https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-238-The-Cricket-Speaker-and-the-Band/12537290/
Chapter 237: Homecoming
Chapter 237: Homecoming
Naoki looked at the Mega Gallade before him.
Well, how should he put it?
Mega Evolution was cool, and the implications were fascinating. The resulting moves were equally dazzling.
Not to mention the visually stunning Dynamax and Mega Dynamax forms.
But now, with Tera Crystalization, things seemed to have taken a bit of a turn.
While the crystalline fist hovering over its head looked imposing, it somehow gave the impression that it would hinder the Pokemon in battle.
With that thing on its head, wouldn't the Pokemon feel top-heavy?
At that moment, Gallade noticed Naoki's gaze and let out a curious cry, "Ah-ga?"
Naoki smiled and complimented, "It's awesome!"
After spending so much time together, Gallade had become adept at understanding the subtle nuances behind Naoki's words.
For instance, right now, he only wore that particular smile when he was insincerely praising someone.
Gallade felt a bit glum. "Ah-ga..."
The two scientists beside them didn't catch the subtle exchange between the two, their attention wholly focused on Gallade's new Tera Crystalized form.
Professor Orchid explained, "This is the result of our research in the institute—Tera Crystalization, a capability that all Pokemon can utilize."
As she spoke, Professor Orchid glanced at the Tera Crystal in Naoki's hand, "After Tera Crystalization, the Tera Crystal's energy will be depleted, rendering it unusable."
As expected, Naoki lowered his head and saw that the black Tera Crystal had indeed dimmed.
"And then?" he asked.
Professor Magnolia took up the explanation, "We've signed an agreement with the Padaria League. In the near future, Tera Energy replenishment devices will be installed in Pokemon Centers across the region. If a Trainer's Tera Crystal runs out of energy, they can visit a Pokemon Center and ask Nurse Joy for a recharge."
"However, there's another method as well." Professor Magnolia continued, "On your way here, you must have noticed the crystals growing on the walls and the ground?"
Naoki nodded.
"By simply bringing the Tera Crystal into contact with those crystals, you can recharge it as well," she explained. "However, those crystals are rare in the Padaria region, so most of the time, Trainers will need to visit a Pokemon Center."
Naoki understood.
The professors had their research to attend to, and after giving Gallade a thorough physical examination, they left Naoki in Butch's care to show him around the institute.
"Let's go! I'll give you a tour of this place!" Butch grinned and led the way.
Seeing this, Naoki symbolically followed behind him and began his tour of the institute.
Just like in the game, the Zero Zone Institute wasn't just a single building; it was divided into different zones.
There were entertainment and dining areas for the researchers to relax, an ecological zone for observing the Paradox Pokemon, and, of course, the serious research facilities.
Butch took Naoki on a tour, and inside, Naoki saw a bunch of large, intricate machines that he couldn't begin to understand.
Finally, Butch pointed to a very distinctive hexagonal crystalline tower, "See that? That's where the time machine is located! The power of science is truly incredible! They were able to create a time machine!"
Upon hearing this, Naoki looked over to the designated spot and thought to himself, "That should be the place where players battle against AI in the game, right?"
Gallade, standing behind him, also looked in that direction, his expression complex. It was there...
"Would you like to go in and take a look?" Butch suddenly asked.
Naoki was taken aback, "Is that allowed?"
Butch grinned, "Haha, just kidding! That place is the most important part of the entire Zero Zone Institute. Usually, only the professors and a few researchers are allowed in; even we aren't permitted to enter!"
Naoki: "..."
Butch gazed at the spot, his eyes shining with admiration, "It's that time machine that brought Pokemon from the ancient past and future to our world!"
"The time machine is always running, and more Pokemon will continue to arrive from different eras!"
"The professors plan to create a paradise for them, and they've also made a pact with the second Gallade and Miltank to safeguard this place and protect the time machine from destruction."
Naoki listened quietly until he suddenly spoke up, "Paradise Guardians?"
"Eh?" Butch was surprised, but after a moment of thought, his eyes lit up, "That nickname suits Gallade and Miltank perfectly!"
Naoki: "..." Never mind.
The institute tour came to an end, and after lunch, Naoki began attempting to Tera Crystalize Babo and his newly caught Noivern.
Fortunately, the Zero Zone Institute had an abundance of Tera Energy, so even without getting close to the crystals, they could still recharge their Tera Crystals.
"Both Pokemon have been strengthened by my cooking before. The Lightning Bun boosted Babo's electric attacks, and the Storm Bun enhanced Noivern's airflow. Combined with their Tera Crystallized forms, they will become even more powerful."
"Hmm, overall, it's pretty good."
If the two Pokemon were to engage in a Double Battle, they could form a "Thunderbolt and Lightning" combination.
It was a shame that the ranch didn't require any battling, rendering their strength useless.
Naoki pondered quietly for a moment, then turned to look at Babo and Noivern, who were happily munching on some Pokeblocks. A look of relief spread across his face.
This was their choice, not because they had to live on the ranch, but because they wanted to.
When Naoki first arrived in this world, he had fantasized about traveling the world like Ash Ketchum in the anime.
But now, he just wanted to stay at the ranch with his Pokemon, in their home, watching the world go by, and experiencing each season together.
With these thoughts, a wave of homesickness washed over Naoki.
Unbeknownst to him, he had already been away from the ranch for three days. He wondered how everyone back home was doing.
With the matters at the institute resolved, although he hadn't caught any Paradox Pokemon as he had hoped, he realized that the unpredictable nature of those Pokemon made the familiar faces back at the ranch all the more important.
It was time to go home!
That afternoon, Naoki sought out Professor Orchid and Professor Fortu, informing them of his plans to leave the Zero Zone Institute and return to the ranch the next morning.
Professor Orchid was taken aback for a moment. "Won't you stay a few more days?"
"No, Gorleton is feeling a bit homesick." Naoki smiled and shook his head in refusal.
Hearing this, Professor Orchid turned to look at Gorleton beside Naoki.
She nodded gently. "In that case, we won't keep you any longer. Next time you visit the institute, we'll make sure to host you properly!"
Professor Fortu beside her also nodded slightly. "By then, our research might have yielded new results, and we'll definitely find a way to communicate and coexist peacefully with these Pokemon."
"Indeed," added Professor Orchid. "By then, you can bring them back to the ranch without worry."
They both understood that Naoki had a soft spot for Paradox Pokemon, and one of the reasons he came to the Giant Pit was to catch them.
But due to their violent natures and lack of adaptation to humans, he had no choice but to release the Paradox Pokemon he desired...
Naoki was slightly startled by their words.
He could sense the underlying meaning behind the professors' words.
He had to admit that if they weren't so fixated on their research, they would be exceptional Pokemon professors.
But perhaps intelligent people tended to get obsessed with their interests?
Naoki sighed inwardly. Given the professors' obsession with Paradox Pokemon, he knew his words would fall on deaf ears, so he simply asked:
"Won't Pippa be starting school soon?"
Professor Orchid smiled and nodded. "In two years, we'll send him to the Padaria Academy for his education."
"Eight years old... I remember when I was Pippa's age, my mom used to say that if she didn't watch me for a day, I'd be rolling around on the ground. Compared to me, Pippa is really well-behaved!" Naoki chuckled.
Being intelligent themselves, Professors Orchid and Fortu immediately understood the underlying message in his words.
Naoki was implying that children of this age needed their parents' guidance and company.
Instead of feeling offended, the professors were surprised and touched by his concern.
"It seems like Naoki really cares for Pippa," thought Professor Orchid. "Otherwise, why would he want us, as parents, to spend more time with our child?"
She suddenly realized that she hadn't seen Pippa in several weeks.
Her heart stirred, and she wanted to go back and check on him.
However... their research was at a critical stage, and they couldn't leave just yet.
She smiled gently and nodded. "I believe you will make a wonderful father someday."
Naoki was taken aback for a moment before replying with a helpless expression, "I don't plan on getting married anytime soon."
Professor Fortu smiled and said, "There will come a day, and if we were of similar ages, I'm sure we would be great friends."
"Alright." Professor Orchid turned to Gorleton and said, "The ecological research on Gorleton is complete, so you won't need to provide us with any more data after you leave."
Gorleton, however, kept his attention solely on Naoki, ignoring the professor.
Noticing this, Professor Orchid continued, "It's clear that he has taken a liking to you. From now on, take good care of him and live together in harmony."
Naoki nodded slightly.
Poor Pippa.
The next morning, after bidding farewell to the two professors, Naoki set off early, riding on Gorleton as he left the Zero Zone Institute.
This time, they didn't meander along the path they had taken before but instead flew directly towards the top of the Giant Pit.
Perched atop Gorleton, Naoki gazed downwards as the institute gradually receded into the distance below.
He figured they probably wouldn't be returning there anytime soon.
Neither he nor Gorleton nor the other Pokemon particularly enjoyed the atmosphere of that place.
Compared to the institute, the peaceful and serene world outside was much more to their liking.
After all, out there existed friendly and intelligent modern Pokemon, and compared to the rampaging Hoopa, even the notoriously aggressive Dragonite seemed gentle and adorable.
Gorleton's flying speed was exceptional, and it didn't take long for them to ascend through the middle layer of the Giant Pit and reach the upper levels. Soon enough, they broke free of the Padaria Giant Pit and returned to the world outside.
Gazing at the mist-shrouded pit, Naoki couldn't help but feel that it looked as if something had slammed into the earth and created that massive crater.
This reminded him of the revelations he had seen from the being known as 'Taal Biggs'. In those visions, Taal Biggs lay upon a massive planet, and one could see other scattered planets and the backdrop of space surrounding it.
Because of those images, many people even speculated that it, like Eternatus, originated from outer space.
If those speculations were true...
"Hmm, if that's the case, then the Pokemon world's space is truly filled with Outer Gods," Naoki mused to himself.
With Eternatus, which unleashed endless darkness and absorbed and released Dynamax energy without restraint, and now potentially Taal Biggs...
It seemed like the Sky Pillar Pokemon, Rayquaza, would have its hands full...
Naoki tried to recall the details of Rayquaza's story. Suddenly, he realized that this god of the skies might not be as diligent as one might expect.
In the Emerald chapter, players had to go and call upon Rayquaza to intervene in the conflict between Kyogre and Groudon.
In Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, an asteroid was on a collision course with the planet, and only after the player and their partner Pokemon climbed up to Rayquaza's abode and called for its aid did it finally believe them and take action.
The only time it took the initiative was when the alien Pokemon, Deoxys, invaded the planet, and even then, it failed to stop the invasion...
Naoki wondered if there was only one Rayquaza in this world, as he had encountered a black one before.
As these thoughts flitted through his mind, the Padaria Giant Pit had long since disappeared from view behind them.
Naoki turned back, but all he could see was the boundless azure sky and the drifting clouds.
Gazing at this beautiful sight, Naoki shook off the gloom left by the Paradox Pokemon, and his mood improved considerably.
Coincidentally, a migrating flock of Electrivires flew by, and Naoki cheerfully greeted them, "Good morning, Electrivires!"
The Electrivires were startled and turned to look at the strange human.
A few of them were so surprised that they forgot to brake and bumped into the Electrivire in front of them, causing the one that had been bumped to let out an angry cry and peck the other on the head.
Watching this comical scene, Naoki couldn't help but chuckle.
Indeed, this was the world of Pokemon he knew and loved!
"Be sure to fly safely up there! Bye!"
Naoki waved at the flock of Electrivires and continued on his way back with Gorleton.
Before noon, the familiar figure of Cheeves appeared below them.
Looking at the vast fields, Naoki couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.
Soon enough, Gorleton landed in the ranch.
Naoki hopped off Gorleton's back and looked around at the familiar surroundings, unable to hold back a sigh of relief. "There's no place like home!"
Before he could even turn around, he heard an excited "Mama!"
Naoki turned to see a large group of Pokemon running towards him enthusiastically.
Witnessing this heartwarming scene, he couldn't help but smile broadly. He stepped forward, patting one Pokemon and giving another a kiss, before announcing, "Everyone, we're back!"
Hearing the commotion, Motostoke also came running out.
It looked at the unripe pumpkins in the field, then at Naoki standing before it, and its eyes widened in disbelief.
Was Naoki back? But the pumpkins in the field weren't ready yet! Could it be that it had missed him so much that it was hallucinating? Motostoke rubbed its eyes, unsure of what to believe.
It blinked, and Naoki was still there, walking towards it.
Motostoke's face split into a goofy grin. "Gao?"
Naoki laughed, "What's with you? Did you forget who I am after just a few days apart?"
In that moment, Motostoke was certain. It was Naoki; he had returned.
Its face lit up with a silly smile.
"Gao!"
Wonderful!
(End of Chapter)
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