Watching Solgaleo stare intently at the Pokéblock in Nebby's hand, Julian smiled faintly in his heart. The two of them shared the same origin; it was just that their final evolved forms were different.
Thus, Nebby's exclusive Pokéblocks held a certain appeal for Solgaleo as well.
Nebby also noticed Solgaleo's gaze and immediately turned its back, shielding the Pokéblock.
Solgaleo seemed to understand: "I see, you are already protective of your food even at this stage."
Nebby's food-guarding behavior reminded Solgaleo of Lunala's similar actions. Their expressions and movements were almost identical.
A hint of nostalgia flickered in Solgaleo's eyes.
"Here, take two boxes."
Julian thought about how Solgaleo had entrusted him with Nebby, even if it was just to make him a caretaker. After all, it was a future First-class Legendary. If he raised it from a young age, took care of its food and drink, then when it grew up, wouldn't it owe him its loyalty?
So Julian gave Solgaleo two boxes of its exclusive Pokéblocks.
Solgaleo initially wanted to refuse, but the aroma wafting from the Pokéblocks was simply too enticing. It felt as though every cell in its body was urging it to eat them.
So it devoured one box immediately.
'This… this…' Sensing the power within the Pokéblocks, this tiny food could actually heal its injuries, albeit very slowly.
But if consumed regularly, it could definitely accelerate the healing process.
Based on the rate of recovery, Solgaleo estimated it would need at least ten thousand boxes to fully recover.
"Don't even think about it. The materials used to make these are extremely rare. I don't have many boxes either."
Seeing the look in Solgaleo's eyes, Julian knew it was planning to take advantage of him, so he immediately cut off that line of thought.
Although he had plenty of points, why should he spend them on Solgaleo?
Giving it two boxes was already more than enough.
"Here, this is for you."
Although Solgaleo was a bit disappointed, it also understood. However, its impression of Julian undoubtedly improved a lot. In return, it gave Julian a gift.
Looking at the flute in his hand, Julian asked, "What is this thing for?"
"Just blow this flute, and I will come to you."
In other words, this flute was used to summon Solgaleo, and it was called the Sun Flute.
Julian looked at the Sun Flute, 'Well, now I have another First-class Legendary as a fighter on my side.'
But this guy's strength hadn't recovered yet—it was too weak. If something really happened and even the Black and White Dragons couldn't handle it, then summoning it over probably won't help either.
"I'm going to search for something to restore my strength. Hmph, once I recover, I won't be weaker than them." Solgaleo keenly sensed Julian's thoughts.
Its face flushed slightly in embarrassment—indeed, in its current state, it truly couldn't be of much help to Julian.
"Well then, Julian, goodbye. I left something deep inside the altar—it should be useful to you."
After saying this, Solgaleo glanced at Nebby one last time, then strode through the air on all fours, disappearing from Julian's sight in the blink of an eye.
"Zekrom, Reshiram, you two escort it out."
Thinking of the situation outside and fearing potential trouble, Julian immediately asked the Black and White Dragons to accompany Solgaleo.
At the same time, above the portal of the secret realm, a blinding, sun-like light flashed, and in the next second, Solgaleo emerged into the outside world.
---
Due to Julian's warning, large numbers of people in Lake City and surrounding areas had already begun evacuating. Meanwhile, nearly a hundred Elite-level trainers and two Champions had gathered here.
If a fight really broke out, they could join forces to minimize the collateral damage.
"I wonder how Julian is doing. Hopefully, he won't clash with Solgaleo," Duke said worriedly.
Unless Julian's Black and White Dragons could instantly defeat Solgaleo, any conflict would inevitably produce devastating aftershocks.
If that happened, Lake City might end up like another Babath, which would be an enormous loss for the nation.
"According to historical records, Solgaleo isn't a particularly aggressive Pokémon. Besides, Champion Walker has been inside for quite some time now, so things should probably be fine," said Victor, the Dragon Elite.
"Old Goat, what are you worried about? My dear grandson is in there—he'll definitely handle it. And if he can't, worrying won't help anyway," John said, picking his nose with an expression full of confidence in his grandson.
"Your grandson hasn't visited my granddaughter in a long time," Duke remarked quietly.
"Isn't that because he hasn't had time? My good grandson is very busy!"
John replied without missing a beat.
"Sure, busy… busy attending concerts and getting all tangled up with that singer, making headlines everywhere," Duke couldn't help but let a hint of anger seep into his words.
After all, his own granddaughter seemed to rank below some celebrity in Julian's priorities.
"What do you mean 'some singer'? She's the national sensation! That young lady is quite beautiful."
"So you're saying my granddaughter isn't as good-looking as she is?"
Duke was furious, even rolling up his sleeves. The thing he cared about most was his precious granddaughter.
"No, no, they're both about the same in looks," John shook his head and continued, "Tell your granddaughter to be more proactive. My grandson is excellent in every way, except he's completely passive when it comes to romance."
"Sigh, who knows how long it'll be before I can hold my great-grandchild?"
There was nothing wrong with his grandson—except for this matter of relationships, which left John extremely dissatisfied.
He really was flirting left and right, but never committing seriously.
"Something's happening!"
Victor beside them suddenly shouted.
Just then, an intensely blinding light shot out from the portal of the secret realm, hovering high above everyone's heads. A dense, oppressive aura radiating from it.
Fortunately, everyone present was at least Elite-level, so no one was completely crushed by the First-class Legendary's pressure—though many were already struggling to stand.
And this was just Solgaleo casually releasing its aura.
"Where's my grandson? Why isn't he coming out?"
John only saw Solgaleo and not Julian, his expression changing slightly.
"Humans, I mean no harm," Solgaleo's voice resonated in the ears of John and the others.
At the same time, the Black and White Dragons appeared beside it shortly after.
Reshiram shook its head at John, indicating that Solgaleo posed no threat.
Reshiram's gesture completely put John and the others at ease.
It seemed that this First-class Legendary truly meant no harm—the best possible outcome.
After surveying the surroundings, Solgaleo vanished from the spot, presumably off to search for treasures to restore its strength.
Zekrom and Reshiram, meanwhile, returned to the secret realm.
"Good, it was just a false alarm. Notify everyone to halt the evacuation," Duke said.
Victor nodded and immediately relayed the order to those below.
"Solgaleo has already come out, so why hasn't Julian emerged yet?" Duke wondered curiously.
"My dear grandson could stumble upon a Dratini egg just by walking around. With Solgaleo awakening, wouldn't it naturally leave some good treasures for my grandson?"
Duke: 'So jealous...'
*****
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