"Lucario——"
Holding the two broken sword fragments—oozing black mist, visibly ominous—Lucario's face registered shock.
So that massive creature's true form… was what's in my hands?
No wonder every blow seemed to heal instantly, as if its stamina were infinite. It had left Lucario utterly stumped.
But… I did it.
"Lucario—hand it to me."
Seeing the battle concluded, Aiden strode forward, calling out.
Even with its core temporarily secured, the Calamity Treasures relentlessly gathered energy, attempting to reform. It's best for a specialist to take over.
"Lucario!"
Lucario nodded, passing the fragments to its Trainer. With its free foot, it stomped nearby snowdrifts—disrupting Chien-Pao's attempts to re-coalesce.
The moment Aiden grasped the mist-wreathed shards, an icy numbness shot through his hands. Within seconds, sensation began fading.
But recalling Wo-Chien's purification, he focused instantly—staring at the fragments.
Sure enough—a line of text flickered before his eyes:
[Sword of Ruin (???)]: An ancient Eastern treasure passed down for millennia. After absorbing humanity's malice, it incarnated as a Calamity Pokémon brimming with innate hostility.]
Without hesitation—before his hands froze completely—Aiden closed his eyes, accessed the quest interface, and submitted the Sword of Ruin.
Instantly, the cold vanished. System text updated:
[Quest Item Detected: Sword of Ruin]
[Item Upload Successful]
[Hidden Quest "True Path of Legend" Updated]
[Current Objective: Defeat and purify all four Calamity Treasures, restoring the Eastern artifacts' true forms. (Progress: 2/4)]
[Reward: Designated Item ×1, Dispensing——]
[Reward: Sword of Ruin (Purified) ×1]
A weight settled in his arms. Aiden instinctively tightened his grip.
Opening his eyes—he found the shattered blade now whole, its black mist gone. Only solemn, dignified elegance remained.
An Eastern sword… likely quite renowned?
[Sword of Ruin (Purified)]: A 3,000-year-old Eastern treasure. The blade bears the inscription "Shèng Xié" (Victory Over Evil).]
[Ouyezi forged this for King Helü: "With each sword I forge, I forge a vice. Thus this blade is named Victory Over Evil."]
Aiden studied the sword a few seconds longer.
Then—two more lines appeared.
Just like last time—a storied artifact——
Having experienced Wo-Chien's purification, Aiden remained calm. He simply tossed the sword to Lucario.
"Try wielding it?"
The "Sword of Ruin" effect lowered all nearby Defense—ideal for physical attackers.
His team's physical hitters?
Lucario. Ogerpon. Salamence.
Ogerpon's Ivy Cudgel—grown from its own vines—wasn't even classified as an item. Its mask was permanently equipped. There was no room for a sword.
Salamence? Its swallowed Mega Stone freed an item slot… but how would it use a sword?
Carry it in its mouth like Zacian?
…Kinda gross.
Lucario was the obvious choice—a second combat style beyond Mega Evolution.
"Lucario?"
Lucario caught the sword instinctively.
It didn't understand how the broken fragments had instantly reformed… or why the malice had vanished. No trace of the "Calamity Treasure" remained.
But if Trainer willed it… it would try.
"LU-CARIO!!!"
Lucario raised the sword—channeling power—and slashed forward.
Due to the sword's innate Ice affinity, a blade of icy energy erupted from the strike?
What kind of wondrous tool is this?!
Though baffled, Lucario grew excited. It swung the blade with growing finesse—harmonizing its Aura with the steel to amplify the energy output.
"Lucario!"
A thrilled grin spread across Lucario's face.
This thing's way better than using bare fists!
Not only ranged attacks—but had a built-in Ice-type converter too. The opponents would never see it coming.
"Such good results?"
Aiden blinked.
Wo-Chien's purified tablet showed no special effect in Indeedee's paws…
Compatibility?
He glanced again—and fresh text appeared:
[Sword of Ruin (Purified)]
[With malice cleansed, this Eastern treasure has become a formidable divine blade.]
[When held, automatically triggers "Sword of Ruin" effect—lowers surrounding creatures' Defense.]
[When used by human or Pokémon, the move "Sacred Sword" becomes Ice-type with 1.2× power boost.]
[Note: Breaking the blade briefly revives Chien-Pao as your ally. (Exclusive to Aiden)]
Huh?!
Aiden froze—then realized:
Wait—what type is Sacred Sword now?!
So equipping Lucario with this not only grants Sacred Sword… but adds Ice coverage too?!
Truly worthy of Arceus's craftsmanship—so powerful!
Aiden shot a thumbs-up toward the sky—then turned back to Lucario.
Does this mean… more training time?
Lucario had mastered "Unseen Fist" from Master Mustard and two exclusive techniques from the two Urshifu masters.
But swordsmanship? It had zero experience. To Aiden, its swings relied purely on brute force—not technique.
The problem was… skilled sword-wielders were rare in the Pokémon world.
Aegislash focused on defense-transformation; Kartana was an Ultra Beast from another dimension—currently unreachable.
Only two options remained:
Unova's Swords of Justice… or Galar's "Sword King," Zacian.
Both extremely elusive. They had to take this one step at a time.
Lucario's strong enough as is. No rush.
He'd use the Travel System again—it was long overdue to make an appearance again.
Since travel had became so convenient… I almost forgot this handy feature existed.
"Roar?"
Back at Sunshine Gym—Salamence, napping on the lawn, shuddered upon spotting Lucario holding the Sword of Ruin.
Terrifying aura… clearly a threat!
It scrambled upright, retreating several cautious steps before feeling safe.
Instinct screamed: Even a graze from that blade spells disaster. It was best to keep a distance!
"Bonii?"
Ogerpon sensed the chill too.
But after tilting its head—it simply swapped its Teal Mask for the Hearthflame Mask.
The discomfort vanished instantly.
Observing both Pokémon's reactions, Aiden raised an eyebrow.
Even Ogerpon sensed the danger… Truly a Legendary-crafted artifact.
So… should Lucario pursue "Sword Master" training? Aim for versatility?
He approached Lucario.
"Lucario—remember how you reached the Isle of Armor Dojo?"
"Lucario—!"
Lucario blinked—then lit up with realization.
"Exactly. If you wish to advance in swordsmanship… you need a proper teacher."
Aiden smiled.
"Shall we try it again?"
"Lucario!"
Lucario nodded without hesitation.
"Then close your eyes."
As Lucario obeyed, Aiden accessed the Travel System's training module.
The minimalist stick-figure interface felt nostalgic.
This very system had let Eevee learn Sketch from Smeargle at Lumiose Museum… and allowed Lucario to journey to the Isle of Armor.
His later Pokémon had their own unique growth paths and he'd let them develop freely. There was no need for the system to interfere.
Compared to the sparse Gym of two baby Pokémon long ago… today's scene buzzed with life:
- Chibi Mewtwo scowling fiercely at the six little ones in the training field
- Ogerpon in the garden, half-buried under the matured Herba Mysticas, wearing its Hearthflame Mask
- Salamence and Miraidon napping contentedly in their expanded "Pokémon House"
- Sylveon peeking shyly from behind the Gym door
- Indeedee humming cheerfully while preparing dinner in the kitchen
- And before him—Lucario, eyes closed, gripping a blue longsword.
Aiden smiled—tapping Lucario's chibi icon.
[Lucario (Grind King)]
[Training Goal: None]
[Current Status: Excited, Ready to Travel]
The Swords of Justice were elusive in Unova and always travelling. Aiden set the destination: Galar Region.
Zacian's location was clearer—almost certainly in the Slumbering Weald.
"Once there… find a big dog carrying a sword~"
"If you befriend it… it might teach you incredible sword techniques."
As Aiden spoke—Lucario vanished.
[Pokémon Lucario has departed on a journey!]
Watching the familiar notification reappear after so long, Aiden exhaled—then felt a flicker of anticipation.
What if Lucario truly has the talent? A martial prodigy?
It mastered both Urshifu's exclusive moves… learning Behemoth Blade wouldn't be too much to ask, right?
"Lucario—"
Lucario felt weightlessness—then opened its eyes.
It stood at the edge of a dense, mist-shrouded forest. Visibility: under 30 meters.
After a moment's thought—it stepped forward decisively.
Whatever the Trainer's decision is, I'll follow it.
A master swordsman must be here. Find it. Learn from it.
Lucario marched boldly, stomping loudly to flush out hidden foes.
Blipbug and Skwovet scattered in panic.
There was no need for concealment—weak Pokémon dared not approach.
Rude? Maybe. But it's the fastest way to find the forest's true powerhouses.
Soon—a pressure-filled gaze locked onto it. Lucario glanced sideways.
Nothing.
Confused—it heard a sharp, resonant bark.
"Woof——!"
Turning—it faced two vibrantly colored, imposing canine Pokémon. They studied it with piercing scrutiny.
"Lucario?"
Lucario understood—but was instantly puzzled.
The trainer said there was one sword-wielding dog… so why are there two dogs in front of me?
And neither looks like it can hold a sword…
No matter.
Fight first. Convey my purpose through battle!
"LU-CARIO!"
Lucario raised the Sword of Ruin—pointing at the blue-furred dog whose white markings resembled scars.
"Woof?"
Zacian was surprised and tilted its head.
This one… came here just to challenge me?
But… it's not unwelcome.
How many years since they subdued that colossal beast? How long since a worthy challenger appeared?
Humans likely forgot them entirely.
Zacian's eyes sharpened—gleaming with renewed vigor.
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