In the end, Naoki didn't attend the horse rag event that year.

  This was because Gstrier, upon realizing that the so-called "" was merely a regur golden trophy, deemed it unworthy of its regal demeanor as the "King of Horses."

  When Gstrier spoke about it, Spectrier stood silently nearby, saying nothing.

  After all, it had once worn that same trophy atop its head like a .

  Not just o had worn it for nearly a year.

  Awkward.

  Spectrier quickly pushed the thought out of its mind, pretending it had never done such a thing.

  With no Pokémon ied in participating in the horse rag event, Naoki sighed ahe stable, intending to inform Mayor Thomas of the situation.

  After Naoki left, Gstrier smirked quietly as it recalled Spectrier's past behavior.

  Spectrier might not have been able to see, but its hearing was incredibly sharp, and it immediately caught the sound of Gstrier's stifled ughter.

  Furious, Spectrier's body flickered with ghostly light as it attacked Gstrier with a powerful kick.

  Gstrier neighed in pain.

  Infuriated that Spectrier dared to strike first, the hot-tempered Gstrier retaliated with a kick of its own, holding nothing back.

  Spectrier, now fully enraged, gathered its energy and unched a Shadow Ball directly at Gstrier.

  The moment, there was ah-shaking explosion. The previously intact stable was reduced to a pile of rubble.

  Nearby, a group of pyful Eeveelutions froze in surprise at the sight of the battling horses. They cried out in arm.

  Umbreon, ever vigint, dashed into the house and tugged at Naoki's pant leg with its teeth, urging him outside.

  "Umbree!"

  "What's wrong?" Naoki asked, startled. Seeing the urgen Umbreon's as, he quickly told Mayor Thomas over the phone, "Something's e up at the ranch. I o che it. We'll talk ter."

  "Of course, take care of things," Mayor Thomas replied with uanding.

  Hanging up, Naoki hurried outside, following Umbreon's lead.

  On the open grass, Gstrier and Spectrier were locked in a fierce battle.

  They charged at each other with full force, colliding body to body, kig with powerful hind legs.

  The stable, their former home, y in ruins.

  Naoki's eyes widened in disbelief.

  "Gstrier! Spectrier!" he shouted, attempting to stop the fight.

  But the two furious Pokémon ignored him entirely.

  Realizing he couldn't intervene on his own, Naoki pressed the button on his Rotom Phoo summon Calyrex.

  In an instant, Calyrex materialized in the ranch, his majestic presenanding immediate attention.

  His gaze swept over the se, and his frown deepened when he saw the brawling horses.

  A surge of immense psychiergy emanated from Calyrex, creating a barrier that forcibly separated Gstrier and Spectrier.

  "What is the meaning of this?" Calyrex's voice was firm and authoritative.

  Spectrier, calming down slightly, was the first to speak.

  "Spect-eigh!" (This fool provoked me!)

  Gstrier, unwilling to back down, snorted defiantly.

  "Gs-eigh!" (You attacked first!)

  Spectrier gred, ret, "Speeig!" (You provoked me by mog me!)

  Gstrier rolled its eyes and responded with a sharp tone. "Gs~neigh?" (Mog you? I was just telling the truth—you're the one who wore the trophy like a !)

  Calyrex: "…"

  Naoki: "…"

  Spectrier's fury reignited upon hearing this, its frustration boiling over.

  Two streams of ghostly purple smoke rose from its ear sockets as it gathered an overwhelming wave of shadowy energy. The force densed into a dark, monstrous silhouette, poised to crush Gstrier.

  Gstrier, sensing the immi danger, refused to back down. With a powerful stomp, it summoned a massive icicle, direg it straight at Spectrier.

  Calyrex's patience reached its limit.

  With a fsh of blue light in his eyes, he unleashed another wave of psychiergy. Both Spectrier's shadowy attad Gstrier's icicle were instantly dissipated.

  "Enough!

  Looking at his two beloved horses, Calyrex felt a headache ing on.

  "Gstrier, you were the one who started this. You shouldn't have mocked Spectrier," Calyrex said sternly.

  Gstrier snorted in dissatisfa. In its opinion, Spectrier had brought it upon itself by being foolish. It had only spokeruth.

  Hearing Calyrex's expnation, Naoki quickly pieced the situation together.

  Gstrier had teased Spectrier for wearing the trophy like a . Spectrier, infuriated, had shed out, leading to their fight.

  Naoki sighed.

  He had to admit, Gstrier's emotional intelligence was astonishingly low…

  Seeing Gstrier's defiant attitude, Calyrex found himself in a difficult position.

  While Gstrier was clearly at fault, it refused to aowledge its mistake. Oher hand, Spectrier, feeling wronged, stood silently to the side, saying nothing.

  Calyrex was caught in a bind. Both horses were deeply cherished panions, and he didn't want to alieher of them.

  With the matter unresolved, Calyrex turo Naoki for help.

  Naoki immediately uood Calyrex's silent plea.

  After a moment of thought, he stepped forward and addressed the two Pokémon, "This flict between you seems to be about the , right?"

  Both Spectrier and Gstrier turheir attention to him.

  "In that case," Naoki tinued, "why don't we settle this with a duel? The winner will earle of Horse King. As the Horse King, they'll receive a real golden —a true symbol of their status. Calyrex and I will personally oversee the ation. How does that sound?"

  At the mention of a "real golden ," both Spectrier and Gstrier's ears perked up, their attention fully captured.

  Spectrier let out a soft snort, its determination clear.

  If it could cim the , Gstrier would no longer have any right to mock it. Spectrier would finally prove itself as the rightful king of horses.

  Gstrier's eyes lit up with excitement.

  This —it had to win it at all costs!

  Calyrex gave Naoki a helpless look, silently w what would happen to the horse that lost.

  Naoki caught Calyrex's expression aured for patieheurned back to the two Pokémon and tinued:

  "However, keep this in mind: every year, any horse that hasn't won the will have the ce to challehe reigning Horse King. After all, the Horse King should not only be the fastest horse but also the stro. If a Horse King ot defend its title, it won't deserve to keep it. The position of Horse King is earned, not given."

  Calyrex's eyes brightened with uanding.

  That made perfect sehis way, no horse would feel permaly excluded. Even if they lost this year's petition, they could train harder and challenge again the following year.

  What a clever solution! Calyrex gave Naoki an approving nod of gratitude.

  Spectrier and Gstrier fell into deep thought after hearing Naoki's words.

  He was right—the Horse King should embody both speed and strength. Only a truly powerful Pokémon deserved such a title.

  After a moment, Naoki smiled at their thoughtful expressions and said, "Good. Now take some time to rest and recover. Once you're both at your best, we'll hold the Horse King petition."

  "But you must uand," Calyrex said solemnly, "I won't ride either of you during the petition. You'll have to win the using your own strength."

  "Neigh!"

  "Neigh!"

  Both Spectrier and Gstrier looked fired up, their determination shining through.

  "Alright, go rest up for now!" Naoki said with a smile.

  The two horses, their minds full of thoughts about the , each found a spot to rest and prepare for the petition.

  The loss of the stable didn't seem to bother them. Back when they lived on the Tundra, they were used to sleeping uhe open sky anyway.

  Watg their retreating figures, Naoki and Calyrex exged a gnce, momentarily at a loss for words.

  "Well, I suppose I should go find Kelly to help rebuild the stable," Naoki sighed.

  However, Kelly was still busy w on the expedition guild at the World Tree and likely didn't have time to spare for the ranch.

  In that case, the two horses could rough it out for a bit and sleep on the grass. Perhaps it would teach them to think twice before wreg ranch facilities again.

  "Where are you pnning to get the ?" Calyrex asked, his toinged with .

  "Oh, that's easy," Naoki replied, a certain Pokémon ing to mind. "I'll ask Gholdengo for some gold s and take them into town to have a golden ade."

  Luckily, Gholdengo had gifted him a rge number of gold s in the past, and Naoki had saved them all. There would be o borrow anymore.

  That afternoon, Naoki packed a hefty bag of gold s and made his way to Kosaji Town.

  At a goldsmith's shop renowned for its craftsmanship, he handed over the gold s and requested a .

  "No problem!" the elderly artisan said, patting his chest fidently. "My work is the fi in all of Kosaji Town. I'll have it ready in just one day. e baorrow, and it'll be waiting for you!"

  "Perfect," Naoki said with a nod. "A Pokémon will e by to pick it up."

  "Not an issue!" the artisan agreed cheerfully.

  Back at the ranaoki began ing up the remnants of the stable that had beeroyed during Spectrier and Gstrier's fight.

  The debris, sisting of shattered wood and pnks, was scattered everywhere. Not wanting to waste anything, Naoki decided to gather the wood for use in the firepce during the colder months.

  Meanwhile, the Pokémon were pying happily in the pasture.

  Sihe events of the other day, the retionship between Koraidon and Cyclizar had improved dramatically.

  Naoki often saw them together, with Cyclizar seeking advid Koraidon patiently teag it new moves.

  This newfound camaraderie betweewo Pokémht a smile to Naoki's face.

  Looking back, their retionship had started off rocky. Koraidon had been openly hostile toward Cyclizar, and Cyclizar had been deeply intimidated by Koraidon.

  Yet, against all odds, they had bee good friends.

  It reminded Naoki of an old saying: "I didn't like you when we first met, but who knew we'd grow so close over time?"

  "Good work, you two!" Naoki called out from a distance. "I'm heading to the World Tree to che Slowking!"

  He was curious to see if Slowking was still deeply engrossed in pting the mysteries of life.

  "Raao!"

  "Gaaao!"

  Both Koraidon and Cyclizar responded cheerfully.

  Naoki smiled faintly, then grabbed his Rotom Phone and the transtor seeds as he headed toward the World Tree.

  As he walked, he g Rotom Phone and noticed that Giratina had been pining in the Legendary Pokémon chat group.

  [The Most Powerful Giratina in the World]: I'm so ahose two door are starting to get restless again. They'd better not mess with my Distortion World, or I'll deal with them both personally!

  Naoki: "…"

  The message had bee five minutes ago. Below it, Calyrex had responded with a ent.

  [The Farmer]: If you remain calm, you'll feel much better.

  [The Most Powerful Giratina in the World]: Hmph. You don't uand how infuriating those two are! They despise each other and fight every time they meet. And every one of their fights causes disruptions in my Distortion World. They're just two old-fashioned relics who 't keep up with the times!

  Naoki: "…"

  Two old relics? Was Giratina referring to Dialga, the God of Time, and Palkia, the God of Space?

  The current timeline seemed to be fog on the Hoenn region, leaving just one year before the major events in the Sinnion would unfold. If Naoki remembered correctly, the realms of time and space would soon collide, leading to a fierce battle between Dialga and Palkia.

  This was also a prelude to the awakening of Arceus, the God of Creation, from its deep slumber.

  Who would have guessed that the signs of this flict were already starting?

  It articurly amusing that Giratina called Dialga and Palkia "old relics" who couldn't keep up with the times.

  Naoki couldn't help but chuckle as he opehe Pokémon Forum and clicked on Giratina's personal page.

  There, he saw an astounding figure: Giratina had over 5.5 million fans.

  [The Most Powerful Giratina in the World]: Annual VIP10 – Number of fans: 5,550,384.

  "Wow," Naoki muttered, stunned. "Giratina's fan base has exceeded 5.5 million!"

  Out of curiosity, he checked Calyrex's profile. The number of fans for theCalyrex was slightly lower—just 5 million. Unlike Giratina, which actively posts its photos daily, Calyrex rarely posted anything beyond occasional replies to private messages or public questions.

  However, oail on Giratina's profile stood out: Annual VIP10.

  "How does Giratina evehe money for a VIP membership?" Naoki wondered aloud.

  Intrigued, Naoki stopped by Giratina's Flower Sky Isnd on his way to the World Tree to ask this very question.

  "Humph," Giratina replied proudly, "my fans gifted it to me! I have plenty of money now. Rotom, show Naoki my savings!"

  "Got it!" Rotom Phone chirped happily, opening Giratina's personal savings at.

  Naoki leaned in to take a look. "Oens, hundreds, thousands, one huhousand… one million… 1.6 million?!"

  Naoki's eyes widened in disbelief. "Being an i celebrity earn this much?!"

  Giratina's pride alpable. "Humans be surprisingly generous when they want to be."

  Naoki then noticed several stacks of special food for Electric-type Pokémon on the Sky Isnd.

  "What's all this?" he asked, puzzled.

  Befiratina could answer, Rotom Phone cheerfully chimed in. "These are treats Giratina bought for me!"

  Giratina g Naoki and decred, "I'm riow! Is there anything you want? I buy it for you online!"

  Naoki: "…"

  It seemed Giratina had made impressive progress in adapting to modern teology, even mastering online shopping apps. No wo had such disdain for Dialga and Palkia's outdated ways.

  "Thanks, but save your money. I don't need anything," Naoki said with a wry smile.

  Out of curiosity, Naoki decided to iigate why Giratina was so popur. He called over Rotom and asked it to check the in of Giratina's fanbase from its profile analytics.

  "Copy that, Rotom !" Rotom chirped as it began analyzing the data on Giratina's personal homepage.

  Moments ter, an anized chart appeared on the s:

  [Fanbase Distribution: Sinnion: 58%, Kantion: 8%, Johtion: 2%, Hoenn Region: 6%, Kalion: 4%, Union: 7%, Gar Region: 3%, Alion: 2%, Paldea Region: 8%, Others: 2%]

  Naoki's eyes widened.

  "Over half of Giratina's fans are from Sinnoh?"

  But theiced something peculiar. Could it be that the people of Sinnoh revered Giratina as a deity?

  Intrigued, Naoki searched the i and quickly stumbled upon several news articles about Sinnoh residents building a Giratina statue in a city park. It eveiohat the Sinnoh League had approved signifit funding for the statue's stru.

  Naoki couldn't help but feel bewildered.

  The thought struck him: in the Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life movie, Arceus sought to punish humanity, and during that flict, Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia worked together to stop Arceus.

  What if humans interpreted that battle as Giratina standing against the wrath of a god to protect humanity?

  Naoki shuddered at the thought.

  "That would be… quite the misuanding."

  His imagination began to run wild, envisioning a dramatic se:

  The heavens rain doweorites as Arceus's ahreatens humanity. In their darkest hiratina boldly steps forward, shielding the p. Despite its best efforts, Giratina is eventually defeated. Humanity, inspired by Giratina's ce, pces its hopes in the legendary Pokémon, uniting their light with its power to front Arceus.

  Naoki shook his head, trying to dispel the bizarre image.

  "That's just too weird," he muttered to himself.

  At that moment, Giratina notiaoki's distracted expression. "What's on your mind?" it asked curiously.

  Snapping back to reality, Naoki quickly replied, "Nothing! Just thinking about the World Tree. I o che it."

  "Alright, go ahead!" Giratina said casually, before turning its attention back to Rotom and their i browsing.

  Naoki gnced bae st time, Giratina sprawled out on its Flower Sky Isnd, basking in the sun, smiling as it chatted with Rotom.

  A thought crossed his mind: Is this what happiness looks like firatina?

  Initially, Naoki had worried about Giratiing along with Rotom. However, those s proved unfouhe two had bee close panions. Rotom guided Giratina through the intricacies of the online world, and iurn, Giratina spoiled Rotom with gifts, includiric-type food it had purchased online.

  It was clear that Giratina had adopted Rotom as a younger sibling, and Naoki felt fident that Giratina would prote if danger ever arose.

  With a satisfied smile, Naoki turned his attention back to the World Tree. Taking the elevator, he reached the top floor.

  The oy grassnd was now bustling with ructures. Over the past month, signifit progress had been made.

  Kelly approached to give Naoki a tour.

  "Currently, the café, food warehouse, Pokémon dormitory, aaurant are plete. The guild headquarters, item shop, Pokémon hospital, trainier, and other facilities are still under stru but should be finished by April," she expined.

  Naoki nodded, impressed. He pushed open the warehouse door and was surprised to see it filled with ly arranged berries.

  "Where did all these e from?" he asked.

  Kelly smiled.

  "The Treeckos and Arboliva have been hard at work harvesting fruits from the orchard and st them here."

  Naoki's eyes wao a er of the warehouse, where he noticed dried fruits and bottles of juieatly stacked.

  "What's that?" he asked, astonished.

  Kelly shook her head.

  "I didn't make them. It seems the Pokémon figured it out on their own. I have no idea where they learo make dried fruit."

  "Huh?" Naoki was taken aback by the surprising news.

  Could it be that the Pokémon themselves came up with this ingenious solution? Turning berries into dried fruit not oeheir shelf life but also made them easier to carry, perfect for traveling or adventuring.

  Fasated, Naoki decided to find out more.

  While Kelly tinued her work, Naoki headed out to track down Arboliva and uhe details. Mung on a few Transtor Seed Crisps along the way, he eventually found Arboliva in a clearing within the woods.

  To his surprise, a group of Pokémon had gathered there. Alongside Arboliva were Tatsugiri, Milotic, Dragonite, and Tropius.

  Even a few Dragonites were lined up, waiting patiently in a queue!

  What caught Naoki's attention most was the sight of Slowking sitting atop a rge rock at the ter of the gathering, its expression serene and ptive, like a philosopher lost in thought.

  At the front of the line, Milotic was asking a question: "Miloooo?" (If I use Water Gun to water the fruit trees, it takes dozens of attempts to cover all of them. It's exhausting, and I run out of energy. Is there a better way to water them?)

  Slowking tilted its head, refleg deeply. After a moment, it replied, "Why not el your water energy into the sky to create rain? That way, all the trees be watered at once."

  Milotic's eyes sparkled with realization. It began practig immediately, failing several times before finally succeeding. With a sudden downpour, rain clouds formed above the clearing, dreng the area in heavy rain.

  While some Pokémon scampered for shelter, others—like Tropius, Treecko, and Slowking—weled the rain and reveled in it.

  Then, three Tatsugiri approached the rock, their tails wagging with excitement. "Tatsu! Tatsu?" (How we run a successful sushi restaurant?)

  Slowking pondered for a while before answering sagely, "Treat your ers with care. If they feel valued, they'll return often."

  The Tatsugiri leaped with joy, chirping their gratitude before running off to prepare their pns.

  Naoki watched the se unfold, amazed.

  "Has Slowking bee the great sage of the World Tree?" he muttered, incredulous.

  Just then, Arboliva notiaoki and approached him with a warm greeting.

  "Arbo~"

  "What's going on here?" Naoki asked.

  Arboliva gestured toward the Pokémon patiently waiting in lio sult Slowking. "Arboli…" (They're asking Slowking for advice.)

  Through Arboliva's expnation, Naoki pieced together what had transpired during his absence from the World Tree.

  It all started a week ago when three Treeckos, frustrated by the amount of fruit going to waste, happened upon the clearing. Sittih the rock to rest, they meheir inability to e all the fruit before it spoiled.

  At that moment, Slowking, perched atop the ro its usual ptive state, overheard their s.

  After some thought, Slowking proposed a solution: "Why not use sunlight to dry the fruit? That way, it be stored for longer."

  The Treeckos decided to give it a try. Using rge leaves, they sliced the fruit into pieces and pced the slices uhe radiant glow of Sunflower stationed nearby.

  The result? Perfectly dried fruit.

  The Treeckos were stunned. Who would have thought that Slowking, who often appeared absent-minded, could offer such a brilliant solution?

  Word spread quickly. Before long, Slowking earned a reputation as the "Sage of the World Tree." Whenever a Pokémon entered a problem, it would seek Slowking's wisdom.

  Hearing this, Naoki was very surprised.

  The information recorded in Slowking's Pokédex entry is actually true!

  If Naoki remembered correctly, Slowking was referred to as the "Sage of the Sea" in the Pokédex.

  It's known for its incredible intelligence, and in sions, there's even a saying: "If you're lost, ask a Slowking."

  Not only does Slowkihose who are lost by guiding them to safety, but it also offers solutions to problems faced by both humans and Pokémon who ask for its help.

  Now, seeing the events at the World Tree, it seems the description of Slowking in the Pokémon Encyclopedia was indeed accurate!

  Naoki had initially been worried that Slowking might seem out of p the World Tree.

  But now, it was clear that Slowking had ied itself into the unity in its own unique way.

  Although it couldn't fulfill the role of running a Pokémon tavern, serving as a great sage was just as admirable.

  Iure, as more Pokémoled on the World Tree, iably bringing a variety of challehey would have Slowking to turn tuidance.

  With such a wise and intelligent Pokémon in their midst, those problems could easily be resolved—just like how Slowking had helped the Pokémon that came to it for advice today.

  ...

  The m, a Drago off from Naoki Rand flew to the nearby town of Kosaji to retrieve the golden Naoki had issioned.

  The old goldsmith, startled but awestruck by the sight onite, handed over the . Dragonite, with the golden in its grasp, took off and flew back to the ranch.

  Naoki Ranch - 9:00 AM

  Otlefield beside the Gogoat pen, Gstrier and Spectrier stood at opposite ends of the field, their expressions resolute as they stared each other down.

  Calyrex held the golden in its hands, while Naoki stood beside it, expining the rules of the Horse King Touro the two-horse Pokémon.

  "The rules are simple: this is a one-ohe Pokémon that emerges victorious will earn the right to wear the golden , symbolizing the honor of the Horse King!"

  "Neigh~!"

  "Neigh!"

  Both horse Pokémon neighed in respoheir determination evident.

  Gstrier anxiously pawed at the ground with its front hooves, eager for the match to begin. In trast, Spectrier remained posed, exuding an aura of calm focus.

  Though Spectrier's vision was impaired, its other senses—hearing, smell, and touch—were extraordinarily keen. These heightened senses gave it the ability to accurately assess its surroundings and locate its oppo, even in the heat of battle.

  Despite Gstrier's intimidating and aggressive demeanor, Spectrier stood unshaken.

  Naoki observed the trasting pre-match attitudes of the two Pokémon.

  To ehat her Pokémo defeated or disheartened, Naoki addressed them once more:

  "Winning this match doesn't mean you'll always hold the title of Horse King. The Pokémon that loses today will have the ce to challehe champion agai year. As long as you win, you cim the ."

  He turned his attention to Gstrier and added:

  "And for the Pokémon who wins today, remember that being the Horse King es with responsibility. You must protect the and tio grow stronger. Only by triumphing in every Horse King Tour you truly earle of the greatest Horse King!"

  After announg the rules, Naoki stepped aside to observe.

  Calyrex floated gracefully to the ter of the battlefield, addressing its two cherished steeds with authority:

  "Let the battle begin!"

  With a whistle-like sound of energy, the matenced.

  The instant, both Pokémon sprang into a.

  Gstrier galloped forward with thundering strides, iergy erupting from its hooves and freezing the grouh it. Its charge was ferocious, barreling toward Spectrier with an overwhelming aura of cold power.

  SLAM!

  Spectrier stood its ground, seemingly unshaken, as the eerie purple mist around its body shifted ominously.

  Gstrier charged with all its might, but just as it reached its target, it passed straight through Spectrier's form as if it were a mirage.

  Gstrier: What?!

  Spectrier let out a mog whinny, its sharp senses pinpointing Gstrier's new position. With precise timing, it spun and delivered two solid kicks to its oppo with its hind legs.

  Gstrier's eyes widened as it staggered, the blows leaving it momentarily dazed. Enraged, it roared, and a cold beam of energy erupted from its hooves.

  Anticipating the attack, Spectrier leaped gracefully, activating Agility to enhas speed. It darted across the battlefield with breathtaking speed, leaving Gstrier struggling to keep up.

  The mstrier failed to ect with its target, the more its frustration grew. Fueled by rage, it raised its powerful front legs and stomped heavily on the ground.

  The earth quaked us hooves, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. The tremor reached Spectrier, slowing its movements and causing it to grunt softly in disfort. Sensing an opportunity, Gstrier surged forward.

  But Spectrier wasn't do. It released a burst of fuse Ray, an eerie, glowing light that struck Gstrier, clouding its mind. Dazed, Gstrier began to gallop aimlessly, imagining its oppo in airely different dire.

  Taking full advantage of the fusion, Spectrier calcuted its move with ing precision. It jured a Shadow Ball—a swirling sphere of dark energy—and hurled it with precision at its disoriented oppo.

  BOOM!

  The Shadow Ball struck Gstrier squarely, sending it crashing to the ground. The battlefield fell silent as the mighty steed struggled briefly before succumbing, uo tinue.

  The match was over. Spectrier stood victorious.

  Naoki observed the Phantom Horse with admiration.

  "Did Spectrier use Nasty Plot to boost the power of its Shadow Ball at the end?" he mused.

  Nasty Plot, a Dark-type move, allookémon to sharpen its mind and drastically boost its special attack. Spectrier's clever use of strategy and abilities had turhe tide of battle decisively in its favor.

  In parison, Gstrier's brute force seemed simplistiaoki sighed as he g the defeated Pokémon.

  "It even tried using Tackle, a Normal-type move, against Spectrier—a Ghost-type. That's never going to work."

  Gstrier and Spectrier—one is straightforward and brash, while the other is ing and calcuted. These two cherished Pokémon of Calyrex truly made for aertaining rivalry.

  After the battle cluded, Calyrex used its Heal Pulse ability to mend Gstrier's injuries.

  Soon, Gstrier regained sciousness.

  "It seems the match has been decided," Calyrex said, floating gracefully toward Spectrier with the golden in hand.

  Spectrier's excitement alpable as it id its gaze on the genuine golden —not some ordinary trophy. The fact that it was being personally awarded by Calyrex made the moment even more special.

  Memories of a time long past flooded Spectrier's mind. It remembered how, at the Shrine, Calyrex had ed Za and Zamazenta in a simir ceremony, giving rise to the Sword and Shield Kings.

  Now, Spectrier itself was about to asd as the unrivaled Horse King. Su honor was exhirating.

  Spectrier snorted with pride and anticipation.

  "My beloved steed," Calyrex said in a warm and regal tone, "accept this golden . From this day forward, you are the King of Horses."

  Uhe influence of Calyrex's psychic powers, the golden floated gently onto Spectrier's head.

  Feeling the weight of the , Spectrier lifted its head high a out aatic cry toward the heavens.

  "Neigh~!"

  Nearby, Gstrier exhaled sharply through its nostrils, twin streams of frosty air billowing out.

  "This iving trickster!" it thought furiously. "Winning with such devious tactics... I 't accept this!"

  Calyrex turo Gstrier, its tone calm yet firm.

  "My dear steed, there is o feel disheartened. One year from now, you may challenge Spectrier again. Should you prove victorious, I will pce this upon your head."

  Gstrier gred at Spectrier, resolve burning in its icy gaze.

  "Neigh" "Just you wait," it thought fiercely. " year, that will be mine! I am the true King of Horses, the stro steed in the world."

  Spectrier, however, paid o Gstrier's defia had already asded as the rightful Horse King and dismissed the other as unworthy of its attention.

  With the ad its head, Spectrier trotted off, its prideful demeanor evident as it ied its "territory." Meanwhile, Gstrier silently focused on growing stronger, determio cim the in the Horse King test.

  Watg the two horses reach a tentative truce, both Naoki and Calyrex exhaled in relief.

  Finally, peace had returned.

  Naoki mused aloud, "Perhaps this rivalry will drive both of them to grow stronger."

  Calyrex nodded in agreement. With its e to both steeds, it could unleash powerful fusion moves like Astral Barrage and Gcial Lanbsp;when merged with them. These moves were not only majesti also devastating in battle.

  sidering Calyrex's current strength, Naoki felt fident that few Pokémon in the world could withstand its Gcial Lance. Perhaps only a few, like Hydreigon from the Union, could pose a challenge.

  Even Rayquaza, with its Dragon/Flying typing, would likely falter against the overwhelming ice-type attack of Gcial Lance. Against Rayquaza's quadruple weako Ice, Calyrex's nce would be a true "dragon-sying spear."

  Naoki sighed wistfully. 'It's a shame Calyrex rarely gets the opportunity to showcase this move. I'd love to witness its full power in a.'

  His thoughts drifted to the events of Hoopa and the Csh of Ages, where Hoopa summoned legendary Pokémon to engage in a colossal battle. Perhaps Calyrex and its regal moves could shine in such a chaotic spectacle.

  The idea sparked an amusing thought: Naoki sidered creating a dotary to analyze such battles. For instance, how long would it take Groudon to walk from Kalos back to Hoenn?

  With a chuckle at the thought, Naoki set his gaze ba the harmonious se at the ranch, his heart light with satisfa.

  ...

  Bonus Chapter