"So this is Terapagos—the 'Indigo Disk' and 'Hidden Treasure of Area Zero' in Heath's writings are both it?"
After Aiden put in some effort and finally extracted the gem-formed Terapagos from the crystal ore, the students immediately gathered around.
Especially Arven, who had just read his parents' written records and had a slight understanding of it—his expression could only be described as shocked.
This thing looks like a gem no matter how you look at it, how could it possibly be alive?!!!
But since Brother Aiden said so, it should be fine—right?
Arven falls into confusion!
"Yes, this is the disguise it uses to protect itself while sleeping, kind of like Shuckle or Tirtouga?"
Aiden briefly explained a couple of sentences, then took out the Tera Orb from his pocket first and gently tapped the sleeping Terapagos with it.
Just as he guessed, the Tera Orb was quickly filled with powerful Tera energy, and the interior that had previously dimmed after being used once shone with light again.
Further confirming that the source of the Terastallization phenomenon was indeed the gem in his hand, or rather Terapagos.
"You guys try it too. After filling it once, you shouldn't need to replenish Tera Shards for a long time, very convenient, right?"
"Consider it a reward for our successful 'adventure.'"
Aiden smiled as he handed the "Little Turtle" brand power bank to the other students.
Including Red, the four of them no longer hesitated and immediately took out their Tera Orbs.
Even though Red wasn't from Paldea, as one of Paldea's Champions, he had naturally obtained one long ago.
"Alright, even the rewards have been collected, this really is the end now."
After the four little ones finished charging, Aiden put Terapagos back in his pocket, then clapped his hands together.
"Let's go home!"
"I'm so tired—why does it feel like the way back is much farther than when we came!"
Traveling through the caves at the bottom layer of Area Zero, Nemona was now so sleepy she could barely keep her eyes open, and could only ride on her Cyclizar.
Not just her—the other three students besides Aiden also showed fatigue, even the energy monster Red was the same.
Let alone Aiden himself. He felt like he could fall asleep the moment he sat down.
The price of being a grind god is occasionally feeling a bit weak.
But as the leader of the team, he didn't show it too obviously.
"Once we get out of the cave, it'll be fine. Then we'll have Mewtwo take us out—faster than Flying-type Pokémon."
Aiden took in all their conditions but could only shake his head helplessly.
After all, he didn't have any good solutions. He couldn't exactly have Miraidon come out and set up an Electric Terrain to forcibly energize the students—
When they set out, it was morning. After long treks and harassment from Paradox species, with stops at each observation station, they finally entered the bottom layer of Area Zero.
So when they entered the Area Zero Research Institute, they should have already spent half a day.
As for the later confrontation with the AI and searching for Terapagos's traces, Aiden didn't think it took that long.
So, it should be evening now, right?
But when Aiden dragged the four students along, supporting each other as they walked out of the cave, he immediately froze—what's going on, why is it bright?
And by the looks of it, it should be another morning?
Which meant—
Only then did Aiden remember to take out his Rotom Phone. Checking the time, it was indeed 8 AM the next day.
Had they been battling in Area Zero for an entire day?
No wonder the students were so tired.
Looking at the four students behind him who were drowsy and about to fall asleep on the spot, Aiden shook his head helplessly.
Then, he took out a Poké Ball and pressed the button.
Red light flashed—Mewtwo appeared.
Due to the psychic's telepathy, Mewtwo nodded in understanding without Aiden needing to speak.
"We're leaving."
Blue light flashed in Mewtwo's eyes as it quickly surveyed the surroundings, locking onto all five people including Aiden.
Aiden only felt his body suddenly become much lighter, then immediately began floating in defiance of physical laws, continuously accelerating under psychic propulsion.
Mewtwo's flying method was much simpler and more brutal than Salamence's—directly using its terrifyingly massive psychic flow to envelop and propel everyone, flying at full speed toward the upper levels of Area Zero.
This was much faster than an elevator!
In less than a minute, Aiden was completely awakened by the wind blowing in his face, while also landing steadily on the ground.
The landing point Mewtwo chose happened to be the Area Zero Gate—they had used the elevator here to enter Area Zero's interior.
However, when he landed, he immediately noticed several more figures near the security gate of the Area Zero Gate.
Top Champion Chairwoman Geeta and the other three Elite Four members were present, but besides them, there was one unexpected figure.
A black windbreaker swaying in the warm breeze, signature golden knee-length hair displaying elegance and grace.
Cynthia?
Even though he hadn't done anything to feel guilty about recently, Aiden's heart suddenly skipped a beat for no reason.
Why did she come to Paldea?
Cynthia was chatting with Paldea's other executives. When she noticed him appearing before her, she was stunned for a moment, then immediately revealed a gentle smile.
And waved lightly at him.
"Teacher Azure, I just remembered I left the gas on at home!"
"Right, since the opportunity is rare, why don't you all come visit my home too!"
Arven, with level 10 mood-reading ability, suddenly punched his palm, then immediately took out a Poké Ball and mounted his already recovered Mabosstiff.
At the same time, he didn't forget to wave at the still-stunned Red, shouting: "You too, Red, don't just stand there!"
Though Red didn't quite understand why Arven would suddenly say this, he still honestly followed immediately.
Aiden: ?
The originally five-person team instantly left only him alone.
Even Mewtwo gave him a meaningful look, then voluntarily turned into a flash of red light and returned to the Poké Ball.
Wait, are you guys misunderstanding something?
Aiden scratched his head.
Do you think the gentle and elegant Cynthia would stage a domestic violence scene?
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
So Aiden walked straight over and soon faced Cynthia, who was also walking toward him.
"Why did you suddenly come to Paldea?"
Aiden perked up and smiled at Cynthia.
"Because I was worried about you."
Cynthia raised her eyes, her gentle water-like pupils reflecting Aiden's slightly tired face.
"The livestream suddenly disconnected halfway, and then there was no news after that."
"If something really happened like what happened to your parents back then—at least this time I could go to support you immediately."
Hearing Cynthia's serious voice, warmth welled up in Aiden's heart, but the words he wanted to use to lighten the atmosphere suddenly wouldn't come out.
"Sorry, it won't happen again."
At a loss for words, he could only apologize honestly, but was quickly silenced by Cynthia's finger pressed against his lips.
"Don't say that."
"Next time, let's face it together."
Looking into Cynthia's sincere amber eyes, Aiden felt the mental fatigue instantly dissipate by more than half, leaving only a warm current lingering in his heart and body.
"Mm."
"I will."
Aiden nodded seriously.
Sensing his emotions quietly changing, Cynthia suddenly breathed a sigh of relief and resumed her previous gentle smile.
At the same time, she spread her arms, silently looking at Aiden.
Aiden's expression suddenly became much more spirited, and also a bit more flushed.
"Is this a reward for my safe return?"
"No, it's praise prepaid for you keeping your promise~"
"That's good too."
Aiden smiled and reached out, embracing Cynthia.
"Will there be a better reward next time?"
"That depends on your performance~"
"I'll look forward to it."
After the embrace and a few whispered words, Aiden took a deep breath and suddenly felt himself full of energy.
The gentle embrace is indeed a good thing—
But there were still other people watching now, so he couldn't get too immersed.
The two quickly separated.
Seeing this, the Top Champion and the other three Elite Four members who had been observing from afar without any movement walked over.
"You've worked hard, Aiden."
Chairwoman Geeta looked at Aiden, who had recovered much of his spirit, with a gratified smile.
"When the AI reconnected to the Time Machine, we successfully established contact with the lower levels of Area Zero and learned what happened back then."
"All members of the exploration team that entered Area Zero survived—this is truly wonderful."
"This is what I should do."
Aiden smiled and nodded at Chairwoman Geeta.
This wasn't just polite talk—he genuinely felt this way.
After all, from the day he "transmigrated" and inherited the Gym, he had established the goal of entering Area Zero to investigate the truth.
Now that everyone could be happy, as someone who experienced it firsthand, he was perhaps the happiest person.
Speaking of which, Aiden suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Cynthia.
"Right, my parents are actually fine. After reconnecting with the spacetime they're in next year, they should be able to return."
"I know, Chairwoman Geeta already told me."
Cynthia smiled gracefully, then continued.
"This is truly wonderful. Your home in Sinnoh—Grandma has even had someone clean it regularly. She'll be very happy to know this news."
"After Uncle and Aunt return, Aiden, you must bring them to stay at home in Celestic Town for a while~"
"Of course."
Aiden agreed without hesitation.
Moreover, he was thinking even more than Cynthia.
For example, simply after next year's Champion's Path ends, directly returning to Sinnoh to stay for half a year or so—
"Ahem——!"
Hearing the keywords "Sinnoh" and "home," Chairwoman Geeta immediately couldn't sit still and quickly coughed twice to bring the topic back.
"I won't pry too much into your family matters, Aiden, but—"
"You did an excellent job this time, so the League has already decided that next year you will officially become Paldea's fourth Elite Four member!"
"..——"
Rika's expression nearby was somewhat speechless.
What do you mean the League approved it, we didn't even have a meeting to discuss this!
Just say it, are you anxious, afraid Aiden will be poached by Cynthia!
But then again, the League was indeed this Top Champion's one-person show.
As someone holding the triple positions of Top Champion, League Chairwoman, and Academy Director, it made sense that Geeta was called by Aiden "Paldea's only sun"—
So including Rika, the other three Elite Four members could only nod silently.
Especially Larry, with his overworked appearance—his smile was completely genuine, without any hypocrisy.
If the League could have one more Elite Four member and the threat of Area Zero was temporarily resolved—
His workload should be reduced quite a bit too.
The overtime life of a corporate slave was finally coming to an end—
Larry clasped his hands together, as if she might ascend on the spot at any moment.
Only Aiden, who was told he would become an Elite Four member, was still in the dark, but quickly accepted this matter.
This was a good thing!
If he became an Elite Four member, he could directly hand the Gym over to his parents, which would actually be much easier.
As for their retirement plan mentioned back in Area Zero—
Delaying it for a few more years wouldn't be a problem either—forty is the age for advancing a career!
When there would be little Aiden or little Cynthia in the future, then retiring to take care of the kids wouldn't be too late~
The work handover with Chairwoman Geeta took quite a bit of time, longer than Aiden imagined.
After all, in Area Zero, Red and Nemona had "physically persuaded" quite a few Paradox species, and their subsequent arrangements were all League work content.
There was also Koraidon, Flutter Mane, and Terapagos—
Flutter Mane seemed to have no desire to attack people, and Terapagos hadn't even woken up yet. These two temporarily staying with him were no problem.
Only Koraidon gave him a bit of a headache—he hadn't figured out how to arrange it yet.
If placed in his home, he felt like it would fight with Miraidon every day, but keeping it cooped up in a Poké Ball wasn't realistic either—
Besides Aiden, who had already subdued it, this big dog would probably bare its teeth at anyone else it saw.
In the end, Aiden decided to temporarily take it back with him for now.
After temporarily settling everything and saying goodbye to Chairwoman Geeta and the Elite Four members who needed to rush back to the League to handle massive amounts of new work, Aiden was preparing to take Cynthia back to Cabo Poco.
Just then, he suddenly felt a gaze and subconsciously looked up.
In the clouds, a golden pattern was faintly visible, on a thick, entirely black body.
Black Rayquaza finally appeared above Area Zero, but showed no intention of landing.
"Speaking of which, after Area Zero's liberation, Black Rayquaza's mission is basically complete, right?"
"Then does it still have a reason to stay in Paldea—"
Aiden couldn't help but think to himself, but quickly shook his head.
Forget it, why is he thinking so much, even considering things for a Legendary Pokémon!
With its strength, it could probably go wherever it wanted.
But even now, he still didn't know why it took a liking to him back then—
Aiden stopped thinking too much and just waved at the sky.
"See you!"
"Roooar!"
Miraidon started from a standstill and quickly ran out of sight.
And Black Rayquaza in the clouds, after watching Aiden leave, also disappeared in the next instant.
------------------------------------------------------
30+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)