Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

"On behalf of the people of the Hoenn region, I sincerely thank you for your contributions."

Her gaze lingered on the other person's aged face. Despite his extraordinary demeanor, Nan Yin still couldn't discern the identity of the person before her.

"And you are, sir?"

“He is my father, an ordinary shareholder of Devon Corporation.”

Without elaborating, Daigo simply tapped the table lightly, focusing his attention on himself.

"Director Lila, please provide an update on the latest situation."

"Yes."

Without exchanging pleasantries, the lady sitting to the side walked to the projected screen and tapped it repeatedly with her fingertips to bring up the live video feed.

As the view extends to the land below, on the vast star map, the alien meteorite is forcing its way through the surrounding planets at a visible speed, moving straight toward the location of the camera.

Its shape is not that of a regular meteorite, but rather a constantly changing, indescribable geometric structure. Sometimes it resembles a twisted spiral, sometimes a sharply defined crystal, and sometimes it transforms into a flowing liquid vortex.

"Target code name: Deoxys-1, we are more used to calling it 'Deoxys'."

"Based on its external characteristics and internal changes, it can be confirmed that it is of the same origin as the first individual that was repelled by Rayquaza a few years ago and whose fragments were scattered throughout Hoenn. But this time, it came carrying a meteorite."

The light screen switched again, displaying close-ups of several irregular, dark purple crystals—the very fragments Daigo had shown before, alongside a complex spectral analysis chart.

“Based on current orbital models, it is projected to enter low Earth orbit in 90 hours,” a technical director from Devon Corporation said gravely. “And our conventional defense arrays, whether energy deflection shields or kinetic interceptor missiles, have a simulated interception success rate of less than 10% based on their energy field and physical structure.”

"Precedents have shown that Deoxys seems to be able to change its own state of matter and energy frequency in an instant."

Have you tried communication?

This is a question that young people are asking again.

"There has been no response from any known frequency bands, including special bands that mimic its own energy wavelength," Director Lila said after a moment's hesitation.

"But its trajectory is not a natural celestial motion. It is conducting small-scale, discontinuous traction, gradually correcting its path toward Hoennium each time. This 'purposefulness' is the biggest danger signal. We cannot determine what behavior it will adopt after entering the atmosphere, whether it will continue to 'observe' or act recklessly to achieve its goal."

The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly plummeted to freezing point.

“Therefore, a forced interception is very likely to be seen as hostile and trigger an unpredictable and violent reaction.” Daigo concluded, his gaze turning to Nanyin again. “The only window of opportunity is to make non-confrontational contact with it before it enters the atmosphere, while it is in its ‘cruising’ state, to understand its intentions, and even to guide it to change its trajectory.”

“And the key to contact,” Mikuri’s voice rang out at the right moment, his knuckles lightly pointing in the direction of Nan Yin, his tone leaving no room for doubt, “lies in King Nan Yin. Whether it’s superpowers or the wave guides he possesses, they are the most direct way of communication, surpassing words.”

"Reshiram's approval and Eternatus's following are also proof. Although Deoxys is not a Pokémon in the traditional sense, it is essentially an individual that exists and lives, a spirit. The Aura of the King of the South may be our only 'universal language'."

In an instant, all eyes were once again focused on the girl. Alliance officials exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of assessment and doubt. Meanwhile, the Devon Corporation researcher frowned, pondering the feasibility.

Their conversation revolved around whether it was safe and appropriate to entrust this task to such a young girl, or whether it was appropriate to involve an outsider trainer in such a significant event affecting the entire region, given the difference between insiders and outsiders.

"Enough. The noise from the audience is meaningless. Negotiation and communication are options, as are confrontation and interception. What Nanyin gives us is only the possibility of choice."

"Only by combining the strengths of both sides and balancing firmness and flexibility can we safeguard the peace of the region."

Interrupting the cacophony of differing opinions, Daigo turned his gaze to one spot.

"Ultimately, the current technology is insufficient to break meteorites of that size. However, we can still rely on the power of Pokémon, just like the legendary Rayquaza on the Sky Pillar."

"But this requires some special conditions, such as the inheritor mentioned by the Meteor People. I haven't been able to find out the specific details, so I'll leave it to Master Qianli to explain in detail."

Taking over the conversation, a middle-aged man with regular features spoke up in a loud voice.

"The requirements for successors are not too complicated. Generally speaking, they are younger and more determined. My son Ruby and Sapphire are fortunate to have had contact with Rayquaza and cooperated with him before. Perhaps they can do their part."

No sooner had the words been spoken than the doors to the council chamber were suddenly pushed open, revealing a boy with a headscarf and a chestnut-haired girl, both looking quite embarrassed.

"Sorry, Master, we're late."

He apologized to Mikkuri in a low voice. The people who came were Ruby and Sapphire, whom he had mentioned. They were Pokédex holders in Hoenn.

"Okay, sit down first."

Perhaps neither of them did anything wrong, but in a father's eyes, his child's shortcomings and safety will always be magnified.

"Ah, the Sky Pillar possesses a unique energy field, and only those who are still young can venture into it. If Ruby and Safia were to directly confront Rayquaza to seek his help, how could I possibly feel at ease?"

"Hey Dad, I've proven myself many times already, okay!"

“Uncle Qianli, Ruby and I have been through so much, we are no longer children.”

The contradictory words sparked a lot of discussion, and Nan Yin also kept an eye on the two young men and women she had met once before.

They had met before at that breeding competition, though it was too brief and they couldn't remember the details. But this fallen meteorite was brought by Deoxys in search of her partner. If she hadn't been involved, the two of them would have resolved the incident safely.

“Mr. Senri, if you don’t mind, I can accompany Ruby and Safia to the Sky Pillar.”

Yes, now that she's involved, she naturally has to make improvements and add guarantees to the process and the outcome. She is a butterfly from another world, and she's eager to see what changes she can make and what footprints she can leave in the images played on those screens.

She also wanted to witness the legendary dragon god, Rayquaza, with her own eyes.

"Wouldn't this be too much trouble for you, King of Southern Music?"

Only now have people realized that this fairy king has an exceptionally youthful appearance and is also very beautiful.

"How could that be? Since we agreed, it's our duty. Besides, making contact and communicating with Deoxys before it enters the atmosphere requires ample preparation and time, doesn't it?"

Daigo and Michael exchanged a glance.

"Yes, the planned manned rocket will send you, Nan Yin, into orbit, but we will need to follow up on the orbital path."

"Therefore, this makes perfect sense."

Ruby and Shafie exchanged glances with the girl, feeling pleasantly relieved.

"That's really great, thank you so much, King of Southern Music."

The old father, who had traveled a thousand miles, needless to say, was a figure of great importance. There seemed to be some disagreement among the onlookers, but seeing the attitudes of the two champions and the elder's expression of not objecting, they ultimately swallowed their words.

The plan was finalized, and the meeting room immediately became busy, with technical instructions and communication calls coming in one after another.

Just then, a somewhat rigid voice rang out, and the alliance official who had been silent all along stepped in, "King Nanyin, I must confirm once again the existence of that thing on your wrist."

His gaze was fixed on the armband that Eterna had transformed into. "When we come into contact with Deoxys, a Pokémon that also comes from outer space and is full of unknowns, will it become an uncontrollable variable? Or even trigger a worse chain reaction?"

This pointed question reveals the hidden anxieties in the hearts of many.

Nan Yin stopped and turned to the side. She didn't look at the official, but instead lowered her gaze again, her fingertips lightly touching the purplish-black armlet. This time, her waveguide probe reached in on its own, with a clear intention: to inquire, not to command.

A faint, almost imperceptible anger, like the flare-up of a cold, surged through his wrist. A tremor ran through the entire conference room, causing everyone to freeze in shock.

Then, the girl raised her head, her silver hair brushing against her eyebrows and eyes. Her voice was soft, yet clear and resonant in everyone's ears.

It said...

(Its message is: though the cosmos is vast, few things truly catch the eye. This 'virus' is hardly worth my attention. I'm here only to observe how you respond. If you overstep your bounds... hehe.)

Nanyin condensed her long-winded nonsense into—

"It says it doesn't care."

Chapter 272 The Dark Sky Throne

The concise words spread across the table. The indifference of the Eternal One itself was a guarantee to the girl—it would not take the initiative to participate, nor would it lose its composure because of the 'overstepping' of another extraterrestrial visitor.

The official who was questioning the matter choked back his words, wanting to say more, but was interrupted by Daigo at the right moment, who drew everyone's attention back with a crisp tap on the table.

"Now that the foundation of communication is solid, the plan will proceed in two parallel tracks."

"Years ago, Rayquaza intercepted Deoxys in the atmosphere. Now, with an extraterrestrial meteorite approaching, the legend will naturally not remain indifferent, but we cannot place our hopes on assumptions and conjectures."

"Ruby, Shafie, whether we receive a firm affirmation or a helpless denial, we must go to the Pillar of Heaven to seek the answer."

The champion's decisiveness is demonstrated here.

“Nanyin, although Rayquaza spends most of its time guarding the atmosphere, the reason is that it considers the sky its own territory, and past cases have proven that its temper is extremely explosive. With you by my side, I can feel a little more at ease.”

"In the time that follows, the Green Ridge Space Center will try its best to confirm the trajectory of the meteorite and adjust the prepared short-range rocket so that it can carry you into low Earth orbit and make contact with Deoxys before it forces open the atmosphere. We will provide all possible support below—energy monitoring, orbit calculations, and a safe return."

"Time is of the essence, so I hope you will all do your best."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone left. Qianli stepped forward and patted his son on the shoulder, his worry suppressed by his stern expression, leaving only the heavy expectations of a father: "Ruby, Safia, prove it to me!"

"Don't worry, Dad/Uncle Qianli!" the boy and girl said in unison, their unease replaced by the mission they were shouldering.

Mikkel gracefully rose and gestured for Nan Yin to follow: "Ladies, please come with me. We need to familiarize ourselves with the rocket launch procedure and the precautions for the spacecraft beforehand."

"I also?"

Realizing the implications of the former's words, Korne's eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise quickly replaced by firmness.

Indeed, as a trainer, Nan Yin is calm, composed, and exceptionally capable. However, in an unfamiliar environment, facing hostile guests from outer space, and alone in this predicament, she is hardly a good person. She also needs assistance, even if it is just a small contribution from herself.

I can also offer her peace of mind by sharing her hardships at crucial moments.

"Yes, Korne, as the successor of the Sara Gym, you also have a legacy in the field of Aura. Now that things have come to this, having one more person means having one more layer of insurance."

A small joy was visible on the girl's face, the satisfaction of having her abilities acknowledged.

The joyful mood was evident to Nan Yin. In fact, what she had just mentioned was a negotiation she had made with Mikoli and the others earlier.

The feeling of being abandoned and ignored is very painful. When there is a dazzling sun beside you, no matter how hard you try, it will be overshadowed by its halo. Therefore, she wants to give her friend some comfort and recognition.

From now on, no matter when or where, we will never let each other face difficulties alone.

......

Clouds and mist brushed past, and occasionally birds and beasts passed by.

The Sky Pillar stands in the southeastern sea of ​​Hoenn, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. Its base is deeply embedded in the mountains, while its tower pierces through the clouds, reaching the thin sky.

This ancient stone building has weathered many storms, its surface covered with dark green moss and vines. The massive stones are weathered and broken, and ancient totems carved into them are now blurred, telling legends buried by time.

The enormous airship hovered on a platform at the foot of the mountain, the strong airflow causing everyone's clothes to flutter.

The hatch opened and the suspension ladder was lowered.

"This is all we can take you," Daigo's voice came through the communicator. "There's strong energy interference at the top of the tower, and the aircraft can't get close enough. The rest of the way is up to you."

"Don't worry, leave it to Ruby and me, Mr. Daigo!"

Shafie was the first to leap down the suspended ladder, brushing off the dust that covered her as she landed, and confidently clenched her fist.

Carefully observing the changes in the environment and following in the footsteps of those ahead, Nan Yin, holding her friend's hand, lagged slightly behind.

The higher you climb, the greater the altitude you reach, the heavier the invisible pressure becomes.

The air seemed to solidify, carrying a suffocating majesty originating from the wilderness. Clouds churned beneath our feet, and through the occasional gaps, we could glimpse the distant and insignificant land.

If it were feasible, flying with the help of Pokémon's abilities would be convenient, but the insidious threat seems to be severing such thoughts.

"This is it."

After crossing the desolate pile of stones, the boy pressed down his flowing headscarf and stopped in his tracks.

Directly ahead lies the cliff platform where the Meteor People prayed to the dragon god. Unfortunately, with the wind and rain day and night, the once towering stone pillars have collapsed to the side, and the sand and soil have been stirred up by the air currents, revealing several clumps of tenacious wild grass.

"Safia".

"Ah."

The two exchanged a glance and, in perfect unison, took out two pieces of jade with distinct colors from their backpacks, simultaneously raising them high.

Those are vermilion and indigo gemstones imbued with the essence of the earth and the sea.

"Rayquaza—!" Ruby's voice pierced through the howling wind and soared straight up to the clouds.

“Respond to our call!” Shafia responded immediately, her voice clear and firm.

Two streams of light of different colors flowed from the jade, like trickling streams, tentatively converging towards the dome atop the pillar. However, even after a long while, the silence at the top of the tower remained, with only the sound of the wind howling among the ancient stone walls, carrying an unsettling sense of oppression.

Time passed by, second by second.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Ruby and Shafie's foreheads, and their raised arms trembled slightly. The indigo and vermilion light struggled to intertwine, trying to illuminate the silent vortex, but like a stone thrown into a deep pool, it only stirred up weak ripples before disappearing without a trace.

"Why?" Shafia bit her lower lip, her voice tinged with barely perceptible frustration. "Last time you clearly..."

“Last time it was an emergency; Rayquaza only responded to us to drive away Kyogre and Groudon.” Ruby’s voice lowered, his knuckles turning white from his clenched fists. “Perhaps we are not qualified to truly ‘call’ it? Or perhaps it simply doesn’t want to heed the pleas of mortals right now?”

Upon hearing this, Korni looked at her friend, hoping to glean the answer from her pretty face.

However, the silver-haired girl was frowning and staring at the pillar in the sky. She sensed a strong cluster of energy, but the extension of her senses was blocked by the stagnant airflow.

Just then, an unexpected change occurred. A massive, wind-eroded rock at the edge of the tower's top, propelled by the cyclone and pulled downwards by its potential energy, hurtled towards Ruby and Sapphire, who were wholeheartedly calling upon Rayquaza.

"careful!"

A cry of alarm rang out, and in the blink of an eye, the boulder had already begun to fall. Fortunately—