were no customers in the shop;

Haunter was tidying up, Ducklett was sleeping, Arcanine lay on its side baring teeth in a yawn.

Lu Ye bent down to rub Arcanine's warm belly;

the dog squinted contentedly.

"Ka-may!" Blastoise warned cautiously.

"Oh… a guest."

The wind chime rang.

A blue-haired man in a black suit and red tie, smiling, stepped in.

"Sorry to bother you, Teacher Lu."

"No bother." Lu Ye said. "Maybe a gathering of champions is too overwhelming;

that keeps customers away."

Steven gave a dry laugh. "Wasn't that expected?"

Lu Ye nodded.

The café wasn't meant for profit;

like the previous Sunburst Café set up by Flare, it was a place for group members to chat.

"Where's Cynthia?" Steven asked.

"She returned to the Sinnoh League," Lu Ye said. "Perfect timing—we can talk carefully about the Mineral Kingdom!"

They sat at opposite ends of the couch. Haunter carried a tray, handed over two cups of coffee, and chuckled, "Gengarrr!"

Steven thanked him politely and felt moved.

Trainers' partners each had their own personalities.

Proud Milotic, disdainful Garchomp… Teacher Lu's Haunter could perhaps only be described as 'cute.'

"By the way, Steven," Lu Ye asked about the mysterious girl from their last Hoenn trip. "Where is Zinnia now?"

"After my father apologized, she returned to the Meteor Village and reconciled with her people…" Steven's eyes flickered. "Her will is not inferior to Ruby or Saphira;

she was also a girl who carried her past heavy on her shoulders."

Lu Ye nodded thoughtfully.

To break free from a vengeance-driven mission and pursue the dreams befitting her age…

Like the Magma team's ember goose, that was the best ending for them.

"About the Mineral Kingdom itinerary…" Lu Ye pressed his palms together. "Steven, have you heard of Diancie?"

"Hmm… no."

"What about mutated individuals among the Carbink?"

"I have heard Professor Birch mention it." Steven nodded. "Unlike shiny Pokémon, a mutated individual in a population can become an entirely new Pokémon."

"For example…" Steven hesitated, "King AZ's Eternal Flower."

"The ones we're looking for are mutated Carbink individuals—Diancie."

Lu Ye frowned. "We even… have to protect her to keep her safe."

In the movie "Cocoon of Destruction and Diancie," Diancie was coveted by multiple forces and ultimately grew into Mega Diancie capable of forging the Eternal Diamond.

Even if they couldn't obtain the diamond, Lu Ye still wanted protecting Diancie to be the primary mission.

"Why do you know so much about Carbink?" Steven asked curiously.

"Because I'm also a mineral mystery, haha!" Lu Ye laughed, lacking confidence.

Steven's eyes brightened slightly.

Indeed, the Pokémon Company's "Gold Miner" was produced by Teacher Lu himself!

"I'll keep an eye out for collectibles during the trip, Steven," Lu Ye said.

Steven: "But… I've only heard rumors of the Mineral Kingdom. Where exactly would we find it?"

Lu Ye's Power of Transcendence could sense spacetime anomalies in the Kalos region and was about to answer when the wind chime rang again.

An unexpected guest arrived.

Lu Ye and Steven looked up at the same time.

A woman with purple hair, wheat-colored skin, draped in a silver cloak patterned with starlight, wore large silver rings on her hands and neck.

Lu Ye was slightly stunned.

The curator of Geosenge, the psychic prophet—Olympia?

"Teacher Lu, I am Geosenge curator Olympia. Sorry for the abrupt intrusion."

Olympia frowned. "But I've had a premonition… and I must explain it to you in person!"

Lu Ye's mood turned complex.

Last time she had foreseen the revival of Kyogre and Groudon.

History had an uncanny way of repeating itself…

This time it seemed likely two Legendary Pokémon might soon awaken again!

Lu Ye sighed lightly. "Please sit. Haunter, pour the guest a cup of water."

"Gengarrr!"

"No trouble… This is Mr. Steven, correct?" Olympia's eyes flickered.

"Yes, curator Olympia." Steven nodded. "What is this premonition you mentioned?"

Steven had heard whispers about Kalos's "prophet" Olympia.

A month ago she had foretold the arrival of the Prismatic Meteor and the colossal meteor;

no one believed her at the time.

Because of that, Steven treated Olympia with unusual respect.

"Not a future written in the stars, but an insignificant precognitive dream…" Olympia shook her head. "In the lifeless Orus Forest I dreamed of a black cocoon in the night, pulsing like a heartbeat."

"Additionally, I saw a majestic king… though these dreams have no clear basis."

Olympia continued, "So I only wish to describe what I saw. I do not ask anything of you."

Steven hesitated, then asked, "Did you tell Karine about this?"

"I told her manager," Olympia said helplessly. "But who would take a random precognitive dream seriously?"

Lu Ye fell silent.

A cocoon in the night… that matched the movie "Cocoon of Destruction and Diancie" closely.

Before Yveltal awoke, it slept in the dark Cocoon of Destruction until trespassing thieves accidentally woke it.

Yveltal's signature move "Oblivion Wing" could petrify and steal life.

'Petrification' was extremely formidable in the Pokémon world—Red the Battle Man had once been afflicted.

Of course, Teacher Lu suspected Red had purposefully been petrified;

Princess-carrying Ash was petrified too…

In any case, if Olympia's precognitive dream came true, this trip would likely be fraught with danger.

But.

Teacher Lu had been to Hoenn—little Yveltal was small fry.

For the Fairy Plate? (×)

For Diancie's diamond? (√)

I have to go on this trip!

"Thank you for the intelligence, curator Olympia." Lu Ye nodded. "I believe that cocoon you mentioned is the legendary sleeping death god, Yveltal."

Steven and Olympia both flinched: "Yveltal?"

"Yveltal's aura of death is what causes Carbink to migrate en masse."

Lu Ye looked at Steven, silent for a moment. "Steven, this trip may involve fighting Yveltal. We might have to cancel the Mineral Kingdom itinerary…"

"What are you talking about?" Steven's gaze sharpened.

Lu Ye was slightly taken aback.

"When you intercepted Kyogre and Primal Groudon, you showed not a shred of hesitation."

Steven: "I, Steven Stone, would never abandon my companions and cowardly return to Hoenn alone!"

Lu Ye blinked.

I wasn't just hesitant then—my knees were shaking too…

"Of course, discovering new mineral types would be wonderful," Steven said with a relieved smile.

Lu Ye: "……"

Give me back my moment of being moved!

"If there's anything I can do to help, please tell me."

Olympia's expression grew serious. "I'm no fighter… but whatever the stars reveal, I will share."

Lu Ye considered asking the star chart about his marriage luck with Bamboo Lan.

That felt rude, so he switched topics.

"What do you think about this year's Miare Conference?" Lu Ye asked curiously.

Olympia looked surprised, then closed her eyes. Her cloak shimmered with starlight. After a moment she said:

"When azure flame collides with gilded water, there will be a youth drawn into the whirlpool who will rise to Miare's summit."

Her eyes flickered. "I saw his past… in the near future I will personally battle him."

Lu Ye's expression shifted.

Oh no, Ash—

That's a flag Olympia just planted for you;

don't blame me later!

"What about the champion road in Donghua?" Lu Ye probed.

Olympia regarded him, smiling without speaking.

Lu Ye: "……"

Under Olympia's gaze, Lu Ye shivered.

I had been so confident about the Donghua champion path…

Now that Olympia has given me a bad omen, looks like I need to grind more levels!

Steven's eyes flickered;

he stayed silent.

Olympia had also mentioned a king in her prophecy…

The Final Weapon of Shixiang Town, an ancient king, the god of life and death—like unpeeling threads, the picture slowly unfolded before his eyes.

...

Kalos region—the Mineral Kingdom.

A beautiful underground realm of gemstones, countless crystals reflected one another to create a breathtaking shimmer.

Carbink toiled in the caverns, mining new stones to nourish their peers.

At the kingdom's core floated a gigantic pink diamond, suspended in midair as the energy source.

Yet the pink diamond's surface was wrapped in strands of deathly aura, cracking like withering flesh.

"Princess Diancie! Princess Diancie!"

Diancie, with a round pink gem atop her head, wearing a crown of diamonds, a pink-diamond necklace at her neck, a white skirt formed of diamonds and raw pink ore at her lower body, frolicked in the cave. She dodged a chasing Carbink and covered her mouth with a smile.

Until a white-whiskered Carbink stepped before the princess, looking solemn. "Princess, you're being mischievous again!"

"Minister Diamond…" Diancie whispered.

"Princess, the safety of the Sacred Diamond concerns the entire Mineral Kingdom. You have not yet mastered the power to gather the Sacred Diamond."

The minister said, "If you don't hurry, the whole Mineral Kingdom could be destroyed!"

"Isn't that a bit exaggerated…" Diancie murmured.

"No… what you must do now is seek Xerneas, who exudes a fairy aura!"

The minister recalled events from youth.

A thousand years ago, it had been touched by a dark crimson light and petrified. Upon awakening it saw Xerneas.

Xerneas revived Pokémon that had lost their life, but itself turned into a great tree and fell into slumber.

The Orus Forest, covered by that dark crimson light, became a dead land—but now signs of recovery suggested Xerneas would soon wake.

"Xerneas sleeps in the Orus Forest," the minister said. "With its help, Princess, you will surely master the power to create the Sacred Diamond!"

"Find Xerne, right~ Great, great! I wanted to see the outside world anyway." Princess Diancie laughed.

"One reply is enough at a time!" the minister scolded.

"One reply, right~" Diancie covered her mouth, then laughed: "Okay!"

Watching Diancie bounce off toward the cave exit, the minister grew worried and ordered three Carbink to follow the princess's steps.

"The disaster a thousand years ago—the Kalos king and his Final Weapon."

The minister closed its eyes.

"I hope that dark bird of the night does not wake again…"