Pokemon: Skybound Chapter 354: 354. The Crystal Phenomenon

Pokemon Movie arc starts~

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It began at the center of the Hale estate.

A surge of bluish-violet energy erupted outward in a violent pulse, instantly crystallizing everything within a 300-ter radius.

The previously forming crystal tower at the heart of the estate twisted and reford, morphing into a massive, flower-like structure its petal-shaped protrusions curled like antennae, glowing and ominous.

Faced with such a bizarre and unknown event, the local authorities scrambled to respond. While officers worked to investigate the scene, they also set up ergency barricades, preventing townspeople from getting too close.

But with nightfall limiting visibility and their equipnt ill-suited for this kind of anomaly, they could hardly determine anything. To make matters worse, the crystalline wave continued expanding—slowly turning even the barricades they had just set up into more shimring crystals.

In the end, all they could do was fall back further, establishing new safety zones and urging residents over loudspeakers to retreat from the mysterious energy.

Thankfully, the energy's rate of expansion slowed drastically—possibly due to a loss of montum. By the ti Kai and Erika arrived near the periter, more than ten minutes had passed, and the spread had only advanced by a single ter.

Kai turned and looked back toward the town behind them.

The estate was still a fair distance away. Even if the crystal kept spreading all night, it was unlikely to reach the edge of town by morning.

That brought a sense of relief to the townspeople, knowing they still had ti to prepare ti to evacuate, ti to gather valuables, and ti to think.

As the situation was clearly in the hands of the authorities now, Kai and Erika blended back into the crowd, stepping away from the chaos.

Kai checked his watch and said quietly, "It's too dark to do anything else. And we can't help much like this. Let's head over to the Pokémon Center on the other side of town, grab so food, and get so rest."

Erika nodded.

Despite being the Gym Leader of Celadon City, even she knew now wasn't the ti to rush into danger. While Johto wasn't her region, ensuring peace and understanding local crises still fell within her responsibility as a Gym Leader.

She also knew that if the situation didn't resolve by morning, she'd be in no shape to help in her current exhausted state.

Rest ca first.

"Agreed," she said. "Let's go."

They made their way across town to the local Pokémon Center, where they found Nurse Joy standing outside, also watching the unnatural glow on the horizon.

After explaining their situation, Joy led them inside, arranged for two guest rooms, and brought them warm, freshly prepared dinners.

Kai wanted to ask more, but Joy could only shake her head. "I wish I could tell you what's going on… but I'm just as in the dark as you."

With nothing else to do, they ate in silence, and before long, both of them were stifling yawns.

It was already past 9 PM. After a long day, neither of them had the energy for conversation.

They exchanged goodnights and went to their respective rooms.

Kai stripped out of his clothes, washed off the fatigue, and collapsed into bed. His eyes drifted shut almost imdiately. He didn't even rember falling asleep.

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The next morning, he stirred with the soft light filtering through the curtains.

Stretching out, he noticed the soreness had completely faded. He felt great—like he'd hit a Pokémon Center himself.

"Full recovery," he muttered with a smile.

After getting dressed and freshening up, he stepped outside to check on the phenonon.

The crystal spire still stood—unchanged and haunting. The field of energy continued to expand outward, having grown another 200 ters or so overnight.

Still, it hadn't reached the town yet. That was sothing.

Now that it was daylight, Kai could see everything more clearly.

Even from a distance, it was obvious—plants, stones, trees, even entire patches of earth had been crystallized, suspended like ancient insects caught in amber.

As he looked toward the center of the phenonon, he realized the Hale mansion had completely vanished. In its place stood what looked like a twisted, alien forest—glowing, otherworldly, and bizarrely shaped.

The sharp contrast with the peaceful landscape surrounding it made the effect even more jarring.

It felt… extraterrestrial.

He turned and studied the Pokémon Center.

They had arrived late the previous night and hadn't noticed much in the dark, but now he saw it clearly. This one wasn't like the standard Centers in big cities. It resembled more of a rustic countryside resort, with soft pastel colors and a cozy European flair.

Back inside, Kai t Erika in the dining area.

It was breakfast ti, but aside from the two of them, the entire place was empty.

After a quick inquiry with Nurse Joy, they learned the truth.

"Even though Greenfield is a popular tourist town, especially for young won, it's mostly ordinary folks who co here," Joy explained. "And they usually stay in the inns downtown rather than here at the Center."

Then, at their prompting, she shared what she knew about the mansion.

"That estate… that belongs to Professor Spencer Hale. He's a brilliant researcher, well-respected for both his intellect and kindness. But… he went on a research trip recently and didn't return. Only his assistant ca back."

"Professor Hale?" Kai asked.

Neither he nor Erika had heard the na before.

Joy nodded. "He's a bit of a recluse, but deeply admired in the academic world. Unfortunately, due to his work, he often left his daughter—Molly—at ho under the care of the estate staff."

Erika's expression tightened. "What about Molly's mother?"

Joy shook her head. "She was a researcher too. Disappeared years ago. Now, it's just the housekeeper looking after her."

Kai sighed.

He had seen too many stories like this—on TV, in books, in the news. Stories of gifted minds who were swallowed by their ambition, leaving behind the ones who mattered most.

Before they could say more, a sudden flurry of noise erupted outside.

Crowds were gathering.

Kai and Erika rushed to the door.

A line of police cruisers had pulled up in front of the Pokémon Center, and standing at the center of it all was Officer Jenny, deep in discussion with local officers and several unfamiliar n in suits.

Even Jenny's here?

That confird it.

Whatever happened at the Hale estate last night… was more than just a freak event.

This was sothing far more serious.

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