Mind Master of the Elf World

Chapter 638 I've Made Up My Mind About You! (Two Chapters Combined, Please Vote!)
"Reggie—!!"

The colossal Reggie Elegy, like a giant formed from lightning, stood tall in the vast forest.

In the overcast sky, streaks of golden lightning resembled surging golden dragons; any one of them could cause immense damage to the surrounding forest.

But it just won't come down.

"Elech!!"

One angry roar after another echoed through the woods.

If someone were to look closely at this moment, they would notice that on the shoulder of the colossal Regice, which is as large as a giant, sits a Gengar wearing sunglasses, with arcs of electricity leaping from Regice's body reflecting light off the sunglasses.

"Genga~"

As Regice moved, Gengar instinctively reached out to help, but as its hand touched Regice...
crackling-

The current flickered.

“Genga! o(TヘTo)”

Gengar immediately let go, letting out a powerful "whoosh," and then tugged at the spirit cloth under its buttocks to prevent its own bottom from getting wet.

It barked loudly at Regigi Elech a few times.

"Reggie?"

The giant Regigigas paused, looked around at Officer Jenny, League Police, and their Pokémon, and scratched its head.

That's right.

The exercise is underway.

However, Officer Jenny and her allies did not have many good ways to deal with the enormous and powerful Thunder Pillar Reggie.

However, when they actually encounter a divine beast "disaster," their task is not to confront the divine beast head-on, but to evacuate the masses as quickly as possible to reduce casualties, while trying to slow down the divine beast's advance.

Everything is proceeding in an orderly manner.

Under Gengar's "guidance," Regigigas gradually mastered the art of acting.

at the same time.

In the vast Oruans Forest, a very tall man in tattered clothes emerged from a dilapidated cave, a piece of dried meat that had been stored for who knows how long, and looked up at the thunder giant in the forest.

Looking at the towering Thunder God Pillar, the man's expression immediately turned serious.

Without saying a word, he grabbed all his belongings, including a tattered cloth bag, and strode quickly toward Reginald.

During this time, a few wild finches took a liking to the dried meat the man was holding in his mouth and tried to get closer to "share" it, but they quickly flew away after only flying halfway there.

The reason was simple: the slovenly man reeked of decay and decay, and having not bathed for who knows how long, he carried a smell comparable to that of a stinky flower.

However, at this moment, the man's eyes were only on the enormous Regigi Lechi, which was constantly "destroying" everything.

"How could an ancient thunder giant appear here?"

Beneath his fine, gray-silver hair, the man's eyes were resolute and earnest.

"It really can summon a divine beast." The older Officer Jenny looked at Reggie Elegy, her astonishment lingering for a long time.

Although she already knew about this from other Officer Jennys, the older Officer Jenny was still inevitably shocked when she actually saw Regie Elech cooperate with the exercise.

Jing He smiled helplessly.

You're the one who asked the mythical beast to help with the exercise, and you're the one who was surprised by the mythical beast. What do you want?
“I promised to take it back, but I don’t have time right now, so it will stay with me for a while,” Jinghe said.

Anyway, the Alliance Police Department will reimburse Reggie Ellech's food expenses, so he's not in a hurry now.

And
To be honest, Regice isn't exactly a particularly amazing legendary Pokémon.

Mr. Kamishiro, the leader of the pyramid in the Battle Frontier, also possesses three divine pillars, although Jinghe believes those three might have been sculpted by Regigigas from "leftovers".

cough.
Moreover.

Among the Joy Clan, who are on par with Officer Jenny, isn't there also a Joy girl who tamed Latias?

The older Officer Jenny nodded; she was unaware of just how enormous Regigi's "appetite" was, so she remained relatively calm.

“However, the pressure of facing the divine beasts is still great for the younger Officers,” said the older Officer.

Although the Officer Jennys seemed to be moving in an orderly manner, the older Officer Jenny still noticed many shortcomings or things that were not quite right in their actions.

This is an unavoidable deformation or oversight caused by pressure.

This is also why the exercise is necessary.

Early detection of problems will help the alliance and residents minimize losses when real situations arise in the future.

“That’s about it,” said the older Officer Jenny.

The "mythical beast disaster" drill lasted for almost half an hour; any longer would have been unnecessary.

Jing He nodded, just about to call a halt to Gengar and Regice, when suddenly he saw
A clay giant flew out of the nearby forest, its feet like jet engines, carrying a surge of ground-based energy, and charged straight toward Regiereki.

"Genga?"

"Reggie?"

Regiereki and Gengar sitting on its shoulder were both taken aback by the sudden appearance of the clay golem.

what?
This part wasn't in the previously mentioned exercise plan.
The main focus of the exercise was evacuation and guidance, not direct combat. This clay giant was...
However, Gengar and Regice could still sense the strength of this Claygoo; it was not weak!
"Genga." Gengar rubbed his round chin.

Could it be that the exercise plan was changed at the last minute, and now it's going to be a direct confrontation?

Gengar and Regigigas stared at each other, just as Claydol was about to charge at them, when Jinghe's voice finally rang in their minds.

"It's the enemy!"

This was not part of the exercise.

Actually, Jinghe and the older Officer Jenny were somewhat surprised when they saw the Claydol appear. After exchanging information briefly, they confirmed that this Claydol was neither Officer Jenny's nor the Pokémon of the League Police.

If they attack like that, they are undoubtedly the enemy.

"Elech!!"

Upon hearing that they were enemies, Reggie Elegy was immediately filled with fighting spirit.

In the previous exercise, it held back its power to cooperate, which was not only frustrating but also unpleasant.

Now a clay giant rushes up, and it suddenly has someone to "vent" on.

sizzle-

Thousands of bolts of lightning erupted from Reggie's body, transforming into a giant net that enveloped the clay golem.

As a Ground-type Pokémon, Claydol isn't actually afraid of Electric-type moves, but only if Claydol is standing on the ground.

They rushed up like that.
The enormous lightning cage descended, and before the charging clay giant could even attack Reggie, it was encased in the net and slammed downwards.

"Go, Regielech!" Korne shouted, her hands forming a megaphone shape.

"Luka."

Lucario glanced at Korrina, then at the Clay Golem that had been knocked back.

Do we still need to refuel?
"Genga~"

Gengar got up, put away the Spirit Cloth used to cushion its bottom, and turned to disappear into the rift in the void.

When it reappeared, it was already in the shadows of the forest, searching for traces of the "enemy".

at the same time.

Miss Officer Jenny also led her team into the woods to find the culprit who "sabotaged" the exercise.

Meanwhile, the "culprit" was staring at Diancie, who was wandering in the woods hoping to run into Xerneas.

"You are."

Holding the bouquet, Diancie looked at the extremely burly but shabby-dressed man in front of her, tilted her head, and showed a look of curiosity.

The man seemed slightly dazed when he saw Diancie.

The pure and beautiful Diancie, holding a bouquet adorned with sparkling pink diamonds, seemed almost divine. Her gentle smile, in particular, reminded the man of his former companion.

But very quickly.

Gengar was the first to appear beside the man. It looked at the disheveled man and smelled the odor, which was comparable to Gloom, but it didn't care much. It was just a little curious because it could vaguely smell the "scent of history" on the man in front of it.

"Genga?"

Immediately afterwards, the Officer Jennys also gathered around.

Upon seeing so many people suddenly appear, the man instinctively lowered his head.

Finally, Jinghe, Ke'erni, and the older Junsa also arrived.

"Wow, it's so high!"

Upon seeing the man's figure, Little Cucumber Kernie couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

She's almost twice as good as two of them.

Jinghe was also somewhat taken aback when she saw the man.

"A-Z?"

Ok?
The man looked at Jing He in surprise when he heard someone call his name.

"Reggie?"

The shrunken Regielechi came to Jinghe's side, and the clay giants that had attacked them earlier now stood behind the man like guards.

But the clay giant, who is nearly three meters tall, was actually half a head shorter than the man when standing behind him.

At this point, the man, whom Jing He referred to as "AZ," finally understood. He seemed to have misunderstood.

But he was also somewhat surprised.

The ancient thunder giant actually listens to this man?

"I'm sorry," AZ said somberly, then picked up the tattered bag, took the clay giant, and turned to leave.

"Wait a moment!"

Jing He quickly called out to him, then turned to the older Officer Jenny and said in a fast voice, "Miss Officer Jenny, this is my friend. Let me say a few words to him. Your exercise must continue."

The older Officer Jenny gave Az a strange look.

Indistinctly.

She felt she had heard of this burly man named "AZ," but since she wasn't from the Carlos region, she couldn't immediately recall who he was.

In addition, the exercise still needed to continue, so after telling Jing He to just let her know if he needed any help, Miss Officer Jenny, still puzzled, and the Alliance police continued with the next step of the exercise.

AZ did indeed remain in the same place.

Originally, he wasn't planning to pay any attention to it, especially since the other party had recognized him.

But when AZ heard Jinghe say the word "friend," he noticed that his steps were a little unsteady.

After the Officer Jennys left, Jinghe walked up to AZ and looked at the tall man who was at least three meters tall. She couldn't help but smack her lips.

AZ, the king of the Carlos region three thousand years ago!
It was also the king who used the ultimate weapon to revive his Pokémon, and was willing to start a huge war.

Three thousand years have passed, yet he is still alive.

This is because he was affected by the radiation from the ultimate weapon, which not only made his lifespan unknown, but also caused certain changes in his physical appearance.

Jinghe originally thought the King of AZ's unlimited lifespan was amazing, but now it seems...
Besides his seemingly endless lifespan, Jinghe also sensed a ghostly aura emanating from him, a strange feeling akin to a candle that had burned out but whose flame was still flickering.

Is this some strange state between life and ghosts?
Not only him, but Gengar also felt the same way.

While Jinghe was observing AZ, AZ was also observing him.

A young monster messenger. No, in this day and age, he should be called a "trainer".

In the era when AZ lived, Pokémon were more often referred to as "monsters," dangerous but powerful creatures that were indispensable during major wars.

A young trainer, powerful Pokémon, enviable companionship, and... is this the aura of the creator god?

"What are they doing?" Korni asked softly, turning her head as she looked at the two who were staring at each other but not saying a word.

"Luka."

Lucario spread his hands, indicating that he didn't know either.

However, after a period of silence and mutual observation, Jing He slowly said, "King of AZ"

"Do you know me?" AZ finally spoke again, his voice low and hoarse.

Jing He smiled slightly, "With your figure, it's hard not to recognize you."

After a long silence, AZ said again, "I am no longer the king. I am now just a person atoning for my sins."

A person seeking redemption?
Jing He didn't refute, but changed the subject, saying, "Then, Mr. AZ, if you have time, why don't you sit down and have a chat?"

AZ gave him a deep look and nodded:
"As you wish, messenger of Arceus."

Ok?
This time it was a bit of a surprise for Jinghe.

Has AZ ever seen Arceus?

slam-la-

Beside the babbling brook.

"Cha~"

The master blacksmith, carrying his hammer, showed off the chair he had just custom-made for AZ, gesturing for AZ to sit down and try it out.

"Would you prefer coffee or tea, Your Majesty King Loto of AZ?"

Rotom, having somehow learned a set of "etiquette," asked quite politely.

呲——

Azure Flame Blade Demon lit the charcoal to start a fire, and added fresh water from the stream, which was then placed on the stove.

"Hulu~"

Master Wudao held a coffee bean grinder in his hand, which rotated at a steady speed, quickly grinding the plump coffee beans into coffee powder.

"哓GA!"

Gengar opened its mouth and pulled out a box of "treasured" Vitality Root Tea, waiting for the water to roast it.

"Woo~~"

Dragonite set up its own tent today, and without Gengar's help, it did a pretty good job of doing it.

Diancie and Ice Nine-Tailed Fox sat next to Jing He, the two little ones whispering something private.

As for Regigi and Young Gilas, they sat together, busy cooking.

For some reason, after eating with Younggiras for a long time, Reggie Elegie felt that his appetite had increased.

That's a good thing.

AZ took in the whole scene, especially lingering a few seconds on the Victini who was crunching macarons on Jing He's shoulder. After thanking the master blacksmith, he sat down.

Then, under Rotom's expectant gaze, he hesitated for a moment before saying, "Tea, if you like, thank you."

"Roger that! Loto!"

"Genga! (Д)b"

Gengar slammed its hand on the picnic table and gave AZ a thumbs up.

Hey! Great choice! I admire people like you!
Vitality Root Tea: one sip refreshes the mind, two sips eliminate fatigue, and three sips grant immortality! Yay!
"Coffee! I want coffee!" Corny called out before Rotom could even ask.

Tea?
Two days ago, she also "recklessly" chose tea, and then, it was so bitter that her mouth tasted bitter all day.

"Alright, Loto!"

Rotom makes the tea, but Jinghe prefers to make the coffee herself, unless her caring older sister is around.

"These magical beasts... they get along quite well with you," AZ said with a slightly complicated expression.

Jinghe took the coffee grounds from Xiong and poured them into a cone-shaped filter paper, smiling as he said:
"Of course, they are all my best companions and family."

"Gucha~"

Azure Flame Blade Demon handed over a water bottle, and Jing He thanked him. "Partner, family?"

AZ's voice was low and hoarse, "Isn't he a servant?"

His eyes became especially bright, even somewhat sharp, at this moment.

In ancient times, to be precise, in the ancient times he lived three thousand years ago, magical beasts were beings enslaved by humans.

Just like in ancient Mijna, Pokémon, known as "monsters," were bound by restrictive shackles.

Jinghe slowly poured water into the coffee powder, watching the brownish-yellow liquid slowly flow into the cup, releasing a rich coffee aroma.

He didn't look into AZ's eyes, but simply asked in return:

"Mr. AZ, what do you think about this problem?"

After he finished speaking, he raised his head and looked directly at AZ.

Perhaps because she felt guilty, AZ avoided Jinghe's gaze.

In ancient times, this was indeed the case in many cases, but AZ was an "accident" because he had a very good relationship with his Flower Leaf.

This is why AZ still had to use the ultimate weapon to revive Huayedi after her death.

He couldn't even forgive a world that had hurt Huayeti, and tried to destroy everything with the ultimate weapon.

Although AZ did not answer, his silence seemed to answer everything.

"King of AZ, your Chalotto~"

Rotom brought over a cup of tea with a bitter aroma.

"Thank you," AZ said again, accepting the tea.

Looking at the root-like things floating in the water glass, AZ felt a sense of doubt.

What kind of tea is this?

"哓GA!"

But then Gengar raised its teacup at him, grinned, and let out a loud, boastful cry.

Friends, let's drink this cup of Vitality Root Tea!

friend
AZ watched Gengar blow on its teacup and then sip it slowly, and started drinking like it did.

Under Korne's expectant, or rather, slightly gloating gaze, AZ took a big gulp.

He swallowed it down.

call--

A little steam escaped from his mouth.

For some reason, he seemed much more energetic, and even his listless eyes became more spirited.

“Good tea!” AZ nodded.

“Genga! d(○)”

You have good taste, my friend!

Gengar is overjoyed.

"Huh?" Korni was greatly shocked.

Does this guy have no sense of taste?

Jing He wasn't surprised.

For someone who has experienced true suffering, the bitterness of mere Vitality Root Tea is nothing. It's you, Gao Jin!
AZ held the teacup in both hands, tilted her head slightly to look up at the clear sky, and murmured:
"Is this what you call a trainer?"

Trainer?
Korrina looked at Lucario beside her, and Lucario looked back at her.

What is a trainer?
This is an overly broad question.

AZ turned to look at Jing He again, "You seem to know quite a bit about me? Based on your understanding, do you think it will forgive me?"

Korne's eyes blinked and her ears perked up, as if she had caught a whiff of gossip.

Jinghe shrugged. "Why do we use the word 'forgiveness' between Pokémon and their trainers?"

"Huh?" AZ was confused.

Jinghe took a sip of his coffee, and AZ and he held it with both hands, elbows on their knees, leaning slightly forward. Victini immediately seized the "opportunity," using his back as a slide, and slid down with a "meow."

"It was a partnership built on mutual trust; it understood why you did what you did, and you understood why it disappeared."

"Rather than saying it forgives you, Mr. AZ, when will you forgive yourself?"

After saying this, Jing He leaned back quickly and slumped against the back of her chair.

To be honest, AZ's smell was quite strong.

"Forgive myself?" AZ paused, then repeated softly.

Jing He shook his head.

It's more accurate to say that Flower Leafy forgave AZ than that Flower Leafy forgave itself, because it was its death that led to AZ's series of "revenge" actions.

At the same time, it is also AZ forgiving himself, for he caused too many casualties for the sake of one person and one Pokémon.

For a while.

The only sounds nearby were the children playing and AZ drinking tea and Jinghe drinking coffee.

A while passed.

AZ stood up, looked at Jing He earnestly, and said, "Thank you, messenger of Arceus."

After saying that, he picked up the cloth bag.

“Mr. AZ, how about we have dinner together? It’s an invitation from a friend,” Jing He said.

AZ one meal.

"it is good."

"But before that, have you considered taking a shower?"

"Eh?"

"A long, long time ago, there was a man and a Pokémon who loved each other."

"War broke out, and the man's beloved Pokémon were used in the war. Years later, all he received was a small box."

"The man wanted his Pokémon to come back to life, anything and everything, so he built one."

Under Korni's persistent questioning, Jinghe briefly recounted some stories about AZ.

Not only Korne, but all the little ones gathered around and listened to the whole story.

"I see"

After hearing this, Korni seemed somewhat dazed.

Is this what trainers are like? Is this what humans and Pokémon are like?
Although what AZ did was infuriating, his actions in trying to revive Flower Leafy earned Korni's respect.

Don't know why.

Koelney, who had been laughing and joking, suddenly had a moment of realization.

So this is what a "trainer" is like?
This time, she didn't look at Lucario, and Lucario didn't look at her either, but a strange resonance arose in the hearts of the two.

Perhaps this is the bond that trainers and Pokémon forge?

Seeing the sentimental expressions on Korrina and Lucario's faces, Jinghe smiled.

This story isn't just for show; sometimes Korrina and her Lucario are just a tiny bit apart, just a tiny bit.

"Genga."

The Gengar, hovering behind Jinghe, was unusually quiet and even looked serious and earnest.

After listening to Jinghe's story, Gengar flickered slightly and, without anyone noticing, silently drifted to the other side of the forest.
As the sun sets, the golden sunlight filters through the thin clouds, casting a shimmering, golden glow on the river's surface.

The burly AZ sat in the river, leaning against the rocks on the bank, letting the water wash over his body while Jing He's words kept repeating in his mind.

"Is it less about waiting for Huayedi's forgiveness and more about forgiving yourself?"

hum-

A black mist surged in the shadows cast by the setting sun in AZ, and a serious-looking Gengar slowly floated out.

"It's you?"

AZ was somewhat surprised to see Gengar.

"Genga~"

Gengar handed over a cup of Vitality Root Tea and sat down on the rock that AZ was leaning against.

"Thank you." After taking it, AZ still looked at Gengar with some confusion.

"Genga?"

Gengar didn't look at AZ, but just stared at the babbling water in front of it and spoke softly.

Jinghe told me that you once revived a Pokémon that had passed away?
Strangely, AZ can understand Gengar's words.

He nodded. "Indeed."

call--

A sudden surge of black mist erupted from Gengar's body. It abruptly looked at Az, and spoke with an extremely serious expression:

"哓GA!"

Teach me!

"Hmm?" AZ frowned.

Only those who have used the "ultimate weapon" know how terrifying it truly is. That power to destroy everything should absolutely not be in the hands of someone with impure intentions or a Pokémon.

He never expected Gengar to want to learn how to use the "ultimate weapon".
"What do you want to do?" AZ asked in a deep voice.

Could it be that he misjudged Jing He, or misjudged Arceus's messenger?
"哓GA!"

Under AZ's watchful gaze, Gengar gently touched the teacup in AZ's hand with its own, then gulped it down in one go and roughly wiped its mouth.

If you didn't know better, you'd think they were drinking alcohol instead of tea.

It's nothing! I'm just preparing for Jinghe's future!
AZ was taken aback.

Preparing for Jinghe?
Looking at the serious-looking Gengar, AZ was in a daze. He actually saw his former self reflected in the body and eyes of a Pokémon.

It's kind of funny to say, but looking at Gengar's serious expression, he couldn't laugh at all, because he could feel that Gengar was serious.

"You," AZ opened his mouth, "do you know how much you'll pay, how much pressure and guilt you'll bear?"

"叏Ga! (▼ Pan ▼)"

Gengar crossed its arms and let out a cold snort.

As long as it's for Jinghe, I don't care if the world is destroyed or reborn!
Na Jinghe

Before AZ could finish speaking, Gengar interrupted without hesitation.

"哓GA!"

Jinghe certainly understands and approves of me!

His face was full of confidence, even smugness.

Gengar believed that Jinghe would definitely understand and accept it; this was a bond between them that needed no further explanation.

But for AZ, those words were like a bolt from the blue, exploding in his mind.

Is this the difference between him and Flowerleaf, and between Jinghe and Gengar?

AZ's expression gradually softened.

He looked at the "proud and arrogant" Gengar in front of him and suddenly wanted to laugh.

It wasn't a mocking smile, but a genuine smile of envy.

Then, the image of Jing He, who had been gentle, kind and friendly before, reappeared in his mind, reminding him of his identity as an envoy of Arceus.

Perhaps this was destined.

With that in mind, AZ took out a pendant that hung close to his body from around his neck. It looked like a key and handed it to Gengar.

"Genga?"

Gengar looked at what AZ handed it and blinked twice.

what is this?
AZ said, "The key, the key to unlocking the 'ultimate weapon'."

"Huh?! (▼O▼)"

Gengar opened its mouth wide, its eyes gleaming with gold. It immediately put down the cup, casually wiped its hands on its body, and took the key from AZ.

Look carefully.

Is this the thing that activates the "ultimate weapon"?

After giving out the key, AZ seemed to relax a lot. He took a sip of Vitality Root Tea, tasting the bitterness, but also savoring the sweet aftertaste.

Wrinkles appeared on his aged face, revealing the first genuine smile in three thousand years.

"If it were you, you should be able to keep this safe."

Although Gengar claims it's for future use and to be prepared for any eventuality, AZ believes Jinghe won't give Gengar the chance to use it.

With such Pokémon by his side and protecting him, how could Jinghe, as Arceus's messenger, possibly die young?
But he didn't understand what Gengar meant; Gengar referred to... a hundred years after Jinghe.
"哓GA!"

Gengar quickly threw the key into its mouth, then wrapped its arms around Az's neck and gave a big smile.

I've decided you're my friend!
AZ's smile grew even wider.

"friend."

Night falls.

Jinghe's temporary camp.

He looked at AZ and Gengar sitting together with some confusion.

When did their relationship become so good?
Seemingly noticing his gaze, AZ and Gengar looked over at the same time.

AZ gave a wrinkled smile, which was... kind of creepy.

Gengar, on the other hand, had shifty eyes, darting left and right.

Ok?
Something fishy.

As Gengar's trainer, how could Jing He not know this chubby purple-skinned boy?
Jinghe could tell whether it was about to fart or poop just by sticking its butt out.

However, now is not the time for "interrogation." Jinghe still has some doubts about the emergence of AZ.

"Mr. AZ, what are you doing in this forest?" Jing He asked, expressing his confusion.

Wasn't AZ wandering around and then captured by his great-great-great-great-descendant, Vladari, and imprisoned at Team Flare's base?
As for Jing He's doubts, AZ didn't try to hide anything and said directly:

"Because I wanted to see Xerneas."

and many more!

Xerneas?
"This forest?"

Oruans Forest?

It seems to sound a little familiar.

"Xerneas?" Diancie stood up abruptly, her expression somewhat excited.

AZ nodded. "Xerneas was sleeping in this forest back then, and now... he may have awakened."

Jing He: "."

A friend of mine wrote a book called "I Popularize Ecology in the Pokémon World," which you can check out if you're interested.

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(End of this chapter)