Looking was easier than talking, that much was true. Leaf tried to stop herself gouging a trench into the mesatop and just watched, hoping to make out anything weird or interesting under the protective gear and the scattered equipment.
It didn't look like the Covenant personnel unpacking supplies and assembling devices were here to fight. Some of them would give Leaf uncomfortable looks if she drew near, glancing to Mesoza in the expectation that she would protect them in battle. Their gear looked almost like beekeepers' suits, with reflective material sewn into the exterior, perhaps to protect against Radiance...
Some of them were deploying bulky, crude computers, like something out of the early digital revolution. All dials and knobs and switches, with tiny CRT screens.
One of the container crates was securely locked, and remained so for the moment. A dark pane of glass was set into its metal door...
"You could say it was... educational," he coolly exclaimed. "Educational... about the danger that radiance poses. How it is not something meant to just be casually handled... let alone extracted, studied, manufactured, and so on."
"Yeah, our trip to the Caldera was plenty informative. We learned how pointed stones can be used to tear a hole in the fabric of the world..."
"...But you'd already know about that. Wouldn't you, Professor?"
"What an interesting analogy," mused Mesoza. "It's true that if you directed enough exotic energy at a particular point, it's possible that the physical laws of matter and energy would behave unusually. My research suggests that this is one means by which a mystery dungeon might be formed. I have been learning all there is to know about Radiance since I first woke up on Forlas, and I can assure you, I have devised better methodology for practical experimentation than any predecessor you might liken me to."
She frowned only momentarily at Gladion's accusatory tone, as if she was wondering what he thought he knew that merited such venom. But it didn't upset her, and in any case, other Wayfarers were chiming in...
"Right. And I suppose you got permission to be here? And why do you need Radiance so badly?"
"Koamaru, in the present circumstance, I am the one issuing or withholding permission." The Professor flashed a disarming smile, an expression incongruous with her assertion of authority. "But to answer your other question—Radiance is a form of Infinity Energy which holds the secrets to the metaphysics of this, and perhaps other universes. I must discover the secrets of this power—the light of creation itself—which might allow me to continue my journey through the multiverse."
"She's wasting our time," Mhynt said, brandishing her blade without hesitation. "Step aside. You have ten seconds."
"Thank you for your offer of an additional ten seconds of stalling," quipped Mesoza, possibly in sincerity. "But I believe the time has come to engage in combat. I must warn you—while I would prefer not to endanger your lives, I am quite capable of inflicting grievous injury."
The Koraidon widened her stance, lowered her head, and loosed a primal roar from her jaws.
"Activate the Rift-Breacher!"
Behind her, a crew of Covenant pokémon punched in a final command to the machine they'd been calibrating. The mesatop seemed to shudder, and the light of day grew more vivid – red and gold, honey and rust...
The portal – the dungeonmouth – had not been there a moment ago. Yet there it now lay... A pair of natural stone pillars jutting from the plateau, between which the air shimmered and sparkled with motes of light. Already, personnel were running through the gateway...
Betel. Give us key targets. Perhaps a stern, guiding voice would help get their Mission Control to refocus. This is a complex operation and we need guidance so any delicate work doesn't disrupt the nearby Dungeon.
Understood, Mhynt. One moment.
...
4 Primary Units recommended to enter the Sun's Rest.
2 Primary Units recommended to battle Professor Mesoza.
Identifying additional objectives for Auxiliary Units...
...
Wait. Matthias is somewhere here. I detect his distinctive soul in your vicinity. Considering that some of the party ought to enter the dungeon and prevent the Living Sun's emergence, the balance of combat power may be dangerously uneven. We need reinforcements...!
