章節 1029: Cause

At first, Yuga didn't pay much attention to the changes in the size of the Jangmo-o. As the size of young Pokémon tended to change daily, it wasn't until the Jangmo-o grew to be as big as a Kommo-o that Yuga realized something was amiss.

Ordinary Jangmo-o typically stand around 0.6 meters tall, with some reaching up to 0.7 or 0.8 meters when well-grown. Yet, in just two months, the Jangmo-o transformed from a cute little creature under 0.4 meters tall to a towering 1.4 meters in height. To put this into perspective, an average Kommo-o's usual height is only 1.2 meters.

After a thorough examination, Yuga discovered that Jangmo-os on the Jangmo-o's head would occasionally emit a peculiar energy field fluctuation. This fluctuation was quite peculiar, and although faint, Yuga felt a strange familiarity, which he had not noticed earlier.

After much contemplation, Yuga remembered that this energy field bore similarities to the Ultra Aura found in Cosmoem and Kartana. However, it also exhibited significant differences, indicating it wasn't the same kind of energy.

In an attempt to understand Jangmo-os' issue on the Jangmo-o, Yuga took it to a Pokémon Center. With the help of Nurse Joy, he learned that the substance found on Jangmo-os of the Jangmo-o differed from the ones on regular Jangmo-o.

After extensively researching this matter, Yuga discovered from the information provided by Nurse Joy that the substance on the Jangmo-o's forehead was highly likely to be a unique stone specific to the Alola region—Sparkling Stone.

The ecology of Alola's unique Pokémon has long been a hot topic in Pokémon academic research, especially concerning regional forms and Totem Pokémon.

Many researchers suggest that the Totem Pokémon in the Alola region may have a significant connection with the Sparkling Stone peculiar to that area.

Totem Pokémon are incredibly powerful, considered anomalies among Pokémon, prompting continuous research. Unfortunately, no one has yet established a clear link between the Sparkling Stone and the Totem Pokémon.

Additionally, how exactly are Sparkling Stones formed?

Up to this point, the discovered Sparkling Stones in the Alola region have been few and far between, with no instances of significant findings or any discovered veins.

Long ago, some speculated that the birth of Sparkling Stones is incidental and doesn't form like regular stones under the natural environment's gradual influence.

Indeed, as Yuga suspected, the birth of Sparkling Stones is highly likely to be related to the mysterious Pokémon that once appeared in the Alola region—Necrozma.

According to Alolan legends, Necrozma was known as the Briliant One, whose arrival dispersed the darkness in Alola, bringing light to the region.

This "light" should be the Ultra Aura, the fundamental reason behind the ecological changes in the Alola region. The Sparkling Stones could possibly have originated from this source.

So where did the Sparkling Stone component on the Jangmo-o come from? It had never left Yuga's Ecopark since birth!

After returning, Yuga found the Jangmo-o's parents, the Kommo-o couple, to understand the situation. It was clear that the presence of Sparkling Stone on the Jangmo-o was related solely to them.

After careful questioning, Yuga learned from the couple that when they left Alola, their clan leader, who happened to be the Totem Kommo-o, had given them a Sparkling Stone.

However, the couple had carelessly lost the stone right before they departed. They felt sad for a while but eventually stopped worrying about it.

Unexpectedly, the lost Sparkling Stone ended up fused with the Jangmo-o, integrating with Jangmo-os on its head. These heart scales were crucial to them, as they would transform into a reverse scale upon evolving into their final form, capable of causing instant death upon contact. The significance of these heart scales was evident.

Yuga speculated that the current Jangmo-o had become a rare Totem Pokémon.

However, how did the Jangmo-o become a Totem Pokémon under the influence of the Sparkling Stone? If it were as simple as the birth of a Totem Pokémon under the influence of the Sparkling Stone, researchers would have unveiled this secret by now.

Clearly, aside from the Sparkling Stone, the birth of a Totem Pokémon requires some necessary conditions, ones that are present here and absent elsewhere. Yuga pondered but couldn't identify these conditions.

Sometimes, curiosity weighs heavily on a person. Even though the link between Totem Pokémon and the Sparkling Stone might not be necessary for Yuga to unravel, the puzzling doubt troubled him deeply.

In the pursuit of truth, Yuga sought connections in Alola to acquire a few Sparkling Stones. However, these stones were also rare in their native Alola, as they were vital materials for crafting Z-Power Rings. Obtaining them in a short time was nearly impossible, leaving Yuga feeling resigned.

As the New Year gradually passed, challengers started returning to the gym, and Yuga chose not to leave the gym to Beidou for the time being, and opting to manage the gym's affairs himself.

During his free moments, Yuga guided Cosmoem, Kartana, Abomasnow, Mimikyu, and Decidueye in their training at the gym.

As for his old companions, Yuga allowed them to train on their own within the Ecopark. Their strengths had reached a certain level, and if they want further progress they need to relied on chance encounters, time, and perseverance.

The innovation potion brought Yuga an abundance of resources. He now had no shortage of materials to create exclusive Pokéblock (Moonlight) for Cosmoem, which ensured steady growth for Cosmoem.

Yuga's ability to assist Cosmoem was limited. Due to its form restrictions, Cosmoem couldn't undergo extensive move training. Hence, most of the time was spent meditating to enhance its mental power.

Cosmoem, as a legendary Pokémon, has its own unique meditation method. Apart from providing enough Moonlight Pokéblock for Cosmoem, Yuga had to wait for its evolution into Lunala to make further plans.

Since obtaining Cosmoem, Yuga had delved into Alola's ancient legends. However, modern texts of region's current documentation scarcely mentioned about Cosmoem, leaving modern people unaware of its relationship with Solgaleo and Lunala.

In the ancient texts, Cosmoem was referred to as the "Cocoon of the Stars."

Yuga speculated that Cosmoem might be an energy-accumulating stage before evolving into Solgaleo or Lunala, hence the title "cocoon."

Based on this understanding, Yuga made no unnecessary arrangements for Cosmoem, and focusing solely on helping it accumulate the energy needed for evolution. Therefore, Moonlight Pokéblock remained a top priority.

However, it was unfortunate that Alola's ancient texts were incomplete, providing limited useful information.

Regarding Cosmoem, these records mentioned a specific artifact, seemingly a flute. Unfortunately, this written record was discovered in a deteriorated state, making it impossible for archaeologists to restore it. Therefore, Yuga couldn't extract useful information from it.

As for Kartana's progress, it remained steady. In terms of actual combat ability, some of Yuga's second team members were no match for Kartana. It hadn't encountered any significant obstacles so far, maintaining a consistent and rapid pace of improvement. Given time, it would likely surpass the rest.

It truly lived up to its race tha comparable to a Tier 2 Legendary Pokémon.

Kartana always followed a path of speed and precision. Despite being no larger than a palm, its sword arms were incredibly sharp, effortlessly slicing through heavy steel, making light work of cutting and chopping.

Recognizing this advantage, Yuga considered finding a swordsmanship mentor for Kartana. However, reckless slashing seemed to waste Kartana's innate talents.

Unfortunately, much like finding an archery mentor for Decidueye, finding a swordsmanship mentor was equally challenging.

For quite some time, Yuga intended to find an archery mentor for Decidueye but hadn't made progress. In the modern age, finding proficient archery and swordsmanship masters was indeed rare.

Hence, this endeavor had to progress slowly. For now, Kartana's swordsmanship and Decidueye's archery training were self-taught.

As for Abomasnow, it was currently undergoing Synthesis reinforcement training.

At the moment, Abomasnow's size seems to have reached its limit, no longer increasing with the intensity of its Synthesis. However, its current stature is already quite exaggerated, resembling a small mountain made of snow and ice, complemented by green parts akin to jade, adding a touch of charm to the snowy white mountain.

Abomasnow exhibits remarkable resilience against attacks. Even when standing still, subjecting it to flames from fire-type Pokémon of similar levels wouldn't cause any harm for quite some time. Strictly speaking, its recovery ability is formidable. Even if injured, it swiftly regenerates, concealing any signs of damage.

Additionally, its offensive capability is formidable, emitting an aura of ice and snow, instantly freezing lower-level Pokémon by its breath.

However, its substantial size is currently its greatest drawback, leading to inconvenience in movement.

Finally, there's Mimikyu with the purple potential.

Of all the Pokémon, Mimikyu has shown the most rapid progress in a short time. Part of it might be due to its lower level, but its exceptional potential is not to be underestimated.

Recently, Mimikyu went to the Distortion world and, with the help of Jellicent, spent several days with Giratina. Under Giratina's guidance, Mimikyu returned considerably stronger.

The Frilish that once trailed after Giratina, has since evolved into Jellicent under Giratina's tutelage and even received many perks from Giratina, becoming a true pseudo-Elite Pokémon.

This level-up was not an easy feat.

Giratina has a great fondness for Jellicent and enjoys roaming the Distortion world with it. Currently, most of Jellicent's time is spent there, unlike Gengar and others, which have time limits.

Observing the completion of today's training tasks for the Pokémon, Yuga recalled Abomasnow, Decidueye, and Kartana into their Poké Balls, while Cosmoem and the Mimikyu remained outside.

Cosmoem's mental maturity is still quite low, very playful like a regular Pokémon. Once the meditation training ends, it plays with the nearby Jangmo-o.

Due to Yuga's ongoing research into the relationship between Totem Pokémon and the Sparkling Stone, he always keeps the Jangmo-o close by.

While not intending to make the Jangmo-o as his main Pokémon, its potential is excellent, inheriting its father's blue potential. Yuga occasionally guides and instructs it while training the other Pokémon.

The Jangmo-o has a mischievous personality, playfully tapping Cosmoem with its claws, causing it to chime with laughter.

Because Cosmoem's formidable defensive capabilities, far exceeding most Pokémon, its metallic outer shell feels sturdy. The Jangmo-o's playful taps entertain it, resembling a foolish son of a wealthy landlord.

These two little Pokémon have become quite familiar with each other. When Jangmo-o was just born, Cosmoem quietly approached and began playing with it. Compared to other Pokémon, Cosmoem seems to favor Jangmo-o more.

On the other hand, Mimikyu is much quieter. Underneath its young appearance lies the soul of an old uncle.

Recently, Gengar and Mismagius went to the Distortion world and are not at home, so Yuga's Shadow Space is empty.

Mimikyu buries half of its body into the Shadow Space while the other half remains visible outside, enjoying watching Cosmoem and Jangmo-o frolicking.

Considering it will never have offspring with Wigglytuff in its life, Mimikyu always treats young Pokémon with a loving heart.

Observing Jangmo-o and Cosmoem playing together, a thought struck Yuga: indeed, if there was something he possessed that others didn't, wasn't it Cosmoem?

With this realization, Yuga suddenly became excited. Perhaps the trigger for Jangmo-o to become a Totem Pokémon is Cosmoem.

The source of the mutation caused by the Sparkling Stone is actually related to the Ultra Aura left behind by Necrozma. Cosmoem itself emits an Ultra Aura.

Yuga recalls a scene from the original animation.

The world where the Ultra Beasts lived was once very beautiful, all thanks to the existence of Necrozma.

However, one day, a meteorite struck the land. In a bid to stop the meteorite from falling, Necrozma sacrificed itself, losing all its radiance and falling into a deep slumber, casting the world into darkness.

The radiance here refers to the Ultra Aura.

However, with the arrival of Solgaleo and Lunala, the dormant Necrozma awoke, attempting to restore itself by consuming Solgaleo and Lunala.

This means that Solgaleo and Lunala possess an Ultra Aura comparable to the original Necrozma.

Essentially, they belong to the same tier of Legendary Pokémon.

It's important to note that the Ultra Aura of Necrozma brought prosperity to the entire Ultra Beast world.

Lunala might have come close, but not quite up to par. So, Cosmoem's Ultra Aura to trigger Jangmo-o into a Totem Pokémon seems quite natural.

However, in terms of uniqueness, Lunala is probably unable to compete with Necrozma. Necrozma was like the source of life in the Ultra Beast world. Lunala and Solgaleo clearly cannot replace it.

Nevertheless, this is all just Yuga's speculation. The actual facts are yet to be confirmed.