Chapter 268: The Legend of the Hero, The Origin of the Sacred Diamond

"To think he actually captured the legendary Yveltal."

Danila stared in shock at Natsume, who was sitting on the gray earth surrounded by Pokémon.

Beside him were common Pokémon like Pikachu, as well as legends like Zacian and Lugia.

Danila was a Pokémon ranger from Frozen Bear Country.

The commotion and strange phenomena caused by Yveltal's awakening were too significant.

As a result, nearby rangers had rushed to the scene.

Unlike Danila and his team, Sugimoto Ken and the others looked at the scene with smiles.

"As expected of Gym Leader Natsume."

"This is just incredible."

Yuki let out a sigh of relief. "The situation's resolved."

Sugimoto Ken glanced around and sighed. "That said, the rangers of Frozen Bear Country are going to have their hands full now."

At this moment, the entire area had turned into a wasteland.

The life force of the land had been drained, leaving behind a desolate, gray expanse.

Restoring this place to its former state would likely take a considerable amount of time.

"Let's go."

Sugimoto Ken and Yuki mounted their Pidgeot and flew over to Natsume.

Danila quickly followed.

"Gym Leader Natsume, do you know what exactly happened here?"

Sugimoto Ken approached Natsume, curious about the truth of the matter.

Natsume looked at Sugimoto Ken. "I don't know all the details myself."

"Earlier, when I was near Towada Lake, I rescued a group of researchers."

"At the time, Gardevoir sensed malicious intent from someone nearby, so I decided to investigate."

Natsume explained briefly. "When I followed the Frosmoth here, I found a group from the Eternal Life Society moving the Sacred Diamond of the Underground Kingdom."

"And then, well, you saw what happened next."

"Yveltal woke up from its slumber."

After hearing Natsume's explanation, Sugimoto Ken felt his head spinning.

"Those Eternal Life Society people again."

Sugimoto Ken sighed helplessly. "They really are everywhere."

He then turned to Danila. "By the way, do you know about the Underground Kingdom here?"

Danila looked at the gathered Carbink and thought for a moment. "If we're talking about legends, there are many versions of the stories about Diancie and Diamond City in this area."

Danila glanced at the massive diamond. "But if I had to guess, Yveltal's awakening must be related to that Sacred Diamond."

"You're absolutely right."

At that moment, the Carbink Minister stepped forward. "It's all because of those despicable humans who tampered with our Sacred Diamond."

Natsume looked at the Carbink Minister. "There's a story behind this, isn't there?"

The Carbink Minister sighed.

"It happened so long ago, I can't even remember when."

"Basically, a long, long time ago, Yveltal suddenly appeared in this area for some reason."

"Its arrival turned the once lush forest into a barren wasteland."

"All the Pokémon fled the area."

"Just as Yveltal was about to destroy everything, a hero arrived."

"A hero?"

Natsume asked curiously. "What kind of hero are you talking about?"

"Was it a human?"

"That's right."

The Carbink Minister nodded. "He was an incredibly powerful ancient Trainer."

"He brought six heroes with him and defeated Yveltal."

"One of those heroes was Lady Diancie, who created this Sacred Diamond."

"On that day, Xerneas, who was with the hero, used its power of life restoration to revive the land."

"Lady Diancie then created the Sacred Diamond."

The Carbink Minister recounted its memories.

In the dim underground mines, the Carbink living there gathered around Diancie.

A massive Sacred Diamond slowly rose into the sky.

Diancie looked up. "With this Sacred Diamond, Yveltal should remain in peaceful slumber."

"Everyone, farewell."

"Wait, Lady Diancie, are you leaving us?"

Diancie smiled. "Our journey isn't over yet, so I can't stop here."

The Carbink Minister asked, "But what if the power of the Sacred Diamond runs out one day?"

Diancie replied, "Don't worry."

"When that time comes, a new Diancie will surely be born here, in this Underground Kingdom."

"When that child is born, please take good care of them."

The Carbink Minister solemnly said, "Understood."

After bidding farewell to the Carbink Minister, Diancie left with the aged hero.

After hearing the Carbink Minister's story, and influenced by the previous Celebi incident, Natsume couldn't help but wonder if the hero the Minister spoke of was actually himself from the past.

Natsume looked at the Minister. "This might sound strange, but do you think that hero looked like me?"

The Carbink Minister glanced at Natsume and replied without hesitation, "No."

"You two are completely different people."

Natsume shrugged slightly. "Alright."

"But speaking of which, how long have you been alive?"

The Carbink Minister frowned in thought. "I... I can't remember anymore."

"All I know is that every time I wake up, the human world has changed dramatically."

"I see."

Natsume looked at the Carbink Minister. "Well, things are pretty much clear now."

"What are you planning to do next?"

"After all, this place is completely ruined. It's not suitable for living anymore."

The Carbink Minister was momentarily stunned. It looked around at the lifeless land and sighed. "Unless we can find Lord Xerneas again to restore life here..."

"Otherwise, we'll probably have to find a new habitat."

"Natsume."

Diancie hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

"What is it?"

"Could the Minister and everyone else move to the underground of the Farm?"

Diancie looked at Natsume nervously. "I want to live together with everyone at the Farm."

Natsume smiled at Diancie and gently placed a hand on her head. "Of course you can."