"Mr. Natsuka, you've returned?" Feather Moon looked at Natsuhiko sitting on the steps of the altar with a fatigued face, somewhat surprised.
Natsuhiko lifted his eyelids, revealed a wry smile, and pointed behind him, "Feather Moon Goddess, this doesn't seem to have much relation to the enhancement of abilities."
Hearing this.
Feather Moon showed an awkward and apologetic expression and explained, "The situation was indeed unexpected to me; for that, the Divine Hall expresses its sincerest apologies."
She didn't know how Natsuhiko got pulled into the Alternate Space.
Purely an unforeseen situation.
Natsuhiko waved his hand, "Forget it, I did gain some benefits, so let's not be ungrateful."
Feather Moon smiled softly.
She knew, as long as one entered that Alternate Space and survived smoothly, one would definitely gain quite a few benefits.
Every Divine Maiden of the Divine Hall of Snow Peak has the opportunity and qualification to train in that Alternate Space for a period, experiencing explosive growth in abilities upon return.
"By the way, Mr. Natsuka, an elder came to the Divine Hall earlier, claiming to be your teacher called 'Fairy'. You..." Feather Moon hesitated to speak.
Natsuhiko raised his eyebrows, showing some surprise.
"The old man came out?"
The old man? Came out?
Feather Moon blinked, though the term seemed disrespectful to elders, it was used only when the relationship was very close.
She could only awkwardly smile.
Natsuhiko could call him that, but she couldn't.
"Mr. Fairy helped the Divine Hall a great deal..."
She then recounted the events that unfolded in the front hall earlier.
Natsuhiko, being directly involved, was naturally familiar with them.
Familiarity aside, he had to pretend to listen intently, occasionally showing a surprised expression.
Therefore.
Acting is a profound art.
Lucky for Natsuhiko, he has a lot of experience in it, barely qualifying as proficient.
Finally.
"In any case, I represent the Divine Hall in expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Natsuka and Mr. Fairy for their help," Feather Moon slightly bowed.
For a hall that witnessed the true strength of the formidable and is about to emerge, establishing a connection with such a strong individual is of utmost importance.
"You're welcome."
Natsuhiko slowly got up, stretched, with crackling sounds emanating from him.
The fatigue on his face wasn't an act.
He was genuinely tired.
Spent a month in the Alternate Space of Regigigas, continuously battling intensely while also gathering resources and nurturing Pokémon, leaving him mentally and physically exhausted.
Returning to the Pokemon Realm coincided with the Hunter Guild's critical attack on the Divine Hall.
Had to don the 'Justice's Black Clothes' as the incarnation 'Black Nightmare Messenger' to quell the situation, claiming he wasn't tired was impossible.
Though an act requires full play, so he was waiting here for the appearance of Feather Moon.
"No, as a gesture of sincerity, the Divine Hall still holds quite a few things left by ancestors, which may benefit Mr. Natsuka. Of course, if Mr. Fairy needs something, we are duty-bound to assist."
Feather Moon's attitude was resolute.
Very sincere in expressing gratitude.
It seemed necessary for Natsuhiko to gain a satisfactory result.
Not to mention ensuring the so-called 'Mr. Fairy' does not harbor ill feelings towards the Divine Hall.
He may overlook things, even reject them, but the Divine Hall's stance must be clear.
Natsuhiko twitched his mouth.
The Divine Hall of Snow Peak has been passed down so long, guessing they're no less than the 'Meteor People' in Meteor Falls, must have quite a few treasures, certainly desirous of them.
But unfortunately, conditions don't allow now.
His backpack is stuffed full, virtually no space left for anything else.
In the Alternate Space of Regigigas, indeed gained a lot of good items and a large amount of material, emboldening him to boast about nurturing Dragapult for three years.
Everyone knows pioneering is extremely profitable, his activities in that Alternate Space were akin to pioneering.
If now, he were to select something yet unable to carry it away, it would be uncomfortable.
After pondering, he said, "Feather Moon Goddess, how about this, I don't know what the old man wants, let me go ask him first, then inform you, how about that? Besides, staying inside for a month has left me exhausted, even my eyelids can't help but meet."
While speaking, he pointed at his own eyes.
The eyes were filled with many blood vessels.
Feather Moon apologized, "Indeed I was thoughtless, Mr. Natsuka you should rest first, we'll discuss things later. Also, regarding what Mr. Fairy needs, really ought to ask."
After a slight pause, continued, "Then let's postpone for now, whenever Mr. Natsuka needs, feel free to reach out to me, the hall's doors will always be open to you."
"Alright." Natsuhiko nodded.
He already had some ideas about his path ahead, likely needing resources and funds, then the Divine Hall of Snow Peak could be helpful.
"Then I'll have someone arrange accommodation," Feather Moon said.
"No, it's not necessary, don't bother. I have some matters to attend to, don't worry about me."
With that, Natsuhiko strode toward the outside, preparing to leave.
"Wait a moment, Mr. Natsuka." Feather Moon quickly called after him.
"Hmm?"
"Um... regarding hiring you as our Divine Hall's 'representative' to liaison with the alliance..."
"Uh... how about, switch someone else?" Natsuhiko showed awkwardness.
Isn't this something when done well, deservedly acknowledged, yet if not, benefits on neither side?
"Please!"
"Alright, I got it, call me when you need."
"Call?"
"Find Kage, he knows."
With a wave, Natsuhiko smoothly exited the cave this time.
Passing through the Divine Hall's main hall, he saw the Hunters of the Hunter Guild each bound.
They will become a sincerely intended 'gift' for the Divine Hall's negotiations with the alliance.
Natsuhiko scanned over them, didn't see Joanna, so didn't linger, and directly left the Divine Hall of Snow Peak.
Outside, the moon was bright and stars sparse.
The biting cold wind lashed, brushing across his face, waking Natsuhiko considerably.
"Don't let today's matters take over my mind. There's still a significant gap between her and me." He advised himself in a voice only he could hear.
Summoned Yujira, lightly wiped his face with his palm.
"Let's go."
"Yongji."
Yujira nodded, enveloped by psychic power, Instant Movement performed.
Upon opening his eyes again, Natsuhiko was already in a dense forest.
"I've arrived." Natsuhiko's steady voice spread among the trees.
Whoosh—
Soon after, with flapping wings, a fierce Salamence appeared in his view, on Salamence's back, sitting a woman looking a bit disheveled.
Indeed today's attacker of the Divine Hall from the Hunter Guild, the future "Hunter J", currently Joanna!
——————
Fifth update! Asking for votes!