Chapter 172: The Emerald Fragment
Rio closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He’d never imagined he’d be on the receiving end of a countdown one day—and from Rayquaza, no less.
"I choose the second option," he said at the last moment.
"Wise choice, kid," Rayquaza praised.
Damn it—as if I had any other option... Rio barely suppressed the urge to curse. If he hadn’t faced Lugia before, he might have tried a third option—sending out Charizard, Munchlax, and the others. But having been through that battle, he knew better. If he couldn’t beat Lugia, he certainly couldn’t beat Rayquaza.
After a few more deep breaths, he calmed down and voiced a lingering question: "Lord Rayquaza—could you tell me why you want the Devon Corporation and the Pokémon Association destroyed?"
"Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. Just destroy them. If you don’t, I’ll destroy you," Rayquaza replied.
Rio’s eyes widened—he felt like he’d just met a thug. Suddenly, he understood exactly how James’s father had felt when Rio had been giving him a hard time. The frustration was overwhelming.
Why can’t I just scream?!
After another deep breath, Rio pressed: "Then why don’t you do it yourself? Why make me do it?"
"Do I look like an idiot?" Rayquaza said. "If I did it myself, I’d be announcing to the world that I’m on a rampage. Then the other legendary Pokémon would have an excuse to gang up on me. Do you think I’d give them that leverage?"
That’s... actually a solid point, Rio had to admit.
"Aren’t you overestimating me, though? Just me and Articuno taking down the Devon Corporation and the Pokémon Association—that’s a one-way ticket to death," Rio said, suppressing his frustration.
"I’m not asking you to destroy all of them at once. Take down just one first—to satisfy me. That shouldn’t be a problem for you and Articuno." Rayquaza fixed its gaze on Rio. "If you succeed, I’ll grant you one request without condition."
"Can I be your trainer?" Rio blurted out impulsively.
"Do you think you deserve that?" Rayquaza’s eyes carried killing intent.
Then why even mention unconditional... Rio rolled his eyes. "How about you help me win one Pokémon battle? Against a legendary level opponent?"
"That I can do—as long as you take down one of the four first."
Rio felt a little better. At least there was a reward. "Is there a time limit?"
"Of course—you have three days to destroy one of them."
Rio’s eyes bulged. "You might as well just kill me now," he said, throwing his hands up. "Three days? Do you think I’m a god? Or do you think Articuno is your equal?"
Rayquaza paused, seemingly lost in thought. "You’re right—three days does seem too short. Even I almost got caught back then. How long do you want?"
"Three years," Rio said firmly, holding up three fingers.
"Impossible. Three years is too long. I’d rather just kill you," Rayquaza shook its head.
"Then one year—surely that’s acceptable." Rio held up one finger and pleaded: "Boss, I really can’t go any lower than that. Those four places are among the highest-ranking organizations and companies in human society. Without proper planning, I might take down one and die in the process—and then I can’t help you get revenge on the other three. You wouldn’t want that outcome, would you?"
Rayquaza fell into deep thought. After a long pause, it replied: "Fine—one year. I agree."
Rio breathed a sigh of relief. One year—with hard work, he might have a fighting chance against Rayquaza by then.
"I will destroy one of those four within the year, Lord Rayquaza!" Rio declared confidently.
Rayquaza nodded in satisfaction. A shard of emerald glass floated from its body and hovered before Rio.
"Take this. When you’ve completed the task, call out to it, and I will come to you."
Rio examined the glass—it looked like part of a larger puzzle. The pattern on it was incomplete.
"Understood, Lord Rayquaza. I’ll get it done." Rio pocketed the emerald fragment.
"I’ll be waiting for good news. But if you fail within the year, you’ll face the first option." Rayquaza didn’t linger—its form gradually faded into the clouds.
Rio watched it leave, thinking about the task at hand. He didn’t know what had happened, but one thing was clear: the Devon Corporation, the Pokémon Association, the Belari Family, and the Grand Violet Corporation had done something that enraged Rayquaza. Why else would it use the word "satisfy" in their conversation?
"Looks like I need to do some digging when I get to the Devon Corporation," Rio muttered.
Then Articuno’s voice echoed in his mind: "That scared me—really scared me!"
Rio rolled his eyes. He’d figured it out—Articuno was a bully at heart. Narcissistic and simple-minded, yes, but when faced with something far stronger, its cowardice was undeniable. It hadn’t dared say a word while Rayquaza was there.
"Alright—let’s keep moving. Rayquaza probably won’t bother you again."