Sableye: A Long-Awaited Opportunity

In a world of ice and snow, that patch of green, like an isolated paradise untouched by the world, was all the more eye-catching.

The frost and snow outside seemed to be blocked by an invisible barrier, while the space within remained as vibrant as spring, filled with birdsong and flowers.

Though the bird was a little on the large side.

Within a well-tended flower field, the graceful Sableye was locked in a game of Chinese Chess with an ice-blue giant bird.

"You lost."

Skadi moved its cannon over the advisor and captured Sableye's general. A hint of smug satisfaction showed in its expression at its victory.

"Meow..."

Sableye sighed helplessly, rubbing its head with a troubled look.

Chinese Chess was just too difficult to learn.

Skadi's amused Telepathy rang out. "Wasn't your goal to become his Pokémon? When you crossed this frozen world to find me, your gaze had been so determined and resolute. Are you going to give up over such a tiny setback?"

Skadi recalled how, not long after Su Hao had left, Sableye had forced its way through the bitter frost as a Grass-type Pokémon to reach it. Even Skadi had been moved by Sableye's obsession at the time and had chosen to lend a hand.

"The Ice God once told me that Lord Su Hao loves playing Chinese Chess. Every day, he would pester the Ice God to play with him. He was such a nuisance that the Ice God worried over it for quite some time."

"As long as you hone your skills, then pair them with the Snow Tea you specially gathered—the kind that is exceedingly rare in this Secret Realm and grows only atop Snow Mountain—he'll definitely be moved by your sincerity."

Skadi said with certainty.

"Meow...~"

As though drawn in by