Chapter 364: The Operating Mechanism of Regice and the Manifestation of the King of Abundance

After a hearty meal, drowsiness crept in.

Spending the night outdoors in the Snow-Covered Valley was practically inviting death; the temperature remained steadily below zero, with cold gusts blowing intermittently, and even a belly full of hot soup would not be enough to endure it.

Thus, with the help of his Pokémon, Luo Mu immediately set up a camping tent.

Moments later, a tent capable of accommodating one to three people lying down was erected; Luo Mu then recalled most of the drowsy Pokémon into their Poké Balls, leaving only Feng Su Gou, Luxray, and Victini to serve as large heat-source body pillows and hand warmers for his sleep.

Clutching the already sound-asleep Cosmog, Lei Guan Wang asked curiously once Luo Mu had finished setting up the tent: "Luo Mu, what is this?"

Isolated from the world and separated by eras, with all familiar things long vanished, Lei Guan Wang maintained a curious desire to learn about many things.

Knowing this, Luo Mu patiently explained it to Lei Guan Wang.

"This is a tent; humans in this era travel as Trainers, and when in the wild, tents provide shelter from wind and rain and serve as resting dwellings; since they fold up without taking much space, they are easy to carry."

Fearing Lei Guan Wang might not have fully understood, Luo Mu took out another of his tents, one far more worn and clearly having endured much wind and sun, to explain and demonstrate.

Lei Guan Wang recalled that during its reign over Galar, those humans were also ingenious enough to invent things its Pokémon had never imagined.

Wearing an expression of admiration, it said: "A mobile home that can be carried on one's person; humans truly become more remarkable by the day."

As expected of a Psychic-type Pokémon famous for its quick wit, Lei Guan Wang accurately grasped the key function of the tent after just one explanation from Luo Mu.

In its view, such an item capable of providing shelter from wind and rain in the open wild was indeed crucial for humans whose physical constitution was somewhat frail.

Before entering the tent where Feng Su Gou, Luxray, and Victini were already lying down, Luo Mu seemed to think of something and asked Lei Guan Wang: "By the way, when I captured Regice at the Bingshan Ruins, a large chunk of its hard ice-formed body was shattered; does it need immediate treatment?"

Luo Mu knew that Regice, like that Regirock from ancient times, could absorb rocks or ice chunks to repair its body, but he was unsure if there was a time limit for this repair or if it needed to be done immediately.

Perhaps asking Lei Guan Wang would yield a definite answer on this point.

Lei Guan Wang fell silent for a moment, then spoke softly: "You are truly formidable, constantly bringing me many surprises and shocks."

"Even for me, causing extensive damage to the Ice Giant's incredibly sturdy body would require some effort."

Images of Luo Mu's several exceptionally powerful Pokémon circulated in Lei Guan Wang's mind.

Dragonite, Mimikyu, Luxray, Swampert, and Cang Yan Ren Gui.

If Lei Guan Wang were to guess who could breach Regice's defenses, it felt that either Cang Yan Ren Gui or Swampert, with its immense strength, was possible.

Luo Mu nodded: "It was Cang Yan Ren Gui that achieved this; it was the result of its skills blossoming, while I merely provided a favorable environment and commands."

Luo Mu briefly explained to Lei Guan Wang how Cang Yan Ren Gui's blade continuously attacked a single point, followed by a final explosive strike that broke through Regice's defense.

Regarding this, Lei Guan Wang commented: "A very creative, yet extremely difficult style of combat."

In response to Luo Mu's doubt, it answered thus.

"Although I do not yet know what functions that convenient Poké Ball possesses, if we are speaking of bodily damage, you can rest entirely assured."

"As long as the most important crystal serving as the core of the Ice Giants is not destroyed, given time or repair materials, they can restore themselves to a complete state."

"Based on your description, Cang Yan Ren Gui's attack should have knocked it into a shutdown-and-reboot state, but just before the reboot was about to complete, you captured it into the Poké Ball; truly a lucky accident."

With a slight sigh, Lei Guan Wang provided some popular science regarding the operating principles of Regice as it understood them.

In short, Regice is a Pokémon specially specialized to guard a certain location, much like those Golett and Golurk Luo Mu had encountered before.

Once they designate a place to guard, they will spare no cost to expel intruders; they are often accompanied by ruins, and it is said that at the legendary Tree of Beginning, their figures can also be found.

Changing the location that the legendary Giants guard is an exceedingly difficult matter, but fortunately, Lei Guan Wang happened to know a method.

By causing Regice to shutdown and reboot, then using one's own abilities to perform some processing, one can modify the place it wishes to guard.

But before that, Lei Guan Wang asked: "Do you intend to take it back to your farm?"

"If you do not wish to, I can still make it return to the ruins now, although that ruin no longer has an object requiring its protection."

Hearing this, Luo Mu took out the Ultra Ball containing Regice, gazed at it for quite a while, and then slowly spoke: "Although their actions are somewhat mechanical and stiff, they should possess emotions, right?"

"Confined within ruins devoid of light, would they not feel lonely or numb?"

Lei Guan Wang shook its head: "I am not clear on this point; perhaps they would."

As if having made a decision, Luo Mu said firmly to Lei Guan Wang: "Then let us try it, to explore whether they possess emotions."

If Regice displayed these traits during their time together, then perhaps one could consider returning to the Wang Guan Snowfield to rescue the other legendary Giants from the remaining four ruins.

"If this is your decision, I have no objections." Lei Guan Wang nodded slightly, indicating its support for Luo Mu's choice, "However, let the repair and awakening wait until after our return; otherwise, it will become the guardian of this Snow-Covered Valley."

Luo Mu nodded, put away the Ultra Ball, took Cosmog from Lei Guan Wang's arms, and walked into the tent, which was already warm and toasty thanks to the fluffy creatures.

Without waiting for Lei Guan Wang, Luo Mu directly hugged the two little ones, Victini and Cosmog, and fell into a deep sleep surrounded by Feng Su Gou and Luxray.

Lei Guan Wang had said it wanted to take one last look at the sky of the Wang Guan Snowfield.

Perhaps it wished to bid a final farewell to this land where it had lived for who knew how many years.

August 2nd, early morning.

Today was another rare sunny day in the Wang Guan Snowfield, and even the sub-zero temperature seemed to rise slightly.

Although they had arrived in the Wang Guan Snowfield for just a little over two days, Luo Mu felt as though half a month had passed, experiencing a sense of being overly fulfilled.

After packing up all the camping gear in the Snow-Covered Valley and cleaning up trash to ensure no pollution of the natural environment, Luo Mu, preparing for the return journey, had only Luxray and Vulpix active outside, while all other Pokémon had returned to their Poké Balls.

On the other side, Lei Guan Wang had long since mounted Spectrier, with Shadow Rider nearby appearing somewhat jealous, waiting for Luo Mu.

Their itinerary for today was very simple.

First, return to Freezington Village to inform Peony and the others that matters had concluded, then have Hearing Hearing Nimo and the other three prepare to pack up and return to Paldea.

As for Luo Mu himself, after inquiring in Freezington Village about the location of Mo En's residence, he would pay a visit, and after the visit, depart to return to Paldea.

This time, neither Teleport nor flight was used; Luo Mu and Lei Guan Wang simply set out from the Snow-Covered Valley, following the winding path of the partially thawed cool stream water, heading toward Freezington Village.

Perhaps due to the presence of Glastrier and Shadow Rider, no wild Pokémon appeared to block the way, showing that at least their deterrent power within the Wang Guan Snowfield was extraordinary.

When Luo Mu noticed that the Shadow Rider he was riding seemed jealous because Lei Guan Wang had not switched mounts, his honest nature led him to directly help the flustered Shadow Rider ask Lei Guan Wang why.

And Lei Guan Wang's answer was quite interesting.

It spoke with complete seriousness about how it was also a Grass-type Pokémon, disliking the cold temperatures brought by the surrounding ice and snow, so it chose to fight poison with poison; it would be better to change to an Ice-type Pokémon to enjoy this environment.

Hearing this left Shadow Rider utterly stunned, even stirring a sense of unreality in the bottom of its heart.

It seemed he had finally found the reason why Lei Guan Wang had always "favored" riding Glastrier many years ago.

Since Vulpix hadn't roamed such a purely natural snow mountain in a long time, Luo Mu let it play freely on the snow, having Luxray keep watch so it wouldn't get lost.

Ice Rider and Shadow Rider moved swiftly, and since Vulpix grew tired halfway through, Luo Mu simply carried it in his arms; freed from worry, Ice Rider and Shadow Rider, led by Luxray, headed straight for the outskirts of Freezington Village.

It was still the same forest where Luo Mu had first encountered Calyrex.

After instructing Ice Rider and Shadow Rider to stay put and not move around, Calyrex drifted down from Ice Rider's back and said to Luo Mu, "I will wait for you in this forest."

Knowing that Calyrex no longer wished to have any dealings with the people of Freezington Village, Luo Mu nodded and said, "We'll be right back."

With that, Luo Mu, carrying the Vulpix that had played in the snow until it fell asleep, walked toward Freezington Village alongside Luxray.

Having set out at dawn and aided by the swift pace of Shadow Rider and Ice Rider, it was now just past eight o'clock.

At this moment, Freezington Village was unusually lively; nearly everyone had gathered beside the village fields engaging in heated discussion, tourists included.

Luo Mu's arrival drew little attention from most, only Hearing Hearing Nimo and Peony, whose instincts were exceptionally sharp, noticed his return.

"Teacher Luo Mu, over here!"

Hearing Hearing Nimo waved her hand, quietly beckoning Luo Mu over.

Luo Mu walked over accordingly and found that only Hearing Hearing Nimo and Peony stood on the outer edge, while Marnie and the others seemed to be further inward.

Reaching the two, Luo Mu asked knowingly, "What are you all doing?"

The tall Peony pointed inward and said, "They say the King of Bountiful Harvests has manifested."

Just then, an elderly voice rang out from within, and Luo Mu instantly recognized it as the old village chief's voice.

"Heavens! Could it be that because yesterday the village's ancient traditions were reenacted, the King of Bountiful Harvests has finally manifested!?"

Given Luo Mu's height, even standing on the outermost edge, he only needed to rise slightly on his toes to clearly see the short old village chief hidden by the crowd inside, making exaggerated gestures and expressions.

At this moment, he was loudly boasting that his actions of reviving traditions yesterday had pleased the King of Bountiful Harvests, which was why the King had bestowed power, causing the crops in the fields to mature overnight.

From his micro-expressions, Luo Mu could tell that the old village chief had likely deceived even himself, truly beginning to believe in the King of Bountiful Harvests he had once used merely as a tool to promote the village, and at least superficially began to worship devoutly.

Seemingly incited by the old chief's agitation, many villagers of Freezington, especially the field owners, knelt on both knees with faces full of gratitude to thank the King of Bountiful Harvests for his grace, a sight that made Luo Mu frown deeply.

Luo Mu glanced worriedly toward the forest outside the village, then asked Hearing Hearing Nimo to call Arven and the others out, as he had a few words to say.

The four students quickly gathered together; even Sada, not wanting to watch the commotion over there, joined them.

After all, compared to the old chief who had already started leading the villagers in worshipping a god, they knew that Luo Mu, who had spent the entire night with the King of Bountiful Harvests, understood the full story far better.

Luo Mu did not delay; he immediately mentioned that it was about time for Hearing Hearing Nimo and the other four to settle down and return to Paldea for school, and additionally informed them that Calyrex had successfully regained its power and intended never again to become Galar's Legendary King.

Hearing Hearing Nimo and the other four, who had originally hoped to play a bit longer in the Crown Tundra, first wore expressions of deep disappointment, realizing their extended, joyful summer vacation had come to an end.

But the news Luo Mu dropped next caused all four of them, along with Peony and Sada, to be so shocked they nearly lost control of their expressions.

The clever Sada almost immediately grasped the reason: "In other words... this manifestation will represent the King of Bountiful Harvests' farewell to the last village where its legends are still passed down?"

Hearing Hearing Nimo asked the crucial question: "Then where will the King of Bountiful Harvests go afterwards?"

Luo Mu smiled and said, "It has agreed to return with me to my farm in Paldea to start a new life."

Everyone: "..."

Amidst the silence, Peony's expression was particularly complex.

Although he had anticipated this from the beginning, truly hearing from Luo Mu's mouth that the King of Bountiful Harvests would leave Galar and head to neighboring Paldea still filled him with a sense of loss rising from the depths of his heart.

Peony suddenly thought of his detestable older brother, who worried endlessly about Galar's future energy and resources; what would his reaction be if he learned this news?

The reason Luo Mu informed Hearing Hearing Nimo and the others, especially Peony, Sada, and Marnie, was that they had indeed contributed to the matter of Calyrex regaining its power.

Uncertain what views the three people from Galar might hold regarding this event, after exhorting Hearing Hearing Nimo and the other four a few words and asking Peony to escort them to the airport, Luo Mu asked a villager for Mo En's current address.

Having accomplished his purpose, Luo Mu ignored the villagers' revelry in the fields and headed straight back into the forest.

At this moment, under the worried gazes of Ice Rider and Shadow Rider, Calyrex was observing the pale golden light particles swirling around its side.

Luo Mu paused his steps and glanced at Luxray beside him; as if sharing a telepathic connection with Luo Mu, Luxray nodded gently.

"Meow-ao!" (I can see them too!)

Sure enough, those pale golden light particles were power of faith; could it be that they were provided by those Freezington villagers just now?

Just like Luo Mu, Shadow Rider and Ice Rider worried that if Calyrex accepted this power of faith, it would once again experience the tragedy of the past.

Their eyes, fixed on those pale golden light particles, were filled with hostility.

Were it not for Calyrex's majesty, they would have gone all out to scatter these light particles immediately.

Perhaps Luxray's sound caught the attention of Calyrex, which was focused intently on the pale golden particles, or perhaps it had known all along that Luo Mu had returned; suddenly, Calyrex spoke.

"Rest assured, I will not repeat my past mistakes."

"Regarding this power of faith, now that my mindset has become calmer, I realize it is not pure; it contains nothing but the desire to take. In terms of devotion, it doesn't even compare to my beloved steeds."

Calyrex was certain of this.

The faith currently offered by the villagers of Freezington was merely belief in the power it had displayed last night when resolving matters with its past.

If it were to lose its power again, or fail to meet their expectations, such faith would vanish as quickly as a meteor streaking across the night sky.

"Now, I will no longer blindly respond to their endless demands."

Calyrex lowered its eyes, bright blue light illuminating its body, and directly used psychic power to disperse this power of faith that sought to merge with it.

Having done this, Calyrex felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, its entire body filled with a sense of ease.

It thought that its choice this time should not be wrong.

Delighted, Ice Rider and Shadow Rider affectionately pressed against Calyrex, forcing Calyrex to frantically use psychic power to hold the sleeping Cosmog aloft in mid-air, only then freeing its two hands to bond with its beloved steeds.

Luo Mu knew that from this moment on, Calyrex had been thoroughly reborn, no longer the King of Bountiful Harvests who lived solely for its subjects.

Now, it was simply the Pokémon Calyrex, and its beloved steeds, Ice Rider and Shadow Rider.

It would no longer blindly accept endless desires and impure faith, having learned to discriminate; surely, the situation of becoming disheveled due to the loss of power of faith would never occur again.

After finally calming its beloved steeds, Calyrex looked at Luo Mu and Luxray, who wore smiles on their faces, and extended a hand in invitation: "It is about time we departed."

The curve of Luo Mu's lips widened further; stroking Luxray's smooth mane beside him, he nodded and said, "Then let's go!"

In the silver-clad forest, the idle chatter of friends rose intermittently.

"Do you still plan to return to Wangguanshendian to see if there's anything you need to take with you?"

"No need; let the memories of the past remain sealed there."

(End of Chapter)