Although the sudden incident at Spear Pillar had come to an end, its repercussions continued to ripple across Sinnoh.
With the melody of Oración echoing across the land, it was almost as though the people of Sinnoh had been granted the three elements of the heart once more.
Stark Mountain, a solid mass of stone covered in thick layers of ash from its own eruptions, seemed to have reached the end of its life.
"Pour the power of fire into the crater!"
At someone's command, vast numbers of Fire-type Pokémon and their Trainers gathered around the barren crater. They unleashed explosive torrents of flame into its depths, attempting to awaken the extinguished furnace.
A cold wave swept through the Battle Zone. Vegetation withered and died, plunging the Pokémon that lived there into desperate circumstances.
The Trainers of the Battle Zone joined forces to confront the agitated Pokémon, and a bitter struggle broke out.
It was as though the world had returned to the era of 150 years ago, or perhaps an even more distant age, when all living things had been forced to fight one another for a place to survive.
What brought an end to it all was a green jewel.
Green light enveloped Stark Mountain.
Amid powerful rumbling and the melody of a grass whistle, a deafening roar emerged from the inactive volcano before gradually fading away.
Scorching heat surged into the sky.
The volcano whose energy had been completely drained, the dead mountain whose activity had ceased, was reborn!
The sight stunned countless people.
Even after the colossal creature within the light disappeared and everyone went their separate ways, the scenes they had witnessed remained etched into their memories.
The Resort Area.
"The last time I saw Groudon was at the Embedded Tower. The heat bestowed by the Continent Pokémon benefits the entire world."
"And the person who defeated Groudon, earned its recognition, held back that demon of the earth, and saved the Hoenn region was Hikaru."
"Otherwise, considering how dire the situation was at the time, I truly don't know what we would have done."
"The light of hikari and luminous moss. One represents the [Origin], while the other represents the [Phenomenon]."
At the entrance to the Resort Area near Stark Mountain, a refined young man with blue hair was speaking with Cynthia, who had just finished her work.
"I never expected to meet you here, Mr. Stone," Cynthia said. "Since our last meeting, it's been... Huh? I suppose it hasn't actually been that long. You came to ask me about Sinnoh's myths."
"Yes," Steven replied. "I'd already been planning to visit Sinnoh in search of rare stones. Once Hoenn's crisis was resolved, I came to the Battle Zone and purchased a villa specifically for storing my collection."
"When Stark Mountain stopped functioning, I immediately remembered what happened when Mt. Chimney was nearly shut down."
"So, if you don't mind, Devon Corporation can take responsibility for maintaining Stark Mountain from now on. We're exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to geothermal energy."
"After consulting with Team Magma and Team Aqua, we should be able to develop a maintenance system capable of completely preventing the volcano from shutting down again."
"Also, we owe everyone an apology for what happened with Team Galactic."
Steven's expression turned solemn.
"I shouldn't try to avoid responsibility. Technology developed in Hoenn really did bring disaster to another region."
"I've heard that Team Galactic recruited several researchers who left Greater Mauville Holdings many years ago. That company once sent corporate spies to investigate the trade secrets of other businesses."
"Devon Corporation originally specialized in refining steel and developing energy technologies. Long ago, we were far smaller than Greater Mauville Holdings."
"Many of its former researchers changed careers or were recruited by other companies and began new lives. However, the company's harsh disciplinary practices drove some of its employees toward abnormal mental states and extremist ideologies."
"Some of them ultimately became accomplices who helped push this disaster forward. That cannot be denied."
Cynthia shook her head.
"I know about Greater Mauville Holdings. They once maintained business relations with Oreburgh Mine."
"Come to think of it, Byron was still the Oreburgh City Gym Leader in those days. He has since become Canalave City's Gym Leader."
"I'm also familiar with their deep-sea energy extraction, large-scale underground city development, and New Mauville Power Plant projects."
"However, Sinnoh's technological capabilities weren't advanced enough to participate in those projects at the time."
"In other words, Team Galactic fully absorbed those technologies, combined them with Devon Corporation's geothermal energy systems and their own cutting-edge science, and created everything that led to this incident."
"For researchers who couldn't find a place for themselves in the free world, Team Galactic gave them new ideals and restored their dignity. It allowed them to devote everything they had to their work without worrying about their lives or expenses."
"Not to mention the refrigerator filled with an endless supply of soda."
"That was unquestionably better treatment than Greater Mauville Holdings ever offered them."
When technologies from different regions were combined, the result could produce an enormous chemical reaction.
Even the two Champions felt lingering fear when they considered that fact.
They didn't dare imagine how many other people in the world dreamed of pulling off something equally outrageous.
"The Trainers of the Battle Zone intended to awaken the volcano with their own strength," Steven continued. "We attempted something similar in Hoenn before that crisis occurred."
"Team Aqua once tried to shut down Mt. Chimney, while Team Magma wanted to awaken the dormant volcano. The two sides fought at its summit."
And thus began the famous Mt. Chimney dogfighting tournament.
Cynthia and Steven signed an agreement regarding the future maintenance of Stark Mountain.
Although the people of the Battle Zone didn't consider themselves part of Sinnoh, they were still governed by the Sinnoh League.
After all...
Dawn had remained on Stark Mountain and had yet to return.
Cynthia looked toward several people approaching the villas.
"Flint! Since you helped rekindle Stark Mountain, I'll overlook the fact that you skipped work this time!"
The red-haired man who looked like a fast-food mascot froze.
"W-Wait! Come on, Boss, let's talk about this!"
"Isn't it perfectly normal for me to be in the Battle Zone? My grandfather runs the Battleground in the Survival Area. I came back to visit my family!"
"Sinnoh is freezing everywhere in winter. I like warm places, and I'm a Fire-type specialist. Of course I'd spawn near a volcano!"
"Right, Flannery?"
"Uh... I can't really argue with that," Flannery said, scratching her head. "Hot places do make it easier to ignite your fighting spirit. Sinnoh really is too cold."
After listening to Hikaru's advice, she had accompanied Steven to the Battle Zone to dig for stones and search for the Legendary Pokémon said to inhabit the volcano.
In the end, she had indeed seen Heatran.
There was another problem.
Sinnoh's climate was so cold that Flannery, whose clothing didn't even have sleeves, felt like she was going to freeze to death!
Steven laughed.
"That's true. Flannery also visits Scorched Slab regularly to train. Perhaps all Fire-type specialists are like that."
Flint nodded frantically.
"Exactly! The Hoenn Champion really understands people. Sinnoh's Champion doesn't understand the human heart at all!"
A vein bulged on Cynthia's forehead.
"Flint, you'll be the first blood sacrifice."
Cynthia had already resolved to make Flint suffer during several upcoming tournaments in Sinnoh.
Unfortunately, the red-haired man remained completely unaware of the danger he was in.
Even Flannery noticed it and quickly retreated behind everyone else.
Still, Cynthia had to admit that Flint was partially correct.
He could be considered half a resident of the Battle Zone. Wandering between eastern Sinnoh and the Battle Zone was probably the limit of his willingness to travel.
"And there's this guy!"
Flint raised his thumb and pointed behind him.
Standing there was Looker of the International Police.
"I never imagined that the young woman I met in Jubilife City would become the key to saving the Sinnoh region," Looker said.
"Thanks to the treasure created by Sir Shield, countless Pokémon and human lives throughout the Battle Zone have been saved."
"It protected everyone from the cold wave and restored vitality to the land."
"The Jewel of Life."
"To modern people who pride themselves on science and technology, such an object is utterly incomprehensible."
"Please convey my gratitude to Sir Shield."
"This operation was extremely successful. With the assistance of Flint of the Sinnoh Elite Four, the experts at the Battleground, and the Frontier Brains, every Team Galactic remnant in the Battle Zone has been arrested!"
"Well, we also owe Charon some credit."
"He kept screaming, 'I'm really not an International Police officer!' But no one believed him."
"Before they were arrested, the other members of Team Galactic even attacked Charon together. It was truly difficult to imagine."
The area immediately filled with cheerful laughter.
Cynthia then explained their suspicions regarding Zero and requested the International Police's help in tracking him down.
Looker, however, looked troubled. The International Police simply didn't have enough personnel to spare.
"Investigating him and collecting evidence will be extremely difficult."
"Zero appears to have been a promising young researcher who once published several important findings. To think he would fall so far that he now seeks to transform the Reverse World into his own beautiful world..."
"A [beautiful new world]..."
Looker appeared to realize something. His expression changed slightly under the attention of the surrounding Trainers, but he quickly shook his head.
"No, it's nothing. Perhaps I'm overthinking things."
He shouldn't associate this with a certain great philanthropist.
After all, the leader of Team Galactic had pursued a similar ideal.
"I see," Looker continued. "According to Sir Shield's investigation, Zero was originally an assistant to Professor Newton Graceland."
"They researched Sinnoh's Reverse World together. To create a method of traveling freely between this world and the Reverse World, Professor Newton designed a machine capable of copying Giratina's abilities."
"However, when he discovered that using the machine would cost Giratina its life, Professor Newton deleted the blueprints."
"Zero refused to accept that decision."
Looker sighed.
"Is the man insane? What sort of meaningless machine and deranged idea involves killing one of the gods who sustain this world?"
"He's no different from Team Galactic. Both were willing to disregard the world itself for their personal desires."
"Mugen Graceland. Infinite Gracidea... No, his name is Newton Graceland. Newton."
"And the other is Zero."
Although such an unsupported accusation couldn't be accepted without question, many of Hikaru's previous warnings had already come true.
Looker therefore decided that even if he couldn't dispatch investigators, he would arrange for technical personnel to assist with the operation.
The price of this cooperation would be access to part of Team Galactic's technology.
Naturally, Cyrus didn't care.
Everything Team Galactic possessed had already been fully analyzed. In the hands of legitimate organizations, it would instead become an enormous technological boost.
The similarity of the situation reminded Looker of an operation the International Police had conducted several years earlier.
To protect the world, they had attacked something that already existed within it...
No.
Giratina was a Pokémon from myth and legend. It was fundamentally different from invaders originating in another universe.
"There is another message I must deliver to Sir Shield."
"I will soon be leaving for another region. The person taking over my work here is my superior, as well as Sir Shield's."
"My superior also wishes to meet with Mr. Stone."
"Me?" Steven found that strange.
They were in Sinnoh, so why would the matter involve him?
Cynthia joked, "Did she mistake him for the local Champion?"
Looker cleared his throat.
"No. It's because my superior has a certain connection to Hoenn."
"After learning what happened in Sinnoh, she also intends to ask Ms. Cynthia about the legends surrounding time and space."
"She then wishes to request Mr. Stone's permission to visit the Battle Tower at Hoenn's Battle Frontier."
"You see, she came from another dimension. She was once..."
Steven's eyes widened.
"Wait! Are you talking about the [universe without Mega Evolution] that Zinnia mentioned?!"
"Hmm. I don't know who this Zinnia person is," Looker replied. "The International Police knows very little about the incident in Hoenn."
"To be honest, although elite International Police officers like me are frequently deployed throughout different regions, our operations do not cover every part of the world."
"Moreover, because we operate covertly and conceal our identities, it would be more accurate to call us detectives, agents, or spies."
"Hoenn and Sinnoh are both regions where the Ranger Union conducts extensive patrol and defensive operations. You should understand that better than anyone."
"However, our chief truly did come from a distant universe several years ago."
"Unfortunately, when she was discovered, she was unconscious, surrounded by an enormous amount of mysterious energy, and had lost her memories."
"She remembered only that she was a powerful Trainer who protected an incredibly tall tower."
"She wore rather androgynous clothing and had once been a young woman with pale purple hair that curled slightly at the ends."
"After comparing the available information and conducting an investigation, we became certain that the tower was located in Hoenn."
"It was the Battle Tower at the Battle Frontier."
"The reason she couldn't find the tower she remembered was..."
"The Battle Frontier hadn't been built yet," Steven finished.
"A Trainer who protected the tower... You can't possibly mean..."
"Salon Maiden Anabel?!"
Steven wasn't particularly familiar with the people of the Battle Frontier, but as Hoenn's Champion, he knew what each of its Frontier Brains looked like.
"But that's impossible. Anabel is still working at the Battle Frontier."
"Bathed in enormous energy and transported across a distant universe..." Cynthia murmured. "An Ultra Wormhole?"
"It was mentioned at the academic conference only yesterday, yet we've already found physical proof!"
"I see. The investigation Professor Burnet mentioned in her report must have been based on an incident experienced by the International Police."
"Something must have happened in the past. Hikaru said something similar at the power plant."
"Yes," Looker said quietly. "That was part of my past. It is difficult for me to discuss."
"My actions caused an extremely serious problem. I felt sympathy for an Ultra Beast..."
And that had resulted in one of his companions being killed by Guzzlord.
"For reasons I don't understand, Sir Shield knows the incident very well. However, considering that he isn't an ordinary person, there's no point investigating too deeply."
"Anabel will replace me here."
"Besides consulting the two of you, she intends to return to a place with which she has a deep connection after the search operation concludes."
"The warm islands of Alola."
Looker decided to send Hikaru a notification.
As for their base of operations...
Originally, they should have used the Route Motels located across several islands. Now, however, it seemed more appropriate to relocate to Poni Island.
It was rather amusing.
The Route Motel, which used Slaking as its mascot and advertising image, maintained branches on Alola's three largest islands.
Poni Island was the only one without a branch.
"For someone who has always worked so diligently, perhaps this will become a long overdue, [lazy] vacation."
——————————
The academic conference in Canalave City resumed the following day.
Professor Rowan delivered the remainder of his report on evolution, now supplemented with an enormous amount of new material.
"He's using Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina to determine whether Pokémon might possess additional types of evolution from the perspectives of time, space, spirit, and the heart?"
"He's approaching it through Sinnoh's legends. Considering the upheaval yesterday, Sinnoh's Legendary Pokémon appeared and then vanished again."
"Only after they reveal themselves and create such an enormous impact does it become necessary to uncover the truth. Still, much of it remains a mystery. Professor Rowan is clearly exercising caution."
"He also discussed the plan to register the previously revealed Rotom in the Pokédex and use machines as a bridge connecting humans and Pokémon."
"That could allow them to measure how the energy of the [heart] affects Pokémon evolution."
"So they intend to classify friendship-based evolution and similar phenomena under this field of research. There are certainly precedents supporting it."
The researchers listening to the report wore strange expressions.
The professors who had returned from Alamos Town after activating Oración looked especially conflicted.
How should they put this?
They had always investigated the many characteristics of Pokémon, but what if they could simply ask Pokémon for firsthand information?
"Uh... So the [Rotom Pokédex] truly is an invaluable tool for ecological surveys and research assistance?"
"Team Galactic has contributed more to the world by collapsing than it did by selling home appliances for ten consecutive years."
"Oh, and there's also their supposedly illusory research into cosmic energy. Although it was intended as a front, they really did develop [energy-conversion technology] while constructing that bomb!"
"Wait a moment. Even if we understand Pokémon language and obtain firsthand information directly from Pokémon, how can we be certain that what they tell us is accurate?"
"What do you mean?"
"Humans lie, and Pokémon may also lie for any number of reasons."
"If humans and Pokémon share the same origin, language, and heart, then the fact that we can understand one another means our emotions are also fundamentally alike."
"That isn't the only problem. Even among humans, can you guarantee that you fully understand your own body?"
"You still require physical examinations and a series of medical tests, don't you?"
"Uh... When you put it that way, it makes a great deal of sense. But..."
The researchers chattered below the stage like a flock of sparrows, each passionately explaining their own perspective.
Professor Rowan cleared his throat, and the room immediately fell silent again.
Naturally, different researchers had different opinions regarding the study of Pokémon.
However, when it came to form changes, Pokémon themselves clearly had more authority on the subject, especially Pokémon capable of freely changing between forms.
Professor Sycamore finally found an opportunity to speak.
His trip to Sinnoh certainly hadn't been wasted.
Although his original paper had been so lacking that he was forced to rewrite it overnight, he only had to look at his mentor, Professor Rowan!
At Rowan's age, the man had clearly spent the entire night rewriting his report and constructing new arguments.
Compared to that, what did it matter if Sycamore had torn up a few dozen pages?
"Precisely! The heart and the moves a Pokémon learns can both influence its evolution."
"One example can be found in the research I previously published on Sylveon."
"Sylveon wraps its ribbonlike feelers around its Trainer's arm. Simply by making contact, it can understand the other person's emotions."
"The bond between hearts is an essential component of Sylveon's evolution."
One researcher asked, "Aren't you supposed to be researching Mega Evolution?"
"Surely you jest. Before anyone can study Mega Evolution, they must first possess a solid academic foundation in ordinary evolution."
Professor Sycamore cleared his throat, then suddenly realized something.
"That's right..."
"[Only Pokémon incapable of evolving any further can Mega Evolve.]"
In other words, if a certain species underwent Mega Evolution...
Perhaps it would lose the ability to evolve normally.
Was that truly the case?
The idea briefly flashed through Sycamore's mind before he immediately suppressed it.
He couldn't jump to such an arbitrary conclusion.
People would accuse him of academic fraud!
The other professors continued presenting their findings one after another.
However, all the conference's main events had already concluded. The remaining reports were little more than dessert after the meal.
Judging by everyone's dark circles...
Professor Kukui laughed.
"Whoa! Looks like most people didn't get much sleep last night."
Professor Elm glanced at him.
"You're one to talk. You have dark circles too, yet you're still bursting with energy."
"The remaining research is extremely important. How many years pass between conferences of this scale? We have to listen carefully and record everything."
The conference continued from morning until noon, paused for a break, resumed during the afternoon, and carried on until its conclusion.
As the sun began descending toward the west, Hikaru received invitations from numerous professors and discussed an enormous variety of subjects with them.
More than a few researchers wanted to debate matters involving time and space.
"You absolutely must join my research team!"
Many of them made similar requests.
They wished they could split time apart and use every second twice.
That couldn't be helped. The scheduled presentations should have concluded long ago, but the crisis in Sinnoh had forced the conference to be postponed.
Researchers whose schedules had once been flexible were now pressed for time.
Professor Sycamore was the most enthusiastic of them all.
Faced with such passionate hospitality, Hikaru could only reluctantly promise to visit when he had time.
However, after reminding Sycamore that he needed to investigate light wavelengths, Hikaru finally managed to make the professor calm down and return to his actual work.
Before the conference adjourned, the Paldea region also attracted considerable attention.
Several people submitted applications to visit Area Zero, where Professor Sada conducted her research.
AI Sada was delighted by their interest, but she couldn't approve such requests so easily.
Naturally, the most persistent applicant was Briar.
That wasn't surprising.
Briar's lifelong dream was to vindicate her ancestor Heath.
In the original story, she could only enter the research station because AI Sada had already departed and could never return, while both human professors had died in accidents.
But now...
"All I can say is that you shouldn't be impatient," Sada said. "Paldea cannot yet disclose information concerning [The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero]."
"However, we can officially restore your ancestor Heath's reputation. Some of the Pokémon in Area Zero can be viewed as examples of regional ecology."
Briar's eyes widened.
"Do you truly mean that? Even so, I still want to see Area Zero for myself!"
She would never be satisfied until she witnessed it with her own eyes.
Her mind was already filled with new ideas, including the concept of [biome transplantation].
From a geological perspective, the Great Crater of Paldea, whose ecosystem preserved conditions from two million years ago, represented an ideal reference point and research subject.
Director Cyrano was also enthusiastically speaking with the other professors and attempting to recruit them.
Unfortunately, most researchers were already occupied with important unfinished projects.
Nevertheless, many were deeply interested in the Terarium.
The Terarium's design had been inspired by Aether Paradise in Alola.
Briar therefore greeted Hikaru enthusiastically and discussed the Terarium's design with him.
She wanted to collect environmental samples from even more regions and create a preserve that surpassed Aether Paradise.
As a result, Lusamine became one of the most sought-after researchers at the conference.
The occasional queenly smile she hid behind her hand provided ample evidence that she was currently in an exceptionally excited mental state.
Lusamine hadn't forgotten their unfinished conversation in the library either.
"I have no objection to returning the flute," Lusamine said. "But would you consider joining our research team?"
"That sounds more like a provocation," Hikaru replied.
"No. I merely wish to understand the fourth island kahuna's perspective on Alola's legends."
"There are also several matters that genuinely concern me. It cannot be helped. Everything I do comes from love."
"It would also help facilitate our cooperation."
"Even if we ignore my personal motives, this is necessary to protect Alola's peace."
"I cannot reveal the exact details, but someone has commissioned us to develop a device resembling a Capture Styler in preparation for an approaching disaster."
"Actually, it isn't merely a device like that. We are also developing a specialized Poké Ball."
"What do you think? I believe I've demonstrated considerable sincerity."
She had shown some sincerity, but not much.
The Beast Killer, the mastermind behind it, artificial skeleton cultivation, the dust-gas containment chamber...
The Aether Foundation still possessed many important secrets that Lusamine had deliberately withheld.
After all, those were matters that could never be exposed to the [light].
"Is the client you mentioned the [Ultra Recon Squad]?" Hikaru asked.
"..."
Countless thoughts passed through Lusamine's mind.
The greatest question among them was...
How did he know?
Their contact with people from another dimension was absolutely classified.
Although those visitors made little effort to conceal themselves, no one outside Alola should have known of their existence yet.
Unfortunately, the people from that other dimension were exceptionally undisciplined.
They had only recently arrived, but they were already curious about everything in this world and refused to follow the Aether Foundation's instructions.
They had also lost their [ride Pokémon] and were temporarily unable to return home.
The light faded from Lusamine's eyes, a sign that her obsession was emerging.
"Every time we meet, you reveal something I deliberately concealed."
"How do you do it?"
"Is this a special ability possessed by the fourth island kahuna? I've never heard of the other kahunas possessing any unusual powers."
"You become more interesting every time I see you."
"That includes the [other one]."
Hikaru gave her an equally mysterious smile.
"Perhaps someone similar appeared in the past."
"If you believe this is a special power, then you may treat it as one. After all, Alola has no [psychics]."
"An island kahuna's favored type doesn't necessarily match that of the island guardian."
"Although everyone knows that I specialize in Steel types, I intend to experiment with another type while I'm in Alola."
"For example, Electric!"
Of course, Pokémon such as Archaludon, Walking Wake, and Palafin could also be slipped onto an Electric team.
Thunder and lightning were inseparable from rain, after all!
Therefore, it should be called a [Thunderstorm] team!
One of Hikaru's current goals for strengthening his team was to obtain the absurdly powerful [Thunderstorm] weather condition.
That was also one of the promises Almighty Sinnoh had made him.
Lusamine's smile became increasingly unsettling.
"I look forward to meeting you again in Alola."
"There will be a surprise waiting for you. I guarantee it."
"When light and lightning collide, they create a new world."
The Aether Foundation had already begun investigating the lost paradise of Oblivia.
That had never happened in the original story.
It made Hikaru suspect that, as a Top Ranger, he would soon become extremely busy.
At the very least, absurd treasures such as the Light Orb and the Golden Armor could never be allowed to disappear.
Then again, no one could currently locate them.
Even Mewtwo had vanished without a trace.
Still, the lost paradise and the supposed paradise existed within similar climatic regions, and both were associated with light.
Similar things attracted one another, just like Stand users.
Lusamine departed with her entourage.
Before Hikaru could leave, another researcher stopped him.
Blaine.
The elderly man was known as the hot-blooded quiz master. He was the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader of the Kanto region, as well as the founder and director of the Cinnabar Lab.
He was also an extremely close friend of Dr. Fuji, the man responsible for creating Mewtwo and capturing Mew.
Blaine's comedic appearance in the anime and his identity as one of Mewtwo's creators in Pokémon Adventures made his portrayals appear extremely inconsistent to many fans.
Nevertheless, he truly was a researcher.
That had been confirmed through his conversations with Professor Oak in Pokémon Masters EX, the events of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, and the dialogue and implications found throughout Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
Blaine had once conducted research alongside Dr. Fuji.
Although the two eventually went their separate ways, they maintained a close relationship and even kept photographs of one another.
The Cinnabar Lab specialized in genetic engineering.
However, Blaine always emphasized that its research involved legitimate projects such as [Fossil restoration] and [Porygon].
There was nothing [additional] hidden there.
"Sir Hikaru, this conference has included considerable discussion concerning the [heart], along with the appearance of the DNA Pokémon."
"There is something I would like to ask."
"It concerns a friend of mine."
For once, Blaine wasn't making up his supposed friend.
This [friend] genuinely existed!
"Many years ago, the explosion on New Island scattered its researchers," Blaine said. "My closest friend abandoned his dream and remained in Lavender Town."
"The great ideal to which he had devoted half his life had already vanished like a bubble."
"However, in distant lands, researchers who once departed New Island and the Pokémon Mansion appear to remain obsessed with creating artificial Pokémon through genetic engineering."
"They contribute their abilities to organizations throughout different regions."
"They don't understand the true origin of that technology. They are merely obsessed with a mistaken fantasy."
"I've also heard that you are a medium."
Hikaru studied Blaine's sunglasses as the elderly man released a long, emotional sigh.
"You may assume that I intend to ask about Mewtwo."
"But what I truly wish to know is..."
"If a set of brain waves exists only as data, yet the consciousness within that data once genuinely existed in the world, does that consciousness possess a [heart]?"
"Can it be considered a genuine [living creature], or even a [human]?"
"Does she possess a [soul]?"
Behind Blaine's sunglasses, Hikaru could faintly perceive the greatest mystery and source of confusion within the old man's heart.
In the game timeline, Blaine had no involvement in Mewtwo's birth.
However, Mewtwo was connected to Dr. Fuji in both the game and movie timelines.
That made Dr. Fuji's deceased daughter an unavoidable subject.
"Amber?"
"The girl who possessed knowledge, emotion, and willpower."
"Although she existed only as brain waves, she was unquestionably human."
"If she was human, then she also possessed a soul."
"As the island kahuna responsible for the island where life ends, I once used the island guardian's power to awaken her."
"According to Alola's legends, people can borrow the island guardian's power within the mist and reunite with family members who have passed away."
"However, times are changing."
"Do you know about [intelligent programs]?"
"The research presented at this conference mentioned Rotom."
"Zero, who is currently being hunted throughout Sinnoh, also installed a unique intelligent program aboard his aircraft."
"It manifests as a holographic artificial girl who appears to possess a degree of self-awareness. Her name is [Infi]."
"She is a far more intelligent service program than the system used in LaRousse City."
"If we capture Zero and analyze the program, we may be able to create an [information vessel] capable of containing a genuine human soul."
"I suppose this would be called [consciousness uploading]."
Back when Blaine and Dr. Fuji established the Cinnabar Lab, genetic engineering represented the most advanced technology in the world.
Artificial intelligence was considered an unrealistic concept from science fiction because electronics and mechanical engineering hadn't yet reached a sufficiently advanced level.
Beginning with the Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen era, however, electronic information systems and mechanical technology had begun advancing at an almost absurd pace.
That was probably one reason Blaine eventually stopped operating the Cinnabar Lab.
Although the laboratory prohibited illegal research, Dr. Fuji later cooperated with Team Rocket and established new research facilities at the Pokémon Mansion and on New Island.
Those projects left many people with painful memories.
For Blaine, that period represented the height of his old friend's obsession.
Dr. Fuji's determination to resurrect his daughter drove him to madness.
Only after Mewtwo nearly killed him with a single psychic attack did he finally regain his senses and understand what kind of monster he had created.
That monster became a [legend].
It had been an age of absolute faith in the power of science.
People believed that genetic engineering could create any form of life imaginable.
All they needed were Mew's cells...
In truth, they had succeeded.
Mewtwo and Silvally both proved it.
Without relying on genetics, artificial life could only be constructed through ancient, lost technologies similar to those used to create Magearna.
Even the Azoth Kingdom no longer possessed that knowledge.
After witnessing people wage war over the Soul-Heart, Magearna's creator, Eliphas, had been consumed by grief and destroyed the blueprints.
"You should consult Professor Sada regarding this matter," Hikaru said. "She is one of the world's foremost experts in this field."
"There should have been another professor who specialized in it as well."
"Unfortunately, Professor Turo has passed away. However, Professor Sada still possesses his research."
Professor Sada wasn't the only example.
In the Scarlet and Violet arc of Pokémon Adventures, one of Paldea's two protagonists, Violet, carried a Rotom Phone known as "Rotom Gramps."
It had been implanted with the consciousness of his family's deceased elderly butler.
More precisely, it was an artificial intelligence copy possessing the butler's personality.
However, souls could be recognized, contacted, and manipulated in this world.
Instead of relying on a copy, if a person's soul could be taught to inhabit machinery directly, it would represent genuine [cybernetic ascension].
Genetic engineering created the body.
Artificial intelligence created the mind.
There was only one major problem.
If a soul became a program, it could also be [hacked].
Penny had done precisely that in the Scarlet and Violet arc, hacking Rotom Gramps's intelligent system.
Clearly, the technology still contained vulnerabilities.
Even an overwhelmingly powerful superintelligence like AI Sada could be hijacked by the Paradise Protection Protocol.
That was unavoidable.
"A holographic projection serving as the body, an artificial intelligence as the individual... An AI computer serving as a vessel for the soul!"
Fire seemed to ignite in Blaine's eyes behind his sunglasses.
He appeared to have found a reason to reopen the Cinnabar Lab.
This wouldn't merely fulfill the dream his old friend had failed to realize.
It could also become an essential step in advancing human society!
"So you know about Amber too," Blaine said. "That happened many years ago. Could it be...?"
"I met the first Mewtwo," Hikaru replied. "I also carry Pokémon that resemble machines yet possess complete self-awareness."
"There is no question that they possess both hearts and souls."
"Sinnoh has a legend stating that the vast space governed by Palkia is itself part of the heart."
"Both life and death exist within that same space."
Blaine looked startled.
Although he hadn't seen those Pokémon, there was no longer any need to continue asking.
None of it required doubt.
Blaine had participated in Porygon's development, so he wasn't surprised that artificial life could possess basic awareness.
The true question was whether it could develop something worthy of being called a heart.
The elderly man nodded.
"I understand."
"Thank you very much for your guidance."
"It seems even an old bag of bones like me still has something left to accomplish."
Amber's original Japanese name, Ai, came not only from the word for [love], but also from the English pronoun "I."
It was a name intended to convey the meaning of self-existence.
Her counterpart was the young girl from the third movie, the "daughter" of the illusory Entei, Molly Hale.
Her original name, Mii, came from "me," just as Ai came from "I."
"I," the subjective self.
"Me," the objective self.
"Infi, an artificial intelligence," Blaine murmured. "Does the name come from [infinity]?"
From that day onward, Blaine of the Kanto region would closely follow every piece of information concerning Zero in Sinnoh.
Zero's holographic machine assistant appeared long before Lysandre publicly applied holographic technology.
It was difficult to determine which of the two had developed it first, but Zero had unquestionably been the first to put it into practical use.
Unfortunately, he had used such advanced technology solely to create a personal maid and never attempted to spread it.
Compared with the [narcissistic and selfish] Zero, Lysandre's original ideals almost seemed extraordinarily [selfless].
The parallels between their behavior and historical actions were remarkable.
Blaine also possessed a degree of knowledge regarding information technology.
According to an investigation report from Silph Co., the first Porygon had been created at the Cinnabar Lab.
Therefore, from the perspective of every company and individual developing information technology, the Cinnabar Lab was the true birthplace of the field.
Blaine had merely developed it to support genetic engineering.
At the time, no other laboratory in the world possessed the ability to accomplish such a thing.
"Zero's doom has arrived."
Professor Hastings's emotional voice came from behind Hikaru.
"The times are changing so quickly."
"Genetic engineering was once the most sought-after field in the world. Now people grow pale at the mere mention of it."
"Still, that knowledge won't be buried. People will continue researching it."
"Mewtwo was undoubtedly only the beginning."
"The dream of creating artificial Pokémon will never disappear."
"Other organizations must still be considering it, attempting forms of [creation] that should never exist."
"Perhaps..."
"The power of science is incredible!"
"Is that statement supposed to be praise or condemnation?"
(End of Chapter)
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