Chapter 557: Mystical Labyrinth and the Heroic Adventure Team
Chapter 557: Mystical Labyrinth and the Heroic Adventure Team
"Alorus... Azor?"
Upon hearing these words, Shizuru froze in disbelief.
The being before him was none other than the true form of Alorus Azor!
It was common knowledge that unlike Alorus Azor's avatars, his true form had never been defeated. He was a god transcending all worlds and Pokemon.
Until now, he had only appeared once in the Washi region hundreds of years ago and had since been unheard of.
No, wait, shouldn't Alorus Azor be beyond all universes? Why would he descend upon his ranch?
Alorus Azor gazed at Shizuru, and as an omniscient god, he quickly understood the human's thoughts.
"I have come here for a reason."
"What is it?" Shizuru couldn't help but ask.
Alorus Azor turned his gaze towards the nearby Expedition Guild, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"I have created many worlds—worlds with only humans, worlds with only Pokemon, and worlds where humans and Pokemon coexist."
"According to my observations, in the worlds inhabited solely by Pokemon, some Pokemon gather and form small civilizations, which they call the Expedition Guild."
"However, in the worlds where humans and Pokemon coexist, such a phenomenon has never emerged. Here, most Pokemon are accustomed to living alongside humans, relying on them for their basic needs."
"Now, something that should not exist in this world has come into being."
At this point, Alorus Azor turned back to Shizuru.
"This is the reason for my descent."
Shizuru was stunned and furrowed his brows, asking, "Do you plan to destroy this tree?"
"No," Alorus Azor gently shook his head. "A new possibility has emerged within you and these Pokemon, so I wish to entrust you with a task."
Hearing that Alorus Azor wasn't here to destroy the tree, Shizuru's heart instantly felt relieved.
"What task?" He asked.
Alorus Azor didn't respond immediately.
The next moment, Shizuru witnessed the surrounding scenery begin to transform.
The World Tree and the Expedition Guild vanished, replaced by a profound and mysterious dimension.
Shizuru stared at the vast space before him, momentarily unable to comprehend what he was seeing.
In the next second, the scene began to shift again.
A dazzling light flashed, and countless worlds came into existence.
It was at this moment that Alorus Azor's voice resonated once more.
"I have created numerous worlds, and as you can see, not all worlds are as peaceful and stable as the one you inhabit."
"Many of these worlds are facing a crisis of annihilation, and the Pokemon living there will lose their lives."
The image shifted, and Shizuru saw a planet teeming with Pokemon. It was a world exclusive to Pokemon.
In one area of the planet, a Pokemon rescue team was engaged in their daily exploration and resource-gathering activities.
Beyond this planet, an enormous meteor was hurtling towards it.
Witnessing this, Shizuru's mind instantly grasped the reason for Alorus Azor's descent!
It was for the Heroic Adventure Team!
As if reading his thoughts once more, Alorus Azor continued, "I have observed you for a long time and even witnessed other parallel versions of you, but only this version of you is special."
"Only you have nurtured this tree, which we shall call the World Tree!"
"Your encounter with Pokemon, through fate and chance, has given birth to something so extraordinary that even I am amazed!"
Alorus Azor turned to Shizuru and said, "I will help you fulfill your final wish and establish the Heroic Adventure Team."
With that, Alorus Azor's thoughts stirred, and he transported Shizuru back to the top of the World Tree.
In the next instant, accompanied by a thunderous roar, the Dittu Fountain, which was originally built at the center of the Expedition Guild, vanished, replaced by a massive Time-Space Gateway!
Shizuru was completely dumbfounded. "This is...?"
Alorus Azor explained, "This is the Time-Space Gateway I have created, connecting all universes. In your words, beyond this gateway lies the Mystical Labyrinth, where the Pokemon of the Expedition Guild can enter and explore, helping Pokemon from other worlds and saving those worlds from destruction."
"Shizuru, this is the purpose of my descent. I wish to entrust you and these kind-hearted Pokemon with a mission to travel to other worlds and aid the Pokemon there."
"Azor is recruiting me and the Heroic Adventure Team to work for him?"
This... how should he decide on such a matter?!
Shizuru furrowed his brows, momentarily at a loss for words.
Although he often wished for a Mystical Labyrinth on the World Tree, where Pokemon could freely explore and gather resources, he couldn't help but start worrying at this moment.
Azor mentioned that the Time-Space Gateway connected all universes, which meant it linked not only to the universes of the Mystical Labyrinth series but also to the universe of Crimson, Emerald, and the Rainbow Rocket Team.
It would be fine if it were people like Crimson or Emerald.
But if it were the Rainbow Rocket Team... that would be terrible.
However, Azor seemed to see through his concerns and patiently explained, "Fear not, for the Time-Space Gateway I created can only be passed through by those with kind and upright hearts who love Pokemon. So, you need not worry."
But Shizuru still had reservations. What if the Pokemon encountered danger in other worlds?
Shizuru hesitated and asked, "Can I refuse?"
Azor remained unperturbed, gazing into Shizuru's eyes, and the scenes of world destruction appeared before him.
A meteorite collided with a planet, creating a massive mushroom cloud on the ground, and terrifying fires and earthquakes mercilessly consumed the Pokemon.
Shizuru: "..."
Suddenly, he heard Meowth and Pikachu's cries.
Shizuru turned around and was surprised to find that the Pokemon on the World Tree had awakened at some point and were now gathered here, their expressions filled with emotion as they looked at the scene Azor was presenting.
"Pika!" (How pitiful...)
"Meowth!" (They're dead, how scary!)
"Baa?" (That Pokemon just said that if we went there to help them, they might be able to be okay, right?) asked the Riding Sheep, nurtured by the Riding Goat.
Hearing this, the Meowth group immediately responded, "Meowth!" (That's right, and we can invite them to live in the guild too!)
Azor asked, "Do you wish to help those Pokemon?"
Shizuru: "!!!" What a shameless alpaca!
Upon hearing this, the group of Pokemon hesitated, their eyes on the Expedition Guild, recalling the purpose of the team's formation as Shizuru had explained to them.
It was to help Pokemon in need...
With this thought, many Pokemon quickly made their decision.
"Roar!"
Led by this Pokemon, more and more Pokemon agreed.
They all turned to Shizuru, their expressions seemingly saying that they, too, wanted to help Pokemon in need, just like Mew and Teddiursa.
Shizuru: "..."
At this point, there was nothing he could do to stop what was happening.
After a moment of silence, Shizuru asked, "I have one request."
Azor nodded slightly, "Whatever it is, I will grant your wish."
Shizuru: "You must ensure everyone's safety."
Azor pondered for a moment, then recalled a device invented by humans in some worlds. He nodded and said, "Very well, I will bestow upon you Azor's Teleport Bracelets. Simply wear them, and when faced with life-threatening situations, the spatial power within will automatically activate, teleporting the Pokemon back to the guild."
Shizuru was taken aback, "Can such a thing be done?"
It was just like the teleport function in games!
Azor nodded slightly, "I am the Creator God; to you, I am omniscient and omnipotent."
As he spoke, a golden light flew out from Azor's body and hovered in front of Shizuru.
Shizuru focused his gaze and saw a white phone adorned with decorations resembling Azor's Thousand Zodiac Bracelet.
It was... the Alorus Phone?!
Shizuru instantly recognized the object. In 'Pokemon Legends: Azor', Azor had given a similar Alorus Phone to Xiao Zhao.
"Furthermore," Azor continued, "this is the Alorus Phone, created by me. With it, you can view each Pokemon's encounters during their expeditions. If any Pokemon is in danger, the Alorus Phone will automatically alert you, and you can either go yourself or send other Pokemon for support."
Shizuru: "..."
Azor had indeed thought it through.
He reached out and took the Alorus Phone. As he turned on the screen, he saw a row of icons resembling a Pokemon Compendium.
Every Pokemon on the World Tree had their information automatically registered by Azor, including Mewtwo and Groudon.
Shizuru clicked on Mewtwo's avatar and viewed its detailed information.
【Mewtwo
Height: 2m
Weight: 122kg
Mission: None
Current Location: World Tree
Health Status: Healthy】
Below was a section resembling a resume.
【League Year 201, July 5th: Mewtwo was observing the existence claiming to be the true form of Azor.】
"It seems you've learned to use it," Azor spoke. "Go forth and assist the Pokemon and worlds in need!"
As Azor's words fell, a dazzling light suddenly burst from its body.
Moments later, Azor's figure disappeared without a trace.
It had left the World Tree and departed from this world.
Shizuru stared at the Alorus Phone in his hand, feeling a sense of bewilderment.
The Pokemon on the World Tree also lowered their heads, looking at the Teleport Bracelet that had appeared on their hands.
In addition, Azor had gifted a large pile of bracelets stacked beside them, forming a small mountain, seemingly prepared for future new members.
The Pokemon had heard the words of the Pokemon from earlier and clearly understood the purpose of the bracelets.
Budew seemed delighted, "Chafu!" (With these, we won't have to worry about encountering danger!)
The bracelets would directly transport them back to the World Tree.
"Lucky~" Cascoon happily nodded, and it would use fruit trees, Life Sheep Milk, and holy ash to help heal their injuries!
Swinub, temporarily acting as the guild's president, was also thrilled.
It would travel with Charizard to various worlds to collect missions, bring them back to the World Tree, and post them on the guild's bulletin board, awaiting others to complete them!
Upon hearing this, the Pokemon present expressed their thoughts.
Roserade stated it would manage the item shop, providing necessary items for expeditions.
Burmy's parents said they would take care of the Chicken, collecting eggs to prepare delicious meals for everyone.
Pikachu and Meowth vowed to diligently manage the Pokemon Pub, offering tasty fruit wine to Pokemon returning from adventures.
Tropius promised to provide sweet banana fruits for everyone.
Budew and its companions pledged to cultivate fruit trees and farm the fields, ensuring sufficient supplies for the team.
...
Shizuru: "..."
Listening to the Pokemon's enthusiastic discussion, Shizuru couldn't help but feel a bit helpless.
He understood their enthusiasm, akin to finally being able to use a move they had practiced for a long time.
Oh well, if Azor could guarantee their safety, he could rest assured!
But then again, Azor mentioned that humans from other worlds could also enter this world through the Time-Space Gateway.
The Rainbow Rocket Team was restricted from entering, but what about Ash and his friends?
Shizuru's mind flashed with an image of Ash mistakenly entering the World Tree and challenging legendary Pokemon one by one...
Well, it's not like the Pokemon would coincidentally encounter Ash, and with so many worlds, perhaps no one would ever come here without a Pokemon guide.
After giving the Pokemon some final instructions, Shizuru turned and left the Expedition Guild.
He needed to inform Mew and Teddiursa about Azor's sudden arrival, and he hadn't brought the Lotad Phone with him.
The Alorus Phone didn't have a calling function...
With Azor's departure, the world's time stasis was lifted.
When Shizuru returned to the ranch, Gogoat and Skiddo were searching for him, worried about his disappearance.
Upon seeing Shizuru, the Pokemon rushed forward to ask where he had been.
Shizuru patted Skiddo's head and explained helplessly, "Me? I met a powerful being who wants me and the Pokemon on the World Tree to help them with something, to assist Pokemon in need from other worlds..."
Gogoat understood, but Skiddo seemed to only partially comprehend.
So, Shizuru walked towards the house, elaborating on his encounter with Azor.
"It's Azor, but not the one we fought. It's the true form of Azor..."
In the Reverse World.
Azor didn't immediately leave this world.
It floated above, silently gazing down at Reversal Rayquaza, who lay on Flower Sky Island playing with a Rotom Phone.
(End of Chapter)
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