"These are Big Malasadas. They're sweet, filling, and can be preserved for a long time. Take them as your travel provisions," Silver Birch said, handing over a large cloth-wrapped bundle of Big Malasadas, the aroma wafting through the packaging.
"In this bag, there are Cheri Berries to cure paralysis, Chesto Berries to cure sleep, and Pecha Berries to cure poison. These berries should be helpful on your trial journey."
The second bag contained berries, emitting a fresh fragrance as if they had just been picked.
"This is a local herbal remedy. It's quite painful when applied to wounds but very effective. Make sure to prioritize your safety," he said, handing over a bag with a strong bitter smell. After giving it to Summer, Silver walked over to a tree and picked up a finely crafted spear.
"This is the best spear in our town. You need to learn to protect yourself," he said, holding it out to Summer.
"Thank you for your kindness, but this is enough. I trust my Pokémon, so I don't need the spear. Please, keep the other items too," Summer quickly declined, feeling that taking the spear might bring bad luck.
"I understand. Carrying too much would be a burden. If you run out of supplies, don't hesitate to return to the town. We'll provide support because you're risking your life to help us," Silver said.
Suddenly, he seemed to remember something and asked Summer to wait while he fetched something.
Silver returned with a delicate box and opened it in front of Summer. Inside lay a peculiar stone with a Z-shaped core and a diamond-shaped groove, adorned with a few shining crystals, exuding a magical aura.
"This is a treasure given to us by the Guardian. I believe it will bring you good luck. Please, don't refuse," Silver said, extending the box towards Summer.
It was a Sparkling Stone, the material used to create Z-Rings, which could harness the power of Z-Crystals to channel bonds with Pokémon and unleash powerful Z-Moves.
It seemed that the Guardians had given them Sparkling Stones, but the people of this era hadn't discovered their true purpose.
"Alright, I'll accept it. By the way, Island Chief Silver, haven't you ever wondered why the Guardian gave you this treasure?" Summer asked.
"Why? Well, since it's a gift from the Guardian, we should preserve it. Could there be another purpose?"
"I'm just curious. Don't you think this diamond-shaped groove is meant to hold something?"
"Right, Z-Crystals are diamond-shaped!" Silver had a bold idea. "What would happen if we placed a Z-Crystal in it? But now isn't the time for curiosity. Please take it, Summer."
"Because you're collecting Z-Crystals for the trial, it might help you," Silver said, pushing the box towards Summer again.
"Understood. Time is of the essence; I need to prepare to depart," Summer said.
Summer took the Sparkling Stone and climbed onto Corviknight's back. As he did, children hiding behind the house ran out, shouting to him.
"Come back safely, big brother!"
"You guys..." Silver showed a helpless expression.
"It's okay, Chief Silver. It's their way of expressing their feelings," Summer said, looking at the children holding the wooden carvings he had given them. He smiled and said, "I promise, I'll come back!"
"Fly, Corviknight, to the volcano," Summer commanded.
"Kaaw!" (I've been waiting for this!)
Corviknight flapped its wings, creating a powerful gust, and soared into the sky amid the children's cheers, heading towards the northern volcano of the town.
Although called a volcano, Wela Volcano didn't spew lava but emitted high-temperature sulfuric gas. This toxic gas attracted many Salandit, and naturally, their leader, Salazzle.
Summer's first target was the Totem Salazzle of Wela Volcano, rumored to live in a cave within the volcano.
Salazzle released special pheromones to control male Salandit, forming a legion. The Totem Salazzle likely controlled all the Salandit in Wela Volcano, making it a formidable opponent.
So, Summer didn't plan to challenge Totem Salazzle directly. He intended to help Thwackey evolve in the volcano's intense heat to gain the upper hand.
Against the Fire/Poison-type Salazzle, Ground-type moves would be highly effective, making it essential for victory.
At the summit of Wela Volcano, Corviknight landed with Summer and Thwackey. The site wasn't yet a trial location, so there was no stone altar.
Hot, foul-smelling gas spewed from cracks in the rocks, making the summit unbearably hot.
"Why are there so many mounds here?" Summer wondered, remembering the ground being flat in his memory.
"Maybe it's due to changes over time. Anyway, Thwackey, start drumming," Summer instructed.
"Thwack?" Thwackey questioned. Aren't we here to challenge the Totem? Why start drumming?
"I understand your confusion. We need your evolved form's strength. Thwackey, Rillaboom evolved while drumming passionately. Maybe this method will help you too."
"Also, can you feel it? The volcano's heat is unlike anything you've experienced. Use it as inspiration for a new tune," Summer encouraged.
Thwackey nodded, understanding that challenging the Totem unprepared would be irresponsible.
Thwackey had long desired evolution. The first time was inspired by Milotic's strength and security, wishing to protect the forest. The second time was envy of the Lilligant sisters' evolution through stones, but Thwackey dismissed this, wanting to evolve through its own effort.
Most profoundly, Thwackey was influenced by Corviknight's evolution. As a training partner, Corviknight's growth surpassed Thwackey, creating pressure.
Summer's expectations, the children's hopes, the desire to heal the suffering, and the hope amidst disaster—all fueled Thwackey's resolve.
"Thwackey, let my drumming reach the depths of your soul," it thought.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Thwackey focused on the drumsticks and drum, beating rhythmically. The intense drumming echoed into the ears of the volcano's residents.
Dancing Pokémon paused, looking towards the summit. The drumming ignited their sorrow, compelling them to dance beside it.
(Chapter End)