Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World
Chapter 223 223

Empty…

A void-like wind blew past Riolu's ears. It sounded like the wind… or ocean waves… or flowing water… or bubbles…

Riolu released its Aura once again, establishing a deep connection with the Release Orb.

What was the world of Connection like…? Even though its Trainer had given a simple explanation, Riolu still couldn't quite imagine it. Could there really be another inner world beneath the surface of this world where humans and Pokémon lived side by side?

The sound of wind it heard—was like a breeze drifting through a flourishing forest. That vast, dark-green forest was quiet and profound, but deep within, it was filled with voices and Aura—like a call, a summons. A summons not meant for just one being.

They were lingering traces of Aura, left behind in the forest's history.

From long, long ago, deep within that forest, Pokémon had existed—and had waited there forever for their Trainers.

[Any Pokémon that appears in the Forest Plaza is destined to become your companion.]

[If they go to the forest's depths…]

[They will remain there, always awaiting your arrival.]

The forest's Aura and will revealed to Riolu a story unknown to most. The blue-furred pup's ears twitched in surprise as it struggled to maintain the Aura link, while the strange, expansive world it saw with closed eyes continued to unfold.

A grand castle stood tall in the center of fertile plains. At first, there was only that massive fortress, but gradually, other cities, towns, Pokémon-inhabited forests, and rivers emerged. It was as if all of Unova had originally been born from that one place.

Then, near another forest, a massive rock rose in response to humanity's will. It granted endless trials…

A towering, ancient tower was constructed, where a shadow of a mighty dragon took residence.

To mourn the dead, a bell tolled from atop another tower.

Elsewhere, on distant mountains and lands in another world, there was the homeland of the earth. Even that great dragon's shadow once cast over the ancient city.

On one mountain peak, the shadow of a giant loomed.

In the far mountains, a shrine dedicated to the god of clouds stood.

Blazing flames, wetlands, the appearance of the Sacred Swordsmen.

A strange hollow took form, where three mushroom-like Pokémon wandered across the land of Unova, bestowing knowledge, emotion, and will.

And more—so many more wondrous things.

Then, in a time even stranger than all the rest…

A massive city appeared—one never recorded in history or legend.

The sound of waves. The sound of bubbles. Echoes from the ocean floor. That great city and temple eventually sank into the ocean's depths…

"Awuu!"

So this was the deeper, clearer "Unova" sensed through Aura?

[Come! You who possess courage—come forth!]

Suddenly, the voice of Aura startled Riolu!

But the blue pup was brave—it didn't sever the connection!

"Awuu!"

Who are you? Are you speaking to me?

Riolu's Aura surged and extended far, far away!

[O brave soul—hear the King's words!]

[This is the resting place of the praised King!]

[Those who understand prime numbers understand the truths of the world!]

[Come, you who can hear the King's call—come to the Abyssal Ruins beneath the sea!]

"Wangoo!?"

Riolu clenched its eyes shut, trying to see more—but the phantasmal scenes began to fade. Its Aura link weakened… until Hikaru's voice rang out.

"It's done!"

The once-solid Release Orb had transformed into several thin medals. Riolu was stunned to realize that so much time had unknowingly passed!

"Awuu, awuu-wan!"

Riolu excitedly described the vivid world it had seen through Aura to Hikaru.

"What was that… the Abyssal Ruins? Tree of Connection?" Hikaru called out to the Tree of Connection in his heart, hoping the embodiment of Unova's will would explain. The Tree had previously hinted at a link to the Abyssal Ruins.

The Abyssal Ruins—a massive temple that slumbered beneath Unova's ocean. It was believed to have once worshipped an ancient, supreme King of Unova.

From deciphered text in the games, this King wasn't the Black or White Hero, but one from an even older era—one who walked with the Dragon of Truth and Ideals. This King may have even warred with the ancient city!

The King's name was believed to be Harmonia—the same surname as N and Ghetsis, suggesting he could be one of their ancient ancestors.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, people who entered the Abyssal Ruins could hear the voices of Pokémon. It was a truly special place.

[Note: The Abyssal Ruins enshrine the ancient supreme King and the Dragon of Truth. Here, all beings may speak freely—there are no barriers between life. But because of the split between Truth and Ideals, history and hearts became fragmented. This part of the record is now indescribable.]

[Note 2: You've heard the call of the Abyssal Ruins. It likely came from the "Ancient Crown." Those who hear it may visit the Ruins and undergo unique trials.]

[Note 3: Unova has many mysterious places. If possible, visit them—like the Trial Rock, Pinwheel Forest, Celestial Tower, Twist Mountain, Reversal Mountain, the Giant Chasm where Kyurem hides, and the Battle Subway. Each natural and urban place hides secrets.]

[Note 4: The Abyssal Ruins may be searching for the "brave." The first floor contains messages left by the King, inviting brave souls to hear his voice. But no one has heard it for many years. Because of your presence, Riolu, borrowing your power, established a special Aura link that resonated with the Tree of Connection—revealing Unova's "hidden side."]

[Note 5: Riolu may not be the only Pokémon able to hear the call. Resonate with Unova's nature and cities. If you go, you may receive Release Orbs, special badges, and rare gifted items.]

The Tree of Connection gave a thorough explanation. As for the "indescribable parts," they were likely lost because people's wills had faded, breaking the Tree's connection to humanity.

Later, the twin dragons of Black and White would turn their rage on Unova, burning the land with thunder and flame after the descendants of heroes turned on each other.

"…I can stay in Unova until mid-September. That should be enough time."

Previously, Leiho had heard rumors about the ruins and dove into the sea to search—only to come up empty. She'd even complained in the chat that the rumors were bogus. But now it seemed she hadn't resonated with Unova's will, which was why she couldn't find the ruins.

That said, calling Leiho "not brave" would be wrong—she was very brave. She roamed tombs with dozens of curses hanging off her. Even the Ghost-type Gym Leader in Paldea would call her inhuman.

"So the scenes Riolu saw through Aura—most of them are real relics that still exist in Unova."

Deep beneath Twist Mountain—

A massive, pure-white giant suddenly had glowing sigils flash across its body.

A powerful Aura radiated outward. It had sensed a matching Aura from afar. The giant stirred slightly.

Just then, Riolu's Aura link fully dissipated.

The King of Giants stood motionless for a long time, confirming the disappearance of that signal.

It resumed its still, upright stance—but in its heart, it had glimpsed a distant illusion—

A vision of humans and Pokémon.

(End of Chapter)

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