Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 169: The World Tree's Recovery

Outside the room, a sudden arrival interrupted the conversation.

A middle-aged man with fiery red hair, draped in a long cape, strode in.

It was Lance.

His usually well-groomed hairstyle was in disarray, clearly indicating he had rushed over from high altitude at top speed.

"Champion Lance?"

The League President and Granny, the Elite Four Ghost-type specialist, were momentarily stunned.

Lance, the Dragon Master.

This was the title given to him back when he was still a Gym Leader specializing in Dragon-type Pokémon.

Though he had passed down his position to the current Dragon Gym Leader, Takashi Hayashi, he still frequently traveled the world, exploring various mysterious locations.

But how coincidental was it that he happened to arrive today?

Lance nodded, his expression grim.

"Yes, the situation is urgent. Let's depart immediately."

Even he found this situation rather unbelievable.

That kid... Hikaru.

The moment he received word that Hikaru had left Kyoto, he had practically flown across the country without stopping.

Now, in just a few days, Hikaru had gone from Kyoto all the way to the northeastern region of China?

What was this absurd turn of events?

His Dragonite had reported back, informing him that Hikaru had ventured into Qinling and that his aura had suddenly vanished amid a gathering of Champion-level Pokémon.

Even Dragonite had lost track of him.

And now, Hikaru's presence had completely disappeared?

That was enough to put Lance into high alert.

So, without wasting a second, he had rushed over as fast as possible.

"I see… That's very reassuring, Champion Lance…"

The League President originally planned to gather a few other Champion-level trainers, but now that Lance was here, there was no need.

---

Inside the World Tree

Having carefully avoided the three legendary golems, Hikaru let out a silent sigh of relief.

If those Pokémon had noticed him…

He would have had no choice but to run for his life.

As Hikaru continued following Lucario's Aura guidance deeper into the tree, he suddenly spotted another Time Flower along the path.

He resisted the temptation to activate it.

The last thing he needed was to trigger something that would alert those titanic Pokémon.

Before long, Hikaru finally reached the heart of the World Tree.

This chamber was entirely constructed from crystal.

However, the light emitted from the crystals was not the usual pure green glow…

Instead, everything was shrouded in a sickly orange-red hue.

The mere sight of it was unsettling.

Just as Latias gently lowered Hikaru to the ground, something in his mind stirred.

A familiar telepathic voice resonated through his consciousness.

"Hikaru, that little Pokémon… it just woke up."

It was Gardevoir, who had been tending to Mew inside the training space.

Hikaru wasted no time—he immediately summoned both Gardevoir and Mew into the open.

The moment Mew appeared, it looked visibly drained.

Though it no longer had the feverish symptoms from before, its expression was still lethargic.

"Meow…?"

The pink feline Pokémon blinked, still groggy.

For a moment, it didn't even recognize where it was.

The last thing Mew remembered was… running away.

It had completely lost its connection to the World Tree.

It couldn't feel anything—just endless darkness.

But now?

Now it was here?

Mew turned its head, scanning its surroundings.

Then, its eyes landed on Hikaru.

The realization hit instantly.

"Mew…? Meow!!"

In a flash, Mew launched itself straight into Hikaru's arms, rubbing its soft fur against him.

It felt that familiar, warm presence—one that had been missing for what felt like an eternity.

Hikaru chuckled, patting Mew's tiny head.

"What's wrong?"

He could feel waves of raw emotion from the little Pokémon.

Mew's voice trembled.

"Hikaru… I thought… I thought I'd never see you again…!"

Mew sniffled, clutching onto him tightly.

If it had fallen asleep again, it might have been for hundreds or even thousands of years.

That meant…

No more stories.

No more adventures.

No more Hikaru.

"Ahem."

Hikaru, who had dealt with multiple legendary Pokémon before, had already built up a tolerance to such emotional moments.

He was just about to comfort Mew further, but before he could—

Mew suddenly pulled away from him.

Its expression turned serious.

"Hikaru, no—this isn't the time for this! I have to find the Life Relic!

"With it, the World Tree can recover…"

"And if the World Tree gets better, then I can keep listening to your stories!"

With newfound determination, Mew attempted to take off toward the depths of the chamber.

But…

It barely made it two steps before its body wobbled and swayed.

It nearly collapsed.

Gardevoir immediately reacted, using Psychic to catch it in midair.

"Ughhh… I… I can't even… go look for it…"

Mew lay in Hikaru's arms, utterly crestfallen.

If it couldn't find the Life Relic…

It would disappear again.

And this time…

It might not wake up.

"Gardevoir…"

Latias and Gardevoir, who had been watching the scene unfold, couldn't stand to see Mew so miserable.

"Garde…?" (Hikaru, stop teasing it already. Just help it.)

"Hikaru…"

Latias pleaded softly.

Seeing a legendary Pokémon looking so fragile and heartbroken…

It was simply too much.

"Alright, alright… You guys are all ganging up on me now, huh?"

Hikaru smirked, shaking his head in amusement.

Then, his gaze shifted toward the massive crystal formation at the chamber's center.

A towering crystal heart pulsated slowly, encased in countless vein-like crystal pillars.

[The Core of the World Tree]

—The Heart of the World Tree.

A sudden thudding noise came from behind.

Hikaru turned his head, tensing for a fight.

It was the three legendary golems—Regirock, Regice, and Registeel.

However, this time…

They simply glanced at Mew, then silently turned and walked away.

They had acknowledged its presence.

In Hikaru's hand, a small vial materialized.

[Essence of Life — Xerneas's Life Energy]

Mew's eyes widened.

"Meow…?"

It had instantly recognized what Hikaru was holding.

Xerneas's Life Essence.

The sacred energy of the Life Pokémon itself.

Hikaru noticed Mew's expression change and raised an eyebrow.

"You recognize it?"

Mew's tail twitched excitedly.

It stared at the vial, eyes filled with anticipation.

"Not exactly, but… I can transform into Xerneas!"

"Mew…!"

It fluttered eagerly in front of Hikaru.

"If you pour that into the Core and use just a little Aura… the World Tree will recover completely!"

Hikaru grinned.

But instead of handing it over, he snatched the vial away.

Mew froze.

"Wait, hold up, Mew."

"If you know Xerneas, then you also know how precious this thing is."

Hikaru smirked.

The Life Essence had cost him 10,000 points.

No way was he giving it up for free.

This little rascal definitely had some good stuff.

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