Chapter 0702: Hoenn Journey Bonus

【Lilycove City Radio reminds you, our city will witness a once-in-a-millennium large meteor shower.Please, citizens, enjoy the falling stars, but put personal safety first...】

Natsume stood atop the cliff overlooking Hoenn. The city lights were brilliant, nocturnal ripples danced in the port, and the lighthouse's beams swept in circles.

In just one week, Lilycove City had gradually recovered from the flood disaster.

Tonight’s once-in-a-millennium meteor shower signaled the end of a long battle.

Natsume heard footsteps behind him. Steven, with a hand on his suit jacket, dressed in a blue vest, stood beside Natsume on the ridge, looking out over the vista.

“I really like this lookout point,”

Steven said. “Sometimes you can see Wailmer leaping out of the water. Quite beautiful.”

“I thought your home was in Mossdeep City?” Natsume said casually.

“Yes, not far from here. I actually have a few Beldum in my home,” Steven replied with a smile.

Natsume: “……”

Favorite Pokémon: Beldum. Favorite move: Steel Wing.

Steven’s life was just as plain and dull as ever.

“Natsume-sensei, once again, thank you for saving Hoenn Region,” Steven said earnestly. “Apart from the official thanks from the Hoenn League, I’ll thank you personally as well.”

Natsume was slightly taken aback, but didn’t refuse. Steven continued:

“Cynthia mentioned you’re recently looking for Z-Crystals...”

Natsume froze. “Z-Crystal?”

Oh no, Predicted by Moe-Moe!

“That’s right. Z-Crystals are rare, but I’ve already found three in my collection—Steelium Z, Rockium Z, Groundium Z. For the remaining fifteen Z-Crystals, I’ll try to find…” Steven stated.

Natsume’s expression was complicated, and he hurried to stop him: “That’s enough, plenty already!”

Steven deserved his Ore Master title—every Z-Crystal he offered was pure steel, rock, or ground mineral.

For one, there’s no way to memorize all those awkward dances. For another, I truly don’t need to collect Z-Crystals!

If the item slot is locked to Mega Stones, why would I need to also carry a Z-Crystal?

Besides, I don’t even have a Sparkling Stone myself—might as well let Steven keep collecting!

Steven glanced at Natsume-sensei in confusion.

Could it be… Natsume-sensei has already gathered the rest of the Z-Crystals?

“If that’s the case, I can pay you with Mega Stones for the rest,” Steven said.

“I really don’t need that.”

“Then what about a Technical Record? Technical Machine?” Steven tested.

Natsume: “……”

That actually might work!

As it happens, Tyranitar just evolved. Picking up some suitable Technical Records would save Tyranitar the hassle of learning at random!

In the end, after some discussion, Steven agreed to help Natsume-sensei find two suitable Technical Records for Tyranitar.

“Lash Out” and “Superpower.”

Both are common Tyranitar moves.

Especially Lash Out—an eighth generation addition, a Dark-type physical move, scarily powerful, and unaffected by Intimidate, very useful!

Given Tyranitar’s strength isn’t sufficient, training “Precipice Blades” could be put off for now.

All the rage built up from being unable to eat in her Pupitar phase could be unleashed through training Lash Out.

Natsume shivered.

That rage… even thinking about it is terrifying!

Before sleep that night, at one AM, the three Z-Crystals arrived at Natsume’s home.

He gazed at the three Z-Crystals of steel, rock, and ground-type, their mineral luster glittering on the tea table, and sat in silence.

Adding in Normalium, Firium, and Buginium, he’d already collected six types of Z-Crystal.

It didn’t seem as far as he’d thought to gather the remaining twelve...

Natsume shook his head, yawned, and pondered.

He wondered if Cynthia had seen the meteor shower he’d sent her.

A mere meteorite—I smashed it to show Moe-Moe! (just kidding)

After the Hoenn incident, he at least popped his face in front of Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza.

Maybe there would be a chance to call on them in the future… either way, right now those three owe me a favor.

And then there’s the unlocking of flying ability—

Natsume glanced at Latias.

Little Latias’s eyes were muddled, eyelids drooping, and soon she dozed peacefully on the sofa.

“At least I completed Miss Joy’s dream of letting Latias see the big stage,” Natsume thought.

There were four mythical Pokémon at home: Darkrai, Victini, Meloetta, and Latias.

Victini had gone into a Cherish Ball, Meloetta into a Love Ball.

The other two, even if not inside Poké Balls, would be no problem if coaxed to work at a café… probably.

With two small mythical Pokémon’s help, whether in battle or coordination field, I’d have quite an edge.

Wallace, now do you understand what a Top Coordinator really is? (leans back)

Natsume cleared his throat, calmed himself, and prepared to check today’s Berry rewards.

【Special Mission ‘Episode Δ’ completed!】

【Mission Reward: Random legendary Item 1, Shiny Charm 1, Random rare Berry *1!】

The Shiny Charm is usually the final prize after clearing a region, which fits for completing Hoenn’s ‘Episode Δ’ story.

Its effect is to raise the probability of encountering Shiny Pokémon, from 0.024% to 0.073% in the wild, and the same for eggs.

【Shiny Charm: It's said that after you have it, you’ll find it’s easier to encounter the mysterious glow of Shiny Pokémon. (Completely useless)】

Natsume: “……”

After eight generations of never encountering a wild Shiny, Natsume fumed:

“Trash, next!”

A random legendary item—according to System info, there’s a chance to obtain Griseous Orb, Adamant Orb, and other important items.

Obviously, drawing an SSR like that was impossible, but this time, Natsume-sensei was, against all odds, on a winning streak!

【Ding! Obtained ‘Soul Dew’ *1!】

【Soul Dew: A pure crystal orb containing mysterious strength. When held by the infinite Pokémon, increases the power of Psychic and Dragon moves. (the same one from the Water Capital)】

Natsume: “Whoa, a drop!”

“Latias?” Latias looked over sleepily, roused by the commotion.

【Soul Dew】, as the exclusive item for Latias and Latios, was said to possess the power to control water and souls.

A month ago, Soul Dew would have been useless to Natsume, but now at least it let Latias fly higher and faster...

Natsume glanced down, then spoke: “Latias, I’ve got a gift for you.”

Latias floated over sleepily: “What is it?”

Natsume turned and handed the crystal-clear blue orb to Latias, seriously: “This suits you perfectly.”

Latias froze, stammering:

“You… you found this… just for me?”

“Yup.” Natsume nodded.

Won the exclusive item, had no choice but to give it to you.

“Lati~(^▽^ )” Latias stretched out her tiny hands and cupped the transparent Soul Dew, eyes curling into crescent moons.

“Thank you~! I’ll treasure it!”

“It suits you.” Natsume said offhandedly.

Latias: “Lati~(ω＼)”

Natsume: “……”

Why are you blushing like a bubble teapot!

With Soul Dew’s boost—even though Latias lacks battle experience, she could overwhelm Tobias’s Latios.

Natsume thought of the PTCG World Championship “Togepi Cup” to be held next week in Lumiose City; his gaze sharpened.

As the “Father of PTCG,” I’m definitely going to welcome duelists from all over the world myself! (not actually)

The last bonus was the System’s core, and the one Natsume anticipated most: opening the Berry reward.

【?】

Natsume: “Give me a Spicy flavor Berry, please!”

【Ding! Obtained ‘Karashi Berry’!】

【Karashi Berry: Unparalleled spice. Currently, no one has finished an entire Berry in one sitting. (Based on chili pepper, Spiciness +4, Sourness -4)】

Natsume’s eyes widened.

Today, he’d drawn two jackpot items in a row.

Could it be he’d accidentally used up all his good luck for the next few months?

In front of him was a long, red, pepper-shaped Berry. Just a sniff sent a rush of spicy flavor— even Petaya Berry and Figy Berry can’t compare!

“So this is the legendary spice I’ve been seeking…”

Natsume murmured, slowly grasping the Karashi Berry, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Sorry, chef Elite Four Siebold!

With this spicy flavor, I’ll climb to an even higher peak than your French cooking!

“Gengar…(⊙□⊙)” Gengar stared blankly at Natsume.

Today is another day of Trainer drama~!

……

August 28th, Saturday.

Mossdeep City Space Center announced: the massive meteorite crisis is officially resolved!

Natsume had already received his due reward and politely declined the generous gifts from the Hoenn League.

After all, Natsume didn’t want too many connections.

And to the Hoenn League, their respect for Natsume had only deepened.

With the ‘Episode Δ’ bonus, two gem fragments, a new Berry, and a new Construction Company Form unlocked—this trip was more than worth it.

“Come to think of it, why did I come to Hoenn in the first place…”

Natsume fell into thought, gazing upwards:

“Oh… it was for a home visit, and then I smashed up the dimwits and the meteorite.”

That’s exactly like you—Natsume was already tired of saying this line.

But as a catchphrase from “Pokémon,” it had become as iconic as Steven’s “I got first place in the end.”

After officially wrapping up all business,

Natsume left the Hall of the Hoenn League, and his gaze froze momentarily at the sight of a purple fatty walking ahead.

“Gengar~ヾ(≧▽≦*)ヾ”

Gengar raised his little arms, clapped without a care, and grinned widely.

To pull out Trick Room in front of Mega Rayquaza and Deoxys, in outer space—

No one does it like you, Gengar!

Natsume: “……”

Pokémon and their Trainers really do start to resemble each other over time.

When Cynthia has her day off tomorrow and arrives in Hoenn, I’ll tour around a few days before returning to Lumiose City.

It’ll be the perfect chance to enjoy Hoenn’s culture, maybe judge at the Wallace Cup, or go test-drive the rental format at the Battle Frontier.

I recall, winning at Battle Frontier earns points, which can be used to exchange for various rare items.

“If I go to Battle Frontier…”

‘Strategist’ Natsume looked skyward.

“Will Frontier boss Scott go bankrupt…?”