Thunder God and Ice God were now looking a bit disheveled.
On Ice God's side, a beast wrapped in electricity charged at terrifying speed, leaving wounds on its body with every collision or claw swipe, along with paralyzing electric damage that made it hard to exert strength.
Another shadow swordsman clad in blue flames was elusive, its clinging ghostly flames burning Ice God every moment.
Whenever Ice God tried to gain altitude, the long-necked one's mane would flash with incredibly swift lightning, easily blocking its path.
Aside from Luxray, Ice God could suppress Ceruledge or Raging Bolt individually, and even defeating Luxray wouldn't be easy.
But they were team-fighting, treating Ice God like a boss to farm.
On Thunder God's side, led by Swampert without needing Mega Evolution, Dragonite and Serperior kept Thunder God at a height Swampert could reach, while Mimikyu used its low presence for constant ambushes, stacking status conditions on Thunder God, leaving it only able to let out impotent rage cries.
After fighting for a while, the two Legendary Birds were looking wilted, their red eyes showing a hint of fear when looking at Luxray and the others.
Though they were berserk due to the natural imbalance, their cognition wasn't greatly affected, and they could react to many situations.
Just like in the movie, the rampaging Thunder God, Fire God, and Ice God instantly chose to team up against Lugia when it entered.
Because even in their anger-driven state, they knew who posed a greater threat.
Finally able to catch her breath, Lorelei looked at Lucas. Even with her vast experience, she'd never seen such a scene.
The Legendary Birds revered as totems in the Kanto League were being dominated by a single trainer.
At this rate, it might end here before they could play the Lugia's Song over there.
Fortunately, Lugia didn't drop the ball in its now sole role.
Just as Thunder God and Ice God were about to be physically beaten back to their senses by Lucas, a melodious and ethereal tune, amplified by mysterious power, instantly echoed across the seas around Shamouti Island.
At the same time, green ripples spread from Shamouti Island's temple to the surrounding seas, melting the ice, and a rich life energy rose from the sea surface.
The tsunamis assaulting the Orange Islands receded, the heavy rains that seemed to wash away everything on the islands dissipated, the typhoons sweeping away houses collapsed, and sun-warmed areas covered by snow clouds received warming sunlight.
Boom!
As the white great bird carrying the conductor Pikachu and its rider Ash flapped its wings and flew up, skimming the sea, the deep ocean currents—usually invisible to humans—spanning the entire seas around Shamouti Island broke the surface like bridges and rainbows, hanging in the sky.
That was the birthplace of initial life. Just looking at it made everyone's hearts involuntarily fill with nostalgia.
Riding on Charizard, Professor Oak looked shocked and murmured, "Under the influence of the Lugia's Song, the deep ocean currents damaged by the rampage of Fire God, Thunder God, and Ice God are self-repairing."
"What principle is this..."
In his ears, the melodious Lugia's Song continued.
The injuries on the comatose Fire God began to heal, the destructive impulses in its heart dissipated, replaced by peace and tranquility.
Fire God opened its clear eyes, flapped its wings to the sky, followed behind Lugia, and let out joyful cries.
The now rational Thunder God and Ice God followed suit, circling the deep ocean currents that birthed initial life.
Lucas and Lorelei didn't stop them from flying away.
Countless Water and Flying Pokémon that had rushed to Shamouti Island sensed the restoration of natural balance and began returning to their homes.
…
In Johto Region, northwest of Ecruteak City.
This was the city with the strongest historical aura in Johto.
Beside the ground ruins once called Brass Tower, now known as Burned Tower, the monks showed shocked expressions because—
From under those ruins, a clear bell sound like ocean tides rang out.
The leading monk had tears in his eyes: "Could it be... Lugia has forgiven humans?"
…
In the airspace of Shamouti Island.
"It's over?"
Lorelei's eyes widened slightly, as if she felt like she was still in a dream.
From her entry into the battlefield to the end, it had been just over an hour, but that hour felt like a year to her.
Riding on Dragonite, which had exited its Terastallized state, Lucas smiled: "It's all over."
Before the ice fully melted, Lucas had recalled all his Pokémon into their Poké Balls, leaving only Dragonite out.
"Delibird."
"Deli~"
Delibird sighed in relief and smiled at Indeedee.
Looking at Lugia and the others circling the deep ocean currents, an idea suddenly popped into Lucas's mind. He took out four Poké Balls and said solemnly, "You guys join them too."
Red lights flashed, and Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno appeared. As if summoned, they flapped their wings and flew toward the sky where the deep ocean currents hung.
Lucas held Victini in his arms, who was clutching its little belly, looking stuffed.
From its appearance, the Victory Star from Lucas defeating Fire God would probably take Victini a long time to digest.
After digesting, Victini would make significant progress—not just in its support endurance, but it might even learn new moves itself.
Like leveling up.
Lucas looked up at the deep ocean currents fluctuating with the tune of the Lugia's Song. Moltres and the others had already flown behind Lugia, leading Fire God and the others.
The three gods had no objections to Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos joining. After all, with rationality restored, they were somewhat grateful to the three kin who had stopped them from causing greater destruction.
Moreover, even just following in this formation, these obviously young kin could gain unimaginable benefits.
The camera captured this wondrous sight that ordinary people might never see in a lifetime. The host, facing the lens with tears in her eyes, said, "Thank you to Elite Four Lorelei, Professor Oak, Professor Ivy, Ash, and others..."
"...And that mysterious trainer who single-handedly turned the tide. Because they risked their lives to act, the world was spared from destruction."
…
Lucas smiled, watching Moltres and the others circle the deep ocean currents.
As long as everything was fine, that was all that mattered.
At that moment, a psychic message entered Lucas's mind from the ever-hidden Mewtwo: "Prepare yourself mentally."
Lucas's expression froze. What mental preparation?
"The ceremony is still ongoing. I can sense that Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno flying with the Sea God and the others are like being blessed by nature itself. They might gain some peculiar abilities."
"Even, they could acquire some traits of Fire God, Thunder God, and Ice God, but without causing natural imbalance due to their own circumstances."
Lucas's grin nearly reached his ears: "That's great news!"
According to Mewtwo, perhaps not just borrowing natural forces for battle—in the future, Moltres might even link to climate to some extent, achieving the Pokédex description—
Legend says that wherever Moltres appears, even in a snowy country, spring arrives early!
Excited as he was, Lucas didn't forget the behind-the-scenes contributor Mewtwo: "Suppressing the aftermath of our battles with Fire God and the others to prevent further climate imbalance—thanks for your hard work."
"Thank you, Mewtwo."
For some reason, after Lucas said that, Mewtwo went silent. After about one or two minutes, a slightly odd message came through the psychic waves into Lucas's mind.
"Hmph, I only acted because I didn't want the planet where cloned Pokémon will live in the future to become a mess. Don't get the wrong idea!"
Lucas: "."
Where did this tsundere come from?
At dusk, the sky was dyed a warm orange, the sun slowly sinking below the horizon, casting its last glow.
Whether the deep ocean currents, Lugia, or the three gods, their figures had now disappeared.
In the splendid flower fields, a gentle breeze blew, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers and grass, refreshing the mind. It was hard to imagine that before this warm and harmonious scene, this place had been facing a crisis of destruction.
This was also Lucas's first formal meeting with Ash and his group.
As for the encounter on New Island, it was as good as nonexistent after Mewtwo erased Ash and the others' memories.
"Eh—Delibird is actually your Pokémon, big brother!?"
Ash looked surprised, turning to glance at Lorelei, who was handling the aftermath with Professor Oak and Professor Ivy. He had thought Delibird was Ice Elite Four Lorelei's Pokémon.
"Delibird~"
Delibird couldn't stand Ash and Pikachu's burning gazes. Having tailed them for a while, Delibird knew full well—these two battle maniacs were probably itching to challenge it.
So annoying; curbstomping noobs isn't fun at all!
Thinking this, Delibird unhesitatingly stuck out its tongue at Ash and transformed into a rainbow light, escaping into its Poké Ball.
Ash wanted to say something, but Misty, holding Togepi, pushed him aside and looked at Lucas with admiration.
Since they had already introduced themselves, Misty knew Lucas's name. She excitedly asked, "Mr. Lucas, may I ask what that blue Water-type Pokémon of yours is called?"
Whether due to the sunset or excitement, Misty's face, which hadn't fully matured but already showed hints of the Cerulean Sisters' charm, flushed red.
A Water-type Pokémon fighting against the Electric-type Thunder God—it was so cool and powerful, exactly the Water-type Pokémon Misty dreamed of!
Recalling Misty's interests, Lucas wasn't surprised: "It's called Swampert, Water and Ground-type. Most of its species are distributed in Hoenn. Why, are you interested?"
Misty nodded vigorously: "You know, Cerulean Gym is a Water-type gym. As the youngest of the Cerulean Sisters, my dream is to become a Water-type Master..."
Lucas smiled, but before he could reply, Ash, pushed aside and unhappy about his challenge being interrupted, grumbled, "Cerulean Sisters and leftover tea dregs."
Bang—
Misty punched the ground, creating a big crater even in the slightly damp soil.
"If it weren't for your mom being here, you know where this punch would land, right?"
Stared at by Misty's murderous gaze, Ash shivered, and even Brock, waiting in line to ask Lucas to let him observe Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno, suffered collateral damage.
Lucas: "."
Such a familiar scene.
After fulfilling the youngsters' requests one by one, the sky grew darker.
Sitting by the temple, listening to Lucas describe the scenery and culture of Paldea, Ash looked yearning: "The Paldea Region on the other side of the planet? If I get the chance, I'd love to travel there."
Pikachu on his shoulder nodded in agreement: "Pika pika~"
Hearing Ash's sudden sigh, Lucas was taken aback.
Come to think of it, before he transmigrated, Ash's anime journey had reached its final chapter.
He wondered if, in the places he couldn't see, Ash had reached Paldea and battled battle-maniac Nemona from dawn till dusk.
After a moment of silence, Lucas smiled: "If you come to Paldea, feel free to contact me. I'll invite you to my farm to play."
"Really? Awesome!"
"Pikachu~!"
Ash and Pikachu raised their arms in sync, cheering.
Brock asked curiously: "Why did you give up your Champion-level trainer status and retire to start a farm life from scratch?"
With Brock's question, Misty and Ash also cast curious glances, eager for the answer.
In their view, the Elite Four were already unattainably strong; why would Lucas, stronger than them, choose to abandon his Champion status?
Lucas pondered for a moment and replied: "Hmm, simply put, while I love Pokémon battles, I love the little memories created from living with Pokémon even more. That feels fulfilling and happy."
"You're still young, with long roads ahead. You don't need to understand what I'm saying now. Whether it's Pokémon Master, Water-type Master, or Pokémon Watcher, those are all amazing dreams. You have plenty of time to pursue them. This is just my personal answer to what I want—take it with a grain of salt."
Ash and the others listened with half-understanding expressions.
At that moment, the cleanup work over there seemed finished.
Lorelei, Professor Oak, and Professor Ivy walked over, heading straight for Lucas.
As for Ash and the others, Professor Oak and the rest sent them away with the excuse that Delia was using Shamouti Island's kitchen to make a loving dinner.
Lorelei first waved at Lucas, showing an intellectual smile: "We'll coordinate with Paldea Region on this incident from Kanto's side. Thank you for your assistance, Champion Lucas."
Lucas shook his head: "It was just a small effort. We're all living on this planet; I naturally didn't want to see such a disaster."
"A small effort... huh?" Lorelei smiled, summoning her flying Pokémon for transport, and said apologetically to Lucas: "I'd love to invite you to my hometown in the Sevii Islands right away to repay you for saving my life, but I have to rush back to League headquarters to report on this event."
"If you get the chance, please come to the Sevii Islands. I'll treat you well and show you the unique cultural scenery there."
Lucas nodded, accepting Lorelei's invitation: "I will."
Lucas remembered that the Sevii Islands not only had beautiful natural scenery but also many special things. If he had the chance, he could take up Lorelei's invitation for some sightseeing.
After seeing Lorelei off, Professor Oak and Professor Ivy approached Lucas. They had no specific purpose—just to personally thank him for his help.
Especially Professor Ivy, who was very grateful that Lucas had saved Shamouti Island and the surrounding Orange and Sevii Islands.
Many weak Pokémon on the islands couldn't survive such terrifying natural disasters. If time dragged on, it could devastate entire species.
After Professor Ivy and Professor Oak each enthusiastically shook Lucas's hand to express their thanks, Professor Ivy smiled: "The residents of Shamouti Island are holding a victory banquet. You'll come, right, Lucas?"
Lucas thought about his agreed time with Lugia and nodded slightly. Before he could follow Professor Ivy into the island, Professor Oak didn't move but stared intently at Lucas, as if recalling something.
"Hmm, I feel like besides meeting you for the first time today, I saw you a few months ago..."
Perhaps a Pokémon Professor's brain really was sharp, as Professor Oak actually dug up the related memory.
He excitedly clapped his hands: "Right, I remember!"
"You're the trainer using Arcanine in Pokémon battles on the video site!"
"Your Arcanine looked different from what I remember, leaving a deep impression. I even had my grandson help me register an account to leave a comment, inviting you to visit Kanto and observe that unique Arcanine!"
"But my grandson told me the uploader blacklisted my account..."
By the end, Professor Oak, despite his age, showed a aggrieved expression, leaving Lucas speechless.
And Professor Ivy, who specialized in regional Pokémon forms, had eyes sparkling, looking at Lucas with an enthusiasm as if she wanted to devour him.
Stared at by two professors with predatory gazes, Lucas admitted he hadn't been this nervous even when battling Fire God and the others.
Oh no, he'd been targeted by research fanatics.