Not only was Arceus' level impossible to determine, even its Potential was displayed as three question marks.
It seemed the creator deity truly was an existence ordinary Legendary Pokémon could never hope to rival.
Even after losing several Creation Plates, Arceus still possessed unmatched power.
However, according to the events of several thousand years ago, Marcus—the man who had betrayed Damos—had managed to set an ambush that forced Arceus back into a deep slumber.
In theory, Water-, Grass-, Ground-, Dragon-, and Electric-type attacks should all be capable of harming Arceus.
That might be Aiden's only opportunity.
"Mega Rayquaza, use Draco Meteor!"
"Mega Latios and Mega Latias, use Dragon Pulse!"
"Origin Forme Giratina, Palkia, and Dialga—use Dragon Rush!"
"Lugia, maintain a continuous Hydro Pump!"
"Primal Kyogre, use Origin Pulse!"
"Primal Groudon, use Precipice Blades!"
"Mega Mewtwo Y, work with Deoxys and Mew to temporarily restrain Arceus with psychic power!"
At Aiden's command, the Legendary Pokémon launched another coordinated assault.
Every one of these attacks belonged to one of the five types associated with the Plates that had formed the Jewel of Life.
They should have been capable of damaging Arceus.
Yet when the countless attacks descended, Arceus merely raised a barrier.
Every single move was blocked.
The Sinnoh League's strongest Trainers stared in disbelief.
"Even this many Legendary Pokémon working together still can't defeat Arceus?"
"If even Aiden is no match for it, will the entire world be destroyed by Arceus' rage?"
"That's impossible. Arceus is the creator deity. Why would it destroy the world it created?"
Hearing Flint, Volkner, and the others, Sheena—the descendant of Damos and a woman who possessed the power to connect hearts—spoke helplessly.
"It's possible."
"Several thousand years ago, Damos betrayed Arceus and refused to return the Jewel of Life."
"He attacked Arceus and caused it to fall into a deep slumber."
"Now that Arceus has awakened in fury, it no longer trusts any human."
"And if this comes down to strength alone..."
"Who could possibly defeat it?"
Everyone fell silent.
Only Ash refused to back down.
"How can we give up before the very end?"
"Aiden is fighting Arceus alone for all of us!"
"Not one of his Legendary Pokémon has been defeated yet, so how can we already admit defeat?"
As he spoke, Ash threw out several Poké Balls.
Infernape, Torterra, Buizel, Gliscor, and Staraptor appeared alongside Pikachu on his shoulder.
Together, they charged forward.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
"Infernape, Flamethrower!"
"Torterra, Leaf Storm!"
"Staraptor, Air Slash!"
"Buizel, Water Gun!"
"Gliscor, Dragon Tail!"
The moment Ash sent all six of his Pokémon into battle, the others finally came back to their senses.
They were the Champion and Elite Four of the Sinnoh League.
Yet in the face of Arceus, they had allowed a young Trainer to stand in front of them.
Worse still, it was Ash who had restored their will to fight.
That was unacceptable.
After a brief silence, Cynthia spoke.
"Ash, thank you."
She then turned toward the Sinnoh League's assembled elites—Lucian, Volkner, Flint, Aaron, Bertha, and the eight Gym Leaders.
"Sinnoh is our home."
"How can we allow outsiders to keep standing at the front while we remain behind?"
"The last time the three gods of Sinnoh ran amok, Aiden was the one who shielded us."
"Are all the Champions, Elite Four members, and Gym Leaders of the Sinnoh League useless without him?"
"Our home must be protected by our own hands!"
Her words awakened everyone.
"She's right."
"The last time Cyrus forcibly controlled Palkia, Sinnoh nearly faced total destruction."
"Aiden saved us then."
"And now, once again, he stands in front of us."
"We call ourselves Champions and Elite Four members."
"Even if we cannot win, we must still have the courage to defend our homeland!"
"Everyone, attack!"
In an animated story, this would probably have been the moment when everyone shouted about bonds, home, and protection before charging forward and instantly defeating Arceus.
Reality, however, was not so convenient.
Cynthia threw out all six of her Poké Balls.
Garchomp, Togekiss, Shellos, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Roserade appeared together.
"Garchomp, use Draco Meteor!"
"Shellos, use Brine!"
"Spiritomb, fire Shadow Ball repeatedly!"
"Lucario, use Aura Sphere!"
"Togekiss, keep using Aura Sphere!"
"Roserade, use Solar Beam!"
At the same time, the Elite Four released their Pokémon.
Seeing Sinnoh's six strongest Trainers join the battle, the Gym Leaders throughout the region also called out their strongest partners.
They might not have possessed overwhelming strength, but they would contribute whatever power they had.
"Scizor, Scyther, Heracross, Vespiquen, Flygon, and Drapion—attack!"
That was Aaron.
"Bronzong, Gallade, Slowbro, Espeon, Mr. Mime, and Alakazam—use Psychic!"
That was Lucian.
"Infernape, Flareon, Magmortar, Arcanine, Ninetales, and Houndoom—use Fire Blast!"
That was Flint.
"Electivire, Ampharos, Raichu, Luxray, Jolteon, and Magnezone—use Thunder!"
That was Volkner.
"Hippopotas, Golem, Rhyperior, Whiscash, Gliscor, and Mamoswine—attack with everything you have!"
After the five top Trainers launched their attacks, Brock and Dawn also contributed their strength.
Soon, every Trainer present released all of their Pokémon and joined the battle.
Watching this scene, Aiden's lips slowly curved into a smile.
"In that case..."
"Everyone, come out!"
Dozens of red flashes erupted around him.
Every Legendary Pokémon in Aiden's possession appeared together.
The three Legendary Titans—
Regice, Regirock, and Registeel.
The three Legendary Birds—
Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos.
The three Lake Guardians—
Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf.
...
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