The night blanket covers the earth, and the whole world soon falls into quietness.
Pokemon residing near Dyna Tree Hill gradually return to their nests, yawning and snuggling inside to sleep peacefully.
Occasionally, some nocturnal Pokemon pass by, their running stirring up soft rustling sounds in the grass.
Standing on the hill, one can see the distant sea of the Galar Region, where the ocean currents keep the temperature from being as cold as the northern part of the tundra.
It is precisely because of this that a rich ecology of wild Pokemon has been cultivated here.
Naoki, along with a few Pokemon and Calyrex, sits around the campfire.
Upon hearing Naoki is preparing to leave the Crown Tundra tomorrow, Calyrex casts his gaze towards the distant Galar Region and softly says to Naoki:
"Before leaving, I wish to go to a place."
Naoki is quite taken aback: "Where to?"
Calyrex: "The place where the King of Swords and the King of the Shield reside."
The King of Swords and the King of the Shield... aren't they the legendary Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta from the Galar Region?
Naoki hesitated for a moment, then asked in surprise: "Do you know Zacian and Zamazenta?"
Calyrex nods slightly: "I once faced the catastrophe that destroyed the Galar Region alongside them."
This must be referring to the Darkest Day caused by Eternatus, right?
Naoki couldn't help but ask: "Can you tell me what exactly happened in the past?"
By now, the details of those events have long become blurry in modern times; people have forgotten Calyrex and remember neither Zacian nor Zamazenta—only recalling a hero wielding the Sword and Shield who saved the Galar Region.
In the games, this history isn't specifically detailed; players can only speculate based on scant words and clues.
Calyrex, with a dignified expression, nods and says: "Of course, since you wish to know, I shall recount everything to you!"
Naoki immediately brings over a small stool, sitting side by side with Koraidon and Cyclizar, listening beside the campfire as Calyrex tells of the past events.
"A long, long time ago, I led my steed and the people who believed in me, living together on this land."
"One day, using Future Sight, I saw an unprecedented disaster would soon descend upon the Galar Region."
"To face this disaster, I called forth two other mighty beings who lived on this land, Zacian and Zamazenta."
"Upon hearing of the upcoming events, they agreed to stop the disaster."
"Thus, at the Crown Shrine, I conducted a coronation ceremony for them, granting them my 'King's Power,' and another Pokemon named Melmetal crafted weapons for them."
"Combining 'King's Power' with the weapons, Zacian and Zamazenta gained power sufficient to confront the disaster."
"Afterward, they went to stop the disaster, while I, together with my steed, used psychic power to relocate the Pokemon within the mountains and forests."
"My power was thereby exhausted; after ensuring the safety of those Pokemon, I was forced into slumber, not knowing what happened afterward."
"I see…" Naoki murmured.
Calyrex, looking at him, continues: "However, I can sense remnants of disastrous power still lingering on this land, and perhaps the source of the calamity has not been fully eradicated."
"I intend to inform them during this trip to the King of Swords and the King of the Shield's domain, urging them to prepare."
Naoki can feel Calyrex's continuous concern for the Galar Region.
He can't help but ask: "Will you not stay, and fight alongside them against the disaster?"
Calyrex gently shakes his head: "I am no longer needed here. When my power returns to its peak, I used Future Sight once more."
"This time, I saw the King of Swords and the King of the Shield will thoroughly repel the disaster's source with the help of two humans."
"I see…" Naoki realizes.
The two humans mentioned by Calyrex must be the protagonists of Sword and Shield, Hop, and Leon's brother, Hop, right?
Yet, there's still one thing that particularly concerns him.
Zacian and Zamazenta's Sword and Shield were indeed forged by Melmetal?
That certainly is unexpected!
Having learned everything he wanted to know, Naoki cannot help but sigh.
From Calyrex's account, he can almost envision how these legendary Pokemon united to deal with Eternatus during that era.
"Sigh."
Calyrex, puzzled, asks: "Why the sigh?"
Naoki thinks Calyrex should know all this: "The disaster, called the 'Darkest Day' by humans, was successfully repelled by Zacian and Zamazenta after you fell asleep; afterward, they withdrew into seclusion."
"Once the Darkest Day vanished, humans began to thrive, establishing a kingdom; they stole Zacian and Zamazenta's heroic identity, misleading people to believe it was the Galar Royal Family who saved the Galar Region."
"To this day, people here remain oblivious, thinking that the royal family defeated the Darkest Day."
Upon hearing this, Calyrex immediately understands his little believer's grievance for them.
He gently shakes his head: "I do not care for such false fame; back then, I, along with the King of Swords, only wished to protect the Pokemon living on this land. To me, it is what a true king should do."