Chapter 638: Your Friend, I've Decided!

Chapter 638: Your Friend, I've Decided!



"Regieleki!!!"

The massive Regieleki stood like a thunderous giant in the vast forest.

In the dark, cloudy sky, golden lightning bolts twisted like coiling dragons, and each one that fell could potentially cause immense destruction to the surrounding forest.

But it hesitated to strike.

"Eleki!!!"

A voice roared with apparent anger, echoing through the trees.

If someone were to look closely at this moment, they would see a Gengar wearing sunglasses sitting on the shoulder of the colossal Regieleki, its body like a giant. Sparks of electricity jumped from Regieleki's body, reflecting off the Gengar's sunglasses.

"Hngga~"

As Regieleki moved, Gengar instinctively reached out to support it, but as its hand touched Regieleki—

A crackling flash of electricity.

"Hngga! o(TヘTo)"

Gengar immediately let go, letting out a forceful "Huff," then tugged at the Spiritomb cloth beneath its buttocks to prevent its rear from getting zapped as well.

It shouted loudly at Regieleki.

"Regi?"

The enormous Regieleki paused, looking around at the surrounding Jusco, League Police, and their Pokemon, scratching its head.

Indeed.

The exercise was underway.

However, facing the massive and powerful Thunder Pillar Regieleki, the Jusco ladies didn't have many good options to deal with it.

But when encountering a "disaster" Mythical Beast, their task was not to confront the Mythical Beast directly but to evacuate the public as quickly as possible to minimize casualties and simultaneously slow down the Mythical Beast's advance.

Everything was proceeding smoothly and orderly.

Meanwhile, Regieleki, under Gengar's "guidance," gradually grasped the acting skills.

At the same time, in the vast Oluans Forest, a man of towering stature emerged from a dilapidated cave, a piece of dried meat in his mouth that had been stored for an unknown duration. He raised his eyes to gaze at the thunderous giant in the forest.

Looking at the majestic Thunder Pillar, the man's expression became solemn.

Without hesitation, he picked up all his belongings, a tattered cloth bag, and strode swiftly towards Regieleki.

Along the way, a few wild Taillow attempted to approach and "share" the dried meat in the man's mouth, but they quickly retreated halfway.

The reason was simple; the unkempt man emitted a stench of decay and ruin, and who knew how long it had been since he last bathed, as he carried a smell comparable to that of a Stunfisk.

However, at this moment, the man's eyes were fixed solely on the enormous Regieleki, which was continuously causing "destruction."

"How could the ancient Thunder Giant appear here?"

Beneath his fine, silver-white hair, the man's gaze was resolute and serious.

"It's incredible to be able to summon a Mythical Beast." The elder Jusco, watching Regieleki, was filled with astonishment that wouldn't subside.

Even though she had already heard about this from other Jusco ladies, when she saw Regieleki actually cooperating with the exercise, the elder Jusco couldn't help but feel surprised.

Jinghe smiled helplessly.

"You asked for the Mythical Beast's assistance in the exercise, and you're surprised by the Mythical Beast as well. What do you want?"

"I promised to send it back, but I don't have time now, so it will stay with me for a while," Jinghe explained.

Anyway, the League Police would reimburse Regieleki's food allowance, so he wasn't in a hurry.

Moreover,

If one were to speak frankly, Regieleki wasn't that shocking of a Mythical Beast.

The leader of the Pyramid Summit in the Battle Frontier, Mr. Shindai, even possessed three God Pillars, although in Jinghe's opinion, they might have been created by Regigigas using "scraps."

Ahem.

And within the Joy family, renowned alongside the Jusco family, wasn't there a Joy who had captured Latias?

The elder Jusco nodded, still unaware of Regieleki's exaggerated "appetite," so she remained relatively calm.

"However, for the younger Jusco ladies, the pressure of facing a Mythical Beast is indeed significant." The elder Jusco spoke.

Although the Jusco ladies seemed to be acting smoothly, the elder Jusco still noticed many inadequacies or mistakes in their actions.

These were inevitable deformations or oversights caused by the pressure.

This was also the necessity of the exercise.

By identifying issues early on, they could reduce losses for the League and residents if they encountered a real situation in the future.

"That's about enough," the elder Jusco said.

The "Mythical Beast Disaster" exercise had been going on for almost half an hour, and there was no need to continue any further.

Jinghe nodded, just about to call for Gengar and Regieleki to stop when he suddenly saw—

A Claydol giant flying out of the nearby forest, its feet like jet engines, carrying a surging wave of Ground-type energy as it charged straight towards Regieleki.

"Hngga?"

"Regi?"

Gengar and Regieleki, sitting on its shoulder, were both startled by the sudden appearance of the Claydol giant.

What was this?

There wasn't supposed to be this part in the exercise plan.

The main focus of the exercise was evacuation and guidance, not direct combat. What was this Claydol giant...

However, Gengar and Regieleki couldn't help but sense the strength of this Claydol giant; it wasn't weak!

"Hngga." Gengar rubbed his round chin.

Could it be that they changed the exercise plan to confront the enemy head-on?

Gengar and Regieleki stared at each other, their eyes wide, as the Claydol giant rushed towards them. Finally, Jinghe's voice echoed in their minds.

"It's an enemy!"

This was not part of the planned exercise.

When the Claydol appeared, Jinghe and the older Jusha were also taken by surprise. After a quick exchange of information, they confirmed that this Claydol was neither Miss Jusha's Pokemon nor one of the League Police's.

So, when it charged towards them, it was undoubtedly an enemy.

"Regieleki!"

Hearing the word 'enemy', Regieleki's battle instincts kicked in.

During the exercise, it had been holding back, which was somewhat frustrating, to say the least.

But now, with a Claydol rushing towards them, it finally had a target for its pent-up energy.

Zzzzzzzz...

Countless bolts of lightning erupted from Regieleki's body, forming a giant net that enveloped the charging Claydol.

As a Ground-type Pokemon, Claydol was not afraid of Electric-type moves, but only when it was standing on the ground.

Rushing forward, the Claydol was caught in the massive electric cage and knocked back down before it could even attack Regieleki.

"Regieleki, go!" Cordelia cheered, cupping her hands around her mouth.

"Lucario."

Lucario, standing nearby, glanced at Cordelia and then at the Claydol that had been knocked back.

Should they still cheer?

"Hengga~"

Geng, after sitting up, picked up the Spiritomb's cloth and vanished into the slit of the void.

When it reappeared, it was already in the shadows of the forest, searching for the enemy's trail.

Meanwhile, Miss Jusha and her team entered the woods to find the culprit who had disrupted the exercise.

At that moment, the culprit was wandering through the forest, hoping to encounter Tianxi, the Zygarde, in the Yper area.

"You are..."

Tianxi, holding a bouquet, looked at the man before her, who was tall and robust but dressed in shabby, tattered clothes. She tilted her head, revealing a curious expression.

When the man saw Tianxi, he seemed slightly dazed.

The sacred and beautiful Tianxi, holding the bouquet and adorned with a dazzling pink diamond, appeared almost like a saint, especially with her gentle smile, which reminded the man of his former partner.

But soon enough, Geng appeared beside the man, sniffing the air. Although it smelled as bad as a Stun Spore, Geng wasn't too bothered. It was curious about the man, from whom it faintly sensed a historical aura.

"Hengga?"

Soon after, Miss Jusha and her team surrounded them.

Seeing so many people appear suddenly, the man instinctively lowered his head.

Finally, Jinghe, Cordelia, and the older Jusha arrived.

"Wow, you're so tall!" Cordelia exclaimed, unable to contain her surprise at the man's height.

He was almost twice her size.

Jinghe was also taken aback when he saw the man.

"AZ?"

Huh? Hearing his name, AZ turned to look at Jinghe in surprise.

The shrunken Regieleki approached Jinghe. The Claydol, which had attacked them earlier, now stood guard-like behind the man.

Despite the Claydol's height of nearly three meters, it still appeared half a head shorter behind the man.

At this point, AZ, the man Jinghe had referred to, finally realized his mistake. He seemed to have misunderstood the situation.

But he was also surprised.

The ancient Thunder Giant was under this man's command?

"Sorry," AZ muttered, and with a cloth bag in hand, he turned to leave with the Claydol.

"Wait!"

Jinghe quickly called out to stop him, then turned to the older Jusha and said quickly, "Miss Jusha, he's my friend. Let me talk to him for a bit. Your exercise should continue."

Miss Jusha gave AZ a curious look.

Vaguely, she felt like she had heard of this tall man named AZ, but being from outside the Castelia region, she couldn't quite place him.

Moreover, the exercise did need to continue, so after telling Jinghe to call if he needed help, Miss Jusha and the League Police continued with the next phase of the exercise.

AZ, however, did stay put.

Initially, he hadn't intended to pay any attention, especially since they had recognized him.

But when he heard Jinghe call him a "friend," AZ found his feet unwilling to move.

After Miss Jusha and her team left, Jinghe approached AZ. Looking up at the man, who stood at least three meters tall, Jinghe couldn't help but gape.

AZ, the king of the Castelia region three thousand years ago! The very king who had unleashed the ultimate weapon to revive his Pokemon, sparking a massive conflict.

Three thousand years had passed, yet he was still alive.

This was due to the radiation from the ultimate weapon, which not only extended his lifespan indefinitely but also altered his physical form.

Initially, Jinghe had thought AZ's infinite lifespan was impressive, but now he felt a ghostly aura emanating from AZ, as if a candle had burned out, yet its flame still danced.

Was this a strange state between life and death? Not just Jinghe, but Geng also sensed this peculiarity.

As Jinghe observed AZ, AZ also studied him.

In the era when AZ lived, Pokemon were more commonly referred to as "Magical Beasts," dangerous yet powerful creatures that were often at the heart of major wars.

A young Trainer, powerful Pokemon, and an enviable companion... Was this the aura of a Creator God?

"What are they doing?" Cordelia asked in a hushed tone, observing the two who were looking at each other but not speaking.

"Lucario," Lucario replied, indicating that he didn't know either.

After a period of silence and mutual observation, Jinghe slowly spoke, "AZ, the King."

"Do you know me?" AZ finally spoke again, his voice low and hoarse.

Jinghe smiled slightly, "With your physique, it's hard not to recognize you."

AZ remained silent for a moment before saying, "I am no longer a king. I am now just a man seeking redemption."

Jinghe didn't argue but changed the subject, "If you have time, AZ, why don't we sit down and chat?"

AZ looked at him intently and nodded, "As you wish, messenger of Arceus."

Hmm?

This time, it was Jinghe who was a little surprised.

Has AZ met Arceus before?

The sound of flowing water was soothing.

"Cha~"

The Forger presented the chair he had just crafted for AZ, demonstrating it with a 'clang clang clang' sound, inviting AZ to sit and try it out.

"Would you like coffee or tea, Your Majesty AZ?" Rotom asked politely, having learned a set of manners from somewhere.

Sizzle—

Crimson Blade Phantom lit the charcoal, adding the clear water from the stream to the stove.

"Huru~"

Thicklipuku held a hand-grinder filled with coffee beans, rotating it at a steady pace, quickly grinding the plump beans into fine coffee powder.

"Hengga!"

Gengue opened its mouth, taking out a box of 'treasured' Yuanqi Root Tea, waiting for the water to boil.

"Wuu~"

Dratini set up its own tent without Gengue's assistance, and it managed to do a decent job.

Tianxi and Nine-Tails sat beside Jinghe, whispering private conversations.

As for Regieleki, it was having a meal with Yuki.

For some reason, after eating with Yuki for a while, Regieleki felt its appetite increasing.

A good thing indeed.

AZ observed the scene before him, especially pausing for a few seconds on Beartic, who was happily munching on Marcarong while sitting on Jinghe's shoulder. After thanking the Forger, AZ sat down.

Then, after a moment of contemplation, he said, "If possible, tea, please. Thank you."

"Received, Rotom!"

"Hengga!" Gengue slapped the picnic table and gave AZ a thumbs-up.

Hey! Good choice! I admire your taste! Yuanqi Root Tea, one sip to refresh and invigorate, two sips for endless energy, and three sips for eternal youth!

"Coffee! I want coffee!" Cordelia called out, not waiting for Rotom to ask.

Tea?

Two days ago, she had also chosen tea 'recklessly,' and it had left a bitter taste in her mouth all day.

"Okay, Rotom!"

Rotom took charge of making tea, while Jinghe preferred to brew his own coffee, unless there was a loving and attentive maid around.

"These Magical Beasts... they get along well with you," AZ said, his expression slightly complex.

Jinghe took the hand-ground coffee powder from Thicklipuku and poured it into a conical filter paper, smiling as he said, "Of course, they are all my best partners and family."

"Gucha~"

Crimson Blade Phantom handed over a kettle, and Jinghe thanked him.

"Partners and family?"

AZ's voice was low and hoarse, "Aren't they servants?"

His eyes, at this moment, became especially bright, even sharp.

In ancient times, specifically three thousand years ago when AZ lived, Magical Beasts were enslaved by humans.

Just as in ancient Miare, Pokemon, known as 'Magical Beasts,' were bound by restrictive shackles.

Jinghe slowly poured water over the coffee powder, watching the brown liquid flow into the cup, releasing a rich coffee aroma.

He didn't look at AZ's eyes but instead asked calmly, "AZ, what do you think of your question?"

Only then did he raise his head and look directly at AZ.

Perhaps due to his guilt, AZ averted his gaze from Jinghe.

In ancient times, Magical Beasts were often treated this way, but AZ was an 'exception.' He had a very good relationship with his Wyytrot.

The latest chapter is now available!

This was also the reason why, even after Wyytrot's death, AZ still wanted to use the ultimate weapon to revive it.

He couldn't forgive a world that had harmed Wyytrot and tried to use the ultimate weapon to destroy everything.

Although AZ didn't answer, his silence seemed to speak volumes.

"King AZ, your tea is ready, Rotom!"

Rotom brought over a cup of tea with a bitter aroma.

"Thank you," AZ said again, taking the tea.

Looking at the cup, AZ was puzzled by the whisker-like strands floating in it.

What kind of tea was this?

"Henga!"

Gengue raised his teacup, grinning widely, and exclaimed exuberantly.

"Let's drink to this, my friend! To Yuanqi Root Tea!"

AZ observed Gengue blowing on the teacup and then sipping it delicately, and he followed suit.

Cordelia watched with a mix of anticipation and a hint of schadenfreude. AZ took a large gulp.

Glug.

He exhaled, and a wisp of steam escaped his lips.

For some reason, he seemed more energized, and even his listless eyes regained a hint of vitality.

"Good tea!" AZ nodded.

"Henga! d(○)"

Gengue beamed, pleased that AZ appreciated the tea.

"Huh?" Cordelia was taken aback.

Did this guy have no sense of taste?

Jinghe, however, was not surprised.

For someone who had experienced true suffering, the bitterness of Yuanqi Root Tea was insignificant. Jinghe turned to AZ, "For you, Gao Jin, the bitterness of this tea is nothing compared to what you've endured."

AZ held the teacup with both hands, gazing up at the clear sky, and whispered, "Is this what you call a Trainer?"

Trainer? Cordelia glanced at Lucario, who also looked over.

What is a Trainer? It's a broad question.

AZ turned back to Jinghe, "You seem to know a lot about me. Do you think, in your understanding, that it will forgive me?"

Cordelia's eyes widened, and her ears perked up as if she had caught a whiff of gossip.

Jinghe shrugged, "Why do we use the term 'forgive' between Pokemon and Trainers?"

"Hmm?" AZ was puzzled.

Jinghe took a sip of coffee, mirroring AZ's pose with his elbows on his knees and leaning forward slightly. Beartic seized the opportunity and slid down AZ's back, meowing as it went.

"It's a relationship built on mutual trust. It understands why you did what you did, and you understand why it disappeared."

"Rather than saying it forgives you, when will you forgive yourself, Mr. AZ?"

After saying this, Jinghe leaned back into the chair.

Indeed, AZ's scent was quite strong.

"Forgive myself?" AZ repeated, taken aback.

Jinghe shook his head.

It's not that Wyytrot forgave AZ, but that Wyytrot forgave itself. It was Wyytrot's death that led to AZ's series of vengeful actions.

At the same time, AZ also forgave himself for the extensive casualties caused by his actions for the sake of a single Pokemon.

For a while, the only sounds were the playful noises of the small Pokemon and the drinking noises of AZ and Jinghe.

Time passed.

AZ stood up and turned to Jinghe, saying earnestly, "Thank you, messenger of Arceus."

He picked up his cloth bag.

"Mr. AZ, how about dinner together? As a friend's invitation." Jinghe extended the offer.

AZ paused.

"Okay."

"But before that, have you considered taking a bath?"

"Huh?"

"Long ago, there was a man and a Pokemon who loved each other."

"War broke out, and the man's beloved Pokemon was used in battle. Years passed, and all he received was a small box."

"The man wanted his Pokemon back, no matter the cost. He created a machine..."

At Cordelia's persistent questioning, Jinghe briefly recounted AZ's story.

Not only Cordelia but also the small Pokemon gathered around to listen to the entire tale.

"So that's how it is."

After hearing the story, Cordelia's expression became dazed.

This is a Trainer, this is the bond between humans and Pokemon? Although AZ's actions were infuriating, his determination to revive Wyytrot left Cordelia in awe.

For some reason, the usually cheerful Cordelia had a moment of sudden enlightenment.

Is this what a Trainer truly is? This time, she didn't look at Lucario, and Lucario didn't look at her, but at that moment, both human and Pokemon shared a peculiar resonance in their hearts.

Perhaps this is the bond that Trainers forge with their Pokemon?

Jinghe smiled at the thoughtful expressions on Cordelia and Lucario's faces.

This story wasn't told in vain; Cordelia and her Lucario might have been just a step away from understanding this all along.

"Henga."

Gengue, usually mischievous, hung silently behind Jinghe, his expression unusually serious and focused.

After hearing Jinghe's story, Gengue's form flickered, and without anyone noticing, he silently glided to the other side of the forest.

As the sun set, the golden rays filtered through thin clouds, casting a shimmering golden glow on the river's surface.

The imposing AZ sat in the river, leaning against a boulder by the shore, letting the current wash over him while his mind replayed Jinghe's earlier words.

"Rather than waiting for Wyytrot's forgiveness, it's about forgiving myself?"

Buzz.

In the fading sunlight, a serious-looking Gengue emerged from the black fog that surrounded AZ's shadow.

"You?" AZ was surprised.

"Henga~"

Gengue offered AZ a cup of Yuanqi Root Tea and sat on the boulder AZ was leaning against.

"Thanks," AZ accepted the tea, still puzzled as he looked at Gengue.

"Henga?"

Gengue didn't turn to look at AZ but instead stared at the gently flowing stream before him and spoke softly.

According to Jinghe, you had once resurrected your deceased Pokemon? Strangely, AZ could understand Gengue's words.

He nodded, "Indeed."

Huh—

Suddenly, a cloud of black fog enveloped Gengue, and it turned to look at AZ with an extremely serious expression.

"Henga!"

Teach me!

"Hmm?" AZ furrowed his brows.

Only those who have used the 'Ultimate Weapon' know how terrifying it is, and such destructive power should never be in the hands of someone with impure thoughts or a Pokemon.

He hadn't expected Gengue to want to learn how to use the 'Ultimate Weapon'.

"What are you trying to do?" AZ asked in a deep voice.

Had he misjudged Jinghe and the messenger of Arceus?

"Henga!"

Gengue, under AZ's gaze, gently tapped his teacup against AZ's, then gulped it down and roughly wiped his mouth.

To an onlooker, it would seem like he was drinking alcohol instead of tea.

No problem! I'm just preparing for Jinghe's future!

AZ was taken aback.

Preparing for Jinghe's future?

Looking at the serious expression on Gengue, AZ felt a sense of unreality, as if he were seeing his own reflection in the eyes of this Pokemon.

It sounded a bit funny when said out loud, but seeing Gengue's solemn expression made it impossible for AZ to laugh, as he could sense Gengue's sincerity.

"You..." AZ opened his mouth, "...know the cost you'll have to pay and the pressure and guilt you'll bear?"

Gengue crossed his arms and scoffed.

As long as it's for Jinghe, whether it's a flood or the destruction and rebirth of the world, I don't care!

"Jinghe—"

Before AZ could finish, Gengue interrupted without hesitation.

"Henga!"

Of course, Jinghe understands and approves of me!

He was full of confidence, even self-satisfaction.

Gengue believed that Jinghe would undoubtedly understand and approve of him; this was the bond between them, and no words were needed.

But this statement was like a thunderclap to AZ, reverberating in his mind.

Was this the gap between him, Wyytrot, Jinghe, and Gengue?

AZ's expression gradually softened.

Looking at the 'Proud and Confident' Gengue before him, he suddenly felt like laughing.

It wasn't a mocking laugh but one of genuine envy.

Then, an image of the gentle, amiable, and kind Jinghe came to AZ's mind, along with his identity as the messenger of Arceus.

Perhaps it was destined.

With this thought, AZ took a pendant from his neck, resembling a key, and handed it to Gengue.

"Henga?"

Gengue looked at the object AZ gave him and blinked twice.

What's this?

"A key," AZ said, "the key to activating the 'Ultimate Weapon'."

"Henga?! (▼O▼)"

Gengue's mouth hung open, and his eyes sparkled. He immediately put down his cup, wiped his hands on his body, and took the key from AZ.

He examined it closely.

Was this the thing that started the 'Ultimate Weapon'?

After giving the key, AZ felt much lighter, as if a weight had been lifted. He took a sip of Yuanqi Root Tea, tasting a hint of bitterness, followed by a sweet aftertaste.

Wrinkles appeared on his aged face, and he showed a smile that came from the heart for the first time in three thousand years.

"If it's you, you should be able to keep this thing safe."

Although Gengue said he wanted to keep it for future use and as a precaution, AZ believed that Jinghe wouldn't give Gengue the opportunity to use it.

With such a Pokemon by his side, protecting him, how could Jinghe, the messenger of Arceus, possibly fail? But AZ didn't understand Gengue's intention; Gengue was referring to Jinghe's future after a hundred years.

"Henga!"

Gengue quickly put the key into his mouth, then grabbed AZ's neck, revealing a big smile.

I acknowledge you as a friend!

AZ's smile grew more intense.

"Friend."

Night fell.

Jinghe's temporary campsite.

He looked at AZ and Gengue, who were sitting together, with a hint of confusion.

When had their relationship become so good?

Seemingly noticing his gaze, AZ and Gengue both turned to look at him.

AZ smiled, his face creased, a bit eerie.

Gengue's eyes darted left and right.

Hmm?

Something was amiss.

As Gengue's trainer, Jinghe knew this purple-skinned, chubby Pokemon well. When it stuck out its butt, Jinghe knew it was either farting or about to poop.

But now wasn't the time for 'interrogation'. Jinghe still had some doubts about AZ's appearance.

"Mr. AZ, what are you doing in this forest?" Jinghe asked.

Wasn't AZ supposed to be wandering around, then captured by his great-great-great-grandson Flarov and imprisoned in the Blaziken Squad's base?

Regarding Jinghe's doubts, AZ didn't seem to hide anything. He directly answered, "Because I wanted to see Zygarde."

Wait!

Zygarde?

"This forest?"

Oluans Forest?

It sounded a bit familiar.

"Zygarde?" Tianxi stood up, his expression somewhat excited.

AZ nodded, "Zygarde was originally asleep in this forest and may have awakened by now."

Jinghe: ". "

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end