In order to confirm his suspicions, Sato deliberately feigned youthful ignorance, cautiously asking with a hint of hope, "Then, Wilma, might you have… any leads regarding a Domain?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wilma sighed and shook her head again, seemingly helpless in the face of Sato's boldness.

But in the very next moment, her tone shifted!

"There may be… some information on that topic."

Sato sneered inwardly, 'You really are the same Wilma from my past life who could coldly imprison Zweilous for twenty years!'

"Really? Then please, Wilma, do share. Zweilous and I would be endlessly grateful!"

Though he had seen through her, Sato still played along on the surface, hoping to draw out more information.

Wilma continued to put on an act of helplessness. After another bout of deliberate hesitation, she finally went on.

"What I'm about to tell you… just listen, but absolutely do not attempt it."

'Hmph, if you really didn't want me to try, you wouldn't keep talking about it,' Sato thought with silent annoyance.

"I don't know about other regions, but it's said that deep within the Giant Chasm in Unova lies a Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon that has been sealed in ice for many years. It is a true Legendary Pokémon.

I've said before… only 'true' Legendary Pokémon possess Domains. I believe that Dragon-type must have one too."

"A Dragon-type… sealed in ice?"

Sato repeated the phrase, and in Wilma's eyes, this was proof he was tempted, perhaps even already considering seeking out the Legendary.

But as Sato murmured to himself, his mind immediately called forth everything he knew about this "Dragon-type sealed in ice."

Kyurem, regarded as the most powerful Dragon-type Pokémon due to its typing, and even capable of fusing with either Zekrom or Reshiram.

Even among Legendary Pokémon, it was ranked extremely high in terms of strength.

But what Sato knew even more clearly was that the claim about it being "sealed in ice" was utter nonsense. Kyurem simply lived in the Giant Chasm and could lash out at intruders any time it pleased.

If the earlier ambiguous wording hadn't already exposed Wilma's murderous intent, then the phrase "sealed in ice" left no doubt!

At that moment, Wilma continued, "Though Dragon-types fear the cold, and being frozen would certainly weaken them, a Legendary is still a Legendary. I suggest you let Zweilous evolve naturally. At the very least, one will remain."

She appeared to be giving Sato advice, but in truth, she was once again pushing the narrative that Lefty and Righty had to devour each other in order to evolve.

Sato lowered his head, pretending to be deep in thought and torn by the decision. Seeing this, Wilma said no more. Instead, she turned to look at the tense Zweilous standing beside him.

"You were born and raised in the Village of Dragons. Surely you've seen many Zweilous evolve into Hydreigon. The fusion and devouring of consciousness is the only path to power..."

"Wilma, that's enough! I will NEVER let Lefty and Righty devour each other!"

Sato suddenly interrupted loudly, putting on a "determined" front.

"A Domain? Just a Dragon-type Legendary sealed in ice?

For Lefty and Righty, I'll take on the Giant Chasm!"

Wilma's wrinkled eyelids twitched sharply, and then she closed her eyes with a sigh. "Is this a cursed fate… or is it the bond between you and Zweilous? Sigh..."

"So!"

"Hmm?"

Wilma's performance was once again interrupted. Caught in her own smugness, she instinctively opened her eyes!

…Only to see Sato suddenly stand up and perform a perfect formal bow!

"I know you, Wilma, is one of the rarest powerhouses in the world, and also the previous wielder of Dark Energy, so...

Please teach me how to become stronger!"

"…Huh?"

Wilma stared with her clouded eyes, completely caught off guard by Sato's sudden twist.

'Weren't you going to the Giant Chasm to challenge a Legendary?

Weren't you planning to seize a Domain for Zweilous?

Weren't you supposed to be fearless and unstoppable?

What's with this sudden request to "teach" you?!'

(╯‵皿′)╯︵┻━┻

"Please, Wilma, guide me in becoming stronger… be it in mastering Dark Energy or improving my Pokémon's strength. I'm still far from ready!"

"…I think you're already pretty strong."

"NOO! I still have a long way to go!"

"I…"

"PLEASE HELP ME!"

From beginning to end, Sato acted exactly like a hot-blooded, simple-minded youth who fully believed in every word Wilma said.

But just as the plan succeeded, Sato "suddenly realized" he lacked the strength to carry it out.

Wilma seethed inside, filled with unwillingness.

As the current generation's wielder of Dark Energy, Sato had already demonstrated extraordinary talent. His future as a powerful Trainer was all but guaranteed.

And the stronger Sato became, the more anxious Wilma felt. Afraid that in his pursuit of strength, he might start digging into the origins of Dark Energy… and uncover the hidden truths within.

Though Wilma still possessed formidable strength, age and personality had long eroded her fighting spirit.

She was content with the status quo, yet a part of her still craved one last breakthrough.

Too afraid to take real risks, she resorted to manipulation and trickery behind the scenes.

Imprisoning Zweilous, luring Sato to the Giant Chasm… these were all low-effort schemes meant to guide him into danger.

"Sigh… I can't take an outsider as a student. But since Zweilous is a child of the Village of Dragons, I'll do my best to guide you during your stay."

After wrestling with herself for a while, Wilma begrudgingly agreed to Sato's request.

But she had already made up her mind: to provoke Sato daily, to deepen his obsession with obtaining a Domain, and ultimately drive him to the Giant Chasm to die.

"Thank you, Wilma!"

Sato put on a look of deep gratitude, and Lefty and Righty obediently nodded along beside him.

And just as Wilma fell into thought, Sato quietly began a telepathic conversation with Ralts.

"This old hag is awful! She actually wants us to go get ourselves killed. Before we leave, I'm definitely going to teach her a lesson!"

Ralts spoke angrily, and Sato could easily imagine it pounding its tiny fists on its chest in frustration.

'No rush for payback. Now that we've turned her trap into our own plan, we can take our time preparing what comes next.'

"Mhm, but… Toto, do you really want Lefty and Righty to become 'Legendary Pokémon'?"

'Snatching a Domain outright is unrealistic. I know not every Domain is something Lefty and Righty can absorb. But didn't you say the last time there's already a Domain right here in the Village of Dragons?'

"That's right! The first time we came to the Village of Dragons, I didn't even dare show myself. I was worried they'd sense me and cause trouble for you… especially back then, when you were still so weak."

"..."

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