I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer-Chapter 687: Uncertainty

I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer-Chapter 687: Uncertainty

One hour ago.
Kanaz City H17 waters.
The sea surface was calm and windless, yet terrifying energy waves were brewing in the air above the sea.
Devon Corporation, emergency department.
A researcher sat sweating profusely before a massive screen, fingers flying across the keyboard as he shouted into his headset:
"Unknown energy source detected in H17 waters! Energy fluctuations in Slateport City and Mt. Chimney have exceeded peak levels! Recommend activating Level 9 alert protocol, repeat, recommend activating Level 9 alert protocol!"
Plop.
A drop of sweat splattered on the control panel, the shiny surface reflecting the researcher's pale face.
The energy exceeded that of ordinary Kyogre and Groudon - this was an even more terrifying disaster!
Ring ring ring!
The piercing telephone rang incessantly, all lines were occupied, leaving employees panicked and confused.
A senior operator struggled to maintain a calm smile:
"This is the Hoenn League, how may I direct your call..."
"This is Wallace."
The voice on the other end said calmly: "Inform the chairman to immediately organize a combat preparation meeting."
"Hoenn... is in big trouble!"
Dark clouds pressed down on Kanaz City's skyline, suffocatingly dense. In the distance, the chimney-shaped volcano glowed with ominous orange-red heat against the backdrop of black clouds.
A boy wearing a green headband stood on the shore gazing at Mt. Chimney, his brow furrowed deeply.
"Ruby!" a girl called from behind him: "What are you looking at?"
"It's going to rain." Ruby said with a frown, "A heavy storm."
"The situation doesn't feel right... wait here."
A young man in a black jacket ran along the coastline. A red light shot from the Poké Ball at his waist as Charizard took flight low to the ground. Alain seized the moment to leap onto Charizard's back, "I'm going to find Mr. Steven to ask about the situation!"
"This guy, always looking down on people." Sapphire gritted her teeth.
Manon waved her hands toward the sky: "Don't leave me behind, Alain!"
No response, Charizard had already shrunk to a black dot in the cumulonimbus clouds.
Manon hung her head dejectedly. Sapphire placed a hand on her shoulder, grinning: "No problem, men are always unreliable! Zuzu and I will protect you!"
"Chii!" Mega Blaziken lifted its leg high, arms waving flame ribbons, the feather-like projections on its forehead sharp as arrows.
After special training, both Sapphire's Blaziken and Gallade could achieve Mega Evolution. Both Mega Stones were gifted by Steven.
"Hey, I'm still here." Ruby interjected.
"We should head back to Devon Corporation first." Sapphire ignored him, looking toward the distorted heat waves above Mt. Chimney's crater, "Let's take Manon and ask Mr. Steven!"
"Alain..." Manon muttered dejectedly, "Why did you leave me behind..."
Ruby gave Sapphire a deep look, then smiled and said:
"Perhaps... it's because he doesn't want someone he loves to get hurt."
Someone he loves... Sapphire's face flushed red, her tomboyish demeanor completely vanishing as she said sheepishly:
"O-okay then... I'll call Tororo over first, everyone let's head back to Devon Corporation together!"
Devon Corporation, top floor before the floor-to-ceiling window.
The self-made business magnate who founded Devon Corporation, the gray-haired Mr. Stone, stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Father." Steven stared toward the H17 waters, "Are we really going to activate the 'Infinity Energy' plan?"
"The source of Infinity Energy is life energy, which could be considered cruel."
President Stone shook his head, "But it's the core of the dimensional transmission device. To deal with the colossal meteor half a month from now, we must activate this plan."
"We can try other methods!" Steven said.
"There's no time." President Stone smiled bitterly, "If I were ten years younger, Steven, I could still adventure with you like a Trainer. Try to obtain Rayquaza's power."
"But now, my shoulders carry all of Devon, all of Hoenn, all the people of Hoenn."
President Stone murmured: "Call it hypocrisy... Steven, the 'Infinity Energy' plan has nothing to do with you. You'll still be that perfect Champion."
"Father!" Steven exclaimed, "It's not the final moment yet, there's still time!"
"Like Ruby, Sapphire, and Wallace, Teacher Lu - they're all Trainers who can create miracles!"
A glimmer of light flashed in President Stone's eyes: "You mean... someone among them could gain Rayquaza's recognition?"
"I can't guarantee it, but I'll believe in them in the name of Steven Stone!"
President Stone fell silent, then said: "Life energy doesn't actually require live Pokémon experiments... Based on improving AZ's ultimate weapon, using super energy, that is, the energy from the Prismatic Meteor, can also be converted to 'Infinity Energy'... This might serve as an alternative method."
"I'll obtain that Prismatic Meteor. Because it's also the token that allows Rayquaza to Mega Evolve."
Steven extended a hand, looking directly at his aging father, his eyes shining.
"Father... pleasure working with you."
President Stone stared blankly for a moment, then said to himself:
"You were only five... That was the first time I took you on a field expedition for minerals, gave you a Beldum. And then you became crazily obsessed with minerals."
President Stone gestured a height, smiling nostalgically:
"Before I knew it, you'd already grown this tall..."
Then.
Mr. Stone firmly grasped Steven's hand.
Like a retired captain shaking hands with his trusted first mate, like looking back at the towering giant tree he planted.
Hoenn League, wartime emergency meeting.
Slap!
Wallace leaned forward, both hands slamming on the conference table, making the tea in cups tremble.
"Leave the disaster victims along the route unattended, let Kyogre and Groudon advance?"
The Hoenn chairman clasped his hands together, saying cautiously:
"You've misunderstood me, Wallace. Before the risks are clear, we can't rashly provide rescue. Guide the disaster victims along the route to evacuate, encourage them to help themselves. Local League members will also rush to the front lines immediately."
Another researcher took over: "Based on energy reactions, this revival event far exceeds previous revivals in history. We have reason to believe this is Kyogre and Groudon's Primal Reversion phenomenon!"
"Primal Reversion?"
"Yes. A phenomenon unique to super ancient Pokémon, where they revert to their original forms when the environment undergoes drastic changes or energy exceeds limits."
The researcher paused: "And gain even stronger power like they originally had!"
Brawly, the Fighting-type Gym Leader of Dewford Town, crossed his arms exaggeratedly: "Damn... these two giants are already tough enough, and they can get even stronger?"
Roxanne, the Rock-type Gym Leader of Kanaz City, with her twin tails tied, said seriously: "The reason Hoenn's Kyogre and Groudon bring greater disasters to humans compared to other regions' Legendary Pokémon ultimately lies in them symbolizing 'nature'."
"Nature granted Kyogre and Groudon even stronger power. The most terrifying thing isn't the two Legendary Pokémon themselves, but the floods and droughts behind them!"
"Due to natural disaster factors."
Winona, the Flying-type Gym Leader of Fortree City, nodded: "I agree with the chairman's suggestion, we can't rashly rescue. But!"
"This doesn't prevent Trainers from rushing to the front lines to provide necessary assistance to affected people!" Winona's gaze was serious, "Before Hoenn's forces arrive, Trainers will become the first team. And those blocking Groudon and Kyogre's path to buy evacuation time—"
Winona's gaze swept over the various Hoenn Gym Leaders in the meeting, all showing solemn and determined expressions.
"Um, let me say something."
Flannery, the Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town, scratched her red hair and asked, "How did you know Groudon was going to awaken? My home is right at the foot of Groudon's mountain, I didn't know before coming to the meeting..."
Everyone exchanged glances. The researcher explained:
"Based on energy wave frequency predictions, there's a high probability Kyogre and Groudon will revive in 24 hours in the Seafloor Cavern near Slateport City and Mt. Chimney near Lavaridge Town."
"Eek!" Flannery's face changed color.
"No need to worry, the Officer Jennys and Nurse Joys of these two towns organized evacuations immediately, minimizing casualties as much as possible."
The Hoenn chairman clasped his hands together, saying gravely: "The disaster victims along the route... I hope they can all evacuate immediately."
"Um..." Old Man Ironspin raised his hand: "We built a giant underground city beneath Miare City called 'New Miare', fully equipped with electricity and supplies. With the help of underwater tunnels, it can serve as a temporary shelter for citizens along the route."
"Not bad, old man!" Qianli's eyes lit up as he slapped Ironspin's back, "So New Miare was really completed!"
"Hehe..." Old Man Ironspin scratched his head sheepishly, thinking to himself.
I originally just wanted to build an underground playground for children...
But tinkering with the Mechanism King, we ended up building a giant shelter!
The topic returned to the ultimate problem—
Who would block Groudon and Kyogre's advance to buy time!
"What we need to do is just delay their advance, buy evacuation time, not defeat them."
The Hoenn chairman smiled bitterly: "Of course, I know this task is arduous... possibly even..."
"Me."
Wallace and Winona spoke simultaneously.
Then, the two looked at each other in surprise.
Wallace showed a slight smile, while Winona calmly ignored him.
The other Gym Leaders exchanged glances, nodding in unison.
According to Gym locations, Wallace and Winona would lead teams respectively, dividing the Gym Leaders into two groups to block Kyogre and Groudon's paths.
The researcher pointed at the Hoenn map:
"Groudon... no, Primal Groudon, has a high probability of awakening from Mt. Chimney, then heading south to reach Kanaz City H17 waters."
Tap! The marker moved across the map.
"And Primal Kyogre will awaken from Slateport City's Seafloor Cavern, heading west, then meeting Groudon in H17 waters."
"Be cautious of the impacts of forest fires and flood disasters."
"Following Kyogre's movement route, Slateport City, Fortree City, and Slateport City will be the first hit, all swallowed by floods."
"And Kanaz City will be surrounded by high temperatures... the fires won't stop until they reach the sea area..."
Silence fell in the room, a reverence for nature leaving everyone speechless.
"In summary."
The Hoenn chairman took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the Gym Leaders and Champion present, saying gravely:
"I hope everyone returns safely!"
...
Devon Building rooftop, helicopter landing area.
"Mr. Steven!"
Alain dismounted from Charizard, returning it to its Poké Ball, running toward Steven who was preparing to board the helicopter: "What's happening!"
"Alain." Steven wore a calm smile, his eyes profound, "Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre have been detected reviving, and the Prismatic Meteor has appeared. I need to rush to H17 waters immediately."
"Groudon and Kyogre are reviving?!"
Alain's pupils contracted, saying in shock: "What about the citizens along the route!"
"Not fully evacuated yet."
A rare shadow passed through Steven's eyes, his blue hair ruffled by the helicopter rotor's airflow as he looked up:
"But... I believe Wallace and the others will buy precious evacuation time!"
When they delay until the masses evacuate, and Kyogre and Groudon battle over the Prismatic Meteor in the sea...
Steven's eyes gleamed.
The opportunity to obtain the Prismatic Meteor and subsequently solve the colossal meteor problem - there's only this one chance!
"I'll go with you!" Alain said.
Steven was slightly taken aback, then showed a smile: "Then you'd better be mentally prepared!"
At that moment, a Tropius flew from the sky. Ruby and Sapphire caught up with Alain who had gone ahead first, arriving at the Devon Building rooftop.
"Ruby, Sapphire."
Steven looked at the headband-wearing boy seriously: "I need you to go to Hoenn's Sky Pillar and undergo Rayquaza's trial!"
"Huh? So sudden!" Sapphire said.
"Not really, the previous special training was precisely preparation for today."
Steven smiled slightly, his gaze meeting Ruby's unusually serious expression as he said quietly: "I'm counting on you... Ruby."
Ruby was slightly stunned.
Then.
Ruby adjusted his headband, revealing the fierce scar on his temple, grinning:
"Leave it to me!"
The storm approached. Ruby and Sapphire rode Tropius, heading for the Sky Pillar.
Steven stood on the rooftop, gazing at the sky, enjoying the last moment of peace before the great battle.
Alain had just thrown the unpersuadable Manon into a room downstairs and firmly locked it, returning to the rooftop.
"You're not bringing her?" Steven asked.
"She'd just be a burden." Alain said coldly.
"Perhaps... this is Alain's unique way of being gentle."
Alain was slightly stunned.
Steven wore an all-knowing calm smile, tilting his head back and closing his eyes.
"You're actually afraid?" Alain looked shocked, seeing Steven's clenched hand.
"Is that not allowed." Steven's voice remained casual and calm.
"...To be honest, I'm very scared too."
Alain looked down at the Mega Bracelet on his arm, slowly clenching his fist, muttering:
"But, I have things I must protect..."
Suddenly, Alain vividly recalled what Steven told him three days ago.
By that time... I might be unable to control myself!
Alain looked at Steven again, seeing he had already adjusted his breathing, showing an elegant, perfect, powerful smile like a noble prince.
"Understanding fear is why we can survive." Steven said.
Under Alain's dazed gaze, Steven smiled and said:
"Let's go... it's time to..."
Beep beep beep—
The interfered PokéNav communication line temporarily restored. Steven saw the incoming call and was slightly stunned.
"Teacher Lu!"
Steven answered the call, his voice unusually anxious with a hint of joy.
"You're in the Hoenn region? I have important matters to discuss with you!"
Lu Ye stood at the entrance of the Devon Building, holding his phone as he looked up at the towering building. A helicopter had just broken through the ink-like rain clouds and landed on the building's rooftop.
Lu Ye: "...I'm right downstairs at your place."
Steven: ???
...
Light rain began falling from the sky, splashing on the ground and creating a hazy mist.
Lu Ye clearly felt the ground temperature rising, asking:
"What's happening?"
"It's a long story... where exactly are you?" Steven said.
Lu Ye's mouth twitched.
Sorry... I forgot you have many 'homes'!
"At the Devon Building south entrance. I just saw a helicopter landing on the rooftop." Lu Ye replied.
At the rooftop helicopter area, Steven was slightly stunned, walking to the railing in the drizzling rain to look down.
Lu Ye happened to look up, seeing the blurry blue-haired figure through the tall building.
The atmosphere was slightly awkward.
Steven: "I see you."
Lu Ye: "Please have Metagross give me a lift."
Rumble!
Platinum Metagross descended imposingly, blue flames spraying from the tips of its four arms.
Lu Ye stood aside, feeling somewhat sour inside.
Think you're so great because you can fly?
Wait until I get riding gear... I'll ride Latias too!
「No, no.」Latias sensed his thoughts, crossing her two small hands in an X.
Objection overruled, this master is riding (censored) today!
"Kang jin!" Metagross landed on the ground, clashing its fists together in greeting to Lu Ye.
Lu Ye patted the X mark on its forehead, half-kneeling on Metagross's top, firmly grasping the protrusions on its disc.
"Kang jin... ⊙﹏⊙"
Lu Ye: "Take off, Metagross!"
"Kang jin!" Metagross clashed its iron fists, expressing dissatisfaction with Lu Ye's unauthorized command.
Lu Ye casually activated Aura, seeing Metagross's eyes glow as its iron arms sprayed flames!
Looking down at the shrinking scenery below, Lu Ye muttered: "Feels like an elevator platform... but quite safe."
The higher they went, the tighter Teacher Lu gripped. This was human instinct, impossible to resist.
Until they reached the rooftop helicopter area, Lu Ye easily jumped off Metagross, wiping his sweaty hands on the invisible Latias's feathers.
"Yo, Steven..." Lu Ye paused, saying in surprise: "Alain?"
Alain's face was tense, intimidated by the impending revival of Kyogre and Groudon, but relaxed somewhat upon seeing Teacher Lu.
"Teacher Lu." Alain nodded, "I'm currently training under Mr. Steven."
Lu Ye understood.
Alain training with Steven, Ash training with Green... this was warming up for the Miare City conference!
"I just finished a home visit, came from Green Shade Town to pick up custom riding gear."
Lu Ye summarized his purpose, looking at Steven: "But... why are you all so flustered?"
Alain marveled at Teacher Lu's composure facing Groudon's revival without changing expression.
Taking Teacher Lu's reminder, Steven also breathed a sigh of relief, smiling:
"Indeed, you're right to scold me. I lost my composure."
Lu Ye looked confused: "Huh?"
"I believe you've already heard..."
Steven's eyes flashed with gratitude, his hand resting on his suit chest, saying:
"With your arrival, I feel much more at ease!"
Lu Ye was momentarily stunned, asking: "Related to that Prismatic Meteor in the nearby sea?"
"Correct."
Steven nodded:
"Groudon... no, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre are about to revive and will battle for that meteor in the sea near Kanaz City."
"Wallace and the others will delay Kyogre and Groudon along the route, buying evacuation time for citizens along the way."
"And when the two Legendaries clash directly, weakening the meteor's energy, that's the only opportunity to retrieve the meteor!"
Steven said sincerely:
"For this, Teacher Lu, I need your help!"
Lu Ye: (⊙ˍ⊙)
Damn grandma... Flag perfectly recycled!
Victini: ˚*̥(∗*⁰͈꒨⁰͈)*̥ Nimi~
There will definitely be very strong victory waves!
Darkrai: (つД`)
I used to believe in science, until I met Teacher Lu!
Blastoise: Ka-may...ヾ(⌐■_■)
Here come two heavyweight opponents...
Sirfetch'd: Quack... (´థ౪థ)σ
This life is unbearable duck~!
"Sha ji... (▼へ▼メ)"
If we can steal the weather, we'll succeed!!

Chapter 687: Uncertainty