Chapter 81: The New Ruler

Looking at the crack before him, Summer made a bold guess. This might be the reason behind Salazzle's rise to power, prompting it to hide the crack beneath a throne made of Z-Crystals.

"Marowak, would you like to touch it?"

Summer suggested to the Marowak leader who had entered with them.

"Marowak?"

Marowak gazed at the glowing crack, sensing no threat, and reached out to touch it.

A peculiar light spread from Marowak's arm to its entire body, soon enveloping it completely.

It felt its whole body brimming with strength, an unending supply of power. What exactly was this?

"Hmm, this crack might be the source of Salazzle's strength, containing the power to become a ruler. If it can become a ruler, why can't you? This way, you can better protect your tribe," said Summer.

Marowak's size didn't increase, but Summer could clearly feel its aura growing stronger. Prolonged exposure to this aura would undoubtedly help Marowak become the next ruler.

Marowak silently nodded. It wouldn't refuse power, especially since, as Summer said, becoming stronger meant it could better protect its tribe. Rillaboom's evolution had made this clear.

"Hmm, we've collected all the Z-Crystals from Wela Volcano. We should head back now."

Carrying such a large number of Z-Crystals was inconvenient, so Summer planned to return to the village before moving on to the next trial.

"Goodbye, Marowak, and thank you for your help."

Marowak shook its head, indicating that mutual help between friends was only natural, especially since Summer had given them such a precious gift.

"We will return these Z-Crystals after awakening the island's guardian deity. If any powerful trainers and Pokémon come, you might consider giving these as rewards for passing trials," Summer said.

Bidding farewell to the Marowak tribe, Summer and his Pokémon returned to the village. During this time, he finally resolved a question that had puzzled him for a long time: where did Rillaboom keep its drum?

Firstly, the drum could be somewhat compacted, allowing Rillaboom to carry it on its back among its dense foliage, secured by vine-like structures.

Indeed, there were many mysterious aspects of the Pokémon world that he had yet to discover.

As the black Corviknight descended from the dusky sky, it immediately drew the villagers' attention. They quickly informed Silver that Summer had returned.

"Big brother is back already?"

Curious children quickly surrounded Summer.

"Where's Thwackey?"

"Who's this big gorilla?"

"Don't they look alike?"

Summer jumped down with his bag and smiled at the children:

"Yes, it's Thwackey. It has evolved into Rillaboom."

"Evolved!" The children's eyes lit up at the word.

"Summer, did you run into trouble? Don't worry, if there's trouble, we'll overcome it together," said Silver, who had come upon hearing the news. He comforted Summer, knowing that Totem Pokémon were challenging opponents, and it was normal to lose the first encounter.

"Not at all, Silver. Look."

Summer opened the bag in his hand, revealing it to be filled with radiant red Fire Z-Crystals.

"These are Z-Crystals!" Silver Birch's voice trembled. "And so many of them!"

"No," Summer shook his head and opened another bag, which was also filled with Z-Crystals.

"Cough, cough!" Silver coughed violently. "Summer, did you turn over the entire Wela Volcano? How can there be another bag!"

"To be precise, there's one more bag."

"One more bag!" After his exclamation, Silver Birch fell into a brief silence. Are Z-Crystals that common?

"This is thanks to the Totem Pokémon on the volcano. Its subordinates are scattered throughout the volcano, allowing for the collection of such a large number of Z-Crystals," explained Summer.

"Hmm, that makes sense. By the way, who is the Totem Pokémon?" Silver asked.

"It's Salazzle."

"Salazzle, I see. Indeed, a Salazzle would have a few Salandit under its command. Wait, you said its subordinates are scattered throughout the volcano. That means there are many of them?!"

"Yes, they were everywhere."

"No, no, that's not the point. Summer, how did you bypass all those Salandit to defeat the Totem Salazzle?!" For the first time, Silver felt his imagination was inadequate.

"Because Thwackey evolved into Rillaboom, and we had the help of a group of Marowak," explained Summer.

Silver looked at Rillaboom, who was holding a group of children up high. It had indeed evolved and looked very powerful. And Marowak, the ones that wielded cursed flames? How had Summer earned their assistance?

"Alright, I give up trying to figure it out. Anyway, Summer, you should rest here tonight and set out tomorrow. No need to rush," Silver returned to his usual demeanor, deciding not to overthink it.

"Let's celebrate Summer's successful trial with a feast tonight!"

"Yay!"

The children cheered with Silver's announcement. Seeing the children's smiles, Summer accepted Silver's suggestion.

A bonfire was lit in the center of the village at night. People gathered around the warm flames, sharing delicious food. Summer tasted sweet, sour, and variously flavored berries.

Rillaboom brought out its drum and started playing. The melodious drumming resonated in everyone's hearts, prompting the spirited Alolans to dance to the rhythm, momentarily forgetting their pain.

Corviknight flew in the night sky with children on its back, feeling the exhilarating sensation of flying, their heartfelt shouts full of excitement.

"How do you feel, Summer, about Alola's nights?" Silver asked, sitting beside him with a cup of slightly sweet fruit wine.

"Hmm, it's wonderful. Everyone here is so kind."

"Of course, haha!" Silver's cheeks were slightly red from drinking more than usual in his joy. He saw hope in Summer.

"Did you know? In ancient times, Alola was shrouded in darkness without any light, not even the moonlight we see now."

"But then, the great Radiant God brought light to Alola, filling this land with light and life."

"So we must always keep light in our hearts..."

Silver's head drooped as he fell asleep, revealing the heavy dark circles under his eyes in the firelight.

"Good night, Silver."

Summer called the guards to carry Silver to bed for a good rest.

He walked outside, gazing at the night sky, and murmured:

"Light, huh... That's why everyone keeps hope in their hearts. I should sleep too; there's another trial tomorrow."

(End of Chapter)