News of Rose, president of the Macro Cosmos company, releasing Eternatus and causing devastating damage to the Galar region spread quickly across the world.

No one could have imagined that in just a few hours, the Galar region would face such drastic changes. Reports of Rose's voluntary surrender and arrest, the destruction caused by rampaging Dynamax Pokémon, the resealing of Eternatus, and the sudden overgrowth of turf in city fields dominated headlines and sparked countless discussions.

Many began to worry about the future of the Galar region.

After all, Macro Cosmos is deeply tied to Galar's economy, and now that its president had fallen from power, the entire region risked being thrown into chaos.

On top of that, Rose had also served as president of the Galar Pokémon League, making him one of the most powerful figures in the region. With the severe losses caused by the crisis, even people from other regions questioned whether Galar could recover.

It was under these circumstances that Leon stepped in as the new president of the Galar League.

He took over Rose Tower and led rescue efforts for the Pokémon injured in the disaster while overseeing the region's reconstruction.

Under the leadership of the undefeated champion, Galar returned to its former vibrancy in just two weeks, with daily life quickly returning to normal.

When Naoki received Leon's letter, it was already late November.

On a snowy day, a Wingull crossed the vast ocean from the Galar region to Paldea, carrying both a letter and a special gift: a Dynamax Band inlaid with a Wishing Star.

Naoki sat at his desk, opening the letter as snow fell heavily outside his window.

[Letter from Leon]

Long time no see, Naoki! Thank you so much for everything you've done for the Galar region. Haha, I had planned to visit you in Paldea once things settled down, but I've been so busy that I haven't had the chance.

As you've probably heard, Chairman Rose has surrendered, and I've taken over as president of the Galar League. Being League President is… a busy job. There's so much to handle every day. But seeing the region recover little by little makes it all worth it.

I still remember what Rose told me before. He was worried that Galar's energy would run out one day, which is why he awakened Eternatus. I'm looking into other ways to solve that problem. I don't have any concrete leads yet, but I believe that with everyone working together, we'll find a solution.

Once Galar is completely stable, I'll come visit you!

Oh, and about the gift, this Dynamax Band is for you! Now that you've caught Eternatus, you should be able to Dynamax as well.

I'm sure you're wondering whether Dynamaxing in Galar will still be possible without Eternatus. Haha, don't worry! Even without it, the energy in our Power Plants remains, and there are still plenty of Wishing Stars scattered across the region. People here will be able to Dynamax just fine.

That's all for now. I'll tell you more when we meet again!

—Leon

Seeing that Leon had successfully taken over Rose's duties and everything in Galar was back on track, Naoki felt genuinely happy for him.

Eternatus had been sent to the World Tree, sealed away on its lowest level and placed under the protection of several Legendary Pokémon to ensure it could never escape and cause another disaster.

With Calyrex's seal, Eternatus would remain dormant inside its Master Ball for the rest of its life.

The crisis in the Galar region was finally over.

When Ash defeated the Masters Eight and retired next year, the main storyline of the Pokémon world would come to an end.

A completely unfamiliar and brand new future awaited them.

Naoki, however, no longer felt the desire to interfere.

It was the end of the League Calendar year 204.

After this year, he would be twenty-seven.

Judging by the average human lifespan, he was nearing thirty, a time to turn his focus away from the outside world and toward his family.

Naoki put away Leon's letter, stood up, and carefully placed the Dynamax Band into his collection.

When he opened the cabinet, rows of precious items gleamed before him: the Tera Ball gifted by Professor Sada, the Mega Stones he had collected in the Kalos region, and the Z-Rings and Z-Crystals obtained in Alola.

Now, with the addition of the Dynamax Band, he had gathered all the special battle enhancements in the Pokémon world.

He had no need for them himself, one day, he could pass them down to Elara when she was grown.

Speak of the devil, and she appears.

Naoki was about to close the cabinet when he heard Elara's cheerful laugh.

Turning around, he saw his daughter running toward him, her little face smeared with chocolate and a big grin on her lips.

"Hey, Daddy!"

Elara leapt into his arms.

Right behind her was Larvesta, and as Naoki expected, its fluffy white fur bore a huge chocolate stain.

"Don't go smearing chocolate sauce on anyone," Naoki said with a sigh, grabbing a towel to wipe her face clean. "All right, messy girl, go play!"

Taking after her mother, Elara darted back outside with a little huff.

She ran up to Entei and the others, tugging playfully at their fur. "Play! Go play!"

"It's cold outside," Entei said with a stern expression.

But Elara only shook her head, gazing up at him with a pitiful look, pretending she wasn't the least bit cold.

Entei finally relented.

Elara's eyes lit up immediately, and she rushed over to Koraidon, tugging at its large claw. "Koraidon, go play!"

Koraidon cracked one lazy eye open but didn't move, looking as if he were still half-asleep.

Her mother had told her never to disturb Pokémon while they were resting, so she tiptoed away without a sound.

So she let go of Koraidon's big claws and went to find Cyclizar.

"Cyclizar, let's play together!"

"Ga-ao…"

Cyclizar gazed out at the snow-covered world in hesitation.

It couldn't handle the cold very well.

"Come on, play with me!" Elara tugged on Cyclizar's large paw.

Cyclizar sighed helplessly. It couldn't refuse its young master and finally agreed. "Ga-ss."

Iono, who was sitting on the sofa watching TV, noticed this and quickly called out, "Elara, you can't make Cyclizar play in the snow with you! The cold will freeze him!"

Elara immediately looked pitiful at her mother's words.

But she really wanted to play with Cyclizar and everyone else.

Seeing her young master's expression, Cyclizar quickly reassured her with a bright "Ga-ao!" as if to say it was fine.

"All right then," Iono said with a helpless smile. She got up, fetched Cyclizar's scarf from the cupboard, and wrapped it snugly around its neck. Then she took out the cold-weather meal Naoki had prepared and fed it to Cyclizar.

As warmth began to spread through its body, Cyclizar's eyes lit up in delight. "Ga-ao!"

After pulling Cyclizar along, Elara turned her attention to Pawmot.

At her invitation, Pawmot, Urshifu, Indeedee, Fluttermane, and Bellibolt all headed outside together.

Snow was falling thickly, blanketing the entire pasture and crunching softly underfoot.

The temperature was still bearable.

Suicune and Raikou also followed them out, while the other Pokémon remained by the warm fireplace, basking in the heat and yawning contentedly.

As soon as they stepped outside, Elara began running excitedly across the snow. She copied Naoki, rolling snowballs with her little hands, trying to build a snowman.

The three Legendary Beasts had no choice but to walk beside her, shielding her from the wind and snow with their bodies.

It was then that Zacian and Zamazenta arrived at the ranch.

They had followed the King's path, crossing the sea and traveling for a long time before finally reaching this place.

The moment the two arrived, the three Legendary Beasts immediately sensed their presence.

They lifted their heads, gazing at the two unfamiliar Pokémon.

Pawmot recognized them instantly, its eyes lighting up as it called out, "Bamo!"

Zacian and Zamazenta looked at Pawmot and let out a wolf-like cry. "Woof!"

The next second, the figure of Calyrex appeared.

He regarded Zacian and Zamazenta with a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"Why are you here?" Calyrex asked.

Zacian answered with a sharp "Woof!" (Our mission is accomplished!)

Zamazenta replied more simply, "Woof." (That place no longer needs us. We have nowhere else to go, so we came to you, King.)

Calyrex gave a faint nod. "I am no longer the King of Galar."

At these words, both Zacian and Zamazenta froze, a hint of confusion flickering across their faces.

"As you can see," Calyrex continued softly, "I am now just a farmer at Naoki Ranch."

Between the two, Zacian, the elder sister, was clearly more perceptive. She quickly understood the deeper meaning of Calyrex's words and turned her gaze toward the pasture.

She remembered a scene from years ago, when a human had brought the king to meet them in the Slumbering Weald.

Back then, the king's strength had been greatly diminished.

But now, not only had his power returned, it had grown even greater than before.

Was it because of that human?

As if reading her thoughts, Calyrex said quietly, "Indeed, it was Naoki who helped me regain this strength. Over the years, he has spread my name across the world. Thanks to his efforts, I have not only recovered but have surpassed the power I once held."

It really was because of that human. Hearing how much the king owed him, both Zacian and Zamazenta felt deep gratitude.

"Woof…" Zacian, the sword still gripped in her mouth, was about to speak further when a small human girl appeared in front of her, staring with wide, curious eyes.

Zacian froze for a moment, unsure how to react.

Then, the little girl reached out toward the shining fairy blade she held.

"Wow! So beautiful!"

Startled, Zacian instinctively stepped back, looking nervously at the child.

But in the very next moment, three powerful figures stepped forward, shielding the girl protectively.

The Fire-type in the lead, Entei, regarded the newcomers with a dignified, watchful gaze.

Seeing the tension, Calyrex floated forward and spoke with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry."

Calyrex looked at the three Legendary Beasts and explained, "They are Zacian and Zamazenta. They fought alongside me thousands of years ago and have no ill intentions."

Then Calyrex turned to Elara. He floated toward her, and with a slight movement of his mind, a gentle wave of telekinesis brushed away the snowflakes from her hair and brought her closer.

"She is Naoki's child, named Elara, and she's a very well-behaved girl." Calyrex reached out and gently stroked her head. "She is simply curious about your glowing sword."

Naoki's child…

Zacian suddenly understood.

But the Fairy Sword was not only incredibly sharp, it held immense power. If the child accidentally hurt herself, the consequences would be unthinkable.

After a brief silence, light radiated from Zacian's body.

Within the glow, her form shifted rapidly, transforming from the Sword King into the Hero of Many Battles.

Elara's eyes sparkled in wonder at the magical sight.

"Wow!"

Calyrex looked at the two Pokémon and asked, "What are your plans for the future?"

Hearing this, Zacian and Zamazenta exchanged glances.

With the threat of Eternatus now gone, Galar no longer needed them.

They could remain there, but nothing familiar remained.

Everything from a thousand years ago had vanished, the Galar they once knew, the Pokémon they once fought beside, all gone.

Now, there was only their King…

As she pondered this, Zacian suddenly froze.

She sensed a familiar presence.

Looking toward the Meltan hiding under the eaves, peeking out at them, both Zacian and Zamazenta were taken aback.

That was… Melmetal!

The very Pokémon who had once helped them forge the sword and shield.

It was here too?

Their initial shock quickly gave way to joy.

Not only was the King here, but Melmetal as well. Why shouldn't they stay too?

Thinking this through, Zamazenta barked without hesitation, "Woof!"

Both siblings wanted to stay.

Calyrex was not surprised. He nodded and said, "We still need to ask Naoki about this."

At that moment, Pawmot stepped forward eagerly and barked, "Bamo!"

He volunteered to call Naoki over.

Pawmot hurried to the second-floor window, where Naoki was packing up his belongings, and called for him.

When Naoki stepped outside and saw Zacian and Zamazenta, he froze in surprise.

"Zacian? Zamazenta? How did you get here?"

Zamazenta replied with a bark, explaining they had followed the King's aura across the sea.

Through telepathy, Calyrex shared everything that had happened, including the siblings' wish to remain at the ranch.

Naoki raised his brows. These two wanted to stay here as well?

It made sense, they had no other ties in Galar, and with Eternatus defeated, they must have come here because they found Calyrex.

Naoki smiled warmly. "In that case, you're welcome to join us."

At those words, Zacian and Zamazenta both let out a breath of relief.