Returning from the Distortion World.
John left Giratina in the Distortion World for now. When he needed it, he could summon it at any time.
Whether in reality or in the game.
He also planned to develop the Distortion World going forward.
Making that place his true secret base.
As for Giratina's stat screen, it was no different from the Giratina he'd encountered in the Hisui region. Also perfect IVs with a massive moveset.
It seemed Giratina hadn't gotten weaker, Queen's Grasp was just genuinely broken.
After instructing his Pokemon to train well, John left the space-time rift and returned to the ranch.
He had Emerald find a top construction team and decoration crew, had Gengar open a Distortion World portal near the ranch, and directly let them start building a castle in the Distortion World.
No need to worry about leaking secrets or various problems. With Zoroark's Illusion activated, these people would only think they were building a castle near the ranch.
So, the Distortion World location, nobody knew. Instead, John building a castle on his ranch became trending news.
However, without real photo evidence, and John not responding, the matter was treated as rumor and quickly died down.
When John returned to the space-time rift, that was already half a month later.
The distance to the Eight Masters Tournament starting time was getting closer. The electrical energy Zapdos left behind was also nearly completely absorbed by Zeraora.
John's return was to wrap things up.
Not just wrapping up the space-time rift, but also the Hisui region in the game.
Entering the secret base, then from the secret base returning to the Hisui region.
John and Gardevoir's figures appeared again on Mount Coronet.
At this time, Mount Coronet's peak had heavy snow falling everywhere. The place had restored itself to a snowy glacial landscape once more. Only the accumulated snow wasn't as deep as before, after all, it had previously accumulated for thousands of years.
"Let's go back to Jubilife Village." John said to Gardevoir.
One use of Teleport, John and Gardevoir's figures paused briefly, then the next moment appeared at Jubilife Village's entrance.
Now Gardevoir could teleport globally. From now on, Lugia could gloriously retire from transport duty.
Regarding this, Lugia expressed strong protest.
Shadow power, different from the dark matter that made Pokemon like Dialga go berserk, was a potent force. As "Shadow Lugia," it had the complete potential to become the strongest among all Lugia.
While Lugia, as a deity-level existence, couldn't become a King, it did have divine status.
As long as John had his own Lugia defeat the true Guardian of the Seas Lugia in his home world, it could inherit the title and become the new Guardian of the Seas.
There were noticeably more people in Jubilife Village than before.
Presumably these additional people were refugees fleeing disaster from other places. The new buildings were also rebuilt after the catastrophe.
Passing through the lively streets, John arrived at Galaxy Team headquarters.
As the most "modernized" building in the village, Galaxy Team headquarters somehow had not a scratch on it.
"John!"
"Long time no see." John smiled and greeted back.
The first person he'd encountered when he arrived was Akari. Unexpectedly, at this final moment preparing to leave, the first acquaintance he encountered was also Akari.
"I knew you weren't dead!" Akari bounced in front of John, seriously and carefully examining him.
"The Pearl Clan and Diamond Clan said they searched all of Mount Coronet and couldn't find you, so everyone said you'd already died."
First, head to the research center.
Professor Laventon was still holding a magnifying glass, studying Plate rubbings.
"How's it going? Any progress?" John asked.
"Some progress, but not much. I still need more in-depth research." Laventon didn't even raise his head to answer, his gaze never wavering.
Not until after John left did he belatedly look up.
"Just now... who was asking me something?"
Exiting the research center on the stairs, a group of people came down.
Irida pursed her lips and grumbled, "We searched all over Mount Coronet and couldn't find him. You were the first to confirm John was dead."
While speaking, she waved her hand. "Welcome back!"
Kamado, however, straightened up and mustered great courage to stand before John. "I must offer you an apology. Previously at the temple, my selfish thoughts caused trouble. I was wrong..."
"I've decided to resign from my Galaxy Team captain position and recommend you, John, to take over!"
John hurriedly stopped Kamado.
"No need to apologize. You were poisoned by Volo's power at the time. It wasn't your fault."
The group hearing this stood gaping, wanting to speak but couldn't find convincing arguments.
After all, John had arrived as a traveler and had already said he didn't plan to stay long.
"Won't waste words trying to convince you to stay, but today you absolutely must drink with me! Come to think of it, we still haven't had drinks together." Adaman was straightforward as always, not dwelling on the separation, throwing an arm around John's shoulder and preparing to drag him toward the tavern.
Cyllene, however, had somehow already reached the front. "John is our Galaxy Team member. Jubilife Village is also our Galaxy Team headquarters. The farewell banquet naturally should be hosted by our Galaxy Team."