When Aiden heard Azelf's affinity increase, a faint smile appeared on his face.
As expected—
Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon were especially easy for him to connect with.
After all, he possessed overwhelming psychic power himself.
"Azelf," Aiden said calmly, "you, together with Uxie and Mesprit, are the spiritual pillars of Sinnoh — willpower, knowledge, and emotion."
"But your resting places are no longer hidden. Ambitious organizations like Team Galactic will continue targeting you."
"For your safety, why not travel with me? Live within a special space I created. Absolute security."
Azelf fell silent.
Since granting humanity the spirit of willpower, it had slumbered beneath Lake Valor.
It only awakened for those whose resolve resonated deeply.
Aiden's will was undeniable.
His psychic aura was calm, vast, unwavering.
After a long moment, Azelf spoke.
"If I go with you… you must also protect my companions."
"Uxie and Mesprit will be in danger as well."
"We may be Legendary Pokémon, but among the secondary gods… our battle strength is not the highest. Powerful trainers can defeat us."
Aiden laughed softly.
"Of course. I wouldn't leave them behind."
This saved him the trouble of persuading the other two later.
Azelf floated back slightly.
"Even so… I am still a Legendary Pokémon. You must defeat me first."
"Win, and I will follow you."
Aiden nodded.
He released a Poké Ball.
Red light burst forth.
Latios appeared gracefully.
Against a Legendary—
Another Legendary.
There was no need to use Rayquaza.
This was merely a capture battle.
Azelf's eyes glowed deep blue.
Psychic energy surged outward.
"Latios, Luster Purge!"
Latios accelerated like a jet, evading the incoming psychic wave.
A beam of blue-violet light shot forward.
Azelf barely dodged—
Countering with Psybeam, wrapping around Latios in shimmering psychic energy.
But Latios was a higher-tier Legendary.
Finding an opening—
Luster Purge struck cleanly.
Azelf was blasted backward.
Latios followed instantly.
A high-speed Take Down connected mid-air.
Azelf faltered.
Aiden moved.
A Luxury Ball arced perfectly.
Click.
Shake.
Shake.
Ding.
"Congratulations. Azelf has been captured."
Immediately, the system activated again.
"Detected: Host intends to capture the Lake Guardians. Triggering selection."
"Option One: Capture Azelf, Uxie, and Mesprit within three days. Thwart Team Galactic's scheme. Reward: Griseous Orb and coordinates to the entrance of the Distortion World."
"Option Two: Capture the Lake Guardians without time limit. Reward: Adamant Orb — summoning authority over Dialga."
"Option Three: Capture the Lake Guardians without time limit. Reward: Lustrous Orb — summoning authority over Palkia."
Three Orbs.
Three deities.
The Griseous Orb—
Belonged to Giratina, ruler of the Distortion World.
Stronger than Dialga and Palkia combined.
The Adamant Orb—
Time itself.
Dialga.
The Lustrous Orb—
Space incarnate.
Palkia.
Space is king.
Time is emperor.
Power beyond imagination.
Aiden stood in silence, weighing the choices.
Rayquaza.
Groudon.
Kyogre.
He had faced similar crossroads before.
After a long moment—
His eyes sharpened.
He made his decision.
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