"It wasn't just because of you. Zacian overstepped."
Calyrex shook its head. While it had decided to help this human when it learned Zacian had pursued him to the Crown Tundra, it hadn't expected things to escalate to a direct confrontation with Zacian.
"Zacian has left the Crown Tundra, and it's injured. It likely won't act again for a while."
"Unless you provoke its vigilance."
Calyrex glanced at Eternatus, which was slowly flying over, and spoke thoughtfully to Ryuu Shiro.
Its strength was almost on par with Zacian's, and both had sustained similar injuries during their battle.
The wounds weren't severe, but they weren't minor either. A few days of rest would suffice for recovery.
In this state, Zacian probably wouldn't continue pursuing Eternatus.
While Zacian had a natural advantage over Eternatus, it was also a proud Legendary Pokémon, and Eternatus wasn't exactly a pushover.
"I understand. I'll be leaving the Galar region tomorrow."
Ryuu Shiro understood Calyrex's meaning, and he indeed planned to leave Galar soon.
The so-called "provoking vigilance" was essentially about Eternatus absorbing large amounts of energy.
If Eternatus recklessly absorbed energy while Zacian was injured, even in its weakened state, Zacian would undoubtedly emerge from the Slumbering Weald with Zamazenta.
But Ryuu Shiro currently had no intention of restoring Eternatus to its peak strength. It simply wasn't feasible!
Among his current team, only Eternatus could stand against Zacian and Zamazenta.
Dragonair was indeed strong, reaching the level of a top-tier Champion, but compared to Zacian and Zamazenta, it still fell short.
Leaving the Galar region and carefully planning how to safely restore Eternatus to its peak was the right path.
"You are indeed an exceptional human. I hope you use Eternatus's power wisely, not recklessly."
Calyrex gazed at Ryuu Shiro for a moment before speaking calmly.
This was both a compliment and a warning.
Eternatus was too unique, and Calyrex worried that Ryuu Shiro might stray down a dark path in his quest to restore Eternatus to its peak.
The human heart was far too complex, so complex that even Calyrex, a former king, couldn't fully comprehend it.
"I understand." Ryuu Shiro's eyes flickered slightly. In Calyrex's eyes, Eternatus was a Legendary with a troubled past.
And now it was following Ryuu Shiro. If Ryuu Shiro were to wield Eternatus's power recklessly, who could stop him if the Legendaries didn't intervene?
Calyrex's concern wasn't unfounded. It was a gentle and benevolent Legendary, and Legendaries couldn't interfere in human society without cause.
Unless a major crisis arose, or humans provoked the Legendaries directly.
"Today has brought a new spark to my life, human. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
Calyrex chuckled softly, tugging gently on the Reins of Unity. Glastrier let out a low whinny before turning and carrying Calyrex deeper into the snowy path.
Though the conflict with Zacian had been unexpected, compared to the monotonous days of its long life, today had indeed been quite interesting.
The snow continued to fall, and the ancient trees lining the path were draped in silver frost, casting a solitary and majestic silhouette of Ice Rider Calyrex.
"Calyrex…"
Marnie's delicate face remained calm, but she couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
The noble wisdom it exuded upon their first meeting, the commanding presence it displayed when facing Zacian—even in such a short time, this Legendary King riding a white steed had left an indelible impression on her.
Perhaps she would never forget this king who lived in a world of endless snow.
As she watched Calyrex's retreating figure, Ryuu Shiro's crimson eyes flickered, lost in thought.
"Calyrex."
Suddenly, Ryuu Shiro called out to Calyrex's retreating figure.
Glastrier paused, and Calyrex turned its head, looking at Ryuu Shiro with curiosity.
Ryuu Shiro licked his lips. He couldn't help it—his ambition told him that when encountering a Legendary, he should seize the opportunity!
Otherwise, who knew when the next chance would come? Or if there would even be another chance.
"Compared to the cold and silence of the Crown Tundra, the world today is far more vibrant and dazzling than your kingdom ever was."
"I'd like to invite you to join me in witnessing the beauty of this world. I wonder if I have the honor."
Ryuu Shiro spoke sincerely to Calyrex. Yes, he was extending an invitation to Calyrex.
No matter what, if he didn't at least try, Ryuu Shiro knew he would regret it.
He was a proud man, and he didn't want to leave any regrets.
At his words, the already quiet snowy path fell even more silent, as if even the falling snow had slowed.
Glastrier also turned its head in surprise, looking at Ryuu Shiro. This human was inviting its master?
Marnie, too, glanced at Ryuu Shiro in astonishment before turning her hopeful gaze to Calyrex. If Calyrex accepted Ryuu Shiro's offer, he wouldn't have to worry about Zacian's pursuit anymore.
And with two top-tier Legendaries by his side, Ryuu Shiro would truly stand at the pinnacle of the world!
But… would Calyrex agree?
Time passed second by second, but Calyrex remained silent, simply gazing at Ryuu Shiro.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Calyrex spoke.
"You truly are an interesting human."
Calyrex's telepathic voice carried a hint of amusement. An invitation to become his partner?
How intriguing.
Calyrex gently tugged on the Reins of Unity, and Glastrier, understanding its master's intent, turned and began walking deeper into the snowy path once more.
It had declined…
As Calyrex's figure gradually disappeared into the snowy depths, Marnie felt a pang of disappointment. She knew the chances were slim, but what if?
And then, just as the silence seemed to stretch on…
"If fate truly brings us together again, I will accompany you to see the world."
Calyrex's gentle telepathic voice echoed through the snowy path, its words slowly fading away.
"If fate allows, huh?"
Ryuu Shiro's lips curved into a smile. Though he had been rejected this time, Calyrex's words suggested that there was still a chance, wasn't there?
I look forward to our next meeting, Calyrex.