Having grown up with it, Mei Yali knew this guy was plotting something and directly shattered Hoopa's sweet dream of donuts.
The scene became quite amusing.
Afterward, they chatted casually, mostly about their future plans.
When Balza and Mei Yali mentioned their thoughts of touring the Ore Region, Baimu naturally agreed wholeheartedly, although there aren't many big cities in the Ore Region right now, and the wilderness is mostly barren. If they have any special expectations, they might be disappointed.
Faced with his caution, Balza and his sister exchanged a smile.
"Don't laugh, our trip is not just about restoring Hoopa's past powers, but also about using the power Arceus shared with us to contribute to this world."
Balza eagerly said, "We've already discussed with N to participate in the environmental transformation plan in Pyrite Town."
Baimu: "…Huh?"
Volunteering to participate in reclamation in a desolate land?
That's not an easy or fun task. Even with the warm winds and rain brought by Lugia, it would still take decades to make the Ore Land lush with greenery.
Are the Balza siblings willing to waste their youth for the Ore Region?
He couldn't be sure.
But seeing their excited and hopeful expressions, he didn't want to shatter their enthusiasm with harsh realities. After all, not long ago, he was proclaiming with Lugia that "miracles exist in this world", and now to take a cold realistic stance…
Feels a bit schizophrenic.
What exactly did N talk to them about?
Baimu silently speculated and replied, "…Once I'm done with things in Hoenn, I'll head back too."
"Is it the Gorgeous Competition!?"
Mei Yali's eyes sparkled. Compared to the Triple Crown Satellite Competition, unique to the Carlos Region and specifically for girls, she preferred the Gorgeous Competition, which was becoming as popular as the Alliance Conference.
Seeing the Gorgeous Competition live was a little dream of hers—
In the past, because Hoopa couldn't pass through the rings, she resisted experiencing it alone. But now that Hoopa had grasped the notion of retribution, they naturally had the premise to watch the Gorgeous Competition together.
"Yes, and also the Alliance Tournament… and the Champion Alliance."
Baimu nodded. Winning the Alliance Tournament allows one to participate in the Champion Alliance, where you only face the Four Heavenly Kings and not the Champion.
No way around it.
If he defeated Da Wu, according to Hoenn Alliance rules, he would have to inherit the position of Hoenn Champion—Not inheriting? You think the established rules are a joke! Quickly abdicating after inheriting? You think the Champion's position is a toy?
If he lost to Da Wu, it might negatively impact Shanren's deity-making movement. Moreover, once Baimu became the Ore Champion, people might say Ore Trainers are inferior to those in Hoenn—even if it's true, that can't be said openly.
It's not beneficial for regional development.
Overall, before the World Championships, Baimu should avoid casually battling against Regional Champion level opponents.
"Alliance Tournament, huh…"
Balza's eyes sparkled, "I participated in the Lumiose Conference in Carlos."
Baimu's curiosity was piqued, "And how did you do?"
"Top sixteen."
The other party replied a bit frustrated, "My talent as a Trainer isn't outstanding."
However, Mei Yali said, "It's alright, my brother! Grandfather said your potential with the Power of Arceus wouldn't lose to his. As long as you're willing to practice seriously…"
"Grandfather overrates me." Balza laughed bitterly.
The Power of Arceus… borrowed strength from Arceus, hence called the Power of Arceus. What a simple and crude name; not as grand as calling it the Power of Creation.
Baimu knew the power Balza and the others wielded was completely different from Damos' Super Overcoming Power; the former could promote plant growth, bind malicious Pokémon, and wield Telekinesis, whereas the latter was solely for communication.
But although the Super Overcoming Power had limited applications, it was incredibly convenient for befriending Legendary Pokémon.
Even Damos' descendant, that bun-haired Shina, could obtain Dialga's help through the Super Overcoming Power without needing a pokeball.
"…Can I learn your power?"
He asked shamelessly.
Balza and Mei Yali exchanged looks, "Well, that's probably not possible. As we mentioned, our power's source is our ancestors who could communicate with Arceus, although we can't do that now, it's been passed down through generations."
The two swayed their Thousand Cosmos Wrist Pendants on their chests, the glinting gold nearly blinding Baimu.
Want it~
He quietly tucked away his envy.
Honestly, Baimu always felt that his transport into the Pokémon anime world was Arceus' doing. After all, Arceus abducted someone in the game "Arceus Legends", so it had the capability.
The motivation remains unknown, and he'd have to ask Arceus personally to find out.
But what if he's actually a stowaway? Wouldn't that make him seem like he voluntarily showed up?
So conflicted.
Baimu drank his tea in one go, then his eyes brightened, "Mmm! This coffee is delicious!"
"The coffee is a specialty here!"
Mei Yali smiled.
This made him think he should bring back several pounds of it, savoring it while roughing it in the wild must feel great.
——
The next day.
Baimu didn't rush back to Hoenn but instead went to a remote island to visit Lugia.
Lugia had most of its body submerged in water but seemed in much better condition than yesterday, at least not looking half-dead.
In response to his question, Lugia merely lifted its chin from the water, "Woo… Poof!"
A spray of mist drenched Baimu.
"That's quite a warm welcome." He wiped his face, aside from visiting Lugia today, he also intended to capitalize on finding the feeling akin to the Super Overcoming Power from yesterday.
Last night he tried it with other Pokémon, like the socially awkward Dragapult, but unfortunately, nothing happened.
It made Baimu realize that he had only taken the first step over the threshold in this regard, and the other foot was far from catching up.
"Woo~"
Lugia's eyes curved, although its brain had cooled overnight and weighed the pros and cons, its mood was still pleasantly high, not feeling this good for many years.
The last time it felt this happy was when the dark influence was first lifted, realizing it finally had a chance to escape the cage.
But it ultimately led to disappointment and despair.
This time didn't seem much different, still painted a giant unattainable picture. The purification issue remained unresolved, and although it had clues about its kin, it couldn't reach them, and they were likely unwilling to come.
But the person in front seemed to have a certain magic.
A magic that made it believe wholeheartedly.
Lugia watched as Baimu placed his hand on its forehead, his deep blue eyes peering straight into his as if to imprint him completely.
And the consciousness of both returned to that golden space, exchanging insights.
After half a minute.
Baimu withdrew his hand from Lugia's forehead, unable to resist calling out the hiding Dragapult, placing his hand on its forehead—
Nothing happened.
"That's strange… how could there be no reaction?"
He released other Pokémon, trying one by one for spiritual connection, all unsuccessful, then back to Lugia, easily entering the state again, muttering in frustration, "It doesn't make sense! Is it a skill limited to Legendary Pokémon?"
"Woo?"
Lugia didn't understand what he was fussing over.
"My little skill malfunctioned."
Baimu replied with a helpless smile, then gritted his teeth and sighed, "Forget it, take it slow, there are other things to do today."
He looked at Mawile, "Let's try again, see if we can achieve Super Evolution."
"Cheedo~"
Mawile quietly put down its phone, took off the Calming Bell at the nape of its neck, and replaced it with a beautiful tiara embedded with a Super Stone.
It's not like that certain Nan Xiaoniao who has three "accessories".