Chapter 265: The Real Collision—Let

The overheating of Crystal Fire Spirit, the Dragon Tail of Double Axe Dragon; the crushing bite of Rogue Croc, the tailwind of Wind Sprite.

Dracozolt vs. Dracozolt, double Earthquakes violently shook the carriage.

Kingdra unleashed Thunderbolt, while Druddigon’s weaknesses were exploited, its Attack and Special Attack surged dramatically!

Fierce battle unfolded within this indestructible carriage, even trainers nearly got swept up in it!

Yet N and Zi Yu still held the upper hand; though Zi Yu’s Dracozolt was far inferior in training to the Subway Controller’s Pokémon, N’s timely assistance enabled perfectly timed counterattacks that allowed Zi Yu’s Dracozolt to display dazzling tactics!

Finally, when Double Axe Dragon and Crystal Fire Spirit both collapsed, and Rogue Croc and Wind Sprite swiftly withdrew, the battle reached its final 2v2 showdown—Kingdra was the first to fall, Dracozolt’s Breakthrough ignored its Float ability!

“Ah! What an formidable opponent!”

Nan Xia’s Pokémon all lost battle capability; he pushed up his hat brim, his eyes gleaming with excitement:

“I, Nan Xia, have lost this time—but I feel exhilarated, because it was simply too fun! Your desire to win and my refusal to lose are both real—and precisely because they’re real, the clash is so thrilling!”

N heard the voices of the Subway Controller’s Pokémon—they were saying the same thing: though defeated, though exhausted, they were wildly excited and joyful!

Is this how they feel? Because real meets real—that is “battling”!

While N was lost in thought, Zi Yu performed beyond her limits and finally commanded her Dracozolt to defeat Bei Shang’s Dracozolt!

“Whuff—whuff—”

“Yay! Yay! We won! We beat the Subway Controller!”

Zi Yu leapt up in rare excitement, showing the giddy posture of a young girl; her Dracozolt grinned slightly, glancing back at its trainer as if to say, “You commanded that last move pretty well!”

“Outstanding! This is my sincere praise, from the bottom of my heart!” Bei Shang began clapping: “Your unparalleled synergy with your Pokémon was truly spectacular!”

“Exactly! When you team up with others, you generate energy greater and stronger than you could alone! That’s the ultimate engine! If you can, challenge us again with a new team next time!”

The Subway Controllers stepped aside and asked the group to wait at the next station—they would receive a trophy there!

“Arrived? Is this the final stop?”

N was dazed; he had just heard too many Pokémon voices—joyful, exultant, ecstatic, roaring with all their power, their battle lust plunging N into self-questioning.

The more he battled, the less he understood: battling, growing stronger, Trainers…

The black-and-white boundaries seemed to blur gradually; did the relationship between humans and Pokémon change under different circumstances?

Or did Pokémon grow stronger by borrowing human strength, while humans confirmed each other’s hearts through the “reality” of Pokémon battles?

A grander stage, radiant with light

The terminal station’s doors opened; N walked out in a daze, Zi Yu following him.

Then Guang Tai and the Subway Controllers also descended.

“Thank you.”

N snapped out of his thoughts and, unusually, thanked the Subway Controllers; then, with excited Zi Yu and Guang Tai, they reached the terminal and received the trophy named Victory.

In the past, N would have despised this trophy—the honor won by harming Pokémon—he would never seek such a thing.

But now, N could feel: whether the reluctant Rogue Croc or the long-time companion Druddigon, all of them were genuinely happy and delighted when they saw him holding the trophy!

This was their glory—and his glory? The Pokémon believed so!

“It’s incredible—I’m filled with a strange emotion now. What is it…? Is it emotion?”

“My heart is pounding—telling me I am a living being, truly alive in this world!”

Countless thoughts surged through N’s mind; Guang Tai congratulated him, while Zi Yu beside him raised a finger in a victory V-sign. N paused—but at least one thing was clear!

That trophy was something the Pokémon loved!

If so, then this trophy was worth keeping—it was the important “real thing” I earned after conquering the Battle Subway!

Perhaps I’ve already received part of the truth from the Subway Controllers; then, the force guiding all Trainers onto the path of battle, and the Pokémon who came here for battle—that is “ideal”!

At this moment, Bei Shang among the Subway Controllers suddenly eyed Guang Tai with suspicion.

They had arrived at the terminal together, yet this spectator—who hadn’t competed—gave Bei Shang a mysterious, powerful aura, and in his daze, he felt strangely familiar.

It was a strange feeling, as if their spirits were resonating.

“Sorry—have we met somewhere before?”

Bei Shang approached Guang Tai; Guang Tai paused slightly, then understood.

After strengthening his spirit, even after leaving Ancient City, could he still trigger the same resonance among the Shenhe people as he once did with Ju Lao?

Shenhe people are drawn to each other… Why does this feel familiar?

“Perhaps we met long ago.”

Guang Tai smiled, understanding a part of his future.

Perhaps, as You Lin and Wang Luo had said, he would indeed travel to the Xicui Era—after all, the Miracle Diamond was in his hand; once he obtained the Time Wave, and gathered the remaining two special talismans, perhaps he could begin Time Travel.

“Long ago? That must have been ages back—I can barely remember, but just seeing you feels nostalgic and warm. It’s incredible.”

Bei Shang’s strange face smiled: “If you were female, you’d think I was hitting on you! Hah! How about it? Since we might’ve met before, why not challenge the Battle Subway again next time?”

Guang Tai: “Of course! If the chance arises! But I’m busy right now.”

Bei Shang laughed: “No problem—the Battle Subway is always open! Take care on your way back; the return train will arrive soon! We’ll go ahead!”

Nan Xia looked at Guang Tai: “When Bei Shang feels close to you, even I unconsciously feel the same. It’s strange!”

“Congratulations to your friends on clearing the Battle Subway—but I think they can strive harder, become even stronger! Keep climbing higher!”

The two Subway Controllers returned to the train; though called the terminal, it was only the end of the Battle Subway—they now headed to another station.

Guang Tai waved goodbye.

Meanwhile, Big N had figured out many things.

“Thank you, Zi Yu. Working with you helped me understand much.”

“And thank you, Lord Guang Tai.”

N thanked Zi Yu and Guang Tai; he seemed to recall something, then suddenly said to Guang Tai:

“I want to battle you.”

Guang Tai: “?”

N: “Yes—it’s a sudden thought. I feel battling truly is the collision of each other’s reality and ideal. If I need to become… Anyway, I want to battle you at an important place.”

“I feel joyful now, with no pain—but I still don’t understand many things.”

“So I’ve decided to go to the Tower of Heaven.”

“That tower is where countless Pokémon have passed away; righteous souls sleep there. I’ve heard the bell at the top reflects one’s heart. I think I should ring that bell with this feeling I have now.”

“Though I still believe our team’s actions are right—but perhaps some things don’t need to be absolute… In short, as long as I become stronger than the Champion, everything will change and be corrected!”

Guang Tai immediately rubbed his temples.

Though in the original, Big N eventually surpassed the Champion, his mindset then was completely different from now!

What kind of personality is this?

After the Battle Subway, he instantly switched to battle-crazed Big N? So you have this side too!

“No problem. I’m going to Chuji City too.” Guang Tai caressed a Poké Ball: “One Pokémon needs to return to its homeland, and I must investigate something in Chuji City.”

“Perhaps we’ll meet again in Chuji.”

“That’s wonderful!” N’s joy overflowed—he genuinely smiled, his previously hollow eyes now glowing, as if he’d found direction in life, if only temporarily.

But this feeling—N clenched the trophy.

This important feeling—he would never forget it!

“Then, shall we go somewhere fun? We’ve won—let’s ride the Ferris wheel! I love that amusement ride! I love the Ferris wheel. Its circular motion—the physics—is like a perfect collection of formulas!”

On the other side, Zi Yu didn’t understand the two youths’ riddles, but she noticed Big N’s face had regained a genuine smile; she nodded:

“I think that’s great!”

“Then let’s ride the Ferris wheel! There’s also Miss Xiao Ju’s fashion show this afternoon!”

“That outfit…” N suddenly said: “You made it, didn’t you? I heard the dress displayed at the fashion show was yours.”

“Huh?!” Zi Yu gasped, staring at Guang Tai; then she rubbed her dimple, thinking: “Huh? Guang Tai… Guang Tai…”

Only then did she suddenly realize!

“Ah! Brother Guang Tai—you’re the person who appeared in the news in Feiyun City! And you’re that mysterious genius artist!”

Guang Tai smiled: “Genius artist? That’s too much—Director Ya Ti praised me too highly. I exhibited there because I had to—I’m someone with purpose; everything I do helps a friend.”

N: “I think I understand this feeling. Acting for a friend’s sake—no, you actually enjoy it too.”

Guang Tai laughed: “Don’t worry about that. Anyway, today’s expenses in Leiwen City are on me—I was given a Leiwen City amusement card; for ten years, I can use any attraction, for any number of people, completely free!”

The three exited the Battle Subway; it was still early. Led by Zi Yu, they quickly reached the Ferris wheel. Unlike in the game, the real-life giant Ferris wheel had four-person cabins—though few ever rode with four.

After all, most riders were couples; occasionally families, but rare. This odd trio—Guang Tai, Big N, and Zi Yu—attracted some glances.

But most people came to Leiwen City to enjoy themselves and didn’t care about others—especially when they saw these three holding two trophies, they instantly realized: “Double Battle Partners!”

Then it made perfect sense!

In the Battle Subway’s Double Battles, stranger pairs had been seen.

When the Ferris wheel reached its peak, the entire Leiwen City lay below.

“So beautiful…” Zi Yu murmured; she felt today had been truly joyful!

N gazed into the distance, his eyes falling on the Pokémon Egg incubator strapped to Zi Yu’s back.

“That Pokémon feels like it’s about to hatch.”

“Probably because I handled it,” Guang Tai admitted—he possessed knowledge from a certain Egg Hatcher, so any Pokémon Egg he touched hatched faster.

Jin’s power was truly a hatcher’s blessing; in the Special Episodes, just rolling the egg twice hatched an illegal Pikachu.

“You have hatching abilities too? Incredible.”

N smiled downward: “I’ve met many people with special powers. I’ve heard there are even more across the world. So I’m not a monster—and special powers aren’t rare.”

Guang Tai: “No, most people in the world are still ordinary. Those with abilities are few. But you often go to places where no one is—places that gather spiritual energy, attracting those with special powers.”

But you're right about one thing—it seems you understand that having special abilities isn't bad; in fact, many ordinary people long to gain such abilities. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one could speak with Pokémon? In the distant Kanto region, there's a scientist who even developed a machine that lets a person transform into a Pokémon—Dr. Fuji. Have you heard of him?

"He's the creator of the Pokémon Storage System, and he once transformed into a Pokémon himself."

"Huh?" N paused, clearly stunned by such an absurd claim.

"Moreover, a famous designer from Kalos—a girl from the Johto region known as the Dream Girl—designed many Pokémon-themed outfits precisely to become a Pokémon herself. She can also communicate directly with her Pokémon."

"And in the Battle Frontier, there are Battle Lords who can understand Pokémon's inner thoughts. And... haven't you heard of Rangers?"

"I'm not talking about the ones stationed in Unova—I mean the Rangers of the headquarters. In the distant Almia region, there's a device called the Capture Styler. Rangers use it to share their hearts with Pokémon, conveying their feelings so that wild Pokémon will temporarily aid them."

Guang Tai's description plunged N into a daydream.

Understand yourself, understand others, and finally understand the world.

N now finally understood what Guang Tai had said earlier.

The world is so vast!

And traveling is a good thing.

"Oh, by the way, my partner wants to speak with you. It's a Pokémon that came from beyond the cosmos!"

Guang Tai handed Deoxys to N—this was Deoxys's own wish. It had already sensed that this green-haired youth was extraordinary, and chatting with humans was Deoxys's favorite thing to do—at least, it was now.

To encounter and communicate with different lives, to discover astonishing new things, to gain unique emotions and precious memories—that is the meaning of life and travel.

Of course, like everyone else and every Pokémon, when N learned Deoxys's origin, he could not keep his expression calm—he was utterly astonished, and then consumed by endless curiosity.

After descending from the Ferris wheel, the three went to the fashion show stage beside Lei Wen's Gym. In Black 2 and White 2, this place had been directly converted into the Gym and renovated; Lei Wen's Gym, like in the anime, was enormous, with an underground amusement park hidden inside.

Ju Er's fashion show was about to begin. Zi Yu waved her hands, using her small stature to push forward and secure a good spot, leaving Guang Tai and N to exchange a helpless smile.

At this time, Zi Yu was still lively and adorable—not yet transformed into the later version of the Study Committee member.

Soon, Lei Wen's dazzling beauty stepped onto the stage. Her dragon-themed outfit triggered wave after wave of cheers from the crowd, and Guang Tai received a flood of "approval" and "feedback!"

Though most people approved not because of the clothes themselves, but simply because Ju Er was wearing them, if we ignore the process and focus only on the result, wasn't this show a tremendous success?

"The effect is excellent," Guang Tai commented, when the Connect Tree sent a message.

【The Connect Tree sensed a great many wills. Though the approval rate was low, it was still effective—the decaying branches were slowly regenerating, and many leaves were slowly growing!】

"Sometimes there are fashion show battles here. Miss Ju Er invites audience members onto the stage to fight. If you win, it counts as a Gym challenge—you'll receive the Lei Wen Gym badge."

Zi Yu excitedly explained all this to Guang Tai and N, while N quickly pulled down his hat brim.

Clearly, he didn't want to be recognized.

And he'd come here only to see that dragon outfit; he had no interest in Ju Er herself.

Yet, as Ju Er walked the runway, she suddenly noticed Guang Tai in the crowd.

Undeniably, he looked exactly like the man in the news reports!

After Ati mentioned this, Ju Er had specifically watched the news replay.

Interesting!

The Lei Wen beauty, known for her dry jokes, suddenly smirked.

Let's bring the fashion show to its absolute peak!

"I will choose one audience member as my battle opponent—right here, during this fashion show. So!"

"You, audience member—come fight!"

Ju Er directly invited Guang Tai from below the stage!

(End of Chapter)