[Yellow Core Crystal: The core fragment of Deoxys (Level 111), containing its consciousness essence, can repair itself by absorbing meteor energy.]
[Purple Core Crystal: The core fragment of Deoxys (Level 109), containing its consciousness essence, can repair itself by absorbing meteor energy.]
"Fantastic!" Carl clenched his fist in excitement. These three core crystals were the remnants left behind by the severely injured Deoxys.
As he anticipated, they could be restored by absorbing meteor energy. Unfortunately, the available meteors were not easy to access:
The Seven Islands' meteor had been destroyed by Rayquaza; Professor Solans in Autumn Town considered his meteor a treasure; the meteors around Veilstone City were tightly guarded by Team Galactic; and the one on display at the Seven Treasures City Museum required heaps of paperwork to acquire.
The one at the Wicklani Observatory was a possibility, but it wasn't the right time for Lusamine to make a move.
However, Carl mused over the crystals. "Perhaps we don't need a meteor after all."
Lusamine, snapping back to reality, asked, "Are these new Deoxys?"
Carl smirked, "You already know the answer, don't you?" He opened his palm, revealing the crystals to Lusamine.
She examined them. "These are fragments from Deoxys's chest, aren't they?"
"Exactly."
"What makes them special?"
"Why don't you take a guess?"
"Is there a reward if I guess correctly?"
Carl chuckled, "I was planning to help you find Mohn when I was in a good mood, but if you guess right, I'll take you after I finish my current tasks."
"Deal!" Lusamine's eyes sparkled.
"Need a few more chances?"
"No need." She confidently lifted her chin, "These must be Deoxys's brains."
"Correct." Carl applauded. "How did you figure it out?"
Lusamine's confidence was unwavering. "I never guess. I rely on observation and data. At first, I thought these were soul cores because the head structure wasn't clear. But during the battle, through Hoopa's ring, I noticed that despite head damage, it recovered quickly. That led to a new conclusion."
"I observed that each time it transformed, the crystal surface emitted an aurora, indicating it was controlling its form change. So, the crystals are Deoxys's true core," Lusamine explained while pointing at a data chart.
Carl couldn't help but clap vigorously. Her deduction was brilliant. If Rayquaza had such insight, the trio of Deoxys would have been dealt with swiftly.
"Fair is fair, I'll help you find him," Carl said quickly.
Lusamine shook her head, her bangs covering half her face. "Wouldn't it be more practical to let Cosmog aid in my research?" Her eyes flashed with determination. After thirteen years of research, she was more eager to uncover the mysteries of the Ultra Space and find her missing loved one.
"These are two different matters," Carl said, raising two fingers. "A bet is only lost once. You can only choose one."
"How can they not be one and the same? Aren't the mysteries of the Ultra Space connected to finding him?" Lusamine frowned.
"Because Mohn isn't in the Ultra Space," Carl replied matter-of-factly, leaving Lusamine stunned.
"What did you say?" Lusamine's voice rose, struggling to maintain a composed laugh. "That's not a very funny joke."
Carl turned to Hoopa unhurriedly. "Does your power work in the Ultra Space?"
Hoopa, who was enjoying the show, nodded eagerly. "Of course it does!"
"There you have it," Carl spread his hands. "If he were there, Hoopa would have found him for you already."
Lusamine staggered back a step, her eyes unfocused. Her earlier anger was more of a cover for fear—she knew Carl, with his deep understanding of Deoxys, wasn't making baseless claims.
This realization sent a chill through her. If it were true, what had her years of perseverance been for?
After a moment, Lusamine collected her thoughts. "You're saying you know where Mohn is?"
"Yes," Carl confirmed. "He's in the Crown Tundra."
"Crown Tundra?" Lusamine's brow furrowed. The name seemed familiar.
"The exact location is unclear now, but you should have read about it in connection with the King of Bountiful Harvests."
The name sparked a memory for Lusamine. In ancient texts from the Galar region, the King of Bountiful Harvests was a legendary ruler from antiquity, said to possess the power to make all things grow. It was said to have tamed Glastrier and Spectrier, ruling over the snowy tundra. She had always dismissed it as a myth, never expecting it to be real.
Seeing Lusamine deep in thought, Carl asked directly, "What's your decision?"
"Of course, I'm going to find him first," Lusamine answered without hesitation. Once she found Mohn, she could fully focus on her research. Cosmog was safe with Carl, and it wasn't going anywhere.
"It's settled then," Carl said, turning to Hoopa. "Send me back first, I'll visit you another day."
Hoopa glanced at the sky, a bit forlorn. "Hoopa knows it's time to say goodnight." It waved its little hand, creating a golden ring in the air.
Carl gestured to Lusamine before stepping through the portal first.
Lusamine was about to follow when she heard Carl's distressed voice from the other side. "Hoopa, why did you bring me here!" she heard him say, and then he reappeared looking frustrated.
"What happened?" Lusamine asked, confused.
Carl cast a helpless glance at the innocent-looking Hoopa and smiled wryly. "See for yourself."
Following the instructions, Lusamine peeked through the ring, noticing a misty scene with several figures. She immediately recognized Lillie.
It turned out to be a hot spring. Lusamine chuckled, instantly understanding what had transpired. The scene amused her.
"Mom?" Lillie called out in surprise.
"Mom?" The other girls curiously examined Lusamine.
"Sweetheart, it seems you're quite relaxed," Lusamine said, stepping through the ring to embrace her daughter.
"Sweetheart?" Serena and the others couldn't help but chuckle at Lillie. They didn't expect her to still be called that at her age.
Lillie looked a bit exasperated. Though surprised by her mother's change in demeanor, she decided to keep some distance for now.
Watching Lusamine disappear, Carl sighed with relief and told Hoopa, "Let's find another place, away from them."
"Got it!" Hoopa gestured and began to adjust the portal.
"Alright, let's give it another go."
Carl, feeling relieved, stepped through only to find himself facing the backs of several girls, including Lusamine, who was in the process of undressing. He froze in place, turning to retreat through the ring, only to find the portal had closed.
"Hoopa, you're really messing with me!"
"Hey, it's not my fault! I didn't make the portal!"
"This is my home, isn't it?"
"I'm not trying to kick you out, but couldn't you just squat down? Why hit me?"
"Alright, truth be told, haven't you ever ventured into unknown territory?"
"Everyone, calm down now!"
Breathing heavily, Carl emerged from the hot spring, gazing up at the night sky, momentarily at a loss for words. This was his domain, yet these women seemed to have no regard for the host's authority. Why wouldn't they just listen when spoken to nicely?