The division of the mythical dragon trio was unlike any other. The ancient dragon, plagued by the discord of twin brothers, succumbed to a split personality, giving birth to embodiments of ideals and reality. Even so, the core consciousness remained intact, driving the newly formed Reshiram and Zekrom to flee. As they departed, they took parts of the dragon's power—Zekrom wielding lightning, Reshiram mastering fire. Years later, the dragon reemerged as Kyurem, swearing vengeance. Despite this, other dragon Pokémon dared not provoke it, save for the radiant Rayquaza, capable of standing its ground.
If Kyurem were to reclaim either Reshiram or Zekrom's power, Rayquaza would struggle to compete, needing its MEGA evolution to stand a chance. Facing a complete Kyurem would be even more daunting, given Rayquaza's quadruple ice-type weakness. Zygarde, a ground dragon, faced a similar plight, yet remained silent on the matter.
Luckily, the fusion of worlds altered some rules, granting Reshiram and Zekrom greater independence, preventing Kyurem from regaining its original form. Otherwise, they would never return to the Dragonspiral Tower, where Kyurem could consume them entirely using the DNA Splicers.
Realizing this, Kyurem abandoned its obsession with consumption, seeking other paths to power. This inadvertently established a new balance among the three dragons: Reshiram and Zekrom guarded the tower during Kyurem's absences, and when Kyurem returned to slumber, the two dragons sought total independence elsewhere.
Zygarde's mission was clear. The place that made all legendary beings wary, one that silently controlled the leaders Groudon and Kyogre, even shunned by Palkia and Dialga, must conceal a significant secret.
If such a place couldn't help the twin dragons achieve independence, they might as well abandon other options.
The place was perilous, and after learning of the situation, even Palkia and Dialga refused to venture there. Zygarde, with a grave voice, asked, "Are you sure you want to go?"
Reshiram and Zekrom exchanged glances, excitement flickering in their eyes. A place intriguing to those two must hold value for them. Although Palkia and Dialga had Arceus's permission for independence, executing it was more challenging for them.
As Kyurem's manifestations, their connection was tighter, making independence seem harder. But Kyurem and Arceus weren't on the same level. It's like comparing a drop leaving a cup to a bucket leaving the ocean.
"Tell us the exact location!" they exclaimed in unison.
They weren't afraid of places that intimidated Dialga and Giratina. With more survival and escape tactics than the time-controlling dragons, and Kyurem backing them, nothing but Arceus could make them retreat. With Zygarde, the god of order, guiding them, it was undoubtedly a special place.
Meanwhile, Carl was oblivious to the new trouble Zygarde was stirring up for him. He abruptly opened his eyes, meeting Grace's red gaze.
"What is it?" he instinctively swallowed.
"Give me a massage," Grace patted her thigh.
"Huh?"
"My legs are sore." Grace leaned closer, "Won't you help?"
Carl hesitated...
When he opened his eyes again, he witnessed another scene.
"Let me serve."
"Lillie, let me do it."
"Mind your wrist action, don't use the ball to hit the ball."
Grace watched helplessly as this unfolded, with Serena's antics adding to the fun.
Carl awoke from his meditation, exhaling deeply. It was just a dream, he thought he was being disturbed by Grace again... Wait?
He looked up, realizing Grace was right before him, leaving him frozen.
"What happened?" Grace frowned slightly. Since her mother's recovery, her demeanor had softened significantly, especially around Carl. But his startled response puzzled her.
"You..." Grace began.
Carl quickly adjusted his expression: "Doesn't the game need referees? Why are you over here?"
"Hoopa's got it covered." Grace tucked her hair behind her ear and sat beside him, "I wanted to ask for your help."
"What kind of help?"
"My legs are a bit sore." She gently rubbed her thigh, her cheeks flushed, "Can you massage them for me?"
Carl was taken aback. This scene mirrored his dream exactly! Could it be...
He suddenly realized something. Meditation was supposed to keep him alert, yet he fell asleep. And Grace wouldn't disturb him during his rest unless...
"Have my psychic powers advanced?" he thought excitedly, closing his eyes to feel the energy flow within him, though his hands continued their work.
"This feels really nice," Grace murmured softly, suppressing any sounds. Seeing him with his eyes closed, she joined him in a relaxed state.
Last night's intensity was a challenge for her future, but she didn't want a repeat.
"Indeed, I've grown stronger!"
As Grace fell silent, Carl was engrossed in his newfound abilities. His perception had expanded from a mere five hundred meters to a full kilometer. Although the distance had merely doubled, the coverage area quadrupled.
What thrilled him most was mastering a hallmark skill of advanced psychics—teleportation. Within his sensory range, he could move at will. However, greater distances demanded more energy. After some trials, he found that moving a few meters was effortless, but teleporting a kilometer away drained half his mental stamina, even with special recovery methods, it would take fifteen minutes to recuperate. A distance of about three hundred meters was ideal for maintaining balance.
"Teleportation is fascinating!"
Eager to try teleporting himself versus being teleported by someone else, Carl resisted the urge seeing Grace still resting. Having someone as proud as her show vulnerability was a rare occurrence.
To think he unlocked precognitive dreaming just upon reaching the advanced stage—was it the special tea, or was he just naturally gifted? Peering at Caitlin nearby, this noble-born psychic didn't seem as exceptional as him and Grace.
"Let's continue meditating."
He had barely closed his eyes when Serena's gentle voice called out, "What would you like to eat?"
Carl and Grace both opened their eyes to find the other girls gathered nearby. Some were drinking water, others wiping sweat, chatting and laughing. Most amusing was Lusamife, who, despite trailing behind Cynthia in the score, insisted on another match in the afternoon—truly embodying the spirit of loving the game despite the odds. Lusamine and Lillie watched her with resigned smiles.
"You've worked hard playing volleyball this morning, let's keep lunch simple," Carl said, wiping the sweat from Serena's forehead, noticing how she often neglected her appearance.
"How about we sample the local cuisine?" Daisy Oak suggested. She hadn't yet experienced Serena's culinary skills, and Blue Pearl Beach boasted some well-established restaurants.
"A culinary adventure?" Serena's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Is it the famous Granny's Beach House from online?"