Chapter 262: The Last Sun King

The ancient spirits held high regard for Guang Tai.

He had fought through thorns and brambles to reach this place, and on his person was an incredible power—this force seemed not only to originate from the cosmos, but also to carry the familiar resonance of the Connected Tree.

The ancient spirits could not recognize Arceus’s power, but they sensed its greatness; thus, no words were needed—they believed Guang Tai was the most fitting vessel for the will of the Ancient City.

“The King of the Ancient City?”

【“Correct. It is you, and only you.”】

The ancient spirits whispered, circling Guang Tai, and without notice, Yorges and the Plasma Grunts had vanished—Guang Tai was startled, but the ancient spirits declared they had done it!

The birth of a king requires no witness from those with ill intent; excluding them entirely from this sacred chamber was the best choice!

But Guang Tai was somewhat disappointed.

He had originally planned to use Mind Shatter on Yorges, to explode his dark side outright and plant hidden troubles within Plasma, but now that was impossible.

“Guh!”

Shieldon opened its Poké Ball on its own and stepped out, clearly annoyed—just now, that strange force had directly bounced it back into the Poké Ball and locked its movements!

These ancient spirits are too much!

【“The foreign blade that follows the king—you indeed possess this qualification.”】

【“The crystal on your person has witnessed all this. That crystal is no ordinary object.”】

The ancient spirits whispered; after recognizing Shieldon’s presence, they held Guang Tai in even higher esteem—they clearly knew of events from primordial times, and upon reflection, the world-ending weapon forged in Kalos three thousand years ago may have subtly influenced Unova.

For the Ancient City existed between 3,500 and 2,500 years ago.

And the blue crystal on Guang Tai’s person—the image of the blue-haired prince it had displayed—confirmed for the ancient spirits that it was the lingering remnant of an ancient spirit from another region’s kingdom; to gain such power’s recognition proved everything!

Therefore, you are worthy!

“Then what is the price?”

Guang Tai asked this question out of nowhere; though he had calmed the ancient spirits’ anger, that did not mean accepting their gift came without cost—if not the revival of the ancient city, then what was required?

At that moment, Guang Tai sensed sorrow emanating from the Solar Spirit.

That incomprehensible aura, that incomprehensible power, and within the sorrow, a trace of joy.

“I understand. You do not wish the world to forget your existence, so you need a proxy to wield your power, so your story may continue to be told.”

“Perhaps someone could be hired to regularly clean this place, turning it into a distinctive scenic spot—then at least it won’t be forgotten by time.”

In Black 2 and White 2, this place was already half-buried in sand; the Wilds Scenic Area lies in the desert, where endless sandstorms make its sinking perfectly natural—so much so that every psychic who came here sighed in regret; merely staying here brought sorrow, a lament against time’s cruelty.

【“The choice is yours. Perhaps this is fine. Though we do not understand what a scenic spot is, it sounds good.”】

The ancient spirits responded to Guang Tai’s suggestion; they did not fully grasp the meaning of “scenic spot,” but it sounded acceptable.

But what could be beautiful in a desert?

“No, entrance fees to explore ruins would be worth every bit, attracting many interested in adventure—doesn’t this city’s depths hold many treasures?”

“No, I’m not saying to take those treasures away—rather, you could let your guardians occasionally drop some treasures on the upper levels; when explorers find them, more tourists will come, and even those who find no treasure will be delighted by visiting the ancient sights.”

“Vast desert, buried ancient castle, unknown treasure legends—this will let your story continue to be told, and attract more psychics and other special people to come here to pay homage—to the ruins, relics, heritage—and reflect upon the people and events of old.”

“By the way, is the Dragon Stone here too?”

Guang Tai asked about the Dragon Stone; the ancient spirits gave an affirmative answer—but:

【“Through foresight, we learned some things. The stone was prepared for a hero—you are not yet a true hero, though you have gained the stone’s recognition, it wishes to ask you.”】

The ancient spirits began to convey their message:

【“Do you intend to shoulder the hero’s duty? Will you take it away from Unova?”】

【“The stone seems to have glimpsed certain visions. It was once resolute, but now it hesitates.”】

Guang Tai said that didn’t matter.

After all, in dreams, the Light Stone and Dark Stone still served as fire and electricity sources; in reality, it seemed the stones had their own thoughts—and for him to shoulder Unova’s mission—overthrow the entire Unova in ten days? Unrealistic.

He had other matters to attend to; so, being acknowledged only in dreams was fine enough—perhaps the Dragon Stone wished to find helpers for heroes at critical moments.

Or perhaps, when he visited Deerling Town, the Dragon Stones saw the hero they were meant to choose, and were drawn to him?

Or was it because he had seen Arceus in dreams, causing their hesitation?

All of these were possible.

Guang Tai did not insist on such things.

“It’s fine—heroes in dreams are still heroes! If trouble arises, come find me, because it’s my mission! Maybe?”

“Just convey this to the Dragon Stone! After all, we’ve always been together in the Dream World!”

【“We have one final request. Call it a mission, but it is truly our plea.”】

【“We hope you journey to the underwater ruins. As the last king of the Ancient City, challenge the king there. Whether you win or lose, we shall bless you.”】

【“Before that, you may descend beneath Mount Loxi and seek the giants’ aid—they will grant you power, but you need a key. The key’s location is… it should be in the ruins of Mount Loxi, and you will also need the Sun Stone, Moon Stone, and Dark Stone from that mountain.”】

【“Long ago, we harnessed the power of giants from the Moon World to wage war against the celestial dragons… we lost… but… a prince recognized our ideals… so this city bears the traces of the divine dragon…”】

Since its founding, Unova has always had two kings—from the beginning, and ever since the Splitting of the Dragon God of the Way.

The ancient city of the Origin, the mysterious sea capital.

But the Moon Kingdom hidden behind the world does not belong to this lineage.

The feud between the Ancient City and the underwater ruins has lasted two thousand five hundred years—perhaps even longer—and even now, these ancient spirits still remember it.

This was Guang Tai’s first time hearing this secret of Unova’s origins.

But Guang Tai had no reason to refuse—he had already heard the call of the underwater ruins.

When the ancient spirits learned Guang Tai and his Pokémon had already heard the underwater ruins’ call, they fell into a brief silence.

Perhaps mourning their own slowness, perhaps awed by the underwater ruins’ power, perhaps grateful that Guang Tai had arrived at the Ancient City first—emotions of all kinds wove through the Solar Disc, radiating to all life before them, letting everyone clearly feel it all.

【“A hero must make a choice—and only the king can be chosen by both.”】

【“If a hero becomes a king, it is a tragedy. Since ancient times, it has always been so.”】

【“We sincerely bless you. Thank you for accepting our request.”】

【“This Sun Stone, passed down since ancient times from that mountain, and this Light Stone—we entrust them to you.”】

The ancient spirits burst forth with brilliant light, illuminating Guang Tai and blessing all his Pokémon!

Simultaneously, an orange-red stone like a meteor-sun, and a glittering, radiant stone landed in Guang Tai’s hands.

These were the Sun Stone and the Light Stone—the former being essential to open the Moon Gate.

Guang Tai carefully examined the Sun Stone.

【Cosmic Material: Sun Stone (Cosmic Light).】

【Description: A stone unlike ordinary Sun Stones, fallen from the cosmos onto Mount Loxi, carrying the power of ancient ages and imbued with incomprehensible cosmic light. Giving it to a specific Pokémon will cause evolution. Under certain conditions, this power activates, greatly enhancing the strength of Pokémon attuned to light, waves, history, or the cosmos.】

The description of the Light Stone was the same, except the Light Stone was a naturally born object of light, less tightly connected to the cosmos than the Sun Stone, with similar effects.

【Material: Light Stone (Natural Light).】

【Description: A stone unlike ordinary Light Stones, discovered deep within Mount Loxi. Said to enhance light and purify corruption, it holds the light of nature and evolution. Giving it to a specific Pokémon will cause evolution. Giving it to Pokémon attuned to light, fairy, or nature will greatly enhance their power.】

In short, it makes a decent flashlight.

The ancient spirits further explained:

【“The Dark and Moon Stones will be obtained at specific locations. Do not worry. The stones from that mountain are not only found in ruins. Long ago, as symbols of civilization, they were carried with other Sun Stones to all parts of Unova. That mountain holds extraordinary power—just follow the guidance of the spirit.”】

【Quest Complete!】

【Reward: Release Jade ×5, Ancient Solar Spirit ×1, Historical Record ×1, Sun Seal ×7, Sparkle Scale Powder ×6, Vital Clay ×10, Ancient Medal ×1.】

【Ancient Solar Spirit: The power granted by the ancient spirits, symbol of the Ancient City’s king! Your psychic ability has greatly increased! You may now use “Psychic Power (Beginner)” and “Solar Ability”!】

【You may bestow sunlight, or actively gather light to purify dark things, soothe the hearts of living beings, and slightly reduce hostility.】

【In locations related to ancient ruins, using the king’s power, special abilities such as psychic, spirit, creation, or aura will surge to incomprehensible heights—but will revert to normal upon leaving any ancient ruin.】

【Historical Record: A record depicting the history of the Ancient City, though only in fragments—it seems a commemorative item, possessing no tangible power. Perhaps your story here will become a new legend.】

【Sun Seal: A badge granted after defeating the ancient spirits.】

【Requirement: Defeat the ancient spiritual forces in the Ancient City and receive their blessing!】

【Effect: Under sunlight, you and your Pokémon will be brimming with vitality, gaining slight strength from natural light to slowly restore your HP. All your Pokémon have received the ancient spirits’ blessing and now possess a special, powerful spirit!】

【Bonus: The spiritual power and willpower of all your Pokémon have greatly increased! Your Pokémon will not flinch, nor be intimidated!】

【Sparkle Scale Powder: Scales from the Fire God Moth, hailed as the embodiment of the sun. When thrown to the ground and ignited, it triggers a sea of fire—an incredible material usable in forging or to greatly enhance Fire-type Pokémon.】

【Vital Clay: Material used to craft the Vital Vessel, which stores natural energy and converts it into vitality energy usable by Pokémon.】

【Ancient Life Medal: A medal that enhances spiritual control and boosts physical vitality! It represents the meaning of life! It allows slight bonding with ancient Pokémon.】

Solar Ability—this ability is possessed by all, as in Alola, every life holds light from another world and can return that radiance to a powerful Pokémon.

And as for psychic power, originally, it meant “light” itself!

“Light.” Guang Tai condensed a sphere of radiance, which drew in harmony with Deoxys’s light—all sunlight, after all, originates from the cosmos, an eternal truth!

“Mera?” Burnet stared curiously at the radiance in Guang Tai’s other hand, wriggling its tiny legs to reach it, but too short to touch—Guang Tai gently let the light fall upon Burnet, who immediately wriggled happily.

This sunlight made it feel wonderful, like basking in the sun within the Dream World.

The ancient spirits also granted Burnet a unique gift.

【“Child of the Ancient Sun God—you shall inherit the ancient will, not as king, but as god.”】

【Badge Acquired: Incarnation of the Sun God!】

【Description: A badge granted by the ancient spirits, proof of existence as a child of the Ancient Sun God.】

【Effect: Fire power and luminous intensity greatly increased!】

【Burnet gained a special ability: Great Heatwave GX! After using a Fire-type move, any elemental energy on the opponent is burned and reduced!】

【Note: GX power is a force that transcends distant space-time. If it meets the Ultimate Aura, its power doubles and produces incomprehensible fusion changes!】

“Mera! (So much power!)”

The Burnet larva writhed as it felt power surging endlessly within its body!

So strong, so hot, so warm!

【We will take this.】

The Solar Disc is essentially a TM, representing the move “Meditation.” Guang Tai remembered that this was originally an item given to the protagonist by Yogs during the Black and White second playthrough, when Yogs reflected in the Ancient City—now it had become a vessel for the ancient spirits’ power.

Perhaps the Psychic TM itself possesses inexplicable power; Yogs himself seemed to have said something similar.

So what should be done with Volcarona?

Guang Tai recalled the flashing Deoxys into its Master Ball; after returning inside, Deoxys hovered in midair, circling Guang Tai.

After administering many medicines to the fainted Volcarona, its longtime friend, the Burnet larva, gradually stirred awake. Upon seeing Guang Tai, the other Pokémon, and the Burnet larva, Volcarona paused slightly.

But soon it recognized exactly who stood before it!

Ah—it’s the one who challenged the gods in the Divine Capital ruins!

Heh heh… did I just do something terrible? That floating glowing disc—was that the ancient spirits’ power!

Volcarona’s memories were hazy; during its control, it had been in a state of raging fury, incapable of clear thought.

But now the situation was clear.

It seemed the time for parting had finally come. Though it had long sensed this day was near, it never expected it to arrive so soon.

“Uu.”

Volcarona was disheartened, but quickly encouraged the Burnet larva.

Keep going, little one! You’re the most illegitimate member of our family—use your unique traits and climb to the pinnacle of the world’s strength alongside your friends, just like the ancient kings!

“Will you stay here?”

Guang Tai asked Volcarona its thoughts. What truly troubled him was whether Volcarona truly survived solely on fire.

Hence, it could endure for centuries in this empty ancient city and desert—so it was self-sustaining?

【Take it with you. Bring it to a place you deem safe. Otherwise, those with ambition will keep coming here to capture it. The legends it leaves behind are the very source drawing people like moths to flame.】

【And it is far too lonely here.】

【We, too, must rest for a while.】

The ancient spirits spoke voluntarily. This Volcarona had lived only a few centuries—it was a descendant of the ancient city’s original Volcarona, hatched only after the city’s destruction. To the ancient spirits, this Volcarona was like their child, and today’s events had deeply saddened them.

Even if Guang Tai had not come, those people would eventually have found their way to this room. But human desire never fades—if not today, then tomorrow, or the day after. They will always find a chance to capture this Pokémon.

“Uul.”

Volcarona stared at its fingertips, unsure what to do. It had lived in the ancient city for centuries and had never known the outside world. The time spent in the dream world had been its happiest.

Hearing this, Guang Tai already knew where to take Volcarona.

If one sought to study dreams, Dr. Juniper was the obvious choice—but she had no time to care for Pokémon. Thus, the only suitable place for Volcarona was the back hills of Dr. Sycamore.

And perhaps, within this year, it might form a bond with Douya?

After all, in the original timeline, either Douya or Douzi captured it—or Mingyi and Gongping.

Either way, it was far better than being captured by Plasma. From the Black and White plot, Yogs had investigated the ancient city’s condition with astonishing speed—so fast that Kyurem could wait undisturbed underground for the Hero and Champion’s arrival.

【You must know the outside world. Born here, raised here—will you also grow old and perish here? You are life, while we are merely ancient ghosts. Descendant of the Sun God, you must see the new world beyond. If you grow weary, return here again.】

The ancient spirits guided Volcarona. Volcarona nodded slightly, then dissolved into light and was absorbed into Guang Tai’s Poké Ball.

The Burnet larva leapt from Guang Tai’s arms and led him behind the Volcarona mural—where its Poké Ball lay.

Poké Balls appearing from the dream world automatically transform into “Dream Balls” upon entering reality.

Guang Tai placed the Burnet larva into its Dream Ball, and his anxious heart finally eased.

“Hmm, I still need to leave something behind.”

“Ancient spirits, thank you,” Guang Tai said, then pulled out a Release Gem.

“If the Meditation TM is damaged, use this Release Gem as its vessel!”

Additionally, Guang Tai gently touched the blazing ancient mural.

【Obtained: Ancient Mural Style!】

【Description: A magical mural infused with ancient spirits’ power. Upon close inspection, one sees it radiating inexplicable energy—it enhances the power of certain types of moves, boosts the painter’s mental strength during creation, and induces intense immersion. It resonates and calls out to other murals of the same style.】

(End of Chapter)