Medali, Paldea Region.
Located in the western part of the Paldea Region, Medali is a charming settlement where houses are built like a labyrinth of blocks, creating a visually intricate and complex layout.
Despite being a small town, Medali is renowned for its culinary culture. The local eateries are so popular that lines of eager diners resemble those in bustling metropolises.
Dylan and his companions arrived in Medali around 5 p.m. Naturally, their destination was the town's most famous restaurant, Debby Diner.
However, seeing the long queue at the entrance, Dylan found himself in silent contemplation.
And then...
With the power of money paving the way, Dylan and his group secured their place inside the restaurant to enjoy their meal.
"Hmm~ These grilled rice balls smell amazing," Ilene commented after taking a bite.
"Oge~ Oge!"Beside her, the mischievous Ogerpon munched away, its face covered in grains of rice, nodding enthusiastically in agreement.
"Well, it's famous for a reason, but…"Dylan's gaze shifted toward a middle-aged man in a black suit seated at a nearby table, also enjoying a grilled rice ball.
"What's the matter, Brother? Hmm? He looks really tired…"
Lillie noticed Dylan's gaze and followed it, her curiosity piqued by the exhausted appearance of the man. His sallow complexion, heavy dark circles, and lifeless eyes made it seem as though he could fall asleep—or collapse—at any moment.
Has he been pulling all-nighters? He looks like he's on the brink of burnout.
"Brother, do you know him?"
"No, not really."
"That's odd…" Lillie's gaze lingered on the weary man, filled with curiosity.
"It's not that strange, actually. Corporate life does that to people," Dylan shrugged.In truth, he did recognize the man—it was Medali's Gym Leader, Larry.
Larry specialized in Normal-type Pokémon, believing that their ordinary nature reflected the true essence of life.
But Larry had another identity: he was one of the Paldea Elite Four. As an Elite Four member, Larry adopted a Flying-type team when facing challengers, often telling them, "If you have any complaints, take them up with the League Head."
Interestingly, both of these roles—Gym Leader and Elite Four member—were side gigs for Larry. His primary job was as an employee in the Paldea League's Operations Department, where his performance was less than stellar.
In other words, Larry was juggling three jobs at once, which explained his perpetually fatigued demeanor.
"Such dedication…"
Dylan couldn't help but admire this fellow professional from another region. Larry truly lived up to his reputation as the Pokémon world's most famous overworked salaryman.
To what extent was Larry overworked? In the games, when the protagonist challenges the Paldea League, Larry is the third Elite Four member to battle. After giving it his all, he's so exhausted that he lacks the energy to even announce the next opponent.
Moreover, during the climactic showdown between the protagonist and Champion Nemona in Mesagoza, while others gather to watch the duel, Larry simply grabs his briefcase and calmly leaves to continue his work.
Ah, the life of a corporate slave.
"This is why taking vacations is essential," Dylan reaffirmed his stance.Working year-round without breaks? Unthinkable! Absolutely unthinkable!
Encountering Larry at the restaurant was a minor incident. Dylan didn't approach him for a conversation—after all, the man had enough on his plate without additional distractions.
After a night's rest in Medali, Dylan and his companions set off the next day toward the Great Paldean Crater.
"Hmm, this map is so strange!"
Lillie studied Paldea's map with a puzzled expression.
"Why is there a giant basin in the middle?"
She pointed to the central part of the Paldea map. The region was divided into four areas—east, west, south, and north—each with its own distinct climate.
This central peculiarity was one of Paldea's defining features.
"It's called the Great Paldean Crater. It's incredibly mysterious. But I bet our all-knowing Dylan knows all about it, right?" Ilene teased, glancing playfully at Dylan.
"Do you know, Brother?" Lillie asked, her wide eyes filled with curiosity.
"I know a bit," Dylan replied with a soft smile.
Hearing this, both Ilene and Lillie leaned in expectantly, waiting for him to begin.
"The origins of the Great Paldean Crater remain a mystery to this day, but it's believed to have formed over a million years ago.
"About two thousand years ago, the Paldean Empire began ruling the region. Legend has it that the emperor, a tyrannical figure, was obsessed with the myth of treasures hidden within the crater. He sent numerous expeditions into the depths of the crater."
"However, the terrain inside was too complex, and strange rumors deterred exploration. No one reached the bottom—until about two hundred years ago, when an explorer named Heath led the Area Zero Expedition Team to the crater's base. From then on, the area was called Area Zero. Heath documented his experiences in the Scarlet Book and the Violet Book."
"Wow!" Lillie exclaimed in awe.
Even a powerful emperor failed to explore the crater, yet one expedition team managed to succeed!
"Yes, but Heath's writings were considered too fantastical, so most people dismissed them as mere folklore.
"Then, about 140 years ago, Terastallized Pokémon were discovered in Area Zero. While these Pokémon were brought out of the crater, their bodies lost their radiant glow. For a long time, Terastallization remained shrouded in mystery.
"Eighty-seven years ago, observation stations were established in Area Zero, gradually unraveling its secrets. However, access remains restricted to ordinary people.
"Finally, ten years ago, Professors Sada and Turo, two brilliant scientists, uncovered the mechanism of Terastallization and invented the Tera Orb, making the technology accessible to the League and academies."
As Dylan finished his explanation, the group approached the massive basin visible in the distance.
"So, Dylan, do you think Heath's accounts are true?" Ilene asked curiously.
While Dylan shared key information, the true mysteries of the crater remained unsolved. What about the legendary treasure?
"What do you think?" Dylan replied with a teasing smile.
Many of Heath's descriptions—such as the Paradox Pokémon—were indeed real. However, a significant paradox lay within the story itself.
Heath's exploration occurred 200 years ago, yet Paradox Pokémon weren't native to this era. Anyone who played Scarlet/Violet or its DLCs knew the truth: Professors Sada and Turo, inspired by Heath's books, built a time machine that brought ancient and futuristic Pokémon into the present.
And thus, the paradox: the time machine created by the professors was inspired by books detailing creatures that supposedly shouldn't have existed in Heath's time.
So, two hundred years ago, how did Haizhe encounter those Paradox Pokémon and write the Scarlet Book and Violet Book?
Dylan actually had a theory, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it.
"Brother, someone has been attacked by a wild Pokémon," Lillie hurriedly pointed to the distance on the side as she spoke to Dylan.
Dylan looked in the indicated direction, raising an eyebrow, a glimmer of interest flashing in his eyes.
At that moment, up ahead—
"Darn it, how is this Pokémon so strong!"
A young woman named Iono looked at her fainted Luxray, realizing the dire situation she was in, especially with that ferocious Pokémon approaching her step by step.
The savage aura and those wild, untamed eyes sent chills down her spine.
It was a Pokémon with many similar features to Donphan—two long, curved tusks like a mammoth's, feral golden eyes full of malice, and a purple trunk adorned with upright red scales.
Wild! Savage!
It was the Great Tusk, a Paradox Pokémon thought to resemble an ancient form of Donphan!
Seeing the dangerously menacing Great Tusk closing in, Iono's delicate face turned pale. Initially, she had whimsically decided to livestream the Paldea Crater from afar.
But to her misfortune, she had barely arrived before running into this ruthless and unreasonable Great Tusk.
Faced with a wild Pokémon that attacked without provocation, Iono had naturally chosen to fight back. After all, she was a Gym Leader.
However, she hadn't anticipated the sheer strength of this wild Pokémon!
Mismagius, Electrode, Bellibolt… all her main Pokémon had been defeated one after another by this wild beast.
How… how could it be this strong?!
"Run, Iono, run!!"
"What the heck, why is there such a dangerous wild Pokémon in this area?"
"Hang on, Iono! I'm on my way to help you—just hold on!"
"Don't just stand there, Iono!"
"What's wrong with you people? Turning your back and running from a wild Pokémon like this is just asking to be killed!"
Iono's flying livestream equipment was still running, and her livestream chat was flooded with frantic comments.
But Iono had no attention to spare for the chat. Her mind was racing; she had no intention of dying here!
She still had so much life ahead of her!
As for running? How could a human possibly outrun a Pokémon? Iono regretted not bringing her Kilowattrel—it could've at least gotten her out of danger safely.
A low, feral growl interrupted her frantic thoughts. She looked ahead in terror as the Great Tusk began charging toward her. Iono closed her eyes in fear.
Oh no… So this is how it ends for me?
But—
Boom!
A deafening explosion rang out, and a powerful shockwave swept through the area, causing Iono's heavy twin ponytails to flutter. Instinctively, she shielded her face with her hands.
A pained growl echoed, then fell silent.
Iono opened her eyes and looked ahead, only to see the once-ferocious wild Pokémon lying defeated in a crater. Standing at the edge of the crater was a humanoid Pokémon wearing a mask.
"Bo-ne~"
The Ogerpon tilted its head, glanced at Iono, pulled out a smartphone, tapped on it to resume playback, and casually walked toward Dylan's direction.
'The poor Ivysaur princess was once again ambushed by the evil Arbok, plunging her back into crisis…'
Iono stared blankly at Ogerpon's retreating figure. Did she hear it right? Was that narration coming from its phone just now??
This Pokémon, which could easily take down such a ferocious wild Pokémon, was watching a drama on its phone?
Was she out of touch? Had Pokémon become this trendy these days???
A Pokémon that pulls out a phone to watch TV after a battle??!
Iono was sure she hadn't gone mad, but the world… it seemed a little crazy.
(End of chapter)