As expected, it was Rayquaza's Jade Orb.
There was no mistake.
Now all that remained was to figure out how to use it.
Chen Shi's expression brightened, his gaze fixed on the orb in Zinnia's hands.
Coming to Meteor Falls and seeking out the Draconid people had indeed been the right decision.
But how exactly was the Jade Orb supposed to be used?
Was it really as simple as finding a high place?
It couldn't be that straightforward.
If it were, the Draconid people would have discovered its function long ago.
Mew, perched on Chen Shi's shoulder, examined the orb with interest.
Within it, it sensed the faint aura of that long green serpent.
Not strong—likely just a symbolic connection.
Soon enough, Mew lost interest and began dozing again.
As Chen Shi pondered how to activate the orb, the Great Elder spoke.
"This orb was bestowed upon our ancestors by the Dragon God a thousand years ago. Unfortunately, many of our records were lost, and we no longer know its precise purpose."
"The reason we invited you last time was because you wield the same power as the Dragon God. Perhaps you might discover what this orb can do."
Chen Shi fell silent for a moment before nodding slowly.
"In that case, I'll need to take the orb with me for a while. Is that acceptable?"
"No problem," the Great Elder replied without hesitation.
"However, it is a sacred relic left to us by the Dragon God. Regardless of whether it proves useful, I hope you will return it to us in the end."
"That's perfectly reasonable. Thank you, Great Elder."
Chen Shi agreed immediately.
The Jade Orb's only known function was to summon Rayquaza. It wasn't some legendary-grade resource that could be consumed or refined.
If it had tangible value as a resource, he might have considered negotiating for it.
But if its sole purpose was summoning Rayquaza, there was no reason to keep it.
Zinnia hesitated briefly, then handed the orb to Chen Shi.
Since it was the Great Elder's decision, she could only comply.
Chen Shi accepted the Jade Orb, thanked her sincerely, and placed it carefully into his backpack.
"Child, may I ask something of you?" the Great Elder said gently.
"Please, Great Elder. If there is anything I can do, I will not refuse."
A faint smile appeared on her face. "Nothing so serious. If you uncover the orb's function, would you inform us?"
"It is important to the Draconid people."
"Would you?"
Chen Shi exhaled in relief.
He had been bracing himself for something far more demanding.
For a moment, he'd feared she might request something dangerous that would be difficult to refuse given the orb.
But this?
"That's only natural. If I learn how it works, I will definitely let you know."
"You have my word."
"Good. I hope you succeed."
She inclined her head slightly, then continued, "When you visited last time, we did not host you properly. If you have time now, you are welcome to stay and explore the village."
Chen Shi shook his head. "I'm afraid not. The secret realm will open soon, and I want to study the orb as soon as possible. I won't trouble you further."
"Once everything is settled, I'll visit properly."
The Great Elder smiled knowingly, unsurprised by his refusal.
"In that case, we will not detain you. You are always welcome here."
Chen Shi stood, and Cynthia rose with him.
They had accomplished their purpose here. There was no reason to linger.
He still had much to do—studying the Jade Orb, preparing for Jirachi's awakening, and getting ready for the upcoming secret realm.
There was simply no time to remain as a guest.
...
After the two departed, Zinnia finally spoke, unable to hold back.
"Great Elder, do you truly place that much faith in him?"
"For a thousand years, we have failed to uncover the orb's purpose. Do you really believe he can do so in such a short time?"
She could not entirely hide her dissatisfaction.
The orb had been revered by generations of Draconid people.
It was their only tangible relic of the Dragon God—the spiritual anchor of their faith.
And now it had been handed over so easily.
Of course she had feelings about it.
She had restrained herself earlier out of respect for the Great Elder.
The old woman sighed softly.
"That orb has remained with us for a thousand years, and we have learned nothing from it. Keeping it here only allows it to gather dust."
"Better to entrust it to him. Perhaps we will be pleasantly surprised."
"We lose nothing. It is merely lent for a time."
"And with the prophesied disaster approaching, we must act."
Zinnia opened her mouth to argue, then hesitated.
In the end, she muttered, "What if he doesn't return it?"
"We've only met him twice. You don't truly know what kind of person he is. Aren't you worried?"
The Great Elder chuckled.
"At my age, I have some understanding of people."
"That young man is trustworthy. He will return the orb."
Zinnia muttered under her breath, "People can pretend. That's what you taught me. What if you're wrong?"
The elder laughed softly and tapped her lightly on the forehead.
"You little girl. Now you use my own lessons against me."
"Rest assured. If anything goes wrong, it will be my responsibility."
"…Very well."
Seeing the firmness in the elder's stance, Zinnia said no more.
But she resolved silently—if Chen Shi failed to return the orb, she would hunt him down to the ends of the earth and bring it back herself.
The Great Elder, unaware of her thoughts, continued thoughtfully,
"The young woman who came with him… she too wields the same power as the Dragon God."
Zinnia froze.
Her pupils shrank in shock as she stared at the elder in disbelief.
...
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