A water-type trainer who specializes in dragon-type water.

Zhang Leiyuan's words echoed in the study, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, creating ripples, but vanishing before reaching the other side of the truth.

What exactly does the Temple of Creation want to do with the stone slab in response to Zhang Heng's series of probing questions that touch upon the essence of the world?

Why did Arceus fall silent?

Is there a deeper connection between the Superpower and the stone tablet?

Even Zhang Leiyuan, the champion and the pinnacle of Chinese trainers, could not give a definite answer.

He could only slowly shake his head, his face appearing deep and solemn in the steam of the tea, as he spoke of the possibility that was closest to the truth, based on the existing intelligence.

He said, "Their goal may be just as they themselves proclaim—to create a world order completely controlled by 'divinity'."

Zhang Leiyuan's voice was deep, each word seemingly painstakingly unearthed from the dust of history.

"If a person wants to possess 'divinity,' in addition to needing the legendary 'overpower' that allows communication with the gods, what is even more important is... mastering the source of 'divine' power."

His gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing straight to the heart of the matter: "That is, the Slate of Arceus."

These words struck Zhang Heng like a thunderbolt, unleashing a violent mental storm.

Countless clues, questions, and fragmented information began to spin, collide, and recombine wildly.

Now that a human race favored by "gods" has appeared in this world, what is the meaning of its existence?

Why is he?

Why was he the one chosen by that mysterious "system"?

Why did I end up in this Pokémon world that is both familiar and strange?

Why was the system able to grant him such a high-ranking talent as "Superpower"?

Why did he gradually acquire the Dragon Slate and the Water Drop Slate?

Does all of this point to the same conclusion—to let him, the "outsider," be the one to accept it?

Possessing the power to confront that ancient race that originated from the ancient Sinnoh, inherited the power of the Overlord, and schemed for countless years.

A chilling hypothesis is gradually emerging: the entity behind the system may have foreseen this confrontation that transcends time and space.

And I am the chosen "pawn"... or the "player"?

However, all of this is just speculation. There is no evidence, and no answer.

The doubts in his heart were like vines, tightening their grip; the unvented bitterness and heaviness almost made him breathless.

"But, Xiao Heng..."

Uncle Luo's gentle, slightly hoarse voice broke the oppressive silence. He gently pushed a freshly brewed cup of hot tea in front of Zhang Heng. The tea was clear, reflecting the young man's furrowed brows.

He said, "Regardless of their true purpose, and regardless of whether there is a deeper vortex behind this... one fact cannot be changed."

He paused, his tone becoming unusually serious: "You are already deeply involved."

Zhang Leiyuan took over the conversation, his voice carrying an undeniable seriousness.

He said, "The Dragon Stone Tablet you obtained from Kyurem in the South Sea Arctic, and the Water Drop Tablet you obtained in Suicune's Secret Realm... these are all items that the Temple of Creation is determined to obtain."

"From the moment you gain their approval, you have already placed yourself on the opposite side of them."

Zhang Heng took a deep breath, forcing himself to break free from his chaotic thoughts.

He knew perfectly well that what his father and Uncle Luo had said was true.

Although he may currently be seen as a "lucky and promising" young trainer by the Temple of Creation, the truth will eventually come out.

Once he successfully awakens the power of the Overlord, and the news that he possesses two Creation Stones leaks out...

Then, there will be no turning back between him and that mysterious and powerful organization.

Friction, probing, conflict, and even a full-scale confrontation to the death—that is almost a foreseeable future.

The air in the study seemed to freeze, and the light outside the window seemed to dim, with only the aroma of tea still lingering.

Zhang Heng lowered his head and looked at his reflection in the cup. In those eyes that were once full of vigor and curiosity, there was now confusion, struggle, and a trace of barely perceptible... resentment.

Why?

Why should he have to passively endure all of this?

Why should he become someone else's prey just because he gained power?

By what right does that organization, hidden in the shadows of history, claim to be the representative of divine will and arbitrarily manipulate the fate of others?

He slowly raised his head, and the confusion and distress in his eyes receded like the tide, replaced by a gradually clear, unwavering light, as if tempered and refined by fire.

The light was not dazzling, but calm and powerful, as if it could penetrate all fog and darkness.

“The Temple of Creation…” Zhang Heng’s voice was soft, yet exceptionally clear, carrying a chilling quality, “It is indeed a thorny issue.”

"but--"

"It's still uncertain who will emerge victorious."

That was not blind confidence, nor was it youthful arrogance; rather, it was a declaration made based on one's own potential, the resources at hand, and a clear understanding of the infinite possibilities of the future.

It is a resolute will that will never back down, even when the road ahead is full of thorns and surrounded by powerful enemies.

Uncle Luo and Zhang Leiyuan exchanged a glance, both seeing satisfaction and approval in each other's eyes.

Zhang Leiyuan laughed heartily and patted his son's shoulder forcefully: "Good! That's the spirit I've been looking for! You truly are my son, Zhang Leiyuan's son!"

He suppressed his smile and said seriously, "Don't worry, the highest level of the alliance has already initiated the highest level of confidentiality procedures regarding the news that you obtained the stone tablet."

"The knowledge was strictly limited to a very small number of absolutely reliable people, and all relevant mission reports and battlefield records were specially processed."

"Currently, the outside world, including the Temple of Creation, is still only in doubt and speculation, and cannot determine the exact whereabouts of the stone tablet or its owner."

But the small comfort brought by this assurance was quickly overshadowed by the reality that followed.

Zhang Leiyuan's tone shifted, his expression turning serious again: "However, Xiao Heng, you must understand that there is never a truly airtight wall in this world. Any secrecy measures can only delay, not eliminate, the possibility of information leakage."

“Especially when facing an organization like the Temple of Creation, which has a deep foundation and unpredictable methods, they may have intelligence sources that we cannot imagine.”

Uncle Luo nodded solemnly and said to Zhang Heng in a deep voice, "Therefore, your goal now must be very clear—make use of this precious window of time and at all costs become stronger as quickly as possible!"

"Refine your Pokémon, hone your command skills, and unlock your own potential... until you possess the power to confront the threat of the Temple of Creation head-on!"

Time has become the most urgent resource; growth has become the most crucial task.

Zhang Heng remained silent for a moment, his mind racing as he weighed the options.

Faced with the First Divine Strike's seemingly time-traveling ability, its possibly awakened Super-counter power, and the enslaved, terrifyingly powerful Armored Mewtwo... with his current strength, the gap is indeed enormous.

He is not belittling himself, nor does he lack the heart of a strong person.

On the contrary, he was full of confidence in his and his partners' future. He believed that given enough time, he would definitely reach the top of the world.

But the question is—will the enemy give him that time?

An idea suddenly popped into his mind.

“Father,” Zhang Heng said solemnly, looking intently at Zhang Leiyuan, “what if… I were to give you the stone slab to use?”