Chapter 456: Chapter 456

The wind howled through the devastated canyon, its surface scarred with deep ravines and cracks.

Regigigas had fallen into slumber, transforming into a faintly glowing stone sphere.

The Legendary Titans' crystals ceased their red glow, standing motionless in place.

"It seems the effects of Confuse Ray have worn off," Brandon remarked.

Approaching the stone sphere, Brandon knelt to lift it solemnly, his voice grave:

"I share responsibility for Regigigas' wrath..."

Brandon glanced around at everyone present, his eyes filled with gratitude, "Thanks to everyone's joint efforts!"

Lu Ye thought to himself, if you hadn't released the Legendary Titans earlier, Regigigas would've been put to sleep already.

Teacher Lu originally planned to negotiate with Regigigas using energy blocks.

Yet the moment negotiations began, they immediately fell apart.

Learning from this, Lu Ye decided to change his opening line next time he used ancient language.

No more asking 'Have you eaten yet?'

Better have Rotom use Trick to shove energy blocks straight into its mouth!

Lu Ye: "That might actually make things worse..."

Of course, as a bearer of Aura, even if Teacher Lu couldn't treat Legendary Pokémon to banquets, he could still offer them a 'special massage'.

Lu Ye nodded thoughtfully, his expression微妙 (subtly complex).

"Ultimately... I shouldn't have gone on missions with Ash!"

This guy's protagonist aura attracts major incidents way too easily!

Aaron removed his gentleman's hat, closing his eyes to sense Regigigas' emotions.

What remained was profound guilt over the destruction caused during its rage.

"This is no deity that brings calamity,"

Aaron mused: "Only anger clouded its heart, and Teacher Lu's Aura succeeded in awakening its true nature."

So one burst of Aura power sent Regigigas into 'post-clarity zen mode'?

Naturally, 'morning grumpiness' was common among many Legendary Pokémon.

Take Groudon and Kyogre - the moment they wake up they start fighting, their tempers far worse than the Colossal Pokémon's.

The crisis was successfully resolved,

thanks both to Regigigas' Slow Start ability and Cynthia's timely arrival.

Lu Ye instinctively glanced sideways, meeting Cynthia's gaze simultaneously.

Without words, a faint smile graced her beautiful, composed features.

Teacher Lu momentarily froze before smiling back.

Her wealth didn't matter - what really attracted him was her moe qualities!

"This will make valuable thesis material," Cynthia said with a smile.

"Huh?" Lu Ye, momentarily distracted, "What thesis?"

"My research paper for this year's academic summit is halfway done."

Cynthia crossed her arms, looking at the stone sphere in Brandon's hands, "The theme is Sinnoh myths, connected to this Snowpoint Temple incident."

Given Cynthia's secondary identity as a myth scholar, research papers made sense.

Cynthia studied Lu Ye carefully before tossing a Poké Ball, murmuring: "Aromatherapy."

Roserade extended its flower clusters toward the wounds on Lu Ye's face, gentle grass-type energy seeping into the injuries as pale green light.

Initial burning pain quickly faded as Lu Ye touched the already scabbing wounds.

"Does it hurt?" Cynthia glanced over.

"Not bad. Want to feel for yourself?"

To his surprise, Cynthia actually reached out, lightly tracing the scab before smiling.

"The treatment seems quite effective."

"Champion Cynthia!" Ash eagerly approached, wanting to challenge her.

"You really don't want to go over there," Aaron said profoundly.

Aaron adjusted his broken glasses without answering, looking skyward instead.

Those two are glowing so brightly they're blinding me!

I'm injured too, occupational hazard! Where's my medic?

The Sinnoh Champion using public resources for romance...

*Ahem*, that's not the point.

The real issue is how freezing it is, with this heavy snowfall!

Ice crystals from Mt. Coronet drifted across the canyon. In the distance, herds of Mamoswine returned to their habitats.

Brandon recalled the motionless Legendary Titans into Poké Balls, carrying the stone sphere back toward Snowpoint.

Lu Ye's group followed.

Placing Regigigas' stone sphere amidst Snowpoint Temple's ruins, Brandon slowly stood.

"I've decided to remain in Snowpoint City to rebuild the temple."

Brandon declared solemnly: "During this period, the Legendary Titans and I will guard Regigigas."

Cynthia tucked golden hair behind her ear, nodding:

"I'll reinforce security around Snowpoint Temple and have Gym Leader Candice strengthen management."

With the poaching syndicate eliminated and Regigigas' rage pacified,

Aaron finally relaxed, exhaling deeply.

It seems... we can finally rest for a while!

Suddenly, a resounding cry echoed.

Lu Ye turned to see an enormous Alpha Mamoswine approaching slowly.

Ash reached for a Poké Ball, ready to battle.

"No need, it comes in gratitude," Aaron smiled.

"Gratitude?" Ash looked puzzled.

"Pokémon are more sensitive to Aura than humans."

As the Mamoswine lowered itself, Teacher Lu gently stroked its thick fur.

Aaron watched this背影 (figure) with reverence:

"I believe the Pokémon sensed the changes brought by Aura, hence came to give thanks."

Ash nodded thoughtfully.

Teacher Lu wasn't just some senior who enjoyed beating newcomers in Baby Cup matches.

When needed, this senior would step forward without hesitation.

Aaron removed his hat, gazing at Lu Ye's retreating figure.

That Mega Blastoise with its surging Aura had left him speechless with awe.

Facing a Legendary deity head-on, even successfully halting Regigigas' advance -

Such feats Aaron had only heard of from Hoenn Champion Steven before.

And the profound bond between Teacher Lu and his Pokémon moved him deeply.

Aaron sighed emotionally.

Just as he'd initially judged -

Here stood a brave, kind-hearted Aura Guardian with a pure soul!

Aaron rubbed his chin, eyes glinting as he recalled the battle.

As a Psychic-type Elite Four member, hypnosis tactics were his specialty.

Did Teacher Lu's Haunter use Hypnosis more skillfully than his Bronzong?

Do moves have compatibility and affinity factors too!?

Remembering Teacher Lu's effortlessly deployed dirty tactics, Aaron suddenly understood.

No wonder he's the tactical expert - such combat efficiency!

Ash compared himself to Teacher Lu.

One relied on reckless all-out attacks, the other prioritized control over damage whenever possible.

Ash muttered: "Too dirty, Teacher Lu!"

Lu Ye patted the Alpha Mamoswine's head before giving its fur a final rub.

The Mamoswine led its herd back into the snowy wilderness.

Lu Ye could also sense Regigigas' remorseful emotions.

Now calmed, it expressed gratitude for Teacher Lu's Aura power.

Thanks to that punch, Regigigas radiated 'contentment' throughout its being.

After waking up, finding a strong-handed master for a back massage - truly 'authentic'!

From another perspective,

As an Aura Guardian, one naturally commanded respect even from Legendary Pokémon.

Lu Ye understood Regigigas' rampage wasn't its fault, but stemmed from the poachers' endless greed.

With Hunter J defeated, Sinnoh would regain peace.

Rather than offending Regigigas, they'd actually raised its affection level -

This outcome satisfied Lu Ye greatly.

"■■■■■■ (When you wake, I'll treat you to a feast.)"

Lu Ye smiled at the stone sphere.

Brandon looked surprised: "What did you say?"

"Just farewell words."

The sphere glowed faint blue as Regigigas conveyed eager anticipation before quieting again.

Lu Ye rubbed his chin.

Turns out the Colossal Pokémon's pretty easy to fool.

Wonder if during future battles, a revived Regigigas might suddenly appear as backup.

Imagine - mid-battle, the ground cracks open as a dozens-meter tall Regigigas emerges, eyes glowing red—

Now that's the prestige of being a chef and technician before Legendaries!

"Red just challenges Mewtwo directly,"

Lu Ye grumbled: "What kind of weird ability is this..."

If Professor Oak found out, he might bestow titles like 'The Entertainer'.

Lu Ye glanced at the Dive Ball at his waist.

Sudden exhaustion washed over him -

Both physical and mental fatigue.

Though Mega Blastoise had successfully blocked Regigigas' punch, it sustained heavy injuries.

This was the first time his steadfast tortoise had been seriously wounded!

Supporting his aching back, Teacher Lu muttered ruefully:

"Need to check that Chinese medicine shop in Eterna City... see if better herbs are available."

Compared to Revival Herbs, higher-grade medicines like 'Revival Roots' existed.

But unlike mass-produced 'Revival Blocks', aged 'Revival Roots' cost astronomical sums!

Oh no, gotta dip into the Pokémon Company's emergency funds again!

Just then, the system's long-absent notification chimed.

[Ding! Achievement 'Regigigas' Revival' unlocked!]

[Rewards: Earth Plate×1, Special Upgrade Ticket×1, Skill Upgrade Ticket×1, Orange-tier Items×2!]

[Achievement Description: Witnessing the deity that dragged continental plates and successfully calming its rage brings you closer to Legendary Trainer status!]

Lu Ye's mouth twitched.

Is this system insulting me?

Still, they'd benefited from system-provided skills this time.

Shaking his head, Lu Ye scanned the rewards.

The random orange-tier items were probably new berry varieties.

The Special Upgrade Ticket was clearly for his sole talent 'Aura Power'.

The Pokémon world contained various special abilities like 'Power of Viridian', 'Psychic', 'Power of One', and 'Soul Heart'.

Unlocking them all might take forever, so best use it now.

As for the [Earth Plate], it could train terrain moves like Misty Terrain.

Lu Ye decided to toss it to Haunter for independent study.

With the incident concluded,

Cynthia stood in her black coat, hands in pockets, golden hair and coat fluttering in the wind.

"Just the Hunter J case rewards were hard enough to decide,"

Cynthia gazed distractedly at Lu Ye's exceptionally handsome profile.

"Now we've got Regigigas' pacification too."

"What kind of reward should Sinnoh League give him..."

After long contemplation, her eyes suddenly brightened.

Right, can have Aaron suggest something—

He's returning to Sinnoh League for overtime anyway!