At Misty Lake, a Psyduck was leisurely soaking in the water. Suddenly, it noticed that the queen had vanished. Before it could process what had happened, Milotic reappeared before its eyes.
Psyduck's wise brain rapidly turned over the events and finally concluded that it must have been an illusion from not getting enough sleep today. So, it decided to take a nap!
"When I first crossed over, I didn't expect to go to the Spirit World, but helping Opal's parents reunite counts as a good deed," Summer muttered to himself, looking at the glowing stone on his backpack.
"Roar~"
"Mmm~"
Thwackey and Milotic responded to Summer's words, agreeing with the result.
[Completed the fourth space-time distortion, received item: Glowing Mushroom Spawn. Glowing Mushroom: A unique mushroom growing in the Glimwood Tangle, it emits different colors of light depending on its environment. More than fifty colors have been discovered.]
[Received item: Light Moss. Light Moss: A unique moss that emits a strange light when in contact with water, enhancing the special defense of nearby Pokémon.]
[Received item: Roseli Berry Seedling. Roseli Berry: A berry loved by Fairy-type Pokémon, known for its unique fragrance and sweetness, making it an indispensable part of high-quality herbal tea.]
[Received book: Comprehensive Guide to Sugar Decorations. Comprehensive Guide to Sugar Decorations: Author, Simon Capet, details various methods of creating sugar decorations, considered one of the great works by Milcery enthusiasts.]
[Received book: The Mystery of Spinning. The Mystery of Spinning: Author, Simon Capet, details the results of Milcery spinning at different times, speeds, and directions, encouraging readers to explore new forms of Milcery. Considered one of the great works by Milcery enthusiasts.]
Hmm, it seems that Mr. Simon later became a godfather-like figure among Milcery enthusiasts. Well, his passion for Milcery should only be second to his love for his wife and daughter.
[Received item: TM Moonblast (one-time use). Moonblast: Attacks the enemy with the power of the moon. There are rumors that using it at night increases its power, but it has been proven to be a psychological effect.]
Moonblast is a very good move. But does it really not get a power boost at night? It's supposed to borrow the power of the moon!
[Completed the fourth space-time distortion, adding a special area: Dream Forest. Dream Forest: A region very similar to Glimwood Tangle in northern Galar. Just similar, though.]
Summer didn't know what to make fun of for a moment. Did they just move part of Glimwood Tangle over here?
[Received item: TM Shadow Claw (one-time use). Shadow Claw: Envelops claws in shadows, filled with eerie energy, easily landing critical hits.]
[Completed the fourth space-time distortion, adding a special area: Spirit World Gate. Spirit World Gate: Occasionally, Ghost-type Pokémon may come through it.]
Can I refuse this thing? Summer looked troubled. He didn't want Sunset Forest to turn into a haunted forest full of wandering ghosts. The Ghost-type Pokémon, like Phantump, were already enough.
[Completed the fourth space-time distortion, received item: Spooky Plate Fragment. Spooky Plate: A fragment of a large slab containing powerful ghostly energy, enhancing the power of Ghost-type moves when held.]
Summer didn't expect to bring back these two formidable items from a trip to the Spirit World. Fortunately, he could choose not to summon the Spooky Plate; otherwise, he felt like Sunset Forest would need to be renamed Hundred Ghosts Forest.
After waiting for a while and seeing no more disturbances from the forest assistant, Summer calmed down and began to check the items Simon collected in the Spirit World.
"Four Dusk Stones, three Spell Tags, eleven Cleanse Tags, a Reaper Cloth, and... a teacup? It's quite exquisite. Excluding the Dawn Stone from Gym Leader Eleph, these are indeed items full of the Spirit World atmosphere."
Closing his backpack, Summer decided to give the three Spell Tags and the Reaper Cloth to the Phantumps for safekeeping. But before that, he decided to check the Spirit World Gate.
"Milotic, sorry, I'll bring you an apple tomorrow. I have something to take care of now," Summer said apologetically.
"Mmm~" Milotic nodded slightly, indicating that Summer could go ahead.
"Alright, let's go, Thwackey."
"Roar~"
Following the instructions, Summer led Thwackey to the location of the Spirit World Gate, passing through the newly added Dream Forest on the way. The glowing mushrooms were the only source of light in the dim forest. Other than the lack of Pokémon, it was almost identical to Grimwood Tangle.
"The environment is almost the same as Glimwood Tangle. The Pokémon that settle here in the future will probably be the same too."
After a brief analysis, Summer continued toward the Spirit World Gate, located at the edge of Sunset Forest. He would later inform the residents of Spikemuth Town to stay away.
"It's actually on a tree. Hmm, isn't that Phantump?"
Arriving at the location of the Spirit World Gate, Summer first saw the Phantumps surrounding it. Influenced by the gate, the tree's branches twisted ominously.
"Perfect timing. Here, take these."
Summer handed the Spell Tags and Reaper Cloth to the three Phantumps, who showed great interest in these spirit-filled items.
"By the way, Phantumps, you need to watch out for anything coming through this gate. If possible, try to drive them back. If not, notify me immediately."
The Phantumps nodded in agreement. According to Summer, anything coming through the gate would likely harm the forest, and they had the duty to drive it back.
After the arrangements, Summer still felt uneasy. Then, he thought of the Cleanse Tags and stuck all eleven of them on the tree. The tree now looked even more terrifying.
"Hmm, hmm, hmm, is there anything else to ward off evil? Right, we can make something ourselves!" Summer smiled. "Come on, Thwackey, let's find some quality wood."
"Roar?"
Late at night, a pair of red eyes peered out from the Spirit World Gate. This Pokémon wanted to take advantage of the absence of guards to enjoy the real world, but the outside was filled with a sense of restriction.
It struggled with all its might, suddenly feeling the presence of four pairs of eyes staring at it intently, making it shiver uncontrollably.
One was a fierce tiger with a muscular body, wielding sharp claws, and fierce flames burning around its waist. Its large mouth seemed ready to scold anyone who approached.
Another was clad in armor, with cold eyes and blade-like hands capable of cutting through anything, delivering a swift strike to any unguarded opponent.
One more was covered in a shell-like armor, with a fierce expression. It seemed capable of shaking mountains, tearing apart any obstacle with its sharp teeth.
The last one was the most terrifying, an embodiment of nightmares. Its outstretched hand could drag all life into an endless nightmare.
Overwhelmed by fear, this Pokémon gave up struggling and fled back into the depths of the Spirit World. The real world was too frightening; the Spirit World was better after all!
(End of Chapter)