Feeling quite satisfied, Rex ended his video call with Professor Sycamore, then turned his attention back to the Mega Stone in his hand.
He hadn't expected the one Landorus traded him to be a Gyaradosite—perfect for his own powerful Gyarados. No need to swap or search for another.
After witnessing Diancie successfully achieve Mega Evolution, Rex had gained new insights into the process. He was confident he'd soon meet the bond conditions required to mega evolve Gyarados too.
After all, this Gyarados had been with him since it was a humble Magikarp. Their bond was beyond question.
What others saw as a violent, fearsome Pokémon became gentle and obedient in Rex's presence—clear proof of mutual trust.
With the Gyaradosite now in his possession, Rex was in a great mood—at least enough to wash away the stress from the recent disaster.
He planned to forge a custom metal ring to mount the stone, which Gyarados would wear on one of its head horns. He already knew the shop that had crafted his Keystone bracelet would be perfect for the job.
But that could wait. For now, there was no rush.
"Yuli, what's got you smiling like that?"
Upon returning, Rex noticed Yuli happily hugging her phone, so he asked with curiosity.
"Yui and Karen just called. They were really worried about the farm and wanted to come back to help—but I told them not to!"
"And guess what? They're in Petalburg City now. They've made new friends and even caught some new Pokémon!"
Yuli shared the news with enthusiasm, almost as if she'd experienced it all herself.
Rex listened quietly, smiling. He didn't mind at all.
He understood the girl before him had carried a lot of stress lately—especially during the storm when everything felt so helpless. She needed an outlet for her emotions.
As they talked, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.
"Huh? Who could that be right now?"
Rex was puzzled. Most people in Fallarbor were still caught up in rebuilding efforts. It wasn't the best time for visitors.
Still, he went to the door—and was stunned by who stood there.
"Glacia? What brings you here?"
Indeed, standing at the door was none other than Elite Four member Glacia, who had come straight from the League HQ.
"What's wrong? Not happy to see me, Rex?" she teased.
"Of course I am! Welcome!"
Rex quickly led her into the living room.
"That must be Diancie… She's even more breathtaking than I imagined."
As soon as Glacia entered, her eyes landed on Diancie, who was using psychic power to shape Pokéblocks.
Diancie's existence was no longer a secret, so Rex didn't bother hiding her anymore.
"You're too kind," Rex replied politely as he poured her a cup of tea.
"You're probably wondering why I'm here," Glacia said, seeing the confusion on his face. "I've been assigned by the League to work with Landorus on the soil restoration project."
"You…? The League sent you?"
Rex was surprised. He'd assumed it was a minor task, not something that would involve the Elite Four.
Clearly, he'd underestimated the gravity of dealing with beings powerful enough to create natural disasters.
"Normally, they wouldn't have sent me," Glacia admitted. "But do you know who the League originally dispatched to handle the Tornadus and Thundurus incident?"
Rex caught on instantly. "Wait… it was you?"
"Exactly. But I couldn't even get through the outer waterspout, let alone stop the disaster."
Her voice carried a trace of bitterness.
"I only managed to get through thanks to Diancie and Shaymin's energy. Please don't blame yourself," Rex said, trying to reassure her.
He still remembered vividly how terrifying that storm had been. It wasn't just Tornadus and Thundurus's power—it was nature itself, amplified by them. Without Diancie and Shaymin's protection, he'd never have made it inside.
"Rex, I have a favor to ask."
Skipping past the topic of the waterspout, Glacia suddenly made her request.
"Of course. Anything I can help with."
Rex was surprised, but agreed without hesitation.
"I'd like to challenge Landorus. I hope you can help set it up."
Glacia wasn't just here to oversee the soil project. She wanted to test her strength against the Forces of Nature—to earn their respect and authority moving forward.
With Tornadus and Thundurus still recovering, only Landorus was fit for a battle.
"So that's it. Let me call them over. I'm sure Landorus won't refuse."
Understanding her intent, Rex asked Diancie to send a telepathic message to the trio, who were currently wandering near the farm.
Rex himself was eager to watch. A battle between a top League trainer and a mythical Pokémon? It would be the perfect chance to see just how powerful the Elite Four really were.
He didn't believe Glacia would hold back—not in a fight like this.
Soon enough, Landorus appeared with Tornadus and Thundurus in tow. Now in its Therian Forme, Landorus resembled a mighty tiger galloping across the sky.
"Young one, you called?" Landorus asked. Though more wild-looking in this form, his tone was still calm—not arrogant like Tornadus.
"This is Glacia, an Elite Four member. She'll be guiding you to the barren regions in need of restoration."
"Oh? Then let's get going."
Landorus turned to Glacia, eager to finish his task and return with his brothers to the Island of the Forces of Nature.
(End of Chapter)