"That's a real shame."
Hearing this, Marnie's expression calmed down. If Eternatus could join the fight, even the mighty Crowned Sword Zacian wouldn't stand a chance against two opponents.
Especially since Zacian was already evenly matched with Ice Rider Calyrex. With Eternatus's power added to the mix, Zacian would undoubtedly lose.
It might even force Zacian to retreat with serious injuries!
This way, at least for the short term, they wouldn't have to worry about Zacian's pursuit.
"Things don't always go as planned, but the current outcome is already quite perfect."
Ryuu Shiro, on the other hand, wasn't as sentimental. Instead, a smile lingered on his lips.
He was quite satisfied with how things had turned out. This trip to the Crown Tundra had allowed Eternatus to absorb a massive amount of energy, and it hadn't been caught up in a fight with Zacian.
Meanwhile, in the sky, the intense battle continued.
Unlike Eternatus, Ice Rider Calyrex wasn't completely countered by Zacian, and it fought with remarkable ferocity.
However, Zacian's speed and agility were exceptional. In comparison, the massive Eternatus seemed like a clumsy giant.
But that was just how it was. Eternatus, standing over twenty meters tall, couldn't possibly match Zacian's speed and agility. Eternatus excelled in overwhelming its opponents with sheer power.
This was a direction determined by its natural physique.
Time passed minute by minute.
"Their stamina is terrifying."
After more than two hours, the battle between the two Legendary Pokémon in the sky was still as fierce as ever. Even the usually reserved Marnie couldn't help but marvel.
The biggest difference between Legendary Pokémon and ordinary Pokémon lay in their innate racial advantages.
Talent, potential, and physical prowess—Legendary Pokémon were almost entirely superior to ordinary Pokémon in every aspect.
Take Zacian and Calyrex, for example. They had been engaged in high-intensity combat for over two hours, yet they showed no signs of fatigue.
This level of stamina, in Marnie's eyes, was simply absurd!
This was a relentless battle where even a moment of carelessness could lead to being overwhelmed and ultimately defeated.
Yet, Zacian and Calyrex were still going all out, as if they were fueled by some endless energy.
Boom!
After taking another direct hit from Calyrex's Glacial Lance, Zacian used the force to glide backward through the air.
Its body rose and fell slightly. Even Zacian was feeling the strain after such a prolonged and intense battle, and it bore several injuries.
Of course, Calyrex was in a similar state.
Zacian was starting to consider retreating, as continuing this stalemate was pointless.
Most importantly, Calyrex was an incredibly strong opponent, and Zacian wasn't confident it could emerge victorious in the end.
Moreover, Zacian knew a bit about Calyrex. Besides its steed, Glastrier, Calyrex also had another mount—Spectrier!
That's right, in terms of endurance, Calyrex surpassed most Legendary Pokémon!
You were fighting one, but Calyrex was essentially three!
If Glastrier got tired or injured? Calyrex could simply switch to Spectrier, instantly regaining half its combat power and even changing its attack style. How could you fight that?
Finally…
Zacian's cold eyes glanced at Eternatus, which was still watching from the sidelines. This dangerous creature was still "lurking" with intent!
High-level Legendary Pokémon possessed intelligence no less than that of humans, and in most cases, they were even more cunning.
Zacian understood that it couldn't deal with Eternatus today.
"Calyrex, I hope you won't regret your decision in the future."
That was the thought, but the anger was equally real!
Zacian glared at Calyrex, its voice icy. If it weren't for this foolish Calyrex, it would never have let Eternatus escape today.
After all, this was the wilderness, not a human city, and Eternatus hadn't yet regained its peak strength. This was the best opportunity!
But…
"I have never regretted my decisions, not in the past, not now, and not in the future."
Calyrex calmly met Zacian's gaze, its tone serene.
It understood that Zacian was considering leaving—a reluctant but necessary choice.
"Very well. Until we meet again."
Zacian's anger deepened, but it didn't attack again. With one last cold glance at Eternatus, it transformed into a blue light and disappeared into the horizon.
Calyrex didn't stop Zacian, simply watching as it left.
It had never intended to fight Zacian to the death. After all, they lived on the same continent, and there was no need for a life-or-death struggle.
Once Zacian was completely gone, Calyrex slowly descended to the ground in front of Ryuu Shiro and Marnie.
"Are you satisfied now, human?"
Calyrex looked at Ryuu Shiro, who was still smiling, and spoke slowly. It was this human who had "brought" Zacian to the Crown Tundra.
This had led to the conflict between it and Zacian. What a cunning human.
But Calyrex didn't dislike Ryuu Shiro. As a former king, its magnanimity far exceeded that of ordinary Legendary Pokémon.
Besides… it wasn't afraid of Zacian or its sibling. This had just been a small favor.
"Thank you for your assistance, Calyrex. I won't forget this kindness."
Ryuu Shiro gave a slight bow to Calyrex, expressing his gratitude. This was why he considered Calyrex a true gentleman.
The wise Calyrex had understood his intentions from the start—to use its power to fend off Zacian. But Calyrex hadn't refused.