Follow the wide cave deep inside.
The cave where Hydreigon resides should not have any Wild Pokémon, so Natsuhiko's steps are swift.
Soon he arrives at the deepest part of the cave, a cavern with an expansive horizon.
In the center, there's a place entirely formed by piled stones, resembling a bird's nest, the stones on it have been thoroughly polished, appearing very smooth.
Step into Hydreigon's lair.
Natsuhiko sees two pitch-black scales on it, with strange patterns, about the size of a palm.
Could this be the yield?
"Elite Trainer Level Dragon Pokémon's 'Dragon Scale'," Natsuhiko picks up the two dragon scales with a knowing smile.
Normally, Dragon Pokémon wouldn't actively shed their dragon scales.
Because any scale that can form into a 'Dragon Scale' item is certainly a Nirvana scale of Dragon Pokémon.
Actively shedding Nirvana scales would cause them significant harm.
But if it's naturally shed, that's different.
This Hydreigon doesn't know how long it's been living here; shedding two Nirvana scales is quite normal.
Elite Trainer Level Dragon Pokémon's 'Dragon Scale' is still quite valuable.
"This is....."
Picking up two dragon scales, Natsuhiko sees two palm-sized pieces beneath them, pure black, resembling Crystal Stones.
"Hudi."
Alakazam offers Natsuhiko an explanation.
"Dark-type Pure Crystal?"
Similar to the item in Articuno's nest on Celestial Crown Mountain that helped Hilona's Eevee evolve into a Glaceon.
It's considered a pure Dark energy Crystal.
It can be used by some Dark-type Pokémon to enhance their energy purity.
Or, just as well, given to some Pokémon Items crafting master to create several pairs of 'Black Glasses' to enhance the power of Dark-type Pokémon Techniques.
All are good choices.
After wandering around a bit more, aside from the scattered bones, there are indeed some slightly valuable things.
But mainly these two 'Dragon Scales' and two 'Dark-type Pure Crystals'.
The yield is decent, but a bit less than Natsuhiko expected.
He originally thought that in the elite-level Dragon Pokémon's lair, there would be something more valuable hidden.
"Let's go."
Alakazam nods; under its psychic power, they instantly leave here.
After Natsuhiko leaves, a vague figure appears in the dim corner shadows, blue eyes glance at Hydreigon's lair, then turn into a black shadow and disappear.
...
...
"So high..."
On Latios' back.
Ono sits at Latios' shoulder, grasping its neck tightly.
Looking very curious, yet very scared.
Natsuhiko stands on Latios' back, looking at the approaching Celestial Pillar.
Originally.
Natsuhiko was worried this little Latios wouldn't want to carry humans other than Natsuhiko.
But unexpectedly.
Latios doesn't mind Ono at all and even shows closeness; she's the second closest human besides Natsuhiko.
Even Lance, who also possesses 'Dragon Power', didn't get the same treatment from Latios as Ono did.
Natsuhiko can only understand that.
Ono's 'Dragon Power' is much stronger than Lance's.
Latios' speed is very fast.
Through layers of swirling clouds, the giant Celestial Pillar soon appears in their view.
This is already Latios' highest reachable altitude, yet relative to the Celestial Pillar's total height, it's still somewhat lacking.
The huge grayish-white Celestial Pillar is a mystery in its formation, resembling a rounded stick, a rather thick stick, with some strange engravings on it.
And the top of the Celestial Pillar remains hidden in the mist, unseeable.
"Oss——"
Latios cheerfully calls, discovering a spot at its maximum altitude for landing.
Most importantly, it seems there's an entrance leading inside the Celestial Pillar on this platform.
"Is the remaining distance reliant on walking?" Natsuhiko silently considers.
He then signals Latios to land there.
Perhaps it's a misconception.
Natsuhiko feels this Celestial Pillar is reminiscent of the high tower he entered in Groudon's Alternate Space, carved by Groudon's 'Sword of the Cliff'.
Latios hovers over the platform.
From a distance, this Celestial Pillar seems slender.
Approaching reveals it as an illusion.
Natsuhiko and company are quite insignificant compared to this pillar.
Looking at the entrance ahead, they do not hesitate, stepping inside.
"Wow——"
Once inside, Ono can't help but exclaim.
The Celestial Pillar interior lacks anything special, only a spiral staircase rising upwards, endless circling straight to the pillar's top.
And from their upward perspective.
The pillar top is open, revealing a magnificent starry sky, seemingly leading outside the cosmos.
That's why Ono couldn't help but express amazement.
Natsuhiko is somewhat surprised too.
Though not entirely unexpected.
Rayquaza likes residing in the ozone layer, beyond which lies the vast universe.
Set foot on the stairs.
Facial muscles twitch.
Such a lengthy staircase, would exhaust a person?
Yet quickly he's drawn by some wall carvings.