Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World
Chapter 186 186

"What exactly was that Pokémon? Outside... that really was Entei and Suicune!"

On their way to the main hall, Ash seemed to have a hundred thousand questions bubbling in his head, all clamoring to be answered at once—why did Hikaru know him, why had he suddenly appeared here, and what was that Entei-like Pokémon supposed to be?

And what about that Pokémon by Hikaru's side that looked just like a sword?

"Too many questions! I'll answer them after we've resolved the situation."

Hikaru was currently using his psychic powers to suppress the anomalies within the area. The crystalline spikes were still erupting wildly! They were now completely out of Molly's control and were being manipulated solely by the Unown.

"The Symbol Tablet… the Unown!"

Chunks of stone imbued with psychic energy quickly assembled in midair to form new words. The power of the Unown swept away the surrounding crystal formations, clearing a path so everyone could reach the lower levels faster. This same force also helped suppress the formation of the mental crystals.

Hikaru suspected that part of the reason he could generate Pokémon in Molly's mental world was because he held a portion of the "Symbol Tablet" that caused this incident. And his presence might be suppressing the proliferation of the crystal spikes to some degree.

"Professor Rowan, what exactly is happening?!"

Ash suddenly received a call from Professor Rowan—his PokéGear started ringing, and the professor began explaining the situation in detail.

"It's the Unown! Their power surged uncontrollably, and now even they can't stop it! The crystallization phenomenon is spreading toward the Pokémon Center. Ash, you must find a way to stop the Unown from losing control!"

"I got it! Hmm, we've got plenty of firepower here—no problem!" Ash looked around and counted everyone present. He felt pretty confident about their odds.

For example—

Boom!

Outside the Crystal Tower, triple jets of fire burst through the crystalline walls, and almost simultaneously, three Entei burst into the hall where the Unown were gathering!

As for Suicune, it followed silently behind them, acting like a camera drone. Hikaru, Ash, Molly, Delia, and even Team Rocket—having broken free—entered the hall together.

This was it—the "decisive battle" had finally arrived.

"Let's see… Found it!" Hikaru's eyes immediately locked onto Unown E's position. Amid a massive orb formed by Unown vibrating, shifting, cycling, and converging, one Unown stood out by doing nothing—all the others had their eyes open, unleashing power, but this one had its eyes closed and looked like it had completely checked out.

"Is that your Unown, Mr. Hikaru?"

"Hmm, it's a friend. I didn't catch it, and it's not even from the Johto region. Looks like it accidentally got summoned here by the other Unown," Hikaru shrugged.

"Unown live in a dimension known as the space-time rift. Any Unown at any ruin can open portals to it. They often call upon large numbers of helpers to do random things. Their mentality is kind of like a child's—anything interesting will attract a crowd."

"Though the Unown in the Sinnoh region are probably a bit more serious."

"Sinnoh region?" Ash was confused.

It was a region he hadn't heard of yet—after all, he hadn't even made it to Hoenn.

"Don't worry, you'll travel there eventually. But… I suggest going to Hoenn first. The Sinnoh region might be a bit too tough for you right now."

Ash would go on to lose at the Silver Conference to Hazuki from Hoenn, with his Charizard defeated by a Blaziken. That battle would become the spark for Ash to travel to Hoenn. Honestly, without the trials and growth he gained in Hoenn, Ash wouldn't have been able to achieve the victories seen in the original timeline.

Let's not even talk about being "plot-defeated" by a Legendary—he'd likely lose heart just from battling Paul.

Oh, and in this world, the "May" from the Hoenn region was traveling with the game's protagonist "Haruka," so there might not be a "May" in Ash's journey—unless Haruka has a twin sister named May.

Now that would be quite the surprise for Professor Birch—two daughters, and twins at that.

"The Entei trio is working together to break the Unown's barrier!"

"How do we stop them?"

"I'll go first!"

In front of everyone's stunned eyes, Ash charged forward like the brave fool he was, slamming full-force into the Unown's barrier!

Ah, satisfying! Hikaru chuckled inwardly.

Classic Ash—always rushing in first to test things. If it works, the rest follow!

『Ash used Tackle—it wasn't very effective.』

"Gah!" Sure enough, Ash got bounced back by the barrier and landed square on his butt.

"He really is always this brave…" Hikaru couldn't help but comment. If you're in the Pokémon world, you're going to comment on Ash's recklessness eventually—it's just how it goes.

"Yup," Misty, Brock, and even Team Rocket nodded in agreement. Pikachu also nodded. Molly looked confused, but even Hanako sighed.

Watching Ash's antics, Suicune—the one observing Ash—also gave a subtle nod.

No doubt about it—he was the Rainbow Hero.

Forget technique—he had guts! Chosen personally by Ho-Oh. No wonder Suicune had revealed itself to him. Maybe… maybe this boy really could become a Pokémon Master someday.

The kind who goes hand-to-hand with Pokémon!

At that moment, everyone—human and Pokémon alike—reached the same conclusion about Ash.

"Charizard, your turn!" Ash struggled to his feet and faced reality, calling on Charizard. But Hikaru stopped Charizard from taking off and pulled out a heat-sealed container from his bag.

Whoosh—a wave of scorching heat burst out as soon as the box was opened. Even before touching the item inside, Charizard felt an overwhelming fire energy calling to it!

"Take this. And share it with the other Entei!"

What Hikaru had pulled out was Scorching Charcoal—specially refined charcoal from Ilex Forest. It far surpassed the standard item and could dramatically boost fire energy. Long-term use could awaken a Fire-type Pokémon's potential and amplify move power by an extra 35%!

"'The Entei'… like they're some kind of bulk product." Misty teased.

Yeah… like stray dogs on the street?

"Pika!" Pikachu suddenly sneezed and tilted its head in confusion.

Meanwhile, Misty's gaze toward Hikaru changed slightly.

Almost as if… she'd remembered something? Misty seemed to be trying to confirm Hikaru's identity—but didn't say anything yet.

"Pikachu, it's up to you! Thunderbolt!" Ash's command snapped Pikachu out of its daze. It shook its head to regain focus!

"Pika…CHU!"

Blazing golden electricity surged from Pikachu's body—it was the Pokémon Team Rocket had gone through hell to catch. Ash's Pikachu was far more powerful than others of its kind!

Massive bolts of lightning crashed onto the Unown barrier, sending shockwaves rippling across its surface!

"Let's join in too," said Hikaru, glancing at Misty, Brock, and Team Rocket. Unlike the original movie, where they were just spectators... now?

"Go, Staryu! Water Gun!"

"Take the stage, Vulpix! Flamethrower!"

"Let's go, Arbok! Poison Sting!"

"You're up, Weezing! Sludge Attack!"

The hall erupted into chaos. Pokémon of every kind launched a barrage of elemental attacks onto the Unown barrier. Even Suicune got involved, its eyes glowing as it unleashed Extrasensory!

Given how many Fire-types were present, a Water-type move would have caused a dangerous steam explosion. So instead, Suicune used psychic energy to stabilize the leaking Unown power.

ROAR! Charizard, now empowered by the Scorching Charcoal, tossed the remaining pieces to the other Entei. Their firepower surged in response!

"What is this power?" Whether real or fake, the Entei all felt the same thing—tremendous strength welling up within. Only Breakflame responded without hesitation—he unleashed a massive flame pillar instantly!

Who needs to overthink it? Just use the power and solve the problem!

Then—

"ROOOAAAR——!"

A deep, resonant cry echoed through the chamber.

The move—Howl!

A mighty roar that boosted morale and raised the user's and allies' Attack!

Whoosh whoosh whoosh—

All the Entei—real and fake—glowed with a power-up effect. Breakflame chuckled.

Now this… was just the beginning of their true enhancement!

"ROARRRR!!"

A second cry echoed—but this time it was the roar of a dragon! Unlike the lion-like bellows of the Entei, this roar was fierce, draconic, and primal!

Breakflame was now erupting with pure dragon energy!

Dragon Cheer!

It raised all allies' critical hit rate by one stage—and by two if the ally was Dragon-type. Sadly, none of the others had that typing, but a +1 boost was plenty!

The three Entei glanced at each other, nodded, and their bodies ignited with blinding flames. With their claws braced and their full might channelled into their bodies—they turned themselves into living blades of destruction!

Triple Flare Blitz!

"Unown, Unown~!"

The Unown were clearly panicking. Their powers had spiraled out of control, forcing them to erect a barrier—but now they were being attacked by three Entei, a Suicune, and a full team of Pokémon. They were scared!

If the barrier broke, they'd all be blown sky-high!

Driven by desperation, the Unown gathered all their psychic energy, infusing the barrier with every last drop of strength they had. Meanwhile, the triple Flare Blitz strikes crashed into it with devastating force!

The entire barrier rippled like a tsunami. The Unown inside spun faster than ever.

And far away, helplessly watching, Molly felt her heart sink.

She wasn't a Pokémon Trainer. Right now, there was nothing she could do.

Sniff…

The Amulet of Courage suddenly grew warm. When Molly clutched it tightly, her despair faded, and reason slowly returned. At that moment, she heard Hikaru's voice in her mind:

"Believe in your dad. This is your mental world. As long as you believe Entei can do anything—then it really can."

"But… Dad lost to you," she murmured.

Hikaru gave an awkward yet gentle smile and replied, "If you go on a journey someday, you'll learn—victory and defeat are always alternating. No one wins forever. No one loses forever. That's just how Pokémon battles work."

"Learn to accept defeat—and aim for victory next time."

"Exactly!" Ash clenched his fist, encouraging Molly with his hard-earned wisdom. "I've traveled a lot and fought tons of Trainers. I've lost plenty too—and felt terrible after.

But as long as you believe in your Pokémon, miracles will happen!"

"Believe in yourself! Next time—you won't lose!"

Ash's words filled Molly with courage—and the Pokémon responded to that call. Their powers surged again. Hikaru couldn't help but wonder—if Ash ever obtained the Aura of Viridian Forest, he might truly become unstoppable.

The Aura of Viridian was a special blessing from the Viridian Forest, granting incredible abilities like healing Pokémon, reading their thoughts, and empowering their strength through sheer willpower!

A Trainer like Ash—someone who so wholeheartedly believed in his Pokémon—if he had the Aura, he'd surpass even Yellow!

At that moment, the illusionary Entei sensed Molly's emotional shift and reached out to her.

"Molly… I'm truly happy."

"To be your father. And the last thing I'll ever do—is help you escape this place!"

"I was born from your dream. As long as you believe in me, I can do anything!"

"This time… Daddy won't lose!"

Molly watched the battling Entei and squeezed her amulet. Her heart rallied, and the charm gave her renewed strength.

"Go… Daddy, go!!"

Her psychic energy surged again. Hikaru amplified it with his own powers!

A flood of heart-born energy coursed into the Entei—not just the illusion, but even the real Entei and Breakflame felt it!

Wait… did this girl subconsciously see all of them as her father?

The real Entei pondered.

Then… even if I'm not her true father—let us respond to her call!

Flare Blitz consumed the chaotic barrier. The Unown's powers were compressed to the extreme.

"We're just short of the climax—it's already crazier than the original," Hikaru muttered.

Meanwhile, Doublade, who had been fruitlessly tossing Psychic Blades, suddenly sensed a ripple in aura.

Pokémon's strength, Entei's strength, Suicune's strength, and even the Unown's strength—

All the waves of aura converged into a sea of energy—and at its center—

There it was: the weak spot!

"Yo!"

Doublade instinctively overlapped both blades and looked at Hikaru for permission.

"You think you can pull it off?" Hikaru listened and was surprised. But he noticed the usual slacker was now staring ahead with burning resolve—its eyes wide with determination!

Nice eyes, too!

"Alright then—let me give you a boost." Hikaru raised his hand toward Doublade.

Psychic and spiritual amplification!

Doublade's aura perception expanded dramatically. Even the tiniest ripples became clear. Aura was life itself—every human and Pokémon had their own distinct one.

Even the illusionary Entei had aura.

Did that mean… it truly existed?

Too deep a question. Doublade wasn't about to get philosophical.

Right now, it had only one thought—

Draw the blade!

Using all the aura gathered, it unleashed a technique—

Aura Sphere?

No.

Doublade's spiritual state was unprecedentedly clear—burning and calm at the same time. A paradox, yet perfectly balanced.

With unwavering will, it focused all into a single strike—pure, focused, clean.

To carve deeper, finer sword marks into stone than ever before.

It couldn't have done this before.

But now—after seeing the aura's flow and the barrier's weak point—

It could!

Secret Technique—

Sacred Sword!

(End of Chapter)

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