It contains components of Sparkling Stone?!
Hearing this from Hala, Terrance naturally did not doubt its authenticity. However, the result was extremely surprising to him. Among the three people present, only Terrance himself knew that this bracelet was designed to carry a Key Stone… Moreover, this bracelet had many other remarkable functions, such as absorbing Fairy energy and emitting it in another type of wave.
“So, does that mean the mutation in that Moonblast was related to the Sparkling Stone?”
The Moonblast move had gained starlight, significantly increasing its power. However, apart from that one instance, Terrance had not been able to reproduce the same starlight-like move in the two subsequent tests with Altaria.
“Mr. Hala, are you saying that the material of this bracelet is Sparkling Stone?” Ilima asked in surprise.
“Yes.” Hala nodded solemnly as he carefully examined the bracelet. “This is…”
His gaze fell upon the Key Stone embedded in the bracelet, and he spoke with some confusion.
“Do you know what this is?” Terrance probed.
“It looks like a very precious gemstone…” Hala shook his head, then spoke with some irritation, “What a waste! Using Sparkling Stone as a mere decorative accessory for this thing!”
Even in the Alola region, Sparkling Stone was incredibly rare. In Alola, not every Trainer was qualified to own a Z-Ring.
He doesn’t recognize the Key Stone?
After a moment of surprise, Terrance found it understandable. Although Mr. Hala was a renowned Trainer, Mega Evolution was only known in a very limited circle. Without widespread public knowledge, even some top-tier Trainers who had never encountered it might not be familiar with the Key Stone and Mega Stone.
“Alola’s earliest records of it trace back to the Kalos region. Maybe it’s because Mr. Hala rarely leaves Alola…”
After a while, Mr. Hala offered a suggestion: “Using such a large piece of Sparkling Stone just to make a bracelet is too wasteful. Aren’t you planning to challenge the Island Challenge? How about I modify it for you and turn it into a Z-Ring? Once you obtain a Z-Crystal and pass all the trials, you’ll be able to use Z-Moves without limitations.”
Hala’s proposal was tempting, but after some thought, Terrance politely declined.
“Thank you for your kindness, but this bracelet was a gift from a friend.”
“If I have the chance to obtain another Sparkling Stone in the future… then I’ll gladly trouble you for that.”
This Mega Ring was developed by Team Nightmare, and there were still some mysteries surrounding it. For example, Terrance had yet to understand the mechanics behind the mutated move resembling a Z-Move. Compared to a Z-Ring, Terrance preferred to keep its current appearance and continue his research.
After all, there might be multiple Sparkling Stones, but the Mega Ring in his hands could very well be the only one of its kind in the world.
Although using this Mega Ring for Mega Evolution had certain side effects, the immense power boost of Mega Altaria made Terrance realize that those side effects also brought advantages.
There are always gains and losses. If used wisely, this could become an incredibly powerful trump card.
“Wait a minute…” Suddenly, Terrance caught onto something crucial. “Using a Z-Move consumes a Trainer’s energy, and in most battles, using it once is already the limit.”
“This aspect…”
It was strangely similar! Just as Terrance was about to fall into deep thought again, Hala’s voice reached him.
“Alright.” Handing back the black bracelet, Hala showed no particular reaction. Since Terrance had no interest in modifying it, Hala saw no reason to insist.
The group’s attention began to shift away from Terrance’s bracelet. Just as Hala was about to discuss the Island Challenge with him, Ilima suddenly received a message and had to rush back home.
After Terrance assured him that he could return to the school on his own, Ilima apologized, said his goodbyes, and left Mr. Hala’s house.
“With your strength, I imagine that in your homeland, you are not just an unknown Trainer.” After a moment of thought, Hala said, “However, to take on the Island Challenge, strength alone is not enough. You also need wisdom.”
“I understand that…” Terrance replied with a wry smile.
From what he understood, the Island Challenge in Alola wasn’t just about battles—it often included trials that challenged a Trainer’s other skills. Compared to Gym Battles, these challenges undoubtedly offered more variety.
However, his main goal was not just the challenge itself. He wanted to use the Island Challenge as a way to come into contact with Totem Pokémon.
In Alola, some Totem Pokémon had cooperative relationships with the Island Kahuna, assisting Trainers in completing their Island Challenge trials. If he could establish such a connection, it would make approaching certain Totem Pokémon much easier.
“Hmm… In that case, before your grand trial, I have a problem for you—one that can only be solved using ‘wisdom.’” Hala put on an enigmatic expression.
Having seen Terrance’s strength firsthand, he knew that most problems would be effortlessly solved by Terrance without even needing to think—which was not in line with the original intent of the Island Challenge.
……
When Terrance left Mr. Hala’s house, he still hadn’t received the details of his next trial.
However, with four months ahead of him, Terrance knew there was no need to rush.
“Time to head back to school…”
“Professor Kukui seems to have arranged a place for me to stay.”
As he walked along the road, Terrance remained deep in thought about his black bracelet. Seeing it again, he instinctively thought of Albus and Fujiki. He wondered if those two had found a way to treat Darkrai yet.
“If my Mega Ring is made of Sparkling Stone, then I suppose it makes sense that Mega Evolution would drain my energy.”
“Ordinary Mega Evolution doesn’t consume a Trainer’s energy—it only depletes the power of the Key Stone and Mega Stone… But the source of Z-Power is different; it directly drains a Trainer’s energy. These are two completely distinct systems.”
“…Either way, to confirm my suspicions, I need to see exactly what a Fairy-type Z-Move looks like.”
As Terrance pondered this while walking, a sudden rustling sound made him quickly lift his head.
A Pokémon with a black body, holding two halves of a yellow shell in its hands, leaped across the trees and landed right in front of him!
Upon seeing this Pokémon, Terrance instinctively spoke: “Tapu Koko?”
That’s right—standing before Terrance at this very moment was none other than the mysterious Pokémon known as the guardian deity of Melemele Island!
While Terrance was still processing the situation, Tapu Koko pointed at itself, then at Terrance, before stepping back to put some distance between them.
These actions left Terrance utterly confused, but he hesitantly guessed: “Are you… challenging me to a battle?”
Tapu Koko nodded.
Chapter 531 The Surprised Appearance of Tapu Koko
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