If asked whether Aiden wished to meet Galar's two legendary heroes—of course he did.
Especially after the Travel System's text updates revealed Zacian and Zamazenta had taken interest in him due to Lucario… and wished to meet him personally.
But even riding Salamence now felt too slow.
If only Sunshine Gym had an Anywhere Door… Aiden mused (and subtly hinted). Then this headache vanishes, right?
Am I right, System?
...
Faintly, Aiden sensed a sigh echoing from beyond the world.
Then—text flashed before his eyes:
[Travel Training System Upgrading————]
[Travel Module Restructured: Now Activated via Anywhere Door]
[Anywhere Door Connected to Sunshine Gym Master Bedroom]
"I knew you could do it! You're a lifesaver, Arce——ahem, System Bro!"
Plan successful~
After thanking the void, Aiden dashed into Sunshine Gym—and soon spotted the newly manifested "Anywhere Door" tucked in a corner of his bedroom.
Even in Pokémon's tech-savvy, talent-rich world, this was absurdly broken black tech.
Only the Creator Deity who forged countless worlds could deliver Doraemon's gadgets to his doorstep.
But since Arceus preferred anonymity… Aiden happily played along.
Who cares if it's "System" or "Arceus"? I'm the one benefiting~
Mentally picturing the destination, Aiden pushed the door open—and stepped out of Sunshine Gym.
"Lucario?!"
Lucario had been locked in a silent stare-down with Zacian and Zamazenta, unsure how to contact its Trainer.
Then—a familiar Aura signature washed over its back. It spun around.
Seeing its Trainer emerge from a door that hadn't existed moments ago… waving casually… Lucario froze in shock.
It never understood how Aiden teleported it across continents.
But now? It was clearly effortless for him too—
Still incomprehensible… but undeniably awesome!
"WOOF?!"
Zacian and Zamazenta jolted upright, muscles coiling as they fixed wary gazes on the sudden human.
Aiden smiled, hands raised placatingly:
"Hello, Zacian, Zamazenta."
"I heard you wished to meet me—so here I am."
He paused, adding gently:
"Or… should I address you as the Legendary Heroes?"
"WOOF?!"
Noting Lucario's relieved reaction, Zamazenta finally pieced it together.
This human… is Lucario's Trainer?
But how did he know their conversation? They'd sensed no human presence nearby—he'd appeared as if from another dimension. Even their keen noses missed him.
Truly extraordinary—
"WOOF!"
Zacian—ever more impulsive than her steadfast brother—stepped forward, voice sharp with inquiry.
Though language posed a barrier, Aiden instantly grasped her meaning. He approached calmly.
"Yes. Due to Galar's royal family embellishing history, the truth has long vanished into dust."
"Today's tales claim the 'Sword and Shield King' ended the war alone… leaving behind statues for reverence."
"But… some still remember your deeds, don't they?"
Aiden's warm sincerity eased the tension. The two canines exchanged glances—postures relaxing.
At least this human bears no malice. Unlike those who came before.
Perhaps… conversation is possible.
[How do you know of us?]
A familiar telepathic voice echoed in Aiden's mind. He turned to Zamazenta's stern face.
As expected—Legendaries possess communication abilities. It simply depends on whether they choose to speak.
Since they're engaging… my plan has hope!
Aiden answered without hesitation:
"The truth of history? This wisdom comes from the Creator Deity Arceus. I walk here by His guidance."
Technically—his Pokémon-world memories weren't from Arceus… but since Arceus enabled his transmigration, calling it "His wisdom" wasn't wrong.
And "His guidance"? Absolutely genuine!
Without Arceus pulling strings for this Anywhere Door… how else would I be here?!
As Aiden spoke, Zacian sniffed the air near him—then nodded slowly.
[No scent of deception. Thus… we provisionally trust you.]
So she detects lies by scent?
Truly worthy of canine nobility——
Aiden's fingers twitched. Seeing these majestic, fluffy giants… his instinct screamed pet them!
But to avoid a bizarre first impression—he forcibly restrained himself.
[If this guidance truly comes from the Creator… state your purpose, human.]
Zamazenta's telepathy confirmed Aiden's suspicion:
Even Legendaries not explicitly tied to Arceus likely know of the Creator.
Perhaps they too are His creations—forged to balance Eternatus?
He filed the theory away. Dusty history wasn't the priority now.
"Let's make a deal," Aiden said, meeting both Legendaries' eyes.
"If you teach Lucario Behemoth Blade and Behemoth Bash…"
"As payment—I'll fulfill one wish of yours. How does that sound?"
Sometimes Aiden felt like Kyubey from another franchise—chasing Legendaries to grant wishes.
But if he could gain something and let Lucario learn from these "strict masters"? Worth it.
Originally, he'd only aimed for Behemoth Blade.
But now that negotiations succeeded—
Zamazenta's Behemoth Bash? Equal power, perfect close-range technique for Lucario.
Behemoth Blade? I want BOTH!
"WOOF?"
Zacian blinked, baffled.
A human… offering to fulfill our wish?
Even with some ties to the Creator… this felt like boasting.
And after 3,000 years secluded in the Slumbering Weald… what wish could they possibly have?
But given his kindness—and connection to that Lord—they'd indulge him.
After a silent exchange with Zamazenta, Zacian received his reply:
[Agreed. However——]
[Even with talent, mastering our techniques is no simple feat. We cannot guarantee success.]
[Thus… Lucario has but one chance.]
"Of course," Aiden nodded. "And even if Lucario fails… my promise remains."
Wait—why are these Legendaries so unexpectedly reasonable?
Is it Arceus's backing… or do I genuinely have a knack for earning their trust?
Zacian and Zamazenta offered no reply.
With a low chuff toward Lucario—Follow—the two Legendary Heroes bounded forward… vanishing into the mist.
"Lucario—"
Lucario looked to Aiden, eyes clear with trust.
Your call.
"Follow them. But not too fast—I can't keep up with Pokémon speed—"
Having arrived impromptu via Anywhere Door, Aiden carried zero Pokémon. He'd have to walk.
Thankfully, the Slumbering Weald wasn't vast. Aiden and Lucario followed the path—soon reaching its heart.
Zacian and Zamazenta awaited them.
But now—transformed.
Zacian's mouth clutched a brilliantly hued longsword. Her previously restrained blue fur now flowed freely, golden patterns mirroring the blade's hue tracing her body.
A crown-like crest adorned her head; golden wings seemed to sprout from her back—a true Sovereign of the Sword.
Zamazenta's crimson fur had drawn inward. A crimson-gold shield fused with its form now guarded its face. Fully armored, it radiated unbreakable defense—and immense propulsion power. A single charge would unleash catastrophic force.
Aiden recognized this: their perfected forms, fused with the Rusted Sword and Rusted Shield.
Empowered, they temporarily gained Steel-typing—and could unleash Behemoth Blade/Bash: moves designed to shatter Dynamaxed foes.
"Lucario—"
The pressure radiating from them left even Lucario awestruck.
It once thought its Urshifu masters and Cynthia's Garchomp were the peak of strength…
Yet today—monsters beyond imagination stand before it!
But awe quickly burned into fierce excitement.
To learn from such power… my strength could ascend further!
The Trainer must have foreseen this too!
Lucario nodded firmly—stepping toward the Legendaries.
Then—it executed a respectful fist-and-palm salute.
As an "honorary graduate" of the Isle of Armor Dojo, it knew etiquette for sparring and learning.
(Though the two giant dogs seemed utterly confused by the gesture——)
"WOOF!"
Muffled by the Rusted Sword, Zacian's bark was low and deliberate.
Watch closely.
Aiden watched, heart pounding with anticipation.
Mastering this move meant holding a perfect counter against any Dynamax specialist.
In official tournaments—his Mega slots were already contested. Freeing one for Lucario to wield the Sword of Ruin's new technique? A massive team upgrade.
So rise to the occasion, Lucario!
Sensing Aiden's fervent gaze, Lucario gave a slight nod—then focused entirely on Zacian.
Zacian closed its eyes. Power surged through its body—converging into the Rusted Sword.
Azure light erupted, flowing into the blade… forging a new "edge" of pure energy.
Longer than Zacian's own body—radiating overwhelming presence.
"WOOF——!"
Zacian leaped skyward.
With no target present, it demonstrated vertically—deliberately slowing each motion for Lucario.
At peak height, it hovered briefly—then swung the colossal blade.
Purple lightning flashed repeatedly through the air.
A final, earth-shattering horizontal slash gathered all residual energy—
BOOM——!
Aiden and Lucario looked up.
The sky trembled from the impact. Shockwaves rippled outward.
Truly majestic. Merely judging the explosion's scale revealed immense range—and Zacian likely held back.
Thus—the technique's principle might be surprisingly simple?
Use rapid strikes to saturate a wide area… then trigger all the stored energy with the finishing blow.
Larger targets naturally absorb more damage.
A straightforward yet devastating anti-giant technique.
And for some reason… Aiden's mind blurted:
Take this—SLACKER SLASH!
------------------------------------------------------
30+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)