"Officer Jenny, thank you for your trouble."
The Officer Jennys had been conducting exercises on the outskirts of this forest. Although the exercises had ended, they hadn't withdrawn that quickly. They had noticed the commotion from deep in the forest but hadn't been able to arrive in time.
Argus and Millis, the father-daughter thief duo, were taken away by the Officer Jennys.
However, what left Johan somewhat helpless was that he hadn't been able to learn information about his target Pokémon hunter group from this father-daughter thief pair.
Or rather.
There were too many large and small Pokémon hunter groups in the Kalos region, and Argus and his daughter didn't know which group Johan was specifically looking for.
The Officer Jennys left with the father and daughter to join the previous two "couple" thieves.
However, according to what Officer Jenny said, these few mostly focused on theft with capturing wild Pokémon as a secondary activity. Their crimes weren't as serious as Hunter J's group. If they behaved well in prison, there was a chance they could be released early.
Johan didn't say much about this—punishment should fit the crime, it was that simple.
After bidding farewell to Officer Jenny and the others, and saying goodbye to AZ, Johan, Steven, and Korrina followed Diancie to the Diamond Kingdom.
Dense forests, bright sunshine, active wild Pokémon gave everyone a leisurely feeling.
"Diancie, Diancie." Korrina skated on her roller blades.
"Mm?"
"Where is the Diamond Kingdom?"
There were rumors about this so-called "Diamond Kingdom" throughout the Kalos region, but very few people had actually seen it—you could even say none.
Johan and Steven were also somewhat curious about this.
"Underground throughout all of Kalos." Diancie curved her eyes, saying crisply.
"All of the Kalos region?" Even Steven was surprised.
Devon Corporation had acquired quite a few mineral veins and mines in the Kalos region, including large and small diamond mines, but had never seen any trace of the Diamond Kingdom.
"That was from a much older period. I didn't experience it myself, but at that time, the Diamond Kingdom truly spread throughout the underground of the entire Kalos region."
Diancie explained.
"But as the 'Eternal Crystal's' energy was gradually consumed, the Diamond Kingdom's scale became smaller and smaller. Many Carbink branches were forced to separate."
"So the diamond mines we usually encounter were actually originally part of the Diamond Kingdom?" Steven asked.
"Mm..." Diancie nodded. "Most of them, but some formed naturally, like the one I first encountered with Johan."
After pausing, it smiled again:
"Actually, even naturally born mineral veins and Carbink, after learning of the Diamond Kingdom's existence, mostly choose to join."
"They're all my subjects~"
Tsk tsk.
Listen to that.
In ancient times, humans fought bloody battles for control of the Kalos region, and AZ was just one of many kings.
And at that time, the Diamond Kingdom had spread throughout the entire Kalos region—a proper superpower.
"Another nation wealthy enough to rival countries..."
No wait, the Diamond Kingdom was already a country.
The others didn't hear Johan's muttering. Diancie was currently full of confidence.
It clenched its small fists and said: "I will definitely restore the Diamond Kingdom to its former glory!"
"You can do it, Diancie!" Korrina was the first to show support and truly believed Diancie could accomplish it.
"Mm-hmm!"
Though the former Diamond Kingdom was very large, the current Diamond Kingdom...
One day later.
"Princess! Princess, you've finally returned!"
Diamond Minister, whose appearance differed from ordinary Carbink, saw Diancie and excitedly rushed to greet her first.
Originally, Johan had actually considered taking Diancie to see more of the outside world and have some fun before returning.
But Diancie was eager to save her country, so they didn't delay further. They even used Steven's "resources," taking a private jet directly to the Diamond Kingdom's entrance.
"Diamond Minister, I'm fine." Facing the anxious Diamond Minister, Diancie smiled warmly.
Ever since learning that the Diamond Kingdom's "Eternal Crystal" was about to wither and disappear, Diancie had known the heavy responsibility on its shoulders.
So it often snuck out, wanting to find Xerneas.
Sometimes Diamond Minister and the others could find it, but sometimes they couldn't keep up. Now seeing Princess Diancie return, Diamond Minister was visibly relieved.
However, Diamond Minister soon sensed a change in Diancie.
"Princess, you..."
Diancie, having exited Mega Evolution, actually didn't look much different from before, but it gave Diamond Minister a very confident feeling.
This feeling made Diamond Minister's heart tremble slightly.
Could it be...
Diancie smiled and nodded, first introducing Johan and the others to Diamond Minister.
"This is Teacher Johan. He gave me tremendous help, and we..."
After hearing Diancie's brief account, Diamond Minister's eyes widened.
Met Xerneas, battled Yveltal?!
This...
"Should we go create the new 'Eternal Crystal' first?" Diancie said.
"Yes, yes, yes!" Diamond Minister, just recovering from shock, heard Diancie's words and quickly nodded.
And so.
Johan's group followed Diancie and Diamond Minister, escorted by numerous Carbink, into the Diamond Kingdom.
What should have been a dark underground world became bright due to brilliant diamonds everywhere. Everyone felt as if they'd entered a completely new world, where precious diamonds from outside were merely the most basic building materials of this kingdom.
"Ka-kaah..."
Gengar followed beside Johan, looking left and right. It and Victini floated to a diamond pillar, and the smooth diamond surface immediately reflected both little ones' images.
"Ka-kaah~(ω)" Gengar raised its eyebrows playfully.
"Vii~(≧≦)v" Victini made a "yeah" gesture.
"So beautiful..."
Korrina wasn't much better than the two little ones, her eyes full of diamonds and her face showing amazement.
Even Steven, seeing the Diamond Kingdom's scenery, couldn't help but be somewhat surprised.
"So this is the Diamond Kingdom?"
He wondered if there might be some rare stones besides diamonds.
Johan gripped the constantly vibrating Poké Ball at his waist, smiling as he listened to Diamond Minister's proud explanations.
This was someone else's home—Larvitar better not come out and demolish it.
"Eh? What are those red things..."
Korrina noticed that in some areas of the Diamond Kingdom, pillars and rock walls were covered with red, lava-like substances, making her quite curious.
Hearing this, Diamond Minister's pride faltered, and it sighed lightly:
"The 'Eternal Crystal's' depletion has made the Diamond Kingdom precarious..."
Those red things were actually originally diamonds like the surroundings, but after losing some power support, they were decaying.
Korrina and Steven understood.
"It's okay, Diamond Minister." Diancie said softly. "Teacher Johan has already taught me how to condense the 'Eternal Crystal.'"
"Good!" Diamond Minister regained confidence, looking at Johan with respect.
As Diamond Minister, it couldn't teach the princess, but this human had accomplished what it couldn't—he was the Diamond Kingdom's benefactor!
"Thank you so much, Teacher Johan..."
Johan quickly waved his hand, "This was Diancie's own effort."
While entering the Diamond Kingdom, Johan had actually been communicating with the Zygarde core that hadn't left yet using aura.
"As the 'Order God,' if the Diamond Kingdom were destroyed, would you maintain that kind of balance disruption?"
[I wouldn't interfere too much.]
The Zygarde core's answer was quite straightforward.
[But my partner would most likely intervene.]
"Oh?"
So the two Zygarde cores really did have different responsibilities.
Johan guessed that the current "Squishy" might represent Zygarde's "humanity."
While the "partner" it mentioned, the other Zygarde core, might represent "divinity," or rather... Zygarde's responsibility to maintain balance, with a somewhat "programmed" meaning.
[However, Princess Diancie's contact with Xerneas was destined.]
[It was precisely because of their contact, causing life energy to burst forth, that Yveltal was destined to awaken.]
Destined?
Although even without him, future Ash would probably help Diancie find Xerneas eventually, Johan had never agreed with this so-called "fatalism."
"We're here."
Just as Johan was communicating with the Zygarde core, under Diamond Minister and Princess Diancie's guidance, everyone arrived at the Diamond Kingdom's depths.
A huge, faintly glowing pink gem hovered above a bottomless chasm.
Looking carefully, one could see the diamond's surface was already covered with fine cracks.
"In the past ten years, the 'Eternal Crystal' hasn't produced any new Carbink." Diamond Minister said.
Diancie nodded and walked to the front.
"Teacher Johan..." Diancie called softly.
"Go for it." Johan responded.
Then.
Diancie took a deep breath and slowly raised both hands.
Buzz—
Brilliant Mega Evolution light burst from its body, and its appearance gradually changed.
When the light faded, Mega Diancie appeared.
Seeing Princess Diancie in this form, Diamond Minister excitedly prostrated itself, and the surrounding Carbink also prostrated themselves.
"Princess! The true Princess Diancie!"
As Mega Diancie released its power, countless pink diamonds formed a storm, surging from Mega Diancie's hands. Brimming with life energy, these diamonds quickly gathered into an enormous pink diamond.
"Eternal Crystal! It's a new Eternal Crystal!" Diamond Minister shouted tremblingly.
The new "Eternal Crystal" formed, replacing the previous massive diamond. The lifeless diamond completely "retired," becoming scattered pink diamond fragments.
With the new "Eternal Crystal's" appearance, the entire Diamond Kingdom burst with vitality again. Just under the "Eternal Crystal's" radiant illumination, three new Carbink were born from diamonds in the nearby rock walls.
The Diamond Kingdom would continue!
After condensing such a large "Eternal Crystal," Diancie appeared somewhat weak after exiting Mega Evolution.
But it smiled very happily.
It had finally done it!
"Diamond Minister." Diancie called.
"Princess Diancie!" The excited Diamond Minister immediately responded.
"Give Teacher Johan some diamonds."
"Huh?" Johan was stunned.
"No problem!" Diamond Minister immediately agreed.
It was just worrying about how to thank their "benefactor."
Though it didn't know what Johan needed diamonds for, Diamond Minister knew that in the outside world, diamonds were extremely scarce and precious crystals.
Though the Diamond Kingdom had become declining due to the "Eternal Crystal's" withering, it... still had plenty of diamonds, even an enormous amount. Digging some wouldn't have any impact.
It quickly directed the Carbink to take action.
At the same time.
Diancie gathered the fragments of the shattered "Eternal Crystal"—those pink diamond pieces of various sizes—and gave them all to Johan.
"Teacher Johan, though this 'Eternal Crystal' has lost its function for the Diamond Kingdom, I think it should still be useful for you and Larvitar." Diancie said.
Pink diamonds!
All the fragments of a large pink diamond.
"Yoji!!"
After Johan stopped pressing the Poké Ball, Larvitar finally "broke free," seeing the pink diamonds covering the ground. Drool couldn't help dripping from the corner of its mouth.
It didn't care whether the diamonds contained so-called "life energy"—it just wanted diamond food.
Pink diamonds... the taste must be different, right?
Larvitar didn't hesitate and immediately began eagerly munching.
This caused some Carbink who had brought over diamonds to see Larvitar's hearty eating and become afraid to approach.
Good grief... that Pokémon ate diamonds like cookies. What if it got excited and stuffed them whole into its mouth too?
This was even scarier than Sableye.
Besides Johan's diamonds.
Steven and Korrina also each received a pink diamond personally made by Diancie, with obviously excellent quality.
Just from Steven's expression after getting the pink diamond, Johan automatically provided mental soundtrack.
"Hehe, pink diamond, my pink diamond, hehe..."
Great, Steven's image in Johan's mind had completely collapsed.
"Quite a harvest."
When leaving the Diamond Kingdom and seeing the sky dyed red in the west, Johan couldn't help sighing.
The Carbink of the Diamond Kingdom and Diancie were really too enthusiastic.
With Diancie's command, Diamond Minister led the Carbink to dig diamonds. In less than half a day, they actually dug nearly ten times what Johan's group had previously mined from that small diamond vein!
Adding the huge pink diamond fragments from before...
Now, Larvitar's food supply was most likely something Johan truly didn't need to worry about anymore.
A weight off his shoulders.
Originally.
Diancie and Diamond Minister had actually wanted to keep Johan's group for dinner in the Diamond Kingdom.
But given the Diamond Kingdom's "feast," probably only Larvitar would know where to start eating.
So Johan's group immediately expressed their farewell.
And Diancie, having just created the new "Eternal Crystal," was quite weak. Plus with the vast Diamond Kingdom showing initial signs of life, Diancie couldn't leave and stayed in the Diamond Kingdom.
However, Diancie expressed that if there was a chance in the future, it hoped to continue traveling with Johan for a while to enrich its experience.
Johan naturally accepted gladly.
"It really is beautiful."
Korrina held the diamond up to the sun, refracting crystalline light, making her sigh in admiration.
"If diamonds like this were brought outside, they'd probably be frantically sought after, right?"
Johan and Steven exchanged glances and shook their heads simultaneously.
"Let the Diamond Kingdom's secret continue." Steven said.
Actually, Johan and Steven had considered taking Diamond Kingdom diamonds outside to sell, establishing trade channels with the League and the outside world.
With Johan's status and Steven's Devon Corporation, establishing such channels wouldn't be difficult.
But.
After brief discussion, both decisively chose to abandon the idea.
The profits would certainly be huge, but because they'd be too huge, they'd inevitably attract covetous attention.
Pokémon hunters, thieves, and others would definitely treat the Diamond Kingdom like a gold mountain. Even risking great danger, they'd attempt adventures.
Wealth moved hearts, and Pokémon hunters were already a group willing to take desperate risks. As long as the profits were sufficient, there was nothing they wouldn't dare do.
Better to let the Diamond Kingdom continue peacefully.
If someday the Diamond Kingdom could possess decent power to protect itself, they could try.
But now...
With the Diamond Kingdom's Carbink population declining and strength worrying, while possessing too much wealth, it was still too dangerous.
"Mm-hmm!"
Korrina wholeheartedly agreed with Steven's words.
She was just sighing—it didn't mean she wanted to do anything.
Compared to profit, she preferred seeing the smiles on Diancie and the Carbink's faces.
"Teacher, want me to take you to Laverre City?" Steven said.
Johan looked at Korrina.
Korrina put away the pink diamond and after slight contemplation said:
"I'm also preparing to return to Shalour City. Grandpa must be worried."
"Not challenging anymore?" Johan asked with a smile.
Korrina's cheeks reddened slightly as she shook her head.
"For now... not challenging."
After the previous battle, she'd witnessed Johan's power—even briefly contending with the legendary Yveltal. She couldn't even help, and the gap was obvious.
Though Korrina wouldn't give up challenging just because her opponent was too strong, but...
"However, I'll definitely challenge Teacher Johan again in the future!" Korrina said seriously.
This time, it wasn't just Johan and Diancie who had gained something.
She had also learned a lot.
The current Korrina felt she might be able to meet her grandfather's requirements and enter the Tower of Mastery.
"Always welcome." Johan gently patted Korrina's head.
Felt like he was adding a "enhanced version" opponent for future Ash.
Distortion World.
Giratina looked at the small island covered entirely with diamonds, supporting its head with its tail tip as it couldn't help curling its lips.
What was so good about these broken stones? Even specifically finding an island to store them, claiming they weren't garbage.
Ridiculous.
Was its "Distortion World" a garbage dump?
How could anything that entered possibly be garbage?
It glanced at the sparkling diamonds, having just picked up its teacup when it suddenly paused.
Got it!
Giratina's tail swayed as it flew to sit in front of the island, picking up two larger diamonds and fitting them together...
Buzz~~
The smooth diamond surface glowed faintly, projecting a scene from the outside world.
It works!
Giratina's eyes brightened.
It had been worrying about the small screen being somewhat troublesome to watch...
With so many diamonds... using some to piece together a screen should be fine, right?
The Cocoon of Destruction and Diancie incident officially ended.
Sitting on Steven's private jet heading to Laverre City, Johan lightly calculated this trip's gains.
Two Fairy Plate fragments took priority.
With these two plate fragments, developing Ninetales and Tinkaton's Fairy abilities should be no problem.
Next was the large quantity of diamonds.
This completely solved Johan's heart-breaking "Larvitar food supply" problem.
"Yoji~"
Crunch crunch—
Larvitar sat on the plane, loudly munching diamonds. Seeing Victini floating nearby, it offered a piece.
"Vii~ Vii~"
Victini waved repeatedly.
You eat, you eat.
"Yoji~"
Larvitar was used to it. Though it didn't quite understand why everyone didn't like eating such delicious diamonds, when it came to eating, it was better to enjoy alone than together.
After that was everyone, including Johan, receiving the rich Fairy Aura baptism before Xerneas's slumber.
Each Pokémon's level had improved to some degree.
"Larvitar's level isn't low anymore..." Looking at the increasingly solid little one, Johan thought to himself.
With large quantities of diamonds plus regular energy cubes and other food, Larvitar's current weight had reached quite an exaggerated level.
Don't look at its size seemingly unchanged, but picking it up... it was much heavier than before.
"Teacher still doesn't plan to let Larvitar evolve?" Steven, sitting across from Johan and noticing his gaze, couldn't help asking.
Larvitar's current condition... even Steven was secretly shocked.
Others usually tried to slow evolution for fast-evolving Pokémon to accumulate more foundation, and speed up evolution for slow-evolving Pokémon to show mature power earlier.
But Teacher Johan...
Good grief.
This Larvitar—Steven felt even if it encountered wild Tyranitar, it might not lose in arm wrestling.
As for Larvitar's strength.
Ordinary Gym Leaders' Pokémon definitely weren't its opponents. Even Elite Four main teams... were questionable.
Hard to imagine what level Larvitar's strength would reach after evolution.
"It's about time. I'm considering it too." Johan said honestly.
After Larvitar evolved, it would become Pupitar.
Pupitar was similar to Bug-type Pokémon's second stage—a cocoon state, unable to eat and extremely difficult to move.
If Larvitar evolved into Pupitar now, the accumulated power would definitely be sufficient. After Pupitar evolved into Tyranitar, the currently stored "food supply" would probably last Tyranitar a while.
Johan was somewhat tempted.
However...
Pupitar couldn't eat, and the poor little one would probably suffer for a while.
"I'll ask Larvitar's opinion."
Johan said.
Pupitar's inability to eat and difficulty moving would definitely be quite uncomfortable for the lively Larvitar.
"Teacher is as considerate of Pokémon's wishes as always." Steven sighed.
This might be why Teacher Johan could train Pokémon to their current level in such a short time.
When sincerely treating Pokémon and thinking from their perspective, Pokémon would give a 200% response.
Humans and Pokémon were roughly like this.
The usually very active Gengar seemed somewhat quiet now, making Johan feel somewhat unaccustomed.
This purple fatty was wearing Wise Glasses, huddled in a corner of the plane, hands kneading something blackish—probably a mass of Ghost-type energy.
From Xerneas and Yveltal, Gengar had learned some techniques about aura and energy usage. Just didn't know what level it had reached.
"Feel like it's necessary to visit Kanto and see Elite Four Agatha, ask if our family's Gengar is still normal..." Johan thought.
After all, in the entire Pokémon world, probably no one understood Gengar-type Pokémon better than Agatha.
Kalos region, Laverre City.
In a clothing store with quite Japanese-style decoration.
Laverre Gym Leader Valerie wore pink, purple, and orange clothing with lace-trimmed black stockings, sitting quietly on tatami mats.
Light incense floated in the room, naturally relaxing one's spirit.
"Teacher Johan, Mr. Steven." Valerie rose slightly to pour tea for both.
"Miss Valerie, no need to be so polite." Johan exchanged pleasantries.
Reportedly, though Valerie was a Kalos region Gym Leader, she was from Johto, said to have some connection with the geishas of Ecruteak City in the Johto region.
Valerie was originally a model who later became Laverre City's Gym Leader due to outstanding strength and understanding of Fairy-type Pokémon.
Her signature Pokémon was the rare Fairy-type Eevee evolution, Sylveon.
"Cynthia has already explained everything~"
Valerie lightly covered her mouth, smiling as her eyes curved, then slowly stood up.
"Please stand for a moment, Teacher Johan."
Stand?
Johan subconsciously stood up.
A side door opened, and several girls wearing heavy makeup and traditional clothing came out with rulers and other tools, directly beginning to measure Johan.
"This..."
Johan really hadn't expected it to suddenly become like this.
What was this?
Taking measurements?
Seeing his slightly embarrassed expression, Valerie's covered-mouth smile showed an even greater curve.
Even Steven had a "watching the show" expression, unable to resist wanting to take out his phone.
Teacher's embarrassed look wasn't often seen...
"Ka-kaah..."
Gengar also quietly poked its head out from Johan's shadow behind him, holding a phone.
"Rotom!" Johan ignored Steven—Gengar would "discipline" him—but Rotom...
"I-I'm filming clothes, Rotom." Rotom pretended to film the exquisite clothing hanging in the store.
Click—click—
After symbolically taking two photos, it quietly turned back toward Johan. Finding he was still watching, Rotom hurriedly pretended to film clothes again.
After repeating this two or three times, Rotom decisively gave up "disguising."
Johan: "..."
Fortunately.
Valerie and her employees were professional, and Johan's measurements were quickly completed.
The relieved Johan sat down again.
"Please forgive us, Teacher Johan. We'll keep your body measurements for convenient future orders." Valerie said with slight apology.
No wonder Cynthia's clothes were all custom-made, and all the same style.
Johan looked at Steven.
Steven shrugged: "Teacher, I was measured long ago."
The north of Laverre City was the Kalos region's largest Poké Ball factory. Both Silph and Devon held considerable shares in that factory. Steven's familiarity with Laverre City obviously wasn't his first visit.
Fine.
As a clothing designer, Valerie was professional.
In the Kalos region, whether Gym Leaders, Elite Four, Champions, or ordinary trainers, anyone without a side business would be embarrassed to call themselves from Kalos.
Kalos region—land of side businesses.
A Kalos person without a side business wasn't a qualified trainer.
After taking body measurements, Johan and Steven got to the main topic.
Regarding Fairy-type Pokémon cultivation and condition.
Johan's Fairy-types were Ninetales and Tinkaton, while Steven also had a Mawile. Both had their own insights about training these Pokémon, but...
Where three gather, one teaches another.
Specialization matters.
In Fairy-type aspects, Johan and Steven's expertise definitely couldn't match Valerie's, even Champions without Fairy-type Pokémon would likely be similar.
"May I see them?" Valerie asked.
Johan and Steven didn't hesitate, throwing Poké Balls to summon their respective Pokémon.
"Such a beautiful Ninetales."
Seeing the snow-white, crystalline-furred Ninetales, Valerie couldn't help exclaiming.
This was the most graceful, smoothest-furred Pokémon she'd seen, perhaps even better than her Sylveon.
"Maw!"
Hearing Valerie praise Ninetales, Steven's Mawile pouted, crossing its arms and turning away.
Hmph!
Valerie smiled slightly: "Mawile's braids are also beautifully groomed today."
"Ma-maw..."
Mawile's face immediately reddened.
As for Tinkaton...
It was still hugging its hammer, fast asleep, showing no signs of waking.
"The little one sleeps so soundly." Valerie couldn't resist wanting to touch Tinkaton's braids but restrained herself, afraid of waking it.
Then confusion appeared in Valerie's eyes.
"I feel... Teacher Johan's training is quite excellent, even better than mine."
"Cough."
Johan coughed lightly.
No helping it.
Who knew that before meeting Valerie, Ninetales and Tinkaton had first experienced Xerneas's baptism, plus had Fairy Plate fragments.
"Mm... Mr. Steven, slightly..."
In front of Mawile, Valerie couldn't say too much, just extending her index finger and thumb to gesture a small gap, indicating "just this much difference."
It wasn't that Steven's training was bad, just... it depended on what Pokémon you compared with.
However, how could the clever Mawile not see what Valerie wanted to express?
"Maw!"
The little thing immediately got angry, putting hands on hips and puffing its cheeks.
Steven rubbed his temples with some headache.
But before he could speak.
"Oowoo~"
Ninetales' tail gently patted Mawile's head, its azure eyes full of gentleness.
"Ma-maw! o(////▽////)q"
Mawile blushed and turned away, no longer angry.
"Actually, they're all very excellent Pokémon. I probably... can't provide substantial help, only share my training insights with everyone."
After all, facing Teacher Johan and Steven, they were among the very top Pokémon trainers.
What Johan and Steven wanted was exactly this part of training experience.
"Maw maw..."
Mawile carefully tugged at Steven's clothes, speaking quietly while glancing at Ninetales.
Its words made both Steven and Johan's expressions somewhat strange.
Roughly translated, it meant...
It smells so good...
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Powerstones?
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