Mission 9: The Researcher of Myths

Mission 9: The Researcher of Myths

Welcome, intrepid researcher, to one of the most pivotal missions in your journey through Hisui: Mission 9: The Researcher of Myths. This quest marks a significant turning point, propelling you deeper into the ancient lore of the region and bringing you face-to-face with legendary Pokémon. Your primary objective is to assist Volo, the enigmatic Ginkgo Guild merchant, in deciphering the true history of Hisui by collecting the remaining Plates. Be prepared for a series of challenging battles and extensive exploration.

Mission Walkthrough: Unraveling Ancient Secrets

Your journey with Volo will be a long one, spanning multiple regions and culminating in encounters with some of Hisui's most powerful inhabitants. Ensure your team is well-rested, stocked with healing items, and ready for anything.

1. Initiating the Quest:
   • After completing Mission 8, speak with Volo in the Ancient Retreat. He will express his desire to uncover more about the Plates and the myths surrounding Arceus.
   • He'll then direct you to various locations based on clues he's gathered.
2. The Plate of the Lakes:
   • Location: Volo will first send you to the Crimson Mirelands, specifically to the Lake Verity cavern.
   • Challenge: Inside, you'll encounter Uxie. To earn the Plate of the Lakes, you must correctly answer Uxie's riddle. The answers are: "6", "5", "7", "3", "8".
   • Reward: Pixie Plate.
3. The Plate of the Caverns:
   • Location: Next, Volo will guide you to the Alabaster Icelands, specifically to the Lake Acuity cavern.
   • Challenge: Here, you will face Mesprit. Mesprit will test your memory by asking you to recall its appearance. The correct answer is typically related to its "ears" or "hair" depending on the exact phrasing.
   • Reward: Mind Plate.
4. The Plate of the Islands:
   • Location: Finally, Volo will direct you to the Coronet Highlands, to the Lake Valor cavern.
   • Challenge: This time, you will battle Azelf. This is a straightforward Pokémon battle. Azelf is a Psychic-type, so bring strong Bug, Ghost, or Dark-type Pokémon.
   • Recommended Team: Weavile, Honchkrow, Gengar, or any strong offensive Pokémon with super-effective moves.
   • Reward: Iron Plate.
5. The Plate of the Sea:
   • Location: After collecting the three lake Plates, Volo will suggest investigating the Cobalt Coastlands. Head to the Seaside Hollow.
   • Challenge: Inside, you'll find Manaphy and three Phione. This is a 4-on-1 battle. Manaphy is a Water-type, while Phione are also Water-types.
   • Strategy: Focus on taking out the Phione first to reduce the incoming damage. Grass and Electric-type moves are highly effective. Be prepared for their strong Special Attacks.
   • Recommended Team: Roserade, Luxray, Electivire, or other powerful Grass/Electric-types.
   • Reward: Splash Plate.
6. The Plate of the Forest:
   • Location: Volo will then point you towards the Obsidian Fieldlands, specifically the Grandtree Arena.
   • Challenge: You will encounter Shaymin (Land Forme). This is a direct battle. Shaymin is a Grass-type Pokémon.
   • Strategy: Fire, Flying, Bug, Ice, and Poison-type moves are super effective. Shaymin can be quite fast, so consider using Pokémon with high Speed or priority moves.
   • Recommended Team: Arcanine, Staraptor, Crobat, or other strong Fire/Flying/Poison-types.
   • Reward: Meadow Plate.
7. The Plate of the Sky:
   • Location: Volo will next guide you to the Coronet Highlands, specifically the Heavenly Wisp area.
   • Challenge: Here, you will find Tornadus (Flying-type), Thundurus (Electric/Flying-type), and Landorus (Ground/Flying-type) in their Incarnate Formes. You will battle them one by one.
   • Strategy:
     • Tornadus: Weak to Electric, Ice, Rock.
     • Thundurus: Weak to Ice, Rock.
     • Landorus: Weak to Water, Ice.
     Ice-type moves are universally effective against all three. Bring a strong Ice-type attacker like Hisuian Arcanine (with Ice Fang), Weavile, or Glaceon.
   • Reward: Sky Plate.
8. The Plate of the Sun:
   • Location: After collecting the Sky Plate, Volo will direct you to the Crimson Mirelands, near the Golden Lowlands.
   • Challenge: You will encounter Heatran, a Fire/Steel-type Legendary Pokémon.
   • Strategy: Heatran has many resistances but is quadruple weak to Ground-type moves. Bring your strongest Ground-type Pokémon, such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, or Torterra. Water and Fighting-type moves are also effective.
   • Reward: Flame Plate.
9. Concluding the Mission:
   • Once you have collected all the Plates, return to Volo. He will express his satisfaction and reveal more about his true intentions, setting the stage for the final confrontations.
   • This mission serves as a prelude to the endgame, so ensure your team is at a high level (Level 60+) and equipped with powerful moves.

Key Legendary Encounters & Preparation

This mission is a gauntlet of legendary Pokémon. Here's a quick reference for their types and weaknesses to help you prepare your team:

Important Tips for Success

• Stock Up: Carry plenty of Max Potions, Full Restores, Revives, and status-healing items. These legendary battles can be drawn out.
• Save Frequently: Always save before engaging a legendary Pokémon. If the battle goes poorly, you can restart without losing much progress.
• Strategic Capturing: While you can battle these Pokémon, you'll also have the option to catch them. If you're aiming for a specific nature or IVs, consider saving before the encounter.
• Team Diversity: Ensure your team has a wide range of types and moves to cover the various weaknesses of the legendary Pokémon you'll face.
• Level Up: Aim for your main battle team to be at least Level 60, if not higher, to comfortably handle these encounters. Grinding for EXP Candies can be beneficial.
• Alpha Pokémon: Consider adding strong Alpha Pokémon to your team for their naturally higher stats.

Completing "The Researcher of Myths" is a monumental achievement, bringing you closer to understanding the true power of Arceus and the history of Hisui. Good luck, and may your research be fruitful!