The orb shattered, releasing a cascade of papers and a handful of seeds into Carl's hand.
Upon reading the paper, he nearly jumped in surprise. "Is this really what I think it is? Wouldn't Emperor be begging me to take him as a disciple?"
The paper read:
"[Dynamax Soup Recipe: Brewed using Dynamax Mushrooms, allowing Pokémon to Dynamax.] [Dynamax Mushroom Seeds: Grow Dynamax Mushrooms, containing special energy, can change a Pokémon's Dynamax form, enhancing combat effectiveness.]"
Though the information was brief, Carl's mind was in turmoil.
Dynamaxing is a phenomenon where a Pokémon releases energy, distorting space, causing its size to increase immensely, doubling its stamina, and drastically boosting the power of its moves. Unlike Mega Evolution, Dynamaxing requires a specific location and a Dynamax Band to trigger.
Currently, very few know that this power originates from the mythical creature, Eternatus. But Carl knew better; Eternatus is not native but rather an alien being that fell to Earth nearly twenty thousand years ago.
After the Pokémon world merged with Earth a century ago, regions like the southern United States and Australia also began to exhibit Dynamax energy. Trainers from these areas, though strong, were overly reliant on Dynamaxing, often finding themselves at a disadvantage in battles abroad.
But the secrets of Dynamaxing don't end there!
Carl's region, Westvale, along with the neighboring states, also contain Dynamax energy. Though Summit Gym lacked the equipment to harness this energy, Havenport's other elite gym could conduct Dynamax battles.
Being in a Dynamax zone, Carl naturally paid attention to related information. Surprisingly, the legendary Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra near the Galar region didn't exist. He speculated these special locations might be hidden realms, either not yet appearing or requiring certain methods to access.
Since the Isle of Armor was absent, Carl concluded that Gigantamaxing shouldn't exist either. His investigations confirmed this. Even Galar's champion, Emperor, though adept at Dynamaxing, only had a regular Dynamaxed Charizard.
Gigantamaxing is a special phenomenon where only certain Pokémon, after consuming Dynamax Soup, can achieve it. In this state, not only do they grow larger, their appearance becomes more unique. Beyond increased stamina, specific Dynamax moves transform into Gigantamax moves, with added effects.
Carl believed Gigantamaxing was unknown because the ingredients for Dynamax Soup, the Dynamax Mushrooms, only grew on the Isle of Armor. And even if someone got the ingredients, they wouldn't know how to use them without the special cooking method.
Originally, there was a hermit master on the Isle of Armor who would take disciples and teach them the craft. After three trials, the disciple could earn the Dynamax Soup. Emperor was his most prized disciple.
Unexpectedly, now Carl could realize Gigantamaxing. With the Dynamax Mushroom Seeds, planting them in a wondrous garden would yield a steady supply of these valuable ingredients.
Carl glanced at the Dynamax Soup recipe in his hand, thinking he'd teach Serena how to make it once she arrived. But even if others knew the method, it wouldn't matter since he held all the key ingredients.
"If I can make Pokémon Gigantamax, Emperor would be envious," he muttered to himself. Although Emperor was known as the 'Parachutist Champion' in a past life, he was genuinely a good person, caring deeply for his homeland and Pokémon, especially passionate about battles. If he discovered Gigantamaxing, he might truly come seeking tutelage.
Carl chuckled at the thought, "I'm dreaming too grandly, thinking the champion would seek me out as a mentor."
He tossed the seeds onto the ground with a flourish. They instantly took root, sprouting with a faint, colorful glow. "At this rate, they'll mature in seven days, and then I can brew the Dynamax Soup."
However, among his current Pokémon, only his apprentice bear could Gigantamax after evolving, so the soup wasn't immediately needed. He pondered capturing Pokémon like Snorlax and Lapras for this purpose. Lapras was common in the Galar region, Charizard could be found in the Charizard Valley, and Snorlax was no issue either.
Oh, and there were two Pokémon eggs. Carl retrieved them from his backpack. One of the Gible eggs originally required a month to hatch, but its time was halved in the Dragon's Den. He placed the egg on the World Tree's branches, using his aura powers to inspect it: "[Species: Gible (Shiny)]"
Carl discovered the Gible egg had undergone a remarkable transformation under the World Tree's influence. Not only had the hatching time significantly shortened, but it evolved into a shiny form, with both its primary and hidden abilities, and its potential nearing a pseudo-legendary level, with maximum intimacy.
"Won't Cynthia be envious of this Gible?" he thought, eagerly placing the Ralts egg on the World Tree as well.
A dazzling light flashed, and the egg's shell, sealed by Jirachi's crystal, shattered, gradually forming a Pokémon.
With a timid cry, a shiny Ralts with a white body and blue hair shielding its face appeared on the branch.
This Ralts possessed three traits, though weak, its potential was extraordinary, and its intimacy level was also maxed out. It mastered several powerful moves, including a chain of moves resembling Destiny Bond.
"A three-trait Ralts is practically unbeatable!" Carl was elated. As he locked eyes with Ralts' ruby eyes, the little creature gracefully flew into his arms, snuggling into his clothes, just peeking its blue hair out.
Maximum intimacy is impressive, even making the usually shy Ralts so affectionate. Carl gently petted the shiny Ralts' hair, a satisfied smile on his face.
Ralts hid under his shirt, its tiny feet gently pressing down, feeling like stepping on a balloon.
A shrunken Cosmog looked bewildered: "?"
The noble mythical Pokémon, reduced to a footrest?
Elsewhere, atop Mount Coronet, a council convened.
Mew playfully shifted forms, emitting cheerful cries. Suddenly, two bolts of lightning tore across the sky, revealing a pair of majestic golden eyes through the rift.
Dialga roared, "What are you up to now?"
Mew, wagging its tail, replied with a grin, "Just helping a little."
Even though Mew's power was lesser than theirs, it remained unfazed, frequently assisting the cosmic entities in their tasks.
Long ago, Arceus created the world, feeling lonely, it split into two aspects governing time and space. Both were parts of Arceus.
Later, Mew and the World Tree brought life. Arceus favored this, using the powers of its elemental plates to create various Pokémon. It even borrowed Mew's power to directly birth the Lake Trio, who governed emotion, willpower, and wisdom.
Following this, Ho-Oh, the Tao Dragons, and other deity-like Pokémon were born. Legendary Pokémon like Rayquaza, though lacking divine roles, were powerful enough to dominate their domains.