"Lyle!" An old voice interrupted the young man's speech, "Don't discuss him in front of outsiders! If he finds out, we'll be sent to the giant pit!"
"I don't care! If it weren't for him, we'd be worse than dead!" Lyle exclaimed, his expression intense. "It's all the king's fault. If it weren't for him, our homeland wouldn't be buried under the blizzard!"
The old man fell silent, wary of Summer being the king's man. In his understanding, only those fortunate enough or under the king's command could control Pokémon.
"Don't worry, I don't know this king of yours," Summer reassured, noticing their concern.
Lyle exhaled a long breath of relief. "I heard from other refugees that the king spread the calamities, like the endless blizzards on Glaseado Mountain!"
"The entire Paldea region is being ravaged by disasters. That guy has gone mad. He's doing this to make everyone homeless so they satisfy his wish of finding treasures in the giant pit!"
Paldea? Summer nodded silently. So, I'm in Paldea now, the region that uses Terastalization.
But what is this giant pit? It seems I'll need to investigate important areas in each region I explore.
"Hatterene!"
As Summer pondered, Hatterene suddenly assumed a defensive stance, causing the refugees' previously relaxed expressions to tense up again.
"Hatterene, what is it? A powerful Pokémon is approaching?" Summer remained vigilant. If it was the one causing the blizzard, it would be troublesome.
At that moment, a voice came from above.
"Looks like it's over."
A pure white stag gracefully leapt down the snow slope, followed by a deep blue wolf-like Pokémon sprinting across the snow.
"I sensed conflict. It seems you stopped the malice," the young man, riding the stag, said to Summer. For some reason, he bore goodwill towards Summer from the start.
With gloves glowing blue, he brushed snow off his black cloak. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, and a deep blue band tied around his forehead. His light blue eyes exuded resilience.
"I heard your conversation earlier. Some parts were right, others wrong," the young man dismounted the stag.
Summer deduced that the Pokémon he rode was Wyrdeer, and the one beside him was Lucario.
"First, the calamities indeed appeared because of the king. But now, only one remains."
"Rot, fire, and dust—three calamities I've already defeated. They're in a temporary slumber."
Except for Summer, everyone was stunned. He had defeated calamities equivalent to the endless blizzards!
But soon, the refugees felt discontent. Why hadn't he come to defeat the blizzard-causing calamity first? If he had come earlier...
"Sorry, when the king asked me to defeat them, the calamities had already spread across Paldea. I had to tackle them one by one," the young man explained, leaving the refugees unable to argue. The calamities were the king's doing, but his ability to read our minds is eerie.
"Are you a Aura Guardian?" Summer suddenly asked.
"Heh, I lack their dedication. Call me a Pokémon envoy. Though I do use Aura," the young man replied without surprise or concealment.
"Then, can you tell me the true nature of the calamities?"
"Of course," the young man smiled, "Speaking of which, can we have something to eat? The snowy mountains really drain one's energy."
"Here, catch this," Summer tossed an apple to him.
The young man caught it smoothly, and blue light erupted from his hand, dividing the apple into four neat pieces.
He turned and shared them with his Pokémon, then ate the remaining piece, showing a surprised expression.
"It's really sweet. So, where was I? Ah, the true nature of the calamities. They're Pokémon."
"Pokémon?"
"Yes, Pokémon. But that's a simple description. They transformed from treasures."
"These treasures, once passed through many hands, gradually absorbed human desires and curses. Ultimately, the king's twisted wish triggered them."
"So, they became calamities, filled with malice, wreaking havoc across this land."
Listening to the young man's words, the refugees clenched their fists. It was indeed the king's fault. What more will that scoundrel do to ruin his country?
"Honestly, they're really tough to handle. The land cracks, vegetation withers, rocks melt. Especially that firefish transformed from a magatama," the young man complained.
"If it weren't in a hard-to-melt rock area and loved wandering around, I wouldn't know how to deal with it amidst lava."
"So, you returned from the snowy mountain?"
"Exactly. This peak is practically its hunting ground. Too hard to deal with." He then looked at Summer, "Hey, interested in helping me defeat the calamity? I'll share the king's reward with you."
"I refuse," Summer immediately replied.
"I thought so. Who would risk their life for a reward?" The young man smiled wryly.
But Summer shook his head, looking him in the eye. "I won't endanger my companions by working with someone who hides things."
"I understand. No more hiding, Cresselia."
Brilliant aurora lights shimmered beside the young man, revealing a magnificent Pokémon. Just seeing it induced sleepiness.
"The embodiment of the crescent moon, Cresselia?"
As expected, a Pokémon envoy capable of defeating calamities wouldn't rely on just two Pokémon. Cresselia was his hidden ace.
"That's right. You truly are knowledgeable," the young man smiled. "Enough sincerity now?"
"Yes, my name is Summer."
"Remember my name, it's Yagen. Nice to meet you," Yagen smiled brightly.
"One thing I'm curious about. Why choose me? Why show goodwill to a stranger like me?" Summer asked.
"You're too serious. Simple, your strength. A Psychic-type Pokémon to shield from the blizzard, a Fire-type Pokémon to provide warmth, and although slightly different, that's Ursaluna, right? I know it has a keen sense of smell," Yagen explained frankly.
"As for why I show goodwill, you should know. Aura can sense emotions. I can feel your three Pokémon's trust in you."
"I see. Then let's prepare before seeking the calamity," Summer finally let his guard down.
"You really are too serious," Yagen shook his head, sitting cross-legged, "Call me when you're ready."
"That's called being prepared."
Summer responded, remembering he had someone to take care of. Turning around, he saw Shulan peeking from the cave entrance. He had to look after her.
(End of Chapter)