In the lush green grass, Ryuu Shiro absorbed the energy from the Power Spot and then recalled Eternatus.
"How do you feel, Eternatus?"
Ryuu Shiro stretched his neck and asked Eternatus in his mind.
"My energy is replenished now. Thank you, Shiro."
Eternatus replied in a low, hoarse telepathic voice. They had absorbed at least dozens of Power Spots along the way.
Eternatus's energy was no longer depleted. Although it was still far from the energy needed for Eternamax, it was more than enough for normal activity.
"No need to be so polite. We'll probably have to lay low for a while now. Absorbing energy will inevitably expose your presence."
"If Zacian and Zamazenta are as persistent as they seem, they're likely already on their way here."
Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a smile, then he pondered for a moment and discussed the situation with Eternatus.
Normally, Eternatus stayed inside its Poké Ball, completely hiding its presence. Even if Zacian was highly sensitive to Eternatus, it wouldn't be able to detect its location.
But to absorb energy from the Power Spots, Eternatus would inevitably expose its presence. Given how familiar Zacian and Zamazenta were with Eternatus, they could easily sense its general direction.
To prevent Zacian from "barging in," now that Eternatus had enough energy, Ryuu Shiro felt it was necessary to avoid a direct confrontation with Zacian.
"Without Eternamax, even with my guidance, Eternatus would stand no chance against Zacian…"
Ryuu Shiro sighed inwardly. If it were Zamazenta, the Crowned Shield, Eternatus might have a fighting chance. In fact, Ryuu Shiro was confident they could win, with an 80% chance of victory!
But Zacian, the Crowned Sword…
Well, that was a different story. Eternatus's Poison and Dragon-type moves would be completely ineffective, and its signature moves would be utterly useless. How could it possibly fight Zacian?
With moves like Shadow Ball and Meteor Beam?
Had Ryuu Shiro forgotten how brutally Zacian had fought in Hammerlocke? Behemoth Blade had completely shattered Meteor Beam.
Ryuu Shiro remembered it vividly. For now, it was best to avoid a direct confrontation…
Besides, even if Eternatus could hold its own against Zacian, did Zamazenta just not exist?
What if the fight dragged on and Zamazenta shamelessly stepped in to help its sister?
Ryuu Shiro was proud, but he wasn't foolishly arrogant.
"I'll follow your lead."
Eternatus replied after a moment of silence. Although it longed to return to its full power, after being slashed twice by Zacian, Eternatus now understood the importance of patience.
And it trusted Shiro. It could feel that Shiro was genuinely helping it.
Ryuu Shiro nodded. It was good that Eternatus understood. He had been worried that Eternatus, now with its energy replenished, might feel overconfident.
What Ryuu Shiro was really thinking about was whether Zacian and Zamazenta were already on their way to the Crown Tundra.
"Up ahead is Dyna Tree Hill. Shiro, let's take a break there."
Looking at a simple map, Marnie pointed to a nearby peninsula and spoke to Ryuu Shiro.
The Crown Tundra was a vast area. Although they had left the snowy mountains, they were still within the Crown Tundra region.
"Sure."
Ryuu Shiro set aside his thoughts and replied with a smile.
Dyna Tree Hill, as the name suggested, was a peninsula surrounded by lakes on three sides, with a towering tree at its center.
This was a massive red tree, its leaves a deep crimson like maple leaves. When the gentle breeze blew, the falling leaves created a breathtaking scene.
Ryuu Shiro and Marnie arrived under the giant tree. Ryuu Shiro took out a picnic blanket from his backpack and spread it on the grass, then laid out some simple food.
"It's so beautiful~ They say Dyna Tree Hill has the most stunning scenery in the Crown Tundra, and those who come here are blessed by the goddess of luck. I'm really feeling it now."
Taking a bite of her bread, Marnie leaned against the tree and gazed at the peaceful, beautiful natural scenery around her, unable to help but murmur softly in contentment.
Surrounded by shimmering, beautiful lakes, with green grass and blooming flowers, this place was truly enchanting.
"I don't know about luck, but this place is indeed beautiful."
Ryuu Shiro leaned next to Marnie and agreed with a smile. The natural beauty of the Pokémon world was truly magical.
"And thank you for not saying anything to ruin the mood."
Marnie glanced sideways at Ryuu Shiro. After hesitating for a moment, she gently rested her head on Ryuu Shiro's shoulder.
Her heart seemed to beat faster than usual, but the girl didn't pay it any mind. When she noticed that Ryuu Shiro didn't react, she let out a barely audible sigh of relief.
But then she came to her senses, her fair, flawless cheeks slightly reddening. What was she doing?
"This girl, really~"
Although Marnie tried to act calm, Ryuu Shiro, who knew her well, could sense her nervousness.
Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a slight smile as he wrapped his left arm around Marnie's slender waist from behind, pulling her closer to his chest.
"My shoulder isn't as comfortable as my chest~"
Resting his chin on Marnie's head and inhaling the fresh scent of her hair, Ryuu Shiro spoke softly to the now even redder Marnie.
Marnie rolled her eyes but didn't refuse. Instead, with a faint smile on her lips, she continued to nibble on her bread.
Was it just her imagination, or had the breeze become gentler? And the air… did it smell sweeter?
The peaceful atmosphere didn't last long.
"Screech~"
A sharp, almost piercing cry echoed through the sky, reaching the ears of Ryuu Shiro and Marnie.
A large black-and-red bird slowly flew in from the horizon. Its black and red feathers, resembling burning flames, adorned its tail, crest, and wings. Its curved beak and red legs with black claws gave it an eerie, sinister appearance.
This was a bird Pokémon that looked undeniably evil and otherworldly!
But when Ryuu Shiro saw the bird clearly, his red eyes lit up, and his lips curled into a wide, wicked grin.
"Galarian Moltres!"
A/n - 50 Powerstones for one extra chapter ....