Aiden's consciousness swiftly faded.
Until the sound of rending space reached his ears—he felt himself plummeting endlessly through a nightmare… before landing softly upon something cushioned.
Blinking dazedly awake—his awareness finally returned from the Hall of Origin to reality.
Phew—there was a moment I thought my sorry life was about to become moon fodder——
Aiden exhaled in relief—then realized he was once again seated atop Giratina.
So after falling from the Hall of Origin… it caught me.
"Thank you, Giratina."
Aiden voiced genuine gratitude—while mentally grumbling about a certain alpaca——Arceus.
Since the system kept hinting he should show more respect… better avoid thinking that name too often.
Re! Spect!
[I can sense it, Aiden.]
Giratina's low growl resonated within his mind.
[You've gained the Creator's acknowledgment. Even your aura has subtly changed.]
"Mm. In the Hall of Origin… I met the Creator Deity."
Aiden nodded—then his expression turned complex.
"Come to think of it—He assigned me a rather troublesome task. One related to you… and Dialga and Palkia too."
Giratina's body stiffened slightly.
It seemed perplexed.
The Creator was an omniscient, omnipotent being. Merely creating countless worlds already placed Him beyond all other life.
Such an existence… actually had something He couldn't accomplish Himself—requiring delegation to Aiden?
Though unable to comprehend—it patiently awaited Aiden's elaboration.
"Mm—due to certain reasons… He had to leave this world."
Aiden pondered briefly before continuing.
"So now… He feels indebted to you all. He hopes I can compensate you on His behalf."
"Arceus… probably loves this world more than anyone. He wishes all His creations could enjoy the world He made."
After hearing this—Giratina fell silent for a moment.
[Is that so?]
[I cannot imagine… that eternally emotionless Creator… actually developing such feelings.]
[But if this is true… I believe those two brats would be quite pleased.]
The "two brats" clearly referred to Dialga and Palkia.
Though their relationship was fraught—they were, in a sense, Arceus-designated siblings.
"So… do you have a wish?"
As Aiden spoke—he sighed inwardly.
Arceus provided zero resources… yet expected him to become a Legendary Pokémon wish-granting machine? How simple did He think this was——
What if they wished for rule-altering boons? How could an ordinary human possibly fulfill those?!
Take Giratina—for instance. It likely yearned more than anyone to escape the lonely Distortion World and return permanently to reality…
Rather than merely visiting when summoned by him.
Giratina was relatively reasonable. But other troublesome deities——
Like that certain Regigigas still squatting on a toilet in Snowpoint Temple… what if it demanded a new Ability?! Would that even be legal?!
Yet Giratina's response surprised Aiden.
[My wish… haven't you already fulfilled it?]
?
Aiden blinked—then recalled.
"You mean… bringing the Time-Space deities into the Distortion World so you could beat them up for catharsis?"
Giratina offered no reply—which itself was confirmation.
But Aiden waited… and waited… with no system notification forthcoming.
So past deeds don't count, huh——
You sly alpaca—actually playing mind games with me now?!
"How about… making another wish?"
Aiden now genuinely felt like a soulless wish-granting machine—having to practically beg Giratina to state its desire.
After a brief silence—Giratina's voice returned.
[Then… my wish is——]
[When you have time… summon me to the physical world. I wish to witness scenery beyond just Sinnoh.]
[As the Creator said… to enjoy the world He created——]
"No problem!"
Aiden immediately nodded vigorously.
Truly worthy of reliable Giratina—such a beneficial request?!
Not only was this wish effortless to fulfill—it granted him another super-powered ally for critical moments.
Though with alpaca backing him… he could practically walk sideways through this world anyway——
But more friends meant more paths~
Imagine—facing trouble, a mere thought summoning a row of Legendaries behind him… that aesthetic wouldn't be bad at all?
[I look forward to it.]
Giratina fell silent—resuming its descent.
Soon—it passed the watching Dialga and Palkia—delivering Aiden to the summit of Spear Pillar ruins.
Upon seeing his safe return—Cynthia, who'd been silently worrying below, finally exhaled in relief.
"Welcome back."
Cynthia brushed wind-tousled golden strands from her face—a gentle smile gracing her lips as she addressed Aiden dismounting from Giratina.
From her perspective—Aiden had vanished the moment he ascended the staircase… only to plummet moments later—caught securely by Giratina.
In that instant—she'd instinctively reached for a Poké Ball—prepared to defy even Arceus's divine pressure to save him.
But fortunately—the outcome was positive.
Though unaware of his exact experiences—Aiden's ever-placid smile made the truth clear:
He had succeeded.
As a human—he had reestablished contact with the legendary world-creator.
Aiden scratched his head—his expression turning awkward upon meeting Cynthia's gaze.
Oh no!
I never actually met Arceus's true form—only chatted remotely with Him.
Having missed that sole opportunity… my Pokédex data will never be complete——
Though not critically important—it felt like missing a limited-time achievement while collecting all trophies… leaving an irreplaceable void.
As Aiden thought this—a familiar notification chimed in his ear.
[Main Quest "Path of Legends · Ultimate" Updated]
[Current Progress: Giratina]
[Reward: Arceus (Avatar) Pokédex Data—Auto-Dispensing——]
???
Aiden's eyes widened—then he instantly understood—lifting his gaze skyward.
As expected—even though "that Lord" won't admit it… this system is absolutely Arceus cosplaying!
Otherwise where'd such an OP tool come from?!
Fake Legendary Wish-Granting Machine: Aiden
Real Legendary Wish-Granting Machine: The System!
Aiden retrieved his special Pokédex—confirming it was autonomously uploading new data.
Once the upload completed—he smiled—waving the device toward Cynthia.
"I brought you a souvenir from the Hall of Origin."
As Cynthia looked puzzled—Aiden pressed the special edition Pokédex into her hands.
"This is——a special Pokédex?"
Cynthia blinked—initially failing to grasp his intent.
But upon seeing the majestic figure within—golden hooves and cosmic bracelets adorning its form—she gasped:
"Arceus?!"
Beep——
[Arceus, Creator of Pokémon]
Type: ???
A great being never meant to be recorded in this Pokédex… who indulged a curious human's small whim out of kindness.
The Pokédex's timely announcement deepened Cynthia's astonishment.
Clearly—the "curious human" referred to Aiden.
"A unique gift in this entire world… for the most special person to me."
Aiden spoke softly—wind-tousled black hair framing eyes brimming with warmth as he gazed intently at Cynthia.
After learning more truths from Arceus—he now felt a subtle shift within.
Even the world's Creator could harbor regrets about the past.
To avoid future regrets… the best approach was to cherish the present.
Thus—starting now—
He would more actively express his inner emotions.
Seemingly unprepared for his words—Cynthia—who'd been intently studying the Pokédex—lifted her head.
But upon meeting Aiden's focused gaze—she abruptly turned away.
Aiden noticed her cheeks rapidly flushing pink.
So adorable~
Rarely seeing Cynthia flustered—Aiden's face blossomed into a deeply satisfied smile.
Alas—she quickly composed herself—her smile growing even gentler.
"I truly love this gift."
As she spoke—Cynthia slowly extended her arms—encircling Aiden in an embrace.
"So——this is my return gift."
"..."
"..."
This time—Aiden's eyes widened in surprise.
He quickly reacted—wrapping his arms around Cynthia's slender waist.
Somehow… the initiator should've been me in this moment——
But whatever!
The wordless embrace lasted nearly a minute. After thoroughly replenishing his "Cynthia Energy"—Aiden finally felt content—his spirit visibly restored.
Is this… the power of "love"?
With this power… I feel like I lack nothing now!
As Aiden thought this—he turned to voice his sentiment—
Only to freeze once more.
Above—Sinnoh's trio of major Legendaries and trio of minor ones now floated in two neat rows—observing him with keen interest.
He'd assumed they'd departed… yet unexpectedly——
Why are there six 'lightbulbs' in the sky in broad daylight?!
Even Mew used to join Pokémon in teasing him—did all of Arceus's creations share a love for "spectating drama"?
[Congratulations, Aiden.]
Noticing his gaze—the Legendaries who'd silently observed the humans' affectionate moment now approached. Uxie—who'd communicated with him most—spoke first in gratitude:
[For us… knowing the Creator never abandoned us—and still silently observes this world from beyond—is already sufficient fulfillment.]
[As for wishes——]
Uxie paused—exchanging a glance with Mesprit and Azelf beside it—before all three nodded firmly in unison.
[Our shared wish… is that humans continue treating Pokémon with kindness… co-creating a world that would satisfy Him.]
"..."
Aiden fell silent.
Giratina had likely already conveyed Arceus's sentiments to the Lake Guardians and Time-Space deities—saving him repetition.
But… wasn't this wish a bit too grand?
Truly—reasonable Pokémon like Giratina were rare. Even these three's wish was this overwhelming——
Still.
"I'll do my utmost… to strive toward fulfilling it."
Aiden smiled—responding earnestly.
The Lake Guardians nodded in satisfaction.
[We believe you can accomplish this.]
After Aiden's pledge—Azelf beside Uxie quickly added:
[Next—the wishes of Dialga and Palkia——]
Aiden sensed faint unease in Azelf's tone.
Clearly—those two's desires weren't ordinary.
He instinctively looked toward the Time-Space dragons—only to find them deliberately averting their gazes—radiating "Look how blue the sky is!" energy.
[Their wish… is to find a place to battle freely until a victor is determined.]
?
Aiden slowly typed out a mental question mark—then nearly laughed in exasperation.
Fine fine fine—play it that way.
No problem. This is actually trivial. Teacher Aiden will fulfill your wish right now!
Aiden immediately signaled Giratina—with a meaningful glance. Giratina instantly understood—slinking stealthily behind the deities.
Then—under Dialga and Palkia's tense gazes—Aiden calmly declared:
"Giratina—move!"
"ROOOAR——!"
A black rift tore open behind Giratina. It seized Dialga's nape in its jaws—tail coiling tightly around Palkia—
—and all three vanished instantly.
"Love fighting so much? Go brawl to your hearts' content in the Distortion World!"
"As for whether Giratina supervises you——I've already fulfilled your wish. What it does is none of my concern~"
After the Sinnoh trio departed—the Lake Guardians soon bid farewell.
Now—the Spear Pillar ruins held only Aiden and Cynthia once more.
Checking his system—Aiden confirmed his actions counted: the completed list now read "Sinnoh Trio, Lake Guardians." He exhaled in relief.
Good thing I did plenty of good deeds in Sinnoh—my KPI exploded in one go.
The only remaining "Arceus creation" in Sinnoh… should be Regigigas, right?
That one's not urgent. Let it slow-boot for a few years first.
As Aiden pondered—he suddenly realized:
Wait—I've basically harvested nearly all of Sinnoh's Legendary Pokémon already?
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