Latios, the infinite hatching cutie.
As for the word "infinite," whether it refers to infinite lifespan, infinite energy, or something else, Natsuhiko was not sure.
But he could almost confirm that the energy Latios used to activate this Seven-Colored Crystal Stone was infinite energy.
A type of energy sourced from Latios itself.
Such an action further indicates that both the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone and the Five-Colored Crystal Stone are intricately connected to Latios.
Originally, Natsuhiko speculated whether these crystals were intentionally scattered by Rayquaza.
Upon reconsideration, given Rayquaza's proud nature, it likely wouldn't engage in such idle activities.
Natsuhiko even suspected if the seven-colored and five-colored crystals might be linked to the meteor that fell into the Pokemon Realm, bringing about super evolution.
After all, most super evolution origins in the Pokemon Realm stem from that meteor, and Rayquaza also exhibited super evolution with the help of that meteor.
Natsuhiko later dismissed this idea.
Rayquaza's super evolution actually relies on a special organ within its body called the "Celestial Emperor Organ," which can store energy from the meteors Rayquaza instinctively consumes in the atmosphere.
During Rayquaza's super evolution, the Celestial Emperor Organ resonates with Rayquaza's Super Evolution Stone and Keystone, facilitating super evolution.
Unexpectedly.
After all this speculation, it still ultimately fell to Latios.
Beside him, Dragapult revealed a sudden realization upon hearing Natsuhiko mention "infinite energy."
So that's why there's a mix of Dragon Energy in there?
As Latios continuously output infinite energy, more and more crystals melted into the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone.
With the increasing integration, its radiance became more and more dazzling.
No one knows how long it persisted.
When the last piece of Five-Colored Crystal Stone on the ground merged and vanished, the illumination from the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone brightened the night in this area.
No one noticed that, standing beside Natsuhiko, Ono tilted his head, blinking his eyes, oddly staring at the brilliant crystal before Latios.
This thing...
"Oss..."
Latios paused, taking two deep breaths.
The crystal's emitted light instantly condensed, gradually calming.
Natsuhiko reached out to catch it.
A glimmer of surprise flickered in his eyes.
So heavy.
Despite being thumb-sized, it felt like it combined the weight of all crystals.
He held it in his palm, scrutinizing for a moment.
Still couldn't discern any difference.
"Latios." Natsuhiko handed the crystal to it.
Latios exhaled again, understanding Natsuhiko's intent, and took the crystal with a nod.
Then it donned a serious expression, wings retracting.
Like an arrow, it suddenly shot vertically toward the sky.
Let's see if it can take effect now.
Watching Latios soar, Natsuhiko murmured, "The speed has increased."
Without much hindrance, Latios pierced through the convective barrier in the blink of an eye, reaching a very high altitude.
And there, flying freely, quite effortlessly.
"It's done."
Natsuhiko and Ono both breathed a sigh of relief.
Though unclear whether Latios' current altitude differed from the Celestial Pillar's peak, testing once the Pokémon recovered would reveal that.
Breaking through the convection limit and flying high, the journey from here to the Celestial Pillar wouldn't take much time.
Far more convenient than progressing from the ground step by step.
If the altitude still doesn't meet the standard, gathering some ordinary crystals would do, which is no trouble for Natsuhiko now.
"Oss!"
After circling the sky, Latios returned excitedly, enthusiasm still reflecting in its eyes.
"Good."
Natsuhiko smiled, stroking Latios' neck.
"Natsuhiko, when do we leave?" Ono asked eagerly.
"Rest for a night first; I have some things to do tomorrow. Once done, we'll try." Natsuhiko gazed at the currently pitch-black desolate canyon.
"Alright..."
Ono replied.
...
...
A wordless night.
The following morning.
At dawn.
Natsuhiko tucked in the fur on Ono, then exchanged a glance with Kommo-o, who woke upon hearing the disturbance.
Indicating he would leave for a while and return soon.
Kommo-o blinked, acknowledging.
Then continued to watch Ono as he slept.
Yesterday, both he and Ono were severely injured, so Ono slept soundly, even slightly snoring.
After leaving camp, Natsuhiko strode towards the canyon with his Pokémon.
There.
Was where Hydreigon flew out yesterday, Hydreigon's nest.
Presumably, there might be some treasures in its lair.
Natsuhiko deliberately remembered the position from where Hydreigon appeared.
Upon approach, he discovered.
It was a cave on the canyon cliff.
Standing at the cave entrance, the overpowering stench almost broke Natsuhiko's composure.
He immediately unfolded psychic powers to block the odor, but his face still alternated between pale and flush.
Clearly Hydreigon didn't have such a strong smell yesterday; why is its habitation so pungent?
Alakazam raised its spoon to release "Flash," illuminating the cave.