Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

The Plates whirled in the air, their glow dimming as the Legend Plate's light gradually faded. Arceus's body began to collapse, the once-condensed energy entity now dissolving into the void. At the core of the fading figure, a shining gem orbited by the Thousand Arms appeared, radiating brilliant light.

Volo: "What's that?"

Hikaru: "The Adamant Orb. So Arceus really was carrying it. The ultimate sphere containing power that transcends time and space. It massively boosts the power of moves used by its holder—the stronger the move, the greater the boost."

Aegislash also fell, its giant blade crashing into the ground at an angle. Even as it lost its combat capability, it deliberately adjusted its angle of fall!

Oops, it accidentally smashed a floor tile of the Hall of Origin!

Arceus: "..."

At this moment, the only Pokémon standing on the battlefield was Giratina! The lord of shadows stared blankly at the Pokémon lying around the field, an overwhelming sense of unreality washing over it.

Like a dream.

It had actually defeated Arceus?!

A strong desire had manifested into true power. The divine statue had answered the call of Giratina and Cynthia, forming a faint bond between them.

The bond wasn't strong—just the start of a shared goal. But from that, emotions resonated, dependencies formed, and they moved toward their destination.

[That's how bonds are born. All it takes is a small catalyst to sprout. Who you form that bond with is your choice. This bond is a thread, passed down from one hand to the next.]

[The feelings of battle, love between friends, family affection—different emotions connect and sustain different lives, forming different bonds. Perhaps in this world, the power of bonds born from strong emotions may feel unreal to you. But in another world, you would truly sense its power.]

Arceus gazed at Giratina. In Giratina's mind, a strange scarf-like item appeared.

What was that?

It felt like fleeting visions were flashing before its eyes, but Giratina couldn't grasp the key. Yet, since Arceus had shown it the item without offering an explanation, the best option was to ask Hikaru.

However, facing this "hard-won victory," Giratina, who should have been roaring triumphantly to the heavens, instead felt a moment of worry, fear… and guilt!

As the mental boost faded and the effects of the wine wore off, the weakness buried in its heart finally emerged, leaving Giratina lost in thought.

It had only won thanks to its companions.

Would it win again in the next battle?

Or was this victory not a real "win" at all?

Even if it was the last Pokémon standing!

"Graah… graaah… (This victory… won't happen again.)"

[No, Giratina, you have earned your victory.]

Arceus's voice echoed across the battlefield. The fading body did not dissipate. As the divine voice descended, Giratina's feelings of insincerity and worry were banished once more, leaving only tranquility and calm.

[In this trial, I witnessed the emotions you revealed in battle. I know you used items to boost your confidence—but that's not a bad thing.]

[True courage is when, even knowing fear, you still dare to move forward. A thought appears, and everything that follows is merely to strengthen that thought, to believe you can do it.]

[When you haven't won, when you've failed, the mind will be momentarily lost, sinking into darkness. This is normal and correct. Darkness can tempt the heart, but it also forces reflection. When you step back into the light, the path ahead becomes clearer.]

[If you sink into rage and fall into depravity, you lose your emotions and kindness completely.]

[I believe that doubt can sometimes reveal what is right. Never forget the feeling of walking step by step in the darkness—that's a treasure you've earned yourself.]

Arceus had seen through Giratina's sense of unreality and anxiety. This guy had chugged confidence-boosting wine before the fight, had his doubts and fears erased by mental amplification, and now, having won, it was actually scared. Arceus found it both amusing and interesting.

[Your true Creator will soon awaken. This beautiful world will soon ripple with change. I will not personally interfere with the future of this world. What comes next… is up to you.]

[But Giratina, you have understood what courage is, and you've truly passed this trial. I believe you can do it. You'll protect this world well. This is no longer a mission granted to you by anyone—it's something you will naturally do yourself.]

[With bonds, with courage, knowing your path and the future's direction, life knows why it exists… and how it should be lived.]

[Next, I will grant you a blessing. But as the Pillar of Creation, I cannot bestow more authority upon you. So, for you, it's just an ordinary blessing.]

[First came nature, then Pokémon, and only then did we find the meaning of our existence. That is the world.]

Arceus's light burst forth, and Giratina's wounds were healed. Its massive gray body shimmered with a firefly-like golden glow.

[I grant you the blessings of 'Resilience,' 'Steadfastness,' and 'Vigor.' These correspond to the three Pokémon who helped you. You must never forget them. These bonds must never be forgotten.]

[The power of Resilience will make your vitality higher, allowing you to bolster the lives and souls of others.]

[The power of Steadfastness will make you stronger when in a negative state, allowing you to withstand external malice.]

[The power of Vigor will make your friends stronger. As long as they're with you, they will be unstoppable.]

Giratina sensed the three mighty blessings. It lowered its head slightly, growling softly as if accepting a mission.

Was this an ordinary blessing?

Not at all!

It was an unimaginable gift for a Pokémon at Giratina's level!

Giratina could clearly feel its stamina, endurance, and vitality soaring—this was the very essence of "life"!

Far better than the effects of Shinto Sacred Medicine, far beyond the benefits of PokéBlocks and rare Berries!

Arceus shook its head:

[As I said, this is not a mission or shackle. You are free to use these blessings as you wish, to build your own world.]

[You've done well. You achieved the victory you deserved. I'm pleased. There's nothing more I need to say. What I wanted to give you, what I wanted to see, you've shown me.]

[Next, you must witness their history.]

Giratina followed the fading phantom of Arceus, quietly watching the humans and other Pokémon.

It nodded slightly at Cynthia, gratitude filling its soul.

A hero like you will surely ensure the Champion title shines in the annals of history.

It bared its fangs in a grin at Hikaru, its soul full of appreciation.

Descendant of the Divine Flute, you have freed your furious soul from the darkness, witnessed many worlds and sights. A human like you… will become a legend of this world.

Finally, it turned to Volo, who wore a calm expression.

Uh…

Though we had a less-than-pleasant past, our current cooperation wasn't bad!

I'll never forget Togekiss's help, and I certainly won't hog the glory of this victory alone!

That first rebellion was due to inexperience, but a bitter failure always yields useful lessons and brings new success, right?

"Hmph! In any case, our history has been reconnected. Giratina…"

Volo's expression was still grim. After all, the whole incident back then had been absurd—making a fool of himself in front of "her" had been rather embarrassing.

"When did my life and history truly begin?

Of course, it was when I saw your statue and received the Plates you gave me!"

"You think I resented you for being too cowardly? No! I resented you for being irresponsible! You were the one who wanted to rebel against Arceus alongside me! You used me, wanted my help to realize your wishes, and I did just that!"

"But in the end, as the initiator and executor of the plan, you chickened out! You were afraid! You didn't dare fight Arceus, and you retreated in fear of Kojo's strength. Are you really one of the Creator Gods?! I never thought you'd be like this!"

"Do you know? When I found you and confirmed your existence, I was overjoyed!"

"Sometimes, I also think… if you didn't exist, I would've quietly become a traveling merchant for the Ginkgo Guild. In a hundred years of wandering, I might've gradually forgotten the cruel treatment and pain I'd endured, and in the end, I would've passed away as a happy, ignorant man!"

"I would've made many new friends—Kojo, Akari, Rei, Professor Laventon—I would've seen the first Pokédex completed and rejoiced over it, and eventually, I would've died with a smile. Wouldn't that have been a wonderful ending for me, too? After all, isn't that how it is for most people in this world?"

"You were the one who reshaped my life, who gave me the greatest hope. But in the end, when that hope was about to be realized, you abandoned it!"

"When I realized you no longer wanted to challenge Arceus, when I lost heart, I knew my history, my story, had completely ended in that moment."

"When everything is over… where am I supposed to go?

Wandering aimlessly in this hopeless search for Arceus, like a homeless ghost!"

"The Divine Flute no longer exists. Hisui has become Sinnoh. The past is all gone. Where should I belong?"

Centuries of hopeless searching and reflection—all the resentment and anger Volo had accumulated toward Giratina burst out in this moment of victory.

But Volo wasn't trying to dump all the blame on Giratina. He hadn't been swayed by Giratina, merely worked with it. His current mindset was probably like… a business partner suddenly absconding with all the money and bankrupting the company.

"I've said too much. But… congratulations."

Volo composed himself and smiled his signature smile. Whether it was genuine or fake was hard to tell, but at least in that moment, he felt no hatred.

For history and stories had started anew.

Though the future path was still unknown, his wish had been—if not perfectly fulfilled—at least partially completed.

No new world had been created, but he'd learned many fascinating and rare things.

As a myth-chasing merchant, it was his destiny to explore all sorts of wonders, people, stories, and objects!

If, as Hikaru said, there were endless worlds in the universe, then surely one would match his expectations!

If he wanted to travel, where should he go?

Hikaru's voice echoed in his mind, and Volo decided to make that request to Arceus.

But for now, let the other two receive their blessings.

Arceus gazed at Volo, nodded slightly, then shifted its gaze—not to Cynthia, but to Hikaru.

As the one who delivered the final blow, though not skilled in battles,

his psychic powers and spiritual abilities let him capture fleeting moments. This was a natural gift—that ability to silently communicate with Pokémon's hearts and command a battle in an instant.

While rare in the Pokémon world, it wasn't unheard of.

For instance, a certain girl named Anabel in the Battle Frontier also possessed such a gift.

[This is the Adamant Orb.]

Arceus proactively addressed the glowing orb within its fading body and explained its origins:

[Every time a body is created, every time a stage to honor me is formed, an Adamant Orb is born. There was once such an orb in Hisui as well, but it slumbers within its holder's body. The ruins that once held an Adamant Orb are Fogbound Ruins.]

[And since you know of the Mystery Dungeon world, you should also know of the Destiny Tower and the Arceus statue—you too can create such structures and objects.]

Arceus's voice was vast and distant:

[The one before you is the Adamant Orb of the Shinto Ruins. As a reward for passing the trial, I give it to you and permit you to protect it.]

[But be careful. The power of the Adamant Orb is immense. Even if you master its creation, do not replicate it. It would destabilize the world's balance and attract those with ill intent. In fact, such enemies have already appeared in this world and are stirring.]

"Like Team Galactic! They've been very active in the Sinnoh region recently."

Cynthia picked up the thread:

"At first, they were a legitimate energy development company researching aerospace projects. But for some reason, they've become extreme and are engaging in bizarre activities across various regions—including stealing Pokémon, seemingly to obtain the energy Pokémon use for evolution."

"Many in Sinnoh have filed strong complaints against the company, but negotiations with the League have been fraught with difficulties. And their members recently changed their hairstyles—how should I put it, there's a subtle vibe…"

Hikaru: "Blue bowl cuts and bob cuts, right."

Cynthia: "Ah, that's it! You know them too? I think it's a bit tasteless."

Volo: "Team Galactic, huh… hmm…"

Cynthia: "What's wrong? Do you know more about Team Galactic?"

Volo gave a slight smile: "Now's not the time for that. I don't know much about the modern Team Galactic. Let's continue listening to the god."

Arceus's gaze remained on Hikaru.

[There are many humans with ambition. Even if you defeat one group, another will appear. In different worlds, Pokémon also harbor malice and violence. How to overcome one's desires and walk the path of true brilliance is a trial all life must face.]

[When the descendants of the Divine Flute perish, this Adamant Orb will return to its rightful place. This stage of light will lose its power.]

Arceus's Thousand Arms radiated dazzling light. A soft golden glow cascaded over the battlefield, and first came the promised rewards!

A mighty golden thunderbolt fell from the stars, striking Aegislash!

But it wasn't punishment—it wouldn't harm Aegislash's body or life. Instead, it infused the greatest power into it. As it rose from the ground, its massive blade swelled once more, and its entire body shone with golden light!

"What form is this?!"

Cynthia had never seen such a form and was astonished. Volo explained to his descendant:

"That's the form of a 'King.'"

"Remember the story Hikaru told? The ancient legendary hero who challenged Arceus with ten Pokémon received Arceus's blessing. Those ten Pokémon transformed into Pokémon Kings, and their descendants also possessed the same incredible physiques. They gained power from the Great Sinnoh and were unmatched by any other Pokémon!"

"I think you'll receive a similar blessing, and it will only be greater."

"Because you are this trial's 'Chosen Hero.'"

In Hikaru's mind, information surged:

『Aegislash has received the "King's Blessing"!』

『Description: A blessing from Arceus. All of Aegislash's IVs are maximized and further boosted by 50%. In ancient legends, the ten Pokémon who followed the hero in challenging the Great Sinnoh were granted this power, blessed by thunderbolts, becoming humanity's aids.』

『Available Powers: Ferocity — The display of power in King Forme, unleashing strength that cannot be stopped by ordinary Pokémon, possessing "Hyper Armor" that prevents it from being easily knocked down or interrupted.』

『Available Powers: Guard — The display of power in King Forme, allowing it to ignore the impact of opponent attacks and reduce all damage taken by 50%. However, if Guard is weakened by "Z-Move" or "Pokémon Battle," it will enter a vulnerable state, receiving 50% more damage from all sources.』

『Available Powers: King's Domain — In ancient Hisui, King Pokémon protected their lands. After becoming a King, it can designate a territory for protection and inheritance. Under the King's protection, life in that area grows more robust, growth rate and prosperity +50%.』

"Geez!"

Aegislash looked at its enlarged, golden-glowing self in shock, feeling the surging power within. It turned to Arceus and asked, "Is this like a godly certification?"

Ha, to receive the hardest-to-obtain Legendary Pokémon certification! Uh… but… could I get a signed autograph too?

Arceus: "..."

After a moment of thought, Arceus bathed Aegislash in another beam of light. Naturally, the blessing wasn't just for Aegislash—a second and third golden thunderbolt simultaneously struck Garchomp and Togekiss!

The two Pokémon let out triumphant cries. Their forms also enlarged, their bodies emitting golden light, and their eyes gleamed with sacred white brilliance!

King Forme!

[If you seek 'proof'… this will serve as your reward.]

Arceus's voice descended, and Hikaru finally understood what the "certification" was!

It was a Medal!

A medal, an emblem, a badge, a ribbon… these are marks of honor. While they don't have special powers in games or reality, they are symbols of recognition and memory, sometimes with rarity tiers.

Unlike Gym Badges.

However, this time's medal was a reward from Arceus! Naturally, it had a little "special effect," and apart from these three Pokémon, no other Pokémon in the world would possess these medals!

『Aegislash requested Arceus's signature. The god Arceus agreed and bestowed special medals upon the three Pokémon.』

『Hero's Medal: A medal created to emulate the tale of the legendary hero who challenged the Great Sinnoh with ten Pokémon. Only Pokémon who have challenged Arceus on the Shinto Ruins' Light Stage can receive it. They are recognized as heroes of the Pokémon world.』

『Requirements: Complete the "Trial of Arceus" on the Shinto Ruins' Light Stage.』

『Effect: When encountering ordinary Pokémon, it boosts the Pokémon's confidence and power. In a crisis, it raises all stats by one stage—because a hero must always turn the tide!』

[This is the "medal" you sought. Now, I will grant you different blessings.]

Arceus's rewards were generous!

(End of Chapter)

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