Chapter 209: The history of Sinjoh ends here

The plates fluttered, the light of the Legend Plate gradually dimmed, and Arceus's body began to collapse. The originally condensed energy entity gradually transformed into nothingness, and a brilliant, shining jewel surrounded by the Thousand-Arm Wheel appeared in the center of that illusory body.

Rōzu: "That is?"

Xiang Guangtai: "Spacetime Orb, Arceus was indeed carrying that thing. An ultimate sphere with the power to transcend time and space. The moves of the Pokémon holding it will have their power greatly increased. Its effect is that the greater the power of the move used, the greater the enhancement."

Aegislash also fell, the giant sword falling diagonally into the ground, but it deliberately adjusted its angle when it lost the ability to fight!

Oops, accidentally smashed the floor tiles of the Hall of Origin!

Arceus: "..."

At this time, there was only one Pokémon standing on the battlefield, and that was Giratina! This ruler of shadows looked blankly at the fallen Pokémon on the battlefield, and until this moment, it still had a sense of unreality.

Like a dream.

I actually defeated Arceus?!

A strong wish turned into real existing power. The god's statue responded to the calls of Giratina and Miss Zhu Lan, and forged a shallow bond between the two.

This bond was not yet strong; it was just that they had a common goal at the time, so this emotion began to resonate, depend on each other, and head to the other shore.

【Bonds are born this way. It only needs a small opportunity to sprout. Who you forge a bond with is your choice. This bond is a link that will continue to be passed down, from one person's hands to another.】

【The feelings of battle, feelings of friendship, feelings between relatives—different emotions connect and maintain different lives, and the bonds produced are also different. Perhaps in this world, this power triggered by strong emotions gives you no real sense, but if you were in another world, you would truly sense the reality of this power.】

Arceus's gaze looked at Giratina, and a strange scarf item appeared in the latter's consciousness.

What is that?

It was as if various blurry illusions flashed before its eyes, but Giratina could not grasp the key to them. However, since that was an item Arceus showed itself, and it didn't want to explain it personally, asking Xiang Guangtai was of course a better choice.

However, facing this "hard-won victory," Giratina, who should have roared arrogantly at the sky, briefly appeared worried and afraid, and, somewhat guilty!

When the psychic amplification faded and the effect of the wine disappeared, the weak side that had originally filled its heart finally managed to breathe and emerge, making Giratina's mind run wild.

This time, it won by relying on its partners.

If it fights again next time, can it still win? Or rather, this kind of victory doesn't count as truly "winning" at all!

Although the last Pokémon standing here was indeed itself!

"Gaaah... Gaa (Victory is only this once... it won't happen again.)"

【No, you have indeed obtained your victory, Giratina.】

Arceus's voice rang out on the battlefield. The illusory body had not dissipated. When this voice of god descended, the hypocritical and worried emotions in Giratina's heart were once again dispelled and eliminated, leaving only peace and tranquility.

【In this trial, I have seen the emotions you revealed during the battle. I know you used some items to enhance your confidence, but that is not a bad thing.】

【True courage lies in the fact that when you know what fear is, you still dare to move forward. A thought appears, and all subsequent actions are just to reinforce this thought, making yourself firmly believe that you can do it.】

【When you haven't won and have suffered failure, your heart will be temporarily lost and fall into darkness. This is normal and correct. Although darkness will tempt one's heart, it will also make people calm and reflect, so when you step into the light again, the road ahead will be even broader.】

【If you fall while raging, you will completely lose your emotions and kindness.】

【I think that precisely because of doubt, sometimes one will understand what is correct. Don't forget the feeling of walking step by step in the darkness; that is a treasure you clearly obtained yourself.】

Arceus saw through the unreality and worry in Giratina's heart. This guy drank wine to strengthen its confidence before the fight, and under the psychic amplification, all confusion and fear disappeared. And now that it had truly won, it was a little afraid instead, which made Arceus laugh and cry.

Quite interesting.

【Your true creator will wake up soon, and this beautiful world will also ripple. I will not personally do anything about the future of this world, so you need to handle the things that follow yourself.】

【However, you, Giratina, who have understood what courage is and truly passed this trial, I believe you can do it, and do it well. You will protect this world very well. This is no longer a mission bestowed upon you by anyone, but something you will inevitably do yourself.】

【With bonds, with courage, knowing the path and the direction of the future, life knows why it lives and how it should live.】

【Next, I want to give you a blessing, but as the pillar of creation, I cannot give you more authority, so for you, this is just an ordinary protection.】

【First there was nature, then there were Pokémon, and then there was the meaning of our existence. This is the world.】

The light on Arceus's body bloomed, Giratina's injuries were recovered, and the golden parts on its massive gray body flickered with firefly-like shining halos.

【I want to bestow upon you three kinds of protection: 'Resilience', 'Fortitude', and 'Vitality', corresponding to the three Pokémon that helped you this time. You must remember their existence; this bond cannot be forgotten.】

【The power of Resilience will make your vitality higher, allowing you to strengthen the lives and souls of others.】

【The power of Fortitude will make your damage higher when you enter a negative status, allowing you to resist external malice.】

【The power of Vitality will make your friends stronger; as long as they are with you, they will be omnipotent.】

Giratina sensed the three great powers it had obtained; it lowered its head slightly, growling as if accepting a mission.

Is this blessing ordinary?

This blessing is not ordinary at all!

As expected, any small blessing casually tossed out by the old father is unimaginable for a Pokémon of its level. Giratina clearly sensed that its stamina, endurance, and physical strength had all increased significantly, and these are the true essence of "life"!

It is even better than the effects of the Celestic secret medicine, and even more excellent than Pokéblocks and legendary berries!

Arceus shook its head: 【As I said, this is not a mission or a shackle; you may use them freely. Use them to build your own world.】

【You did very well and obtained the victory you deserved. I am very happy, and I have nothing else to say to you. What I wanted to give you, and what I wanted to witness, you have already shown me.】

【Next, you must witness their history.】

Giratina followed behind Arceus's phantom, quietly gazing at the humans and other Pokémon.

It nodded slightly toward Cynthia, its soul filled with gratitude.

A hero like you will surely let the name of Champion go down in history.

It grinned toward Xiang Guangtai, its soul filled with gratitude.

Descendant of the Celestic, you liberated your angry soul from the darkness and saw more worlds and scenery. A human like you will surely become a legendary existence in the world.

Finally, it looked at the calm-faced Cogita.

Uh...

Although we had an unpleasant past of fleeing, isn't our cooperation now quite good! I will never forget Togekiss's help, and I certainly won't enjoy the glory of this victory alone!

The first time we resisted, it was due to a lack of experience, but a miserable failure will eventually yield useful experience and bring about new success, won't it!

"Hmph! Regardless, our history can be considered to have been continued. Giratina..." Cogita's expression was still not good; after all, that incident back then was truly ridiculous, and making a fool of himself in front of "her" made him feel quite embarrassed.

"When did my history and life truly begin? Of course, it began when I saw your statue and received the Mythical Plate you gifted me!"

"Do you think I am resenting you for being too cowardly! I am resenting your irresponsibility! You were the one who initially wanted to resist Arceus with me! You used me, wanting me to help you realize your wish, and I did just that!"

"But in the end, you, the initiator and executor of the plan, chickened out! You were afraid! You didn't dare to fight Arceus at all, and you also retreated because you feared Akari's strength. Such a Pokémon, are you one of the Creation Deities! I really didn't expect you to be like this!"

"Do you know, when I found you and confirmed your existence, I was truly ecstatic..."

"Although, sometimes, I would also think, if you didn't exist, I should have quietly been a traveling merchant in the Ginkgo Guild. I should have gradually forgotten the terrible treatment and hardships I suffered during a century of travel, and finally become an optimistic and ignorant person!"

"I would have made many new friends! Akari, Rei, Ginter, Cyllene, Professor Laventon... I would have seen the completion of the first Pokédex and been happy for it, and finally died in happiness when my time came. Why wouldn't that have been a beautiful ending for me! Aren't many people in the world like that!"

"It was you who personally reshaped my life and gave me the greatest hope, but in the end, when the wish was about to be realized, you gave it up!"

"When I realized that you no longer wanted to challenge Arceus and were disheartened by it, I knew that my history and story had also completely ended at that moment."

"When everything is over, where am I to go! Wandering in this hopeless history of searching for Arceus, like a homeless ghost!"

"Celestic no longer exists, Hisui has become Sinnoh, and the history of the past has all vanished like smoke. Where should I belong?"

Centuries of hopeless searching and thinking—the resentment and anger accumulated toward Giratina were vented all at once at this moment of victory, but Cogita was not trying to dump all the problems on Giratina.

He was not bewitched by Giratina; he was just cooperating with Giratina. His current state of mind is probably similar to... a business partner suddenly running away with the money and bankrupting the company.

"I've said too much, but, congratulations nonetheless." Cogita calmed his emotions and then revealed his signature smile. Although it was still impossible to tell if it was sincere or a fake smile, at least, at this moment, there was not a shred of hatred in Cogita's heart.

Because history and the story have restarted, the broken parts can be reconnected. Except for the fact that he still doesn't know where to head in the future, his wish can be considered to have been fulfilled, albeit not perfectly?

A new world wasn't created, but because of this, he learned about more interesting and rare things. As a merchant of myths, one's purpose is to explore all kinds of rare people, events, and things! If it is really as Xiang Guangtai said, that there are endless worlds in the universe, then there will always be a world that is the way he expects!

If he wants to travel, where should he go! Xiang Guangtai's voice echoed in his mind, and Cogita decided to propose this request to Arceus.

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

Arceus gazed at Cogita and nodded slightly, but it didn't say anything. Its gaze shifted, not looking at Cynthia, but instead looking at Xiang Guangtai first.

As the person who delivered the final blow, although he is not good at battling, but...

The psychic power and spiritual power of the heart can always grasp the fleeting "timing" in terms of command. This is an innate advantage. People who can communicate with Pokémon heart-to-heart without words and command battles instantly are rare in the Pokémon world, but they are not non-existent.

For example, a girl named Anabel from a certain Battle Frontier also possesses this power.

【This is the Space-Time Orb.】

Arceus took the initiative to mention the orb of light within the illusory body and explained its origin:

【Every time a body is created, and every time a stage to worship me appears, a Space-Time Orb is born. In the former Hisui, such things also remained, but that orb is sleeping within its master's body. The ruins that once held the Space-Time Orb are the Cloud-Mist Ruins.】

【And since you know of the Mystery Dungeon world, you should know of the 'Tower of Destiny' and the 'Statue of Arceus'. You, too, can create these buildings and items.】

Arceus's voice was grand and distant: 【The one before you is the Space-Time Orb of the Celestic Ruins. As a reward for passing the trial, I bestow it upon you and allow you to protect it.】

【But be careful; the power of the Space-Time Orb is immense. Even if you have mastered the method of making it, you must not use it to create, as it will destroy the balance of the world and attract the covetousness of those with ulterior motives. In fact, enemies in this world who are searching for such powerful items have already appeared and are stirring.】

"Like Team Galactic! It is a strange organization that has been highly active in the Sinnoh region recently."

Cynthia took over the conversation: "Although they were initially a legitimate energy development company researching aerospace-related projects, for some reason they suddenly started to become extreme and launched some activities of unclear significance in various regions, including stealing Pokémon, seemingly to obtain the energy used for evolution within Pokémon's bodies."

"Many people in the Sinnoh region have filed strong complaints against the company, but negotiations between the League and them have always been full of difficulties, and their members have recently changed their hairstyles too. How should I put it... there is a subtle feeling..."

Xiang Guangtai: "The blue watermelon-cut and bob-cut, right."

Cynthia: "Ah, that's it. So you know about it too; I also feel it's a bit tasteless."

Cogita: "Team Galactic, huh... hmm."

Cynthia: "What's wrong? Do you have detailed information about Team Galactic?"

Cogita smiled slightly: "Now is not the time to talk about these things. I don't know about the modern Team Galactic; let us continue to listen to the words of the god."

Arceus's gaze did not move away from Xiang Guangtai:

【There are many humans with ambition; even if one batch is defeated, another will appear. However, in different worlds, Pokémon will also develop evil thoughts and atrocities. How to overcome one's own desires and walk the true path of radiance is a trial that all life must experience.】

【When all descendants of the Celestic have perished, this Space-Time Orb will also return to where it should exist, and this stage of light will also completely lose its power.】

The Multitype rings on Arceus's body emitted a brilliant light, and a soft golden light fell upon the battlefield. First, it was the content promised earlier!

A magnificent golden lightning bolt fell from the stars and struck Aegislash!

But that thunder was not a punishment, nor would it damage Aegislash's body and life; instead, it transformed into the most powerful force and poured into it. When it floated up from the ground again, the giant sword not only expanded by another circle, but its entire body had turned into a shimmering golden appearance!

"What form is this?!"

Cynthia had never seen this appearance and was greatly shocked, while Cogita explained to his great-granddaughter:

"That is the image of the 'King'."

"Do you remember the story Xiang Guangtai told? The ancient legendary hero challenged Arceus with ten Pokémon and received Arceus's blessing. Those ten Pokémon transformed into the kings of Pokémon, and even their descendants possessed equally powerful physiques. They obtained power from the Great Sinnoh, and their strength was unmatched by other Pokémon!"

"I believe you will also receive the same blessing next, and it will only be more and greater than that of Lord Xiang Guangtai."

"Because you are the 'God-Chosen Hero' this time."

In Xiang Guangtai's mind, information was emerging:

【Aegislash has obtained the "King's Blessing"!】

【Description: A blessing from Arceus. All individual values of Aegislash have been raised to the maximum, and on this basis, they are additionally increased by 50%. In myths and legends, the ten Pokémon that once followed the ancient hero to challenge the Great Sinnoh obtained this power. They were blessed by lightning and transformed into aids to humanity.】

【Available Power: Fierce—The manifestation of power in King form, unleashing power that cannot be blocked by ordinary Pokémon, possessing "Indomitable" and will not be easily knocked down or interrupted.】

【Available Power: Defense—The manifestation of power in King form, can ignore the impact force generated by the opponent's attacks and reduce damage from all sources by 50%. However, if the defensive state is weakened by "Treasures" or "Pokémon Battles," it will fall into an undefended state, and damage received from all sources will increase by 50%.】

【Available Power: King's Land—In ancient Hisui, King Pokémon all had their own lands to protect. After becoming a King, one can select a piece of land for protection and inheritance. Under the King's protection, life in that location will grow more robustly, with growth and prosperity +50%.】

"Give... uh!"

Aegislash looked at itself, which had become larger and shimmering golden, and was greatly surprised. Feeling the surging power within its body, it asked Arceus if "this counts as a divine certification"?

Ha, the hardest-to-obtain certification of a Legendary Pokémon was obtained by itself! Uh, but... can you sign it additionally?

Arceus: "..."

After a little deliberation, Arceus shone a ray of light on Aegislash again. Of course, this blessing was not only obtained by Aegislash; a second and third lightning bolt descended simultaneously, striking Garchomp and Togekiss!

The two Pokémon let out high-pitched sounds; they also increased in size, their bodies emitted golden light, and their eyes were surrounded by sacred white radiance!

The King's form!

【If you want "proof"... I will give you this.】

Arceus's voice fell, and Xiang Guangtai learned what those "certifications" actually were!

They are "Marks"!

Medals, marks, badges, ribbons... these are all a form of honor proof. Whether in the game or in reality, they do not possess any special abilities; they are just an honor and a memento, although there is a division of rarity.

This is different from "Gym Badges."

However, this time, the Mark is a reward given by Arceus! It naturally has a little bit of a "special effect," and in the whole world, apart from the three before him, there will probably be no other Pokémon that will possess this batch of Marks!

【Aegislash asked Arceus for an autograph. Arceus, as a god, agreed to it and bestowed special Marks upon the three Pokémon.】

【Hero's Mark: A Mark created by imitating the deeds of the legendary hero challenging the Great Sinnoh. Only Pokémon that have challenged Arceus can obtain it, and it will be certified as a hero of the Pokémon world.】

【Acquisition Requirement: Complete the "Arceus's Trial" on the Stage of Light in the Celestic Ruins.】

【Effect: When encountering ordinary Pokémon, it will inspire the Pokémon's confidence and strength. In critical moments, it will raise all its abilities by one level—a hero is meant to turn the tide.】

【This is the "Mark" you wanted, and next, I will bestow upon you different blessings.】

Arceus's reward was generous enough!

This blessing was the same as the one previously performed for Giratina, except that Giratina possessed three kinds of blessings, while the other challengers only had one.

This is also a warning from Arceus: if power is too great, it will breed malice. Sometimes, Pokémon and trainers themselves do not know where this malice comes from. Ambition will expand because of it, good people will become villains because of it, and in the end... they will be defeated by a new hero.

【Aegislash, your final Steel Beam left a deep impression on me. As a warrior, you secured the victory, so I bestow upon you the "Superb" blessing.】

【You can ignore super-effective attacks, and when you use super-effective attacks on enemies, the damage increases.】

【Garchomp, your Struggle represents the radiance of life and the maximization of the power of bonds. As a brave warrior, you were the first to hurt me, taking the lead, so I will bestow upon you the "Hero" blessing.】

【When you are fighting an enemy, all your abilities will be raised.】

【Togekiss, your support left a deep memory for me. As a helper, you cleverly reversed the battlefield situation and helped your partners avoid danger many times, so I bestow upon you the "Great Sweep" blessing; the range of all your moves will become larger.】

The three Pokémon received blessings from Arceus, and different blessings would trigger changes in power and the future. Afterward, Arceus looked toward Cynthia.

Cogita's matter should be discussed last. Now, it is time to bless the "God-Chosen One"!

The attire on Cynthia's body maintained the appearance of the "Arceus Suit"—the white coat, the emerald-like pendant, and the golden halo. This posture itself came from divine favor, and at the same time, Cynthia also obtained the title of "Trainer Recognized by God."

Although it is of no great use externally, it will significantly strengthen her mental will and soul, as well as her "Idealistic Burst"!

In Xiang Guangtai's view, he suddenly felt that the challengers in the Sinnoh region might be a bit unlucky, including Ash in the future. The strength of the current Cynthia and the original Cynthia are almost like two different people, a world of difference!

Especially the Sinnoh Fire Elite Four member Flint; I'm afraid he will never be able to beat Cynthia in his life. After all, the Celestic Ruins are her exclusive limited-time dungeon.

【This is Divine Protection. You have already obtained "my" recognition during the battle, which is why you possess this posture. But there is no item in this world that can trigger this power, so this power of protection can only lie dormant in your heart.】

【But, when you put on the same attire, you will obtain the same power as you have now. As for the method of making the attire, the only craftsman in Celestic will give you the answer.】

【Besides this, I will bestow upon you a new blessing, one that is the same as the blessing of the ancient heroes of the past...】

Ancient heroes, apart from that unknown Celestic person who challenged Arceus with ten Pokémon, someone from the Hisui era can also be included among them, and the blessings they received were different.

From subsequent situations, some people speculate that the ancient person who once challenged Arceus with ten Pokémon is very likely Cogita, although some people also think that Cogita is an avatar of Arceus or the "previous Arceus." The longing for her "husband" in the ancient poems she wrote refers to the hero who once challenged her.

If that is the case... then there are three Arceus in this world.

Because Cynthia is not Xiang Guangtai's "Pokémon," Xiang Guangtai could not know what kind of blessing Cynthia received, only that radiance flowed over her body, her expression changed from astonishment to joy, and finally, she sincerely accepted this wish.

Following that, Cynthia looked at herself.

"I have already obtained the blessing of Sinnoh, but this blessing still requires the Azure Flute."

"Arceus said, please go to the Spear Pillar..."

"Hmm, it might take some time; I have other places to go right now..." Xiang Guangtai's polite refusal made Cogita, who was on the side, pat his thigh in anxiety. This is a request from a god; how could it be ignored? But Cynthia expressed understanding:

"It's okay, Arceus said that the time for the opening of the Spear Pillar has not yet arrived, so it's fine to go whenever, but this blessing will inevitably be realized in the future."

"Thank you, really... thank you very much!" This time it was Cynthia's own thanks. She faced Xiang Guangtai: "Although I still want to learn more secrets from you, I have already obtained too much history now, and I have to record it all down. This is a daunting task!"

"But, being able to come to Celestic to witness all this and participate in this challenge, including meeting you, is truly great."

"I am truly lucky; this feeling of gratitude cannot be contained... my heart is pounding... I am happy! I really, truly feel it!"

"I am so glad I can work in the field of mythological research! Human history, Pokémon history—different histories intertwine to become new legends. I will keep these words in mind!"

"Of course, I must also thank Mr. Cogita." Cynthia looked at her ancestor with a smile. Although Arceus did not explicitly state some content, Cynthia guessed that the kinship between Cogita and herself might not be simple.

【The bond with Cynthia has sprouted!】

【The bond with Cynthia has increased!】

【The bond with Cynthia has increased significantly!】

Three pieces of information flashed by. If this counts as favorability, Xiang Guangtai knew that the favorability of this Sinnoh Champion toward him had probably reached a very high level. After all, they fought together, faced challenges, and there was the close identity of being a descendant of the Celestic.

"If you have time, you must come to Celestic Town!"

This was Cynthia's invitation.

And finally, Arceus's gaze fixed on Cogita, this ancient Sinnoh person who had been searching for it for hundreds of years...

【If you want to travel, where do you want to go?】

Arceus asked like this.

【The history of Celestic has ended here, but it has also restarted. So, do you intend to leave this world?】

(End of chapter)