Chapter 199: The Trainers Chosen by the Gods

"Huh? You think my flying proposal is great too?"

Guang Tai planned to install his first "external equipment" on Shieldon— a "flight saddle," a riding apparatus designed for mounting "mount Pokémon," commonly seen in the distant Alola region.

As for where to attach the flight saddle, Guang Tai thought riding atop the blade itself would be interesting; after all, his Shieldon was much larger than ordinary ones, making this entirely feasible.

Ordinary Shieldon passenger flight usually involves constant hovering—trainers either cling to Shieldon's body or sit directly on its back, like the thief father and daughter in the movie, or attach handholds and ride on its ribbon arms, as seen with the Galar referees.

But all these methods looked incredibly dangerous!

Flying like that felt like stepping on a spring device; carrying a heavy backpack would surely feel unstable!

But when Guang Tai told Shieldon his flying idea, the Pokémon immediately went full otaku!

Oh! Like launching a flying sword for a long-range sniper strike— isn't that stylish?!

The king who lands on a giant blade, then strikes with a holy sword!

"So as long as the pose is cool, the flight method doesn't matter?"

"Guh! (Since I can transform, any flight mode is easy!) Guh! Sword! (Even this is possible!)"

Shieldon struck a bizarre pose, nearly startling Guang Tai!

Super Transformation Mode!

The shield seemed to become the main body, while both ribbon arms twisted around it, the right ribbon gripping the giant blade's shaft!

Hey, this isn't Shieldon anymore—it's "Shieldblade!"

Since Zhu Lan was waiting, Guang Tai didn't waste time—he quickly assembled a makeshift "saddle sheath" from available materials: an iron sheath with holes on both sides to insert wooden rods for support.

Though not a railing, for temporary flight, this was already safe enough.

Shieldon gleefully slipped on the sheath; it had lost its sheath after evolution, and now it had regained one—though technically, it was just an "iron shell."

"Hum."

As they prepared to leave, the Creation Force within Guang Tai suddenly surged—golden, sand-like energy spilled from his fingertips, pulling at him.

A strange resonance appeared.

The source was the "Guardian Stone" placed in the workshop; the resonance rippled like a wave, and as the stone glowed faintly, the same light appeared on Guang Tai's body.

The stone conveyed a vague will—a special "blessing."

"Huh?"

This blessing came oddly; Guang Tai had never seen the stone glow faintly before—it seemed to be giving him some kind of revelation.

【???: Thousand-Aeon Martial God Ruins】

A strange voice suddenly echoed in his mind; Guang Tai shook his head sharply, and the voice vanished as if it had never been.

Huh?!

Strange events had occurred before reaching the Divine Capital Ruins; Guang Tai carefully examined the Guardian Stone and confirmed it might be trying to convey something to him!

"Then… let's fly first!"

As they left the workshop area, Guang Tai looked down—he saw a thin layer of spatial fluctuation around the workshop, likely the manifestation of the dimensional space. Soon, the workshop, village, fields, river, and peaks were all left behind; the steady giant blade glided horizontally through the sky, facing fierce winds!

Yet, a faint spiritual energy formed a barrier around him, weakening the high-altitude gales!

"This spiritual energy is incredibly convenient—I wonder how trainers riding Dragonite or Sharpedo withstand such winds up there?"

Though in games, riders of flying Pokémon wear helmets and look professional, in the real world, plenty of people fly bareheaded and stand upright just to show off!

Everyone's basically a superhero, braving the sky's gales; when Zifuqi Da Wu flew over, I never thought about this—now that I'm flying, I finally noticed something was off!

"Hmm, better crouch down a bit. Later, I'll make goggles and a helmet… right, I'll wear 'Dustproof Goggles' and 'Bulb Helmet.'"

Zhu Lan and Wang Luo, waiting at the Divine Capital Ruins, hadn't expected a giant blade to descend from the sky; when landing, due to poor posture adjustment, Guang Tai nearly touched down at a near-vertical ninety-degree angle.

"Phew! That was dangerous—I've never flown like this before…" Guang Tai dismounted from Shieldon; the Pokémon clearly wanted a cool entrance but almost messed it up!

"Sorry! Since the workshop is temporarily closed to outsiders, no one could find me. By the way, you're—"

Familiar mountain cabin. Familiar ruin entrance. Familiar… Huh?!

Aside from Zhu Lan, the Sinnoh Champion known as "Cabbage Sister," whom Guang Tai had seen countless times in games, anime, and manga…

Wang Luo is back?!

And these two weren't inside the cabin—they stood outside, on the open ground of the Snowy Great Valley, just near the entrance of the Divine Capital Ruins—the very place where Guang Tai once battled Wang Luo!

Are these two going to fight?

"Oh my, your expression changed instantly! You really don't want to see me, huh?" Wang Luo spoke lightly, stating his own rejection, then feigned sorrow with a comically exaggerated tone:

"How heartbreaking! I even sold you things cheaply before—what about me makes you dislike me so much?"

"Or do you think I mean harm to this ruin?"

Wang Luo's smile was cryptic; Zhu Lan remained silent. Guang Tai could almost see ellipses floating above her head—clearly, this situation was beyond his expectations.

"Oh my! That Pokémon is… never seen before! Did it evolve from that sword?"

"That's 'Shieldon'—the legendary sword said to choose kings."

Fortunately, Zhu Lan interrupted Wang Luo's "complaints!"

"I've seen Shieldon from the Kalos and Galar regions before, but your Shieldon is exceptionally well-trained! I've never seen such a massive blade!"

Zhu Lan marveled—Shieldon's shield and blade gleamed brightly, its enormous body radiating extraordinary energy!

That iron-shell sheath looked ridiculous—clearly a makeshift flight accessory. Still, Zhu Lan recalled previous Shieldon passenger flight methods; they differed greatly from Guang Tai's "flight mode."

She'd never seen a Shieldon fly horizontally! But somehow, absurd yet strangely reasonable?

"Pleased to meet you. I'm 'The Myth Explorer,' a Sinnoh mythologist—Zhu Lan."

Zhu Lan finally smiled, radiating warmth like spring breeze.

Tall and elegant, dressed in a classic black coat, with hair like a golden waterfall, wearing a Lucario-style headpiece, her face pale and refined.

Calm, courageous, noble, gentle—all these traits concentrated in one person.

Recognized across the Pokémon world as a beauty, she truly embodied "both powerful and beautiful!"

Of course, if such lavish words described Zhu Lan, Wang Luo could claim a share too—they shared the same face!

"You know, she's the Sinnoh Champion—a very famous person!" Wang Luo suddenly interjected; Guang Tai heard unmistakable pride and boasting in his tone.

Zhu Lan looked puzzled.

Was this the unspoken love from his great-grandfather? Guang Tai watched the scene, unable to suppress a smile; it made Zhu Lan even more confused. She pinched her delicate chin, eyes brimming with bewilderment.

Zhu Lan glanced at Wang Luo: "Being Champion doesn't mean I need to flaunt it everywhere. My real job is mythologist."

"Besides, being Champion doesn't mean you're strong… the peak of Pokémon Trainers in each region changes with the times. Green, Red, Steven, Wallace…"

"Perhaps now I'll be remembered as Sinnoh's Champion—but that's not eternal. One day, I'll lay down the Champion title… I believe what matters most isn't the title, but leaving a mark in people's hearts."

"Because appearing as Champion brings an aura of solemnity and distance, making people hesitant to approach. But calling myself a scholar makes me seem approachable?"

Wang Luo smiled warmly; Zhu Lan sighed and rubbed her forehead—she couldn't understand his behavior. Just moments ago he was a battle fanatic, now he was all smiles and no menace!

And he kept emphasizing his various identities to the craftsman, like… a senior boasting about a junior!

Yes, if this were flirting or flattery, his tone and expression were far too odd!

"Hmm, something like that." Zhu Lan turned to Guang Tai and smiled, recalling past events: "…The Pokémon training gear I bought from you worked wonders! My Pokémon's strength, endurance, and move power all improved dramatically!"

"Forgive me for saying so, but as Mr. Wang Luo mentioned, I'm Sinnoh's Champion. At my level, progress in training and breeding is extremely hard—but those items truly shocked me!"

"Speaking of which, this place is hard to find. I spent great effort just to learn how to enter this ancient land—it's battered by fierce snowstorms year-round, only stopping in summer. No wonder ancient records here are so vague."

"If I can help, that's perfect! Let's get to the point!" Guang Tai glanced at Wang Luo, who smiled expectantly—as if waiting for this topic!

"You came for the Pure Pendant and the Divine Capital Ruins, didn't you?"

"Yes… but more precisely, I'm curious about your pendant-making craft, and I'm also investigating the secret behind the statue you sold me."

Zhu Lan shifted into serious discussion mode; as she spoke of this, her obsidian eyes sparkled with fervor!

"My grandmother in Shenhezhen specialized in crafting ancient talismans, but the old talismans have lost the powers recorded in texts—their craft has lost a crucial step."

"Your Pure Pendant's craftsmanship resembles Shenhezhen's talisman style. While investigating the Divine Capital Ruins, I also intend to uncover the true nature of the ancient talisman craft."

Zhu Lan pulled a sky-blue pendant talisman from her coat pocket and handed it to Guang Tai.

"This is a special talisman passed down for centuries—its purpose seems to be a prayer to a deity, known as the 'Safety Talisman.'"

Guang Tai: "Safety Talisman—prevents fainting."

"You know how to use this talisman?" Zhu Lan's gaze sharpened; when discussing ancient matters, she always became intensely focused.

"Oh my, isn't this one of the three Hisui talismans? Too bad, modern methods can't recreate it anymore." Wang Luo suddenly spoke, glancing and waving dismissively.

He knew this talisman too well!

Once, a super Hisui person carried dozens of these, brawling with Pokémon everywhere! But during the development of Jubilife Village, the crucial "stone" that empowered these talismans vanished!

Zhu Lan raised an eyebrow but didn't reply to Wang Luo—she looked expectantly at Guang Tai.

The small talisman from her grandmother clearly held many secrets.

The mysterious craftsman, the strange merchant—they both seemed familiar with this talisman. The craft looked simple, yet couldn't be replicated today—so what step was missing?

"No problem—I can make it. It's simple. But the lost craft step… sorry, Shenhezhen's technique can't replicate it."

Guang Tai's answer surprised both of them; Zhu Lan immediately challenged Wang Luo with a look.

"Looks like the merchant's earlier claim was inaccurate!"

But then she frowned: "Shenhezhen's craft can't replicate it?"

Wang Luo's expression turned strange—he looked between Guang Tai and Zhu Lan, stroking his chin, bewildered.

Wang Luo didn't think Guang Tai was bluffing.

But could he really be certain? No—unless—Wang Luo's gaze sharpened!

"That's surprising—you can really remake this talisman? This isn't ordinary carving work—it's far beyond that, yet you seem so confident."

"Oh~" Wang Luo murmured that meaningless syllable: "From the start, I sensed you were different from anyone I'd met. Only after this Champion lady showed me the statue you sold her did I truly confirm it."

"Master Guang Tai, how much do you know about 'Arceus'? And what exactly do you know about this Divine Capital Ruin?"

"You should know what I'm talking about—safety amulets cannot be made without the 'Guardian Stone'; that protection was granted to us by the Great Lord of Sinnoh! No one believed this before, but after the development of Jubilife Village, when the stone was lost, no one could make such items anymore, right?"

"The only explanation for making amulets from the Sinnoh Restoration era without the Guardian Stone is this: you are a Trainer chosen by the gods!"

"I truly envy you, young sir."

"If being chosen by the gods means this," Guang Tai paused, "then the Creation Valley of Kalos has plenty of people like you."

"But it has surely been watching you all along."

"Is that so!" Wang Luo's expression changed—this time, his smile was genuine!

"I'm satisfied with this answer. Since you're not ready to speak now, then witness this: I will demonstrate my power before this Stage of Light! After the battle ends, tell us what answer you receive. Miss Zhu Lan has waited a long time."

"Earlier, Mr. Wang Luo asked me for a Pokémon battle—right here, before the Divine Capital Ruins. Isn't that strange?"

Zhu Lan smiled at Guang Tai, but when she turned away, her smile vanished—replaced by fierce battle intent!

"As a Trainer, once our eyes meet, the battle must begin!"

"When one gives their all against a powerful opponent, whether Pokémon or human, life itself shines brightly. That's why I've always sought battles with the strong!"

"Witness my victory, then tell me more about the Divine Capital Ruins—I truly want to know its story!"

At the mention of battle, she became an entirely different person—and at that moment, Guang Tai heard a ethereal voice.

The voice came from the Divine Capital Ruins.

Whoosh—spontaneously, Creation Power surged from Guang Tai's hands, a gift from the Guardian Stone, a force deeply tied to Arceus. Then, strange fissures appeared within the ruins; warped beams of temporal light bloomed across the Three Phantasmal Stages—and then—

Like a tidal surge, countless Unknown Symbols erupted from the ruins!

"Annon Annon~!"

The Unknown Symbols scrambled out in panic, as if guided by some unseen force, as if meant to accomplish something here. When they rose above the battlefield, their eyes blinked—and saw Guang Tai.

Instantly, the atmosphere turned cold.

"Ah! It's you!"

Only a small fraction of these summoned Unknown Symbols were from near the Divine Capital Ruins—the rest were the ones that had escaped during the Crystal Tower incident!

They came from the Ruins Beyond and the Alph Ruins—places deeply connected to the Sinjoh Ruins!

Seeing Guang Tai raise his hand, the Unknown Symbols that had caused trouble at the Crystal Tower froze in terror, frantically trying to break from the group and flee back into the temporal rift—but were blocked by the other Divine Capital Symbols!

Hey! You heard the voice of the Great Lord of Sinnoh—how dare you skip work!

"Annon~"

Among the Divine Capital Symbols, one was dozing off—Unknown Symbol E. When it opened its eyes again—

Huh? Again? Still at the Divine Capital Ruins? Then it's fine!

Unknown Symbol E zipped down, and the other Divine Capital Symbols followed, forming a single word together.

In an instant, the Symbolic Plates in Guang Tai's backpack flew out automatically, aligning with the Unknown Symbols to form the same word in midair.

Arceus—Arceus!

"Huh? What's going on?"

The sudden appearance of the Unknown Symbols interrupted Zhu Lan and Wang Luo's impending battle. The ancient merchant and Sinnoh Champion stared in disbelief at the swarm pouring from the ruins. Wang Luo exclaimed in shock:

"I've spent years here! I've never seen so many Unknown Symbols! There shouldn't be any in this ruin at all!"

"Are they… trying to deliver us a message? No—not to us. To you!" Wang Luo turned to Guang Tai. His mind raced, connecting possibilities—and he trembled with excitement.

Could it be… that the Great Lord of Sinnoh truly intends to witness this?

Of course! The reason this didn't happen during our first battle here was because the 'Chosen One' hadn't all arrived yet!

"Miss Zhu Lan, you too are a Trainer chosen by the gods."

Of course! It was always meant to be this way!

As my descendant, you freely investigate myths and have been subtly entrusted with the mission to oppose the fallen Galactic Team. A Champion's duty is to bear the peace and stability of an entire region—and yet, my descendant, despised by Arceus, has achieved such greatness…

Isn't this Arceus's blessing?

So my great-granddaughter has been watched by Arceus all along! Her path to strength—eventually… Wang Luo's gaze grew heavy as he began to think.

He suddenly envisioned a new future—but that future would have no place for him.

"Hmph. If I can't do it, perhaps letting you challenge 'it' won't be so bad. With you, it's better than that previous fool."

Zhu Lan frowned. "What are you talking about? I don't understand. Is this about Arceus?"

Guang Tai heard the 'truth' from the voices of the Divine Capital Symbols.

"Bond… Let me see the bond."

"Trust between you and your Pokémon is the source of your power now. Life will shine even brighter—craft the 'Thousand-Arceus Pendant.' Give it to the worthy one. The one who demonstrates trust and bond, and wins, shall receive a special gift."

"Then, stand at the center of the Stage of Light."

After deciphering the Unknown Symbols' meaning, Guang Tai stood frozen.

Wait—

In the original plot, you had to carry Arceus to trigger the hidden Creation event of the Divine Capital Ruins. But now… Arceus itself sent the Unknown Symbols to deliver this message. Is it trying to activate this content on its own?

So Wang Luo's constant talk of "showing power to it" has truly come true!

This is completely unexpected!

The message the Guardian Stone sent me earlier—was it…?

Was it Arceus speaking?

"Arceus… in this world, could there really be two?"

This was a small theory Guang Tai had once entertained.

The Arceus of the Michina Era fell into slumber a thousand years ago after grievous wounds—perhaps that was the Arceus who granted power to the ancient Sinnoh heroes.

Yet in the Sinnoh Restoration era, another Arceus still resides in the Beginning Temple of Heaven.

So… is this another avatar, on duty?

After all, every world has its own Alakazam avatar, and each one has a different personality! That's common knowledge!

For example, in the Labyrinth World, there's also an Arceus—and that one is the ultimate slacker. Even when Dialga turned dark and created a dark future, it didn't lift a finger. In later works, it just calls others to fight bosses while standing on a tower, doing nothing. Rayquaza fought alongside Deoxys—and still, Arceus just slacked off.

Meanwhile, the Arceus in the Special Edition world is the complete opposite—wildly violent. One wrong word and it erases everyone to restart the world. It's like a cosmic tyrant. Compared to it, Kyogre is a well-behaved child. This isn't a 'violent avatar being exiled'—it's that the original is even more violent than its avatars. Kyogre probably got chased away.

That explains why the original Arceus never punished Kyogre or Wang Luo for their rebellion—it simply brought in a new person from the future to face them.

Hmm… there's definitely slacking going on. But more importantly, this on-duty Arceus seems to care less about the loss of life, and instead eagerly watches for others' 'trust' and 'bond.' Bringing in people from the new era was meant to show the people of Sinnoh Restoration the importance of bond—to help humans and Pokémon reconcile, rely on each other, and coexist on this planet.

In contrast, the one sleeping in Michina deeply values life—even sacrificing its own to save the world.

"Then, that's it, both of you."

Guang Tai looked helplessly at the stunned pair.

"This came suddenly—I understand the language of the Unknown Symbols. It's my personal ability."

"If you're willing, your battle now must demonstrate power to Arceus—yes, the Great Lord of Sinnoh, that deity, is watching you!"

"From now on, Mr. Wang Luo, you too are a Trainer chosen by the gods. This is its gift to you—only once."

"And very likely, this is your only chance."

"Also, I don't know what you'll gain from this battle."

Surely it won't create a world and hand out a Legendary Pokémon egg?

Guang Tai no longer hid his knowledge—after all, the 'real one' was ready to give Wang Luo a chance.

Wang Luo indeed had terrifying ambition, but he gave up cleanly after defeat—he could take it and let it go. Most importantly, perhaps the very thing that drew Arceus's attention was—

Wang Luo and his Pokémon shared deep bonds and trust!

Even as a hidden antagonist, this truth was genuine. Perhaps that's why the Great Lord of Sinnoh took interest.

His centuries-long pursuit—was it a trial, a test?

"Mr. Wang Luo, you know the emblems on the stage of the Divine Capital Ruins depict the Pokémon that created the world: Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina."

"Now, I will tell you the answer you've sought—the true purpose of the Stage of Light."

"Listen… to the hidden tale of the Divine Closure."

(End of Chapter)