"Less than ten percent. Enough for him to make another incomplete Red Chain." After Arceus said that, Lin Hao fell silent for a long time.
The darkness was fading. A pale glow spread along the eastern horizon, the lava on Mt. Pyre had cooled, and the sea was calm again.
Kyogre floated quietly near the shore, back to normal size. Its blue eyes were full of remorse as it looked at Lin Hao. "Master, I'm sorry."
"What are you apologizing for?" Lin Hao walked to the shore and crouched down to look at it. "It's not your fault someone set you up."
"I couldn't control myself," Kyogre rumbled softly.
"You were dragged out of the system and forced into Primal Reversion." Lin Hao reached out and touched its head. "You're lucky to be alive."
Kyogre brought its head close to shore and nuzzled his palm. Behind them, Groudon muttered, "So dramatic."
Kyogre said, "You nearly went berserk too."
"That was different."
"Different how? You were roaring louder than I was!"
"Want to say that again?"
"Enough." Lin Hao stood up. "Both of you, go back and rest."
The two ancient Pokémon fell silent at once. Red light flashed twice, and Kyogre and Groudon returned to System Space.
Arceus remained outside. It lowered its head to look at Lin Hao, its golden eyes calm. "I'll go back too."
"All right. Go ahead."
"Master." Arceus paused. "You did well today."
Lin Hao froze for a moment, then gave a rueful smile. "Praise from the creator god... my life's complete."
Arceus said nothing more and turned into golden light, returning to its pure white Poké Ball.
Lin Hao clipped the ball back onto his belt and turned around. Steven's Off-Road Vehicle was parked on the road at the foot of the mountain. Steven