Challenge to the Supreme Existence
Three days later,
Diamond Forest,
The path to the summit of the towering snow-capped mountain.
It was late November, and the temperature had dropped sharply. Fortunately, today, a brilliant sun hung high overhead, and the light kept the temperature of Snow Mountain far more comfortable than the icy chill typical of the west.
The Black and White Snow Mountain is a range of snow-capped peaks located in the northern part of the Diamond Forest. Its seven snow-covered summits stretch continuously, resembling a colossal dragon flying across the heavens. Composed mainly of limestone and basalt, the mountain's lithology is majestic.
Black and White Snow Mountain is revered as sacred by the people of Rockridge. Its main peak is tall, grand, and awe-inspiring.
Since ancient times, explorers and trainers from all corners of the world have attempted to scale the mountain's primary summit. However, due to its steep terrain and harsh environment, only ten people have ever succeeded.
Because of this, climbing the Black and White Snow Mountain ranks among the top five most difficult peaks in Avalon, making it a truly insurmountable challenge.
But today, amidst the snowy expanse, two figures appeared.
"The weather today isn't bad," Agatha observed, looking up at the sky. The bright sun was slightly dazzling, causing her to squint.
"Indeed," John Bayne nodded faintly, his gaze fixed on the snowy field stretching beyond view, his eyes flashing with determination.
"I remember over a decade ago, we climbed a snowy mountain together," John Bayne reminisced.
"Over ten years ago..." Agatha's eyes flickered under her glasses as if chasing the memories of that distant time.
"I recall. Are you referring to Everest?" she asked slowly after a moment of thought.
"Yes," John Bayne nodded with a slight smile, "Everest."
"It seems your memory hasn't faltered yet." He turned his head to glance at Agatha, teasing her lightly.
Agatha smiled softly, then spoke in a tone filled with nostalgia, "I remember it was dangerous back then. Not only did we have to hunt down foreign poaching teams, but we also faced Everest's extreme weather."
"Several team members nearly lost their lives," she sighed.
"It was perilous, but the outcome was ultimately favorable," John Bayne said lightly.
Agatha hummed softly, her expression growing strange as she muttered, "Fortunately, we encountered Elite Pryce that time."
As she spoke, her gaze lifted slightly, her tone tinged with awe, "Pryce Elite was truly a legend."
Agatha could never forget the battle atop Mount Everest.
At that time, King John Bayne had just assumed leadership of the Police Guard, and his combat power had yet to peak.
The poaching team they pursued was immensely powerful. Its leader was an elite trainer, and the team's impeccable coordination posed a significant challenge.
This poaching team was internationally renowned, considered among the elite of their kind, far surpassing ordinary poachers.
The battle on Mount Everest was extraordinarily dangerous, reaching a deadly stalemate.
However, at that moment, a trainer practicing atop Mount Everest appeared. With just a single Swinub, he effortlessly defeated all the poachers.
Yes, just an ordinary-looking Swinub.
Yet the combat power and destructive force this Swinub displayed far exceeded any other Pokemon present.
It was as if Mamoswine had disguised itself as a Swinub.
After subsequent discussions, they learned that this person was a retired elite who had been training atop the snow-capped peaks for years.
The Swinub was undergoing a unique form of training and would not evolve until it had completed this practice.
Thus, it was no ordinary Swinub.
This left an indelible impression on Agatha, who still marveled at the elite-level Swinub—a phenomenon beyond imagination.
"That Swinub must have evolved into Mamoswine by now," John Bayne said with a shake of his head, filled with emotion.
"And today, over a decade later, we've come to Black and White Snow Mountain to challenge a legend," he said, gazing forward.
A Legendary Pokemon, the most exalted existence in this world.
For many, witnessing the true form of a Legendary Pokemon is a dream, let alone challenging one.
Among the many Legendary Pokemon in existence, Articuno's personality and strength might be considered average or even modest.
Even so, when an Articuno matures, it attains Champion-level strength, surpassing 99% of ordinary Pokemon.
And the power of the more formidable Legendary Pokemon is beyond imagination.
Some Legendaries are born with overwhelming power, capable of altering the world effortlessly.
Today, King John Bayne stood on Black and White Snow Mountain to challenge and perhaps defeat one of these supreme existences.
Of course, this presumption rested on the assumption that this was a newly-matured Champion-level Articuno.
This time, they came alone.
The unique geography of Black and White Snow Mountain meant that natural disasters, like avalanches triggered during the battle, would make escape nearly impossible for most.
Thus, fewer people meant less risk.
"Cuno!"
As King John Bayne brimmed with resolve, a clear bird's cry pierced through the dense clouds, echoing as if from a great distance, yet resonating directly in their ears.
"Articuno!"
Hearing this, Agatha looked up toward the source of the cry, scanning the skies with growing seriousness.
King John Bayne's gaze remained calm. Hands clasped behind his back, he raised his eyes slightly toward the heavens, sensing its presence.
"Articuno!"
At the second cry, a giant bird appeared from the clouds, descending upon the two in an instant.
Its body was adorned with lavender feathers; the lower tips of its wings were white. A crown of three wavy purple plumes graced its head, and its narrow, slit-like eyes glinted with an otherworldly brilliance.
This was the supreme existence dwelling atop Black and White Snow Mountain: the Legendary Galarian Articuno.
Its narrow eyes locked onto King John Bayne with a calm, indifferent gaze. It hovered effortlessly in the air using psychic power, its wings motionless, unlike a regular Articuno.
For it, wings weren't even necessary to soar through the skies.
Amid the endless snowy peaks, a breeze mixed with snowflakes swept through gently. King John Bayne stood firmly, his cloak billowing but his stance unshaken, like an unyielding mountain. His dark eyes met the gaze of Galarian Articuno.
"Let's have a battle," he said.
"Here and now."
"You defeat me, or I defeat you."
Galarian Articuno silently listened to King John Bayne's declaration. Then, it nodded faintly and spread its wings, unleashing layers of psychic energy waves that rippled outward.
Suddenly, the wind howled, and snow cascaded down.
Agatha retreated to a safe vantage point, observing the breathtaking battle from afar.
King John Bayne quickly pulled out a Poke Ball and flung it with vigor.
A beam of red light shot out, revealing Alakazamstanding before Galarian Articuno.
Galarian Articuno narrowed its eyes slightly in confusion.
With such strength, why would you dare to challenge me?
Before it could ponder further, King John Bayne raised his right hand, touching the bracelet.
"Alakazam—Mega Evolve!"