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The Crown Temple contained numerous rooms where humans could rest.
Apart from being somewhat dusty, there was no shortage of furniture and amenities.
Roy wasn't surprised by this discovery.
King Calyrex had once ruled the entire Galar Region. During that era, not only Pokémon but also humans had accepted his governance. He loved both humans and Pokémon equally, treating them with the same care and respect.
The Temple of the Crown served as his royal palace and the residence of his courtiers. Having rooms suitable for human habitation was perfectly natural.
After cleaning a room with Lucario and the others, Roy yawned and collapsed onto the bed.
Since arriving at the Crown Tundra the previous night, he hadn't slept at all. He had been active in the icy wilderness for over twenty hours. Despite his remarkable physical strength, fatigue was finally catching up with him.
"Good night," Roy called out.
Lucario, who sat by the window hugging his knees, replied softly.
"Sleep well."
"Cosmoem!"
Beside Lucario, little Cosmoem, who had absorbed moonlight energy, chirped happily.
Shelgon, the newest addition to their family, nervously offered his own good night.
Metagross gently patted Shelgon's shell, signaling that there was no need for nervousness—he had once been in the same position.
Mimikyu crept into Roy's arms and hid beneath his clothes, revealing its 'Pikachu' head from Roy's neckline.
"Kyu~ (Ninetales isn't here, hehe...)"
Mimikyu secretly rejoiced.
With Electivire and Ninetales away training with legendary birds, she could finally monopolize Roy's embrace.
Perfect!
As for Blastoise... it had already retreated into its shell and fallen asleep.
Hearing responses from his Pokémon, Roy felt an indescribable sense of peace wash over him, and quickly drifted into deep sleep.
The following day, Roy officially began intensive training in the Crown Tundra.
He had already arranged matters for Electivire and Ninetales, so they required no immediate attention.
The top priority was, naturally, Shelgon's evolution.
However, regular Pokémon training couldn't be neglected either.
After reaching professional level, the stats of Lucario, Metagross, Blastoise, and Mimikyu were all steadily increasing.
Today, Metagross and Lucario had become the first to reach S2 stage.
But compared to their ability improvements, their progress with 'advanced energy'—or rather, 'Z-Power'—had stagnated for quite some time.
Although Lucario had comprehended Psychic-type Z-energy and developed tactics like "Teleport" and "Final Gambit," greatly increasing its combat effectiveness, Psychic wasn't its primary attribute. Even mastering that Z-technique didn't provide comprehensive strength enhancement.
Fighting-type Z-energy was Lucario's true specialty.
Speaking of which, having Lucario practice Psychic Z-techniques had been Roy's desperate measure when he lacked money and sufficient points.
The Psychic-type Z-Crystal had been found by Roy, then shared between Ninetales, Lucario, and Metagross... like a hand-me-down schoolbag passed from older sibling to younger ones in a frugal household.
The only Z-Crystals he had actually purchased were Ghostium Z and Icium Z.
Fifty million points was extremely expensive, and Roy had never possessed the capital to popularize them before.
But things were different now.
After participating in the National Competition and revealing Mega Evolution that shocked the world, he had suddenly become wealthy.
After purchasing 'Dragon Power' yesterday, over seven hundred million points remained.
Following the competition's end, he had rushed immediately to the Crown Tundra. Roy had been exhausted and never enjoyed a stable environment until now. Finally, he could spend freely.
Therefore, Roy exchanged Z-Crystals corresponding to each of his Pokémon's primary attributes in one purchase.
Fightinium Z for Lucario. Waterium Z for Blastoise. Steelium Z for Metagross.
Once Electivire could control mega-level voltage, it could also begin practicing Z-Power.
Though absent, Roy had already exchanged Electrium Z in advance.
Shelgon wasn't urgent, and Ninetales already possessed Icium Z.
Additionally, there was Mimikyu's exclusive Z-Crystal.
Exclusive Z-Crystals could only be used by specific Pokémon after carrying particular Z-Crystals and upgrading specific moves to exclusive Z-moves.
For instance, Mimikyu could only use the mechanics of "Play Rough" to launch her exclusive Z-move.
Besides being more powerful than standard Z-moves, they also possessed special effects.
Of course... they were also more expensive.
Exclusive Z-Crystal prices doubled to one hundred million points—exactly matching Key Stone costs.
Without abundant points, Roy would never have purchased such items.
Fighting, Water, Steel, Electric... four Z-Crystals plus Mimikyu's exclusive Z cost Roy three hundred million points directly.
For first-time Z-move usage, Roy had to perform the "full power pose" to familiarize himself with energy flow patterns.
The moment Roy struck his first awkward dance pose, Blastoise became presumptuous.
"Blastoise, hahahaha!!"
It held its belly, tilted its round head back, and grinned widely.
—Grandpa's having a good laugh.jpg
Roy glanced at Blastoise without anger, instead showing a cold smile.
After the National Competition, Roy had matured.
He could no longer feel embarrassed about mere dancing.
The act of making Elite champions shout Mega Evolution incantations had elevated Roy to a new level.
As long as everyone embraced their inner dramatics, there would be no embarrassment in this world!
When the world updated to Sun and Moon mechanics, everyone would take pride in "Z-dancing."
Those who can dance awkwardly are powerful trainers!Two Elites wanting to battle? Head to the dance studio!
Roy envisioned this grand blueprint and put full effort into his pose.
First came Lucario's Fightinium Z.
"————All-Out Pummeling!"
Guided by natural power, Lucario punched skyward, releasing a massive Fighting-type energy blast.
The energy exploded, and the resulting shockwave scattered surrounding clouds.
Fightinium Z's power slightly exceeded the Close Combat technique Lucario had demonstrated during the National Competition.
Don't forget—Lucario had been in Mega Evolution state then, paying the price of losing a hand.
Now, Lucario maintained normal form. Aside from consuming considerable stamina, it remained completely uninjured.
In terms of pure explosive power, Z-moves were indeed supreme.
Naturally... Roy felt exhausted.
Z-moves were exhilarating for Pokémon but taxing for trainers.
Fortunately, his psychic and aura powers had grown stronger, and he no longer fainted from exhaustion three times daily like before.
Currently, Roy's strength could support releasing five Z-moves.
Six times—gritting his teeth—was possible at the cost of fainting.
"How do you feel?" Roy asked.
With Psychic Z-technique foundation, Lucario could comprehend Fighting Z-technique through analogy without difficulty.
Within the team, its talent for Z-Power ranked second only to Mimikyu, who excelled uniquely in this field.
Lucario's response didn't disappoint Roy—it returned a confident look.
"Give me some time, and I'll master it."
This alone made Roy feel the points were worthwhile.
Next came Metagross and Blastoise.
"—Corkscrew Crash!" "——— Hydro Vortex!"
Steelium Z and Waterium Z's power didn't disappoint Roy either.
However, Metagross and Blastoise lacked talent in Z-Power mastery. Comprehending it would require considerable effort.
Indeed, possessing Z-Crystals didn't automatically grant Z-move usage or Z-Power comprehension.
Z-Power's threshold wasn't that low—quite the opposite, it was extremely demanding.
Without Mimikyu's pioneering assistance and coaching, plus long-term Totem aura exposure, Lucario might never have comprehended Z-Power in its lifetime.
The fastest method for Pokémon to comprehend Z-Power was accepting guidance from Alola's Guardian Deities...
Roy shook his head.
Such thoughts were premature. First, he needed qualifications to participate in island trials.
Finally, there was Mimikyu.
Her exclusive Z-move bore a rather cute name.
"————— Let's Snuggle Forever!"
Beyond greater power than ordinary Z-moves, its additional effect resembled charm-based mind control, significantly weakening opponent fighting spirit.
Simply put, enemy resistance strength would decrease, reducing defensive capabilities.
Mimikyu truly was a Z-Power genius, mastering Fairy-type Z-Power after just one attempt.
However, Mimikyu seemed reluctant.
She specialized in Ghost-type moves, and her proficiency with Fairy-type techniques was quite ordinary.
"Practice more!" Roy ignored Mimikyu's pitiful gaze and declared decisively. "During this period, you must improve proficiency with all Fairy-type moves!"
"Kyu..."
Seeing Mimikyu's unmotivated expression, Roy decided it was time for motivation.
"Mimikyu, have you forgotten the vision you saw at Moltres yesterday?"
Roy didn't know what Mimikyu had dreamed, but he could guess—it was certainly tragic.
Tragedy could be used for motivational purposes.
"Do you want such things to happen in reality?!" Roy encouraged. "Only by becoming stronger—stronger than anyone—can you protect everything precious to you! There's a saying: 'All tragedies in this world stem from one's own inadequate power!'"
As he finished speaking, astonishing fighting spirit and determination suddenly emanated from Mimikyu. The intensity of this emotion left even the instigator feeling overwhelmed.
...What kind of battle mode is this, Mimikyu?
Roy didn't realize there was a specific term describing Mimikyu's current condition:
Pure Love War God Mode!