Chapter 297: This is deception! What are you hiding!

Yorges rarely showed vulnerability, but now he stroked his Centipede King, and a single tear truly rolled from his wrinkled corner of the eye—a memory of the past.

Tears were not merely sorrow; they also represented memory and emotion!

Seeing the sages’ states, the Plasma Team members who had followed behind were thrown into great emotional turmoil—some instinctively reached for their waists, only to find them empty, or touched a strange Poké Ball and froze in place.

They had given their own Pokémon to the organization, so the Pokémon they used now belonged to others, while their own were gone.

Loss, sorrow, confusion, dread—emotions swirled in their hearts, twisting their expressions into deep pain.

“That expression…” Asura noticed the members’ states, and under Guang Tai’s power, the old sage found he could now slightly understand the human heart.

“The chain of suffering continues, misfortune keeps piling up, and the very ones first shrouded in misfortune are our own Plasma Team!”

“So that’s it! My doubts are cleared!”

Guang Tai: “Disregard of choice, deficiency in empathy, control of power, blind spots of humanity, disregard for the dignity of life, false logic, and lies within the team.”

“You lack many things, but no one is free from error, so ordinary people don’t consider themselves sages.”

“The ecology, habitat, behavior, and emotions of Pokémon—even professional doctors can’t fully understand them. Do you have degrees?”

The two sages exchanged glances; Asura cleared his throat: “I hold dual degrees in history and psychology.”

Yorges: “. I. I’m truly sorry, I don’t have such certificates, but I once studied archaeology. No degree doesn’t mean my expertise is lacking—I held a key position in an archaeological team in a certain region. My work record is solid.”

Guang Tai burst into laughter.

“Ahahaha, that sounds interesting,” Wan Long also laughed, adding: “But even without a degree, your love for Pokémon is real, isn’t it?”

“That’s right—at least our love for Pokémon is real,” Asura nodded. “Thank you. My confusion has eased. You’re right—we have all those flaws.”

“In the end, we were too self-centered—only seeing one side, never the other.”

Yorges stared wide-eyed: “Hey, that was my line.”

The tense atmosphere vanished. The two old sages faced their own flaws—and understood many things!

Their hearts were no longer lost!

“Cresselia is disappointed in our failure. He’s now busy with other matters—seems he’s heading to Eastern Unova!”

“That’s right—it’s connected to the underwater ruins. We heard this from Viore. That guy still wallows in Cresselia’s promised ideal world, but he’s different from us.”

The two sages provided crucial information.

“Cresselia has always called himself Halmenia—a surname from ancient times. His full name is Cresselia Halmenia Gropius.”

“It’s said the ancient kings of Unova bore this surname. He must be seeking something from the underwater ruins.”

“Lord N possesses the ability to read Pokémon’s hearts. This may be why Cresselia believes he’s worthy to inherit the title of Undersea King.”

Asura spoke seriously: “You say humans and Pokémon can understand each other through the power of the Undersea King—but someone like Cresselia could never gain that power. He wants something else from the underwater ruins!”

Yorges’s expression turned grave: “Meanwhile, unrest has stirred beneath Ross Mountain! We, the Plasma Team, sent sages deep to investigate—because Cresselia has devised new plans. He’s searching for those with the ‘Hero’ potential! So now we’re exploring legends across Unova—Ross Mountain is one of them!”

“The help we can give you ends here. We’ll continue gathering allies within the Plasma Team—we can’t leave yet.”

Asura shook his head: “To err and not correct it—that is true error. Making mistakes isn’t terrible; what’s terrible is refusing to repent after making them. That’s true foolishness.”

Oh!

Guang Tai burst into laughter.

The Plasma Team has split early!

But this time, it’s not Ledo leading—it’s Asura and Yorges?

“You and the King will fight atop the Sky Tower, right?”

“If you lose, more people will believe in the King and Cresselia! So although we shouldn’t say this—”

Yorges rubbed his chin, his old eyes sharpening:

“You’re the one who suppressed the ancient spirits. You’re surely one of the chosen. Now that I’ve experienced your power firsthand, I’m even more certain!”

“So you must win! To win the hearts of people!”

Asura smiled bitterly: “These words from us sound like betrayal—but they’re our true feelings now.”

“And Lord N will soon receive aid from legendary Pokémon—not the Legendary Dragon, but still powerful enough!”

“If you haven’t awakened the Legendary Dragon yet, you must be extremely careful.”

“Lord N no longer rejects battles. He sees them as proof he can become King! That change came from you—but it’s not a good one. It’s made the King even more troublesome!”

Perhaps the true King isn’t Lord N—this thought crossed Guang Tai’s mind, but he didn’t speak it aloud.

Of all who studied Unova’s history, these two understood it more deeply than anyone except Cresselia.

“What? You already have a battle scheduled? A challenge atop the Sky Tower? Sounds fascinating—perfect novel material!”

Wan Long’s eyes sparkled. She’d been disappointed when Guang Tai declined her challenge, but now she’d heard something far more interesting.

And what Guang Tai just did was too fantastical, wasn’t it?

Reading Pokémon memories, connecting human and Pokémon hearts—Wan Long felt a stir of excitement. If the atmosphere weren’t so tense, she’d have summoned her Crystal Lampfire!

Mostly just to hear what Crystal Lampfire thought of her!

“Legendary Pokémon?” Guang Tai focused on the key point in Asura’s words. The old sage nodded: “Yes.” Then he pointed far off: “Look—the storm is coming.”

“The wind and thunder deities spoken of along Route 7 and in the legends of Huiji City!”

“Thunder and gales—Thundercloud and Tornado Cloud!”

Two of the Four Clouds! These two clouds constantly battled, flying wildly across Unova and Shiny Cui , causing storms and heavy rain!

“To reach the Sky Tower from here, you must pass through the center of Huiji City—where Viore is giving a speech.”

Asura and Yorges exchanged glances: “We can’t intervene directly—so we must rely on you. This is to stay within the Plasma Team.”

“Viore is different from us. Even if he hears Pokémon’s hearts and understands human emotion, he won’t turn back. He’s that kind of person. He’s fiercely loyal to Cresselia.”

“No problem. Leave it to us.” Guang Tai glanced at Wan Long, who pointed at herself: “Huh? Me?”

“Of course—you’re one of Unova’s Elite Four, Miss Wan Long. You’re responsible for Plasma Team’s activities.”

“Huh? But they’re a legal organization…” Wan Long hesitated, then brightened: “Unless they’re breaking the law—then it’s different.”

“We have documentation.” Asura pulled a file from his coat: “One and a half years ago, Viore led a special ‘Protection Campaign’ in southern and western Unova…”

“With this weather, no planes can take off.”

“. Plasma Team appeared in Huiji City? I heard from Xiao Juer that this religious group has ill intentions—I’ll handle it.”

“They went to the Sky Tower too?”

“. I understand!”

At Huiji Airport, a red-haired girl in a pilot’s uniform waved to those around her and hurried out of the cargo center.

As expected, the streets showed illegal roadblocks. Some, swayed by the speech, handed their Poké Balls to Plasma Team members. Others refused but were surrounded and pressured to surrender their Pokémon.

“Isn’t it cruel to keep Pokémon inside Poké Balls?”

“Your Crustle must be suffering—set it free!”

“Wait! No speeches are allowed here! You’re already on Huiji City’s watchlist!”

“You! Get behind me!”

Feng Lu immediately halted the Plasma Team’s actions and pulled aside those wavering. Seeing Feng Lu appear, they felt as if they’d found their anchor!

“Miss Feng Lu! Thank you! I—I don’t want to part with my Pokémon!”

It was a boy in shorts, his sister clinging tightly to his side.

The speaker in charge was the sage Viore, with his signature center-parted hair. He narrowed his eyes, unfazed by the Gym Leader’s intervention.

“We’re a legal organization. You can’t place us under watch just because we haven’t done anything. Are you discriminating against Pokémon protectors?”

“We’re only urging people to free Pokémon—don’t let them languish in tiny, pitiful Poké Balls! Freedom is their best destiny!”

Though not racial discrimination, occupational discrimination was still a sensitive topic. Viore sneered, but Feng Lu waved: “You’ve conducted activities here before, haven’t you?”

“One and a half years ago—the Thievul Protection Campaign. No, you meant Thievul Hunting, didn’t you?”

“That campaign spread from southern Unova to here in days. Your actions caused many to abandon their Thievuls—but later, those Thievuls vanished. According to the Ranger Alliance’s ecological survey, they didn’t affect Huiji’s ecosystem. That’s highly unusual.”

Feng Lu remembered the events in western and southern Unova—around the time Plasma Team first emerged. The organization had made a huge splash from the start.

“The Thievul Protection Campaign in Huikai City—yes, we handled it poorly. Some members misunderstood our intentions and harmed Unova’s citizens. But we punished them, and the Unova League arrested them. Those Thievuls… they returned to nature, didn’t they?”

“That’s not true. The Ranger Alliance’s ecological survey concluded they disappeared.” Feng Lu’s expression was grim. “You captured them.”

“That’s false! We’d never do such a thing! Don’t slander our legal organization!”

Viore denied it outright, but a flicker of irritation crossed his lips.

The Ranger Alliance was such a nuisance—skilled in ecological surveys, they were everywhere in Unova. They investigated Pokémon transfers and releases. Not just religious groups—even Pokémon poachers were frequently wanted by them!

So—

Clever little brats were annoying.

“Humans always think they understand Pokémon’s pain, speak for them. You’re Feng Lu, the Gym Leader, right? Don’t you often force your Pokémon to do things during training? But do you truly know your Pokémon’s heart?”

“Trainers’ so-called understanding is just shallow self-delusion!”

“Not necessarily.”

Guang Tai and Wan Long arrived at the chaotic scene. To leave Huiji City, they had to pass through here—and saw it all.

As Asura and Yorges said, Viore was leading the speech here. Among the Seven Sages, Viore was the most loyal to Cresselia.

Guang Tai walked to the boy’s side, saw the Crustle in his hand, stepped forward, touched the Pokémon, and took the child’s hand.

The Pokémon’s emotions instantly flowed through. The boy stared at Guang Tai in shock, then looked in disbelief at the Crustle in his arms!

“Crustle! I can hear your voice!”

“Gravel!” The Crustle waved its tiny claw, astonished—but then joyfully wriggled its body!

To communicate with one’s partner, with no language barrier—what kind of power was this?

“Oh, I understand! You think these people are annoying. And you promised to take me to Route 7’s narrow bridge tomorrow—I haven’t forgotten! We’ll race to see who crosses it first!”

“Gravel! (I’ll win for sure!)”

“Huh? What’s going on?” Viou squinted, his expression stunned—just moments ago, his words had nearly made these people “voluntarily liberate” themselves, and he might even have added a Gym Leader to his record! What a glorious achievement! Kuiqisi would surely take notice and elevate him above the other Sages!

“It means allowing Pokémon and humans to understand each other, to communicate without barriers.” Wanlong walked over and gave Viou a strange smile: “Viou, the seven Sages of Plasma, the initiator of the Thievul hunts—aren’t all those Thievul now being used by Plasma members?”

“Moreover, you’re suspected of endangering public safety and the lives of Unova’s residents. Investigations show you used illegal methods of kidnapping and control.”

“What? Don’t slander us!” Viou immediately denied it, but Wanlong raised a hand: “Whether this is true or not—why not ask the Pokémon? You’re carrying those Thievul on your person, and many have already been trained to evolve into Cutiefly.”

“Ask the Pokémon? Pokémon can’t speak.” The moment Viou spoke, he noticed Guang Tai’s movement. Not just Youshu, but many others suddenly felt the emotions and voice of that Crustle—a roar erupted like boiling water. Even some Plasma members shouted: “I heard the Pokémon’s voice! It’s insulting me!”

“It’s a psychic ability. I can link Pokémon emotions directly to humans. So to know what the Pokémon are saying, you just need to connect.”

Guang Tai answered as if it were obvious, leaving Viou panicked.

What is this?

How can such a psychic ability exist? I’ve never heard of it!

Psychics just use telekinesis and act as human bombs—Unova’s new Elite Four is nothing but a walking bomb!

Communicating with Pokémon, reading their thoughts—only the King possesses such power!

“Hmph,” Viou clenched his fists tightly. He dared not release the Thievul here, and he was even more shocked that Wanlong knew he had orchestrated that incident.

Even the Ranger Alliance couldn’t track down the Thievul—how did this girl find out?

Failed again! This speech in Huiji City has failed again! Last time with Lei Wen—it was me too. That failed as well.

Where can I even face people now?

“It’s a trick! No such psychic ability exists! What are you hiding?” Viou flatly denied it, pointing at Guang Tai: “If you’re a Pokémon Trainer, let a battle decide who’s right!”

“Though I dislike harming Pokémon, let me guide you—no, let me correct this delusion of yours! No psychic ability can connect with Pokémon—that power belongs only to the truly chosen!”

Guang Tai: “That only proves how narrow your understanding of the world is. Since the Sage himself demands a battle, let me hear the voice of your Pokémon.”

Viou froze.

That way of speaking—

Damn it—he’s imitating the Plasma King!

Right, this guy looks familiar… I’ve seen him somewhere before.

“Let me shatter your illusions! Geometric Snowflake, use it!”

Viou summoned his Pokémon—the six-faced crystalline creature had barely appeared when a massive dragon-shaped shadow suddenly loomed over it!

Flamethrower!

A blazing inferno instantly engulfed Geometric Snowflake, crushing it outright—and Viou himself took a direct Headbutt to the face!

A massive crystal on the dragon’s head unleashed a powerful shockwave, hurling Viou straight into the Plasma members. As he spat blood, he stared at the overwhelming dragon and growled in disbelief:

“Impossible! It’s a Legendary Dragon?!”

At that moment, Guang Tai’s pendant began glowing—but the next instant, a shadow appeared beside Viou and dragged him away.

“What are you doing?! I’ve lost face—I must reclaim it! That guy is a threat!”

One of the Dark Triangle members whispered a warning:

“The King awaits his Legendary friend. He will soon gather the people’s hearts before all. Don’t make a spectacle now.”

“If your failure prevents the people of Huiji from uniting, you’ve committed a grave offense! The battle at Heaven’s Tower is imminent!”

(End of Chapter)