Chapter 76 76: Inviting Volcanion
Fortunately, Victini acted in time.
Otherwise, that last burst alone would've left Sora bedridden for ten days to half a month.
And that would've been the best-case scenario.
If his foundation had been damaged—or worse, his lifespan reduced—then things would've been far more serious.
"Good thing I have you, Vee."
Sora slumped onto the ground, breathing heavily, feeling deeply grateful. "And you too, Ponpon—congrats on the win."
A trainer had to keep things fair. It wasn't an easy job.
"Ponii…"
Ogerpon didn't care about praise at all—she was only worried about Sora's condition.
"I'm fine, really."
Sora smiled. "If you want, I could even do another four-layer Terastal right now."
"Ponii!!"
Ogerpon immediately stiffened, putting on a stern face, forbidding him from doing anything so reckless again.
Just because they had enough energy didn't mean Sora could waste it.
No one could guarantee Victini could restore everything perfectly—what if there were hidden side effects?
Ogerpon would rather give up that power than let Sora get hurt.
"Alright, alright, I was wrong."
Sora apologized—then, catching her off guard, pulled her into his arms and started ruffling her all over.
"Po—Ponini~"
Ogerpon instantly melted, happily snuggling against him.
On the other side, Magearna carefully checked Volcanion's injuries.
Volcanion shook his head. "Don't worry. She held back."
The aftermath had been terrifying, but with his durability, it wasn't enough to cause serious harm.
With natural recovery, he'd be fine soon.
Of course… Victini's energy would've been even better.
"Come on."
Volcanion brought Magearna over to Sora and lowered his head, sincerely apologizing for the earlier attack.
"I understand."
Sora said, "A lot of the Pokémon here were abandoned by human trainers."
"Seeing that, it's only natural you'd distrust humans."
Pokémon were simple creatures.
Volcanion was stubborn—but he could admit his mistakes.
…Well, mostly because Ogerpon beat it into him.
That was Pokémon logic.
The strong could do as they pleased to the weak.
Ogerpon hadn't humiliated him—just scolded him a little. That barely counted.
"Alright, we'll talk about the rest in a bit."
"First, we should repair the land you two destroyed."
Sora's suggestion puzzled both Volcanion and Kimia.
Compared to the vast Nebel Plateau, the damage was only a tiny fraction.
Even if left alone, nature would eventually heal itself.
"Bini!"
Victini stepped forward, patting her chest confidently.
"What are you going to do?"
"Bini~~~"
She flew into the sky.
Golden light poured from her body—
Turning into a rain of shimmering energy that fell upon the ruined land.
And then—
The flooded lake receded.
Cracked stone sprouted grass, binding itself back together.
Fallen trees renewed, becoming nourishment for fresh growth.
Even the distant barren hills turned lush and green—
As if nothing had ever been destroyed.
"This…"
The scene—like a miracle—once again left Kimia and the Pokémon in awe.
"Bini~~"
Victini returned to Sora's shoulder, puffing up proudly, clearly waiting for praise.
"Alright, alright, you're amazing."
"As expected of the Victory Star—you can do anything if you want."
Victini shyly covered her face, squirming happily, making Magearna giggle softly.
With everything settled, Sora led everyone to an open area.
The lords and bosses who came to watch were dismissed by Ogerpon.
Kimia chose to stay.
She wanted to witness everything—to see Sora attempt to capture the legendary Volcanion.
Sora didn't mind.
Having someone of her status present might even be useful.
"Let's continue our earlier discussion."
Sora sat cross-legged, facing Volcanion.
"Magearna doesn't want to be separated from you. And I don't want to split you apart either."
"…What are you saying?"
Volcanion no longer doubted Sora's character.
He could have forcibly captured him and taken Magearna—but he didn't.
Their battle had conveyed everything.
"If you truly don't want to come with me,"
Sora said calmly, "then I'll give up."
"—!"
"Mr. Sora!"
Both Volcanion and Kimia were stunned.
They had seen many trainers—
But someone who respected Pokémon this much?
Never.
"Doo-doo~"
Magearna waved her hands.
She realized… she didn't actually mind becoming friends with Sora.
But Volcanion…
"If Magearna is willing… then I'm willing too."
That was Volcanion's answer.
He would never abandon her.
"I see."
Sora nodded. "Then let's make a promise."
"A promise?"
"I'll help you grow stronger, Volcanion."
"I want to capture you—but not to control or bind you."
"I want us to travel as equals."
"Magearna too."
"I want to take you out into the wider world."
"To see places you've never seen."
"To meet all kinds of Pokémon."
"To battle—and grow stronger."
"And if one day, you grow tired—"
"I'll bring you home."
That was Sora's promise.
Pokémon weren't tools.
They were partners.
And most importantly—
He offered Volcanion something it couldn't refuse.
Strength.
Before meeting Sora, Volcanion believed itself invincible.
Even arrogant.
But reality—
Had struck hard.
Victini's infinite energy.
Bloodmoon Ursaluna's overwhelming might.
And Ogerpon—
A being so absurd, Volcanion had questioned whether she was even fair.
And this human—
Had earned the loyalty of all three.
"…If it's him…"
A thought quietly formed in Volcanion's mind.
"Maybe…"
"Just maybe—"
"He really can take me… to a higher realm."
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Pat reon Advance Chapters: /YonkoSlayer