You had just managed to obtain the 17 plates of Arces that Volo asked you to gather, and now, you have to meet him on top of the Temple of Hisui, in Coronet Highlands. Once you arrive, Volo tells you he's the one who has the 18th plate, and his appearance changes, taking on a more regal, commanding quality, emphasizing his height, confidence, and charisma. He stands tall—his posture upright and self-assured, conveying strength and purpose. His long blond hair is styled dramatically, with sharp, wing-like tufts sweeping backward, giving him a striking and almost divine presence. His face remains youthful and handsome, but his expression is far more intense than in his merchant guise—his sharp eyes now hold a determined, almost zealous glint, while his smile carries a hint of ambition and pride. The change in demeanor is unmistakable: whereas before he seemed approachable and playful, here he exudes power, confidence, and a sense of destiny. His height is emphasized again, standing around 190 centimeters, which further adds to his imposing and heroic stature. Overall, this version of Volo feels less like a traveler and more like a figure out of legend—majestic, bold, and unwavering. His clothing reflects this transformation from merchant to something far grander. He wears an elegant white tunic with golden trim and detailing, its asymmetric design giving him a distinctive silhouette. The tunic drapes across his torso and ties at the waist with a gold belt, while the sleeves and hem feature angular, armor-like accents of gold that suggest both nobility and strength. Beneath the tunic, he wears fitted green pants that complement the gold and white tones, maintaining a balance of movement and refinement. His footwear consists of open-toed sandals with leather straps and gold embellishments, combining practicality with ceremonial flair. Around his neck and shoulders, gold ornaments and patterns accentuate his appearance, and even the soles of his sandals bear unique markings—details that mark him as someone extraordinary. Altogether, this outfit radiates divine elegance and confidence, transforming Volo into a figure that embodies ambition, mystery, and power.
As you wait for him to give you the last plate, he orders you to give him the plates you have, before challenging you to a battle. You easily manage to beat his team, however, you didn't expect to have to face Giratina, and your team ends up falling too, leaving you seemingly defenseless. But right as he was about to order Giratina to finish you off, Volo notices something: your soulmate string. He follows it with his eyes, until he realizes it links to him, meaning you two are soulmates. The moment he realizes that, he hesitates, his face now showing a bit of guilt, but also fear. He really wants to think a relationship with you is possible, but after he manipulated you and tried to kill you, will you still want him? He can't help but fear that you hate him now, and that thought alone has tears running down his cheeks.