Deep within the ancient spirit peaks, in the Great Snowy Valley.
Inside a small cabin located in the Shinto Ruins.
A woman with long yellow hair, dressed in a black overcoat—Cynthia—watched suspiciously at someone inside the cabin who looked exactly like her!
"So this is the Shinto Ruins… the fabled endpoint of Sinnoh's legends, the final destination reached by the people of Hisui."
"Hello there. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Cynthia, a mythological researcher from the Sinnoh region. I came here to investigate the Shinto Ruins and to find a mysterious craftsman. I heard he lives nearby, but strangely enough, I haven't been able to spot any trace of him."
Cynthia sighed, clearly troubled.
She had already searched the surrounding area, but no matter what she tried, she simply couldn't see any workshop. She even asked the villagers outside the mountains and got directions, but every time she tried to go to the specified location, there was always a strange sense of distortion.
Could it be… an alternate space?
The thought sprang into her mind, and she gave it serious consideration.
This was the legendary "Shinto."
Even if there really were special alternate dimensions here, it wouldn't be surprising!
Global research had shown that such otherworldly spaces were indeed widespread across the Pokémon world. Some Pokémon even resided within them.
There were also such mystical realms throughout Sinnoh.
So, Cynthia had sent some messages to Hikaru, but since he hadn't responded yet, she figured she might as well head straight to the Shinto Ruins herself. After all, the ruins weren't going anywhere.
Whenever myths and legends were involved, Cynthia's heart would burn with excitement. Her soul itched with curiosity, eager to uncover ancient secrets.
Inside the mountain cabin lived an old man and a merchant, along with an Abra. When Cynthia knocked and entered, the two were happily eating a stew made of radish.
"A researcher from Sinnoh this time, huh?" said the merchant, who had yellow hair and wore a small cap. He smiled with squinted eyes as he clicked his chopsticks and chewed on the radish, his bowl in hand. The old man and the Abra wore expressions of utter peace and comfort, as if the words "laid back" were written all over their faces.
Crunch—Volo, chewing a radish: "I know who you are. You're a famous figure in archaeology—and the Champion of Sinnoh, no less."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Volo, a humble merchant who's deeply passionate about history and mythology. I came here in pursuit of ancient knowledge and am currently serving as a guide for climbing and ruin exploration. I, too, am a seeker of myth."
"If it's the ruins you're investigating, I can answer your questions. Though this place is still shrouded in mystery, there's much we don't yet know."
"Oh, by the way, we're in the middle of eating. Care to join us?"
"This stew's made with beach radish, cooked with Royal Leaf—soft, savory, and delicious! The radish is a specialty from Snowpoint City! Sinnoh folks love it—you really can't go without it. I'm a Sinnoh native myself!"
Cynthia gave a helpless smile. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm not hungry right now. So you're from Sinnoh too, huh…"
No wonder the hairstyle was so similar. Cynthia muttered quietly to herself.
Could he be from Celestic Town?
"I came to investigate the ruins, especially this statue." Cynthia then brought out a statue of Arceus.
"Mr. Volo, do you know anything about this form? This ruin seems to be connected to this Pokémon."
And the moment Volo laid eyes on the statue, his expression froze.
"Oh ho~! That form… Where did you get this statue?"
His face lit up with excitement as he looked at Cynthia—his "descendant." Cynthia noticed his visible change in demeanor. She had originally planned to ask about the mysterious craftsman's whereabouts, but suddenly held her tongue.
Something felt… off.
"What is it? Do you know something about this statue?"
Cynthia avoided mentioning its origin, merely asking if Volo recognized it. But Volo seemed to be recalling something.
It felt like instinct—somehow, a familiar young man's face kept flashing through his mind.
Yes, even though this "great-granddaughter" had come from afar, that statue could only have come from Hikaru's hand. From the very beginning, Volo had felt a strange familiarity with Hikaru, but no matter how he tried, he just couldn't remember. And Hikaru's attitude toward the Shinto Ruins was always… ambiguous.
On the surface, he claimed to know nothing. But Volo was convinced: Hikaru knew something far deeper, and that's why he had returned here!
"Ah, of course I know! Of course I recognize this Pokémon!" Volo's grin turned even stranger. He had chased this Pokémon for over a hundred years—how could he not know it?
Just look at his hairstyle—it was modeled after the mighty deity of Sinnoh!
"Hehe… I think I know who carved that statue. So he kept it from me, huh? Did he figure out my intentions?"
"Now that everyone's here, so you're the one chasing this Pokémon? What a coincidence—I'm chasing it too."
Volo stared intently at Cynthia, put down his chopsticks, and told the old man he was full. Then, smiling, he pulled out a Poké Ball.
"This might be sudden, but would you have a Pokémon battle with me? Right here in front of the Shinto Ruins."
"And please—bring the statue. Let it witness our battle."
He then added provocatively, perhaps worried Cynthia might refuse—or perhaps out of a desire to "mentor" his great-granddaughter:
"There's actually something I've wanted to tell you for a long time."
"I've seen your livestreams on TV. Against challengers, you're overwhelmingly strong. Your Garchomp is well trained. But when it comes to fully unleashing its power…"
"'Champion' should mean a trainer of true mastery. For ordinary people, your strength is an insurmountable mountain. But to me, it doesn't seem all that impressive."
The Poké Ball twitched. Cynthia's Garchomp had clearly taken offense!
"Hmph." Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "Your taunting's not very refined. And this is such a random way to pick a fight. Did I ever do anything to make you hold a grudge?"
"No, no." Volo waved his hand and gave that eerie smile. "I simply want the Pokémon Trainers of this land to become stronger."
"I'll be blunt—your training methods are too soft for a Champion."
"These days, Pokémon battles are mostly just competitive games. They can't compare to those who braved harsh lands, risking their lives alongside their Pokémon. Only those who have overcome life and death, and undergone intense training, can become humanity's true claws and fangs. That's the real bond."
"Have you heard of the 'Strong Style' and 'Agile Style' forms of battling? Don't worry, I'll show you soon. Watch closely—and follow the path to becoming stronger."
Cynthia furrowed her brows. This challenge was certainly strange, but as a Trainer, she had to accept.
What's more… could this battle possibly trigger some kind of reaction from the ruins?
She'd seen plenty of Trainers and ruin investigators who, believing they knew some secret, would act out odd rituals in front of ancient sites.
And Volo, this so-called merchant, was showing the exact same kind of obsessive fervor.
"I see… Looks like I don't have a reason to say no." Cynthia flashed a confident smile. As Sinnoh's Champion, she wouldn't lose to anyone!
Beep—
A notification came from her Pokétch. Cynthia glanced down.
["Due to certain special reasons, my workshop is currently 'sealed.' You're at the Shinto Ruins, right? Perfect—I'll head there now."]
["I know you have questions. Let's talk in person."]
(End of Chapter)
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