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Yesterday's battle, unsurprisingly, ended with Liam and the Johto League achieving final victory.
By the time Liam rushed back to Red Rock Isle, most of the rampaging hunter group members had already been captured, including many high-ranking members. Although the three top leaders were not caught, the Hunter Group had nonetheless taken a major blow. It was likely they wouldn't appear again—at least not for a very long time.
And shockingly, the ones who contributed the most in suppressing the group members… were the three mysterious individuals calling themselves Team Rocket.
"Dragon" and "Iron Fist"—Liam knew those were the aliases of Lance and Bruno. But that newly appearing "Ice Blossom"… that made Liam uneasy.
Since this new "Ice Blossom" could appear alongside Lance and Bruno as teammates, that meant her combat ability was at least on par with theirs. And she was a woman. And she used Ice-type Pokemon.
Realizing this, a cold sweat began sliding down Liam's forehead. He didn't dare let his mind continue in that direction.
After these three mysterious "Team Rocket" members appeared, helped defeat the hunter group members, and turned the tide… they vanished again, clearly not wanting any prolonged contact with the authorities.
When the hunter group members were finally driven off, Ho-Oh regained full clarity of consciousness. Suicune dispersed the crystal barrier, and Garchomp—having reached the time limit of its bond evolution—returned to its normal form. Afterwards, a frustrated Ho-Oh departed along with Entei, Suicune, and Raikou, disappearing to some unknown place.
Kaz and Sham, captured by Liam, were taken away by the League for their various crimes. But because the two were still so young, Liam suspected the punishment wouldn't be severe—probably just some time in supervised education before being released.
As for Axu and Max, Liam told them part of the truth. Although he did not reveal the masked man's true identity, he did tell them that the masked man had already received his punishment and was severely injured—whether he could survive was uncertain. With that, the two boys' grudge was considered resolved.
Axu then said that he had been away from home for too long and missed his older sisters, so he wanted to return immediately. Before leaving, he also told Liam and Delia that he planned to participate in the upcoming Johto Silver Conference and hoped they could battle again one day.
After Axu left, Max also announced he was going home—to Goldenrod City—to take care of Lina, whose pregnancy was entering a heavy stage.
But whether influenced by Axu's homesickness or something else, Max also hinted that before the baby was born, he might take Lina back to Pallet Town to visit Professor Oak and Aunt Fumiko.
Liam fully agreed with this idea and offered his blessings to the two of them.
Afterward, Liam and Delia returned to the shrine and handed the Great Sea Spirit Sapphire back to the Sea Priestess. Deeply grateful, the Sea Priestess named Liam and Delia honored guests of the Sea Temple—treated with the highest respect. The two of them lingered around afterward, staying close to each other constantly…
...…
After walking a short distance, Liam—led by the Sea Priestess—arrived at a side hall. But when they reached the entrance, the Sea Priestess did not enter; she quietly turned and left.
Liam watched her walk away, puzzled but not overly concerned. He pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside.
Thud!
The moment he entered the pitch-black hall, a cascade of clicking noises sounded—lights flashing on one after another until the entire side hall was brightly lit. At the center stood a large circular conference table. Around it were five ornate chairs—four already occupied by the Johto Elite Four.
"Oh? Good to see you all again. You've worked hard lately. I heard you were looking for me? What's going on? You're being so formal—I'm actually a little nervous, you know."
Liam casually shut the door and walked toward the table with a smile.
"The one who's worked hardest is Champion Liam. Please, take this seat. Actually, this time… it isn't us who requested the meeting."
Seeing Liam approach, the Elite Four member 'Black Ape' quickly stood, pulled out the main seat for him, and motioned for him to sit.
"You're too polite, Black Ape. There's no need for such formality between us. But you said it wasn't you who wanted to see me? Then who was it?"
Liam sat down without hesitation, eyebrow raised.
"Heh. Please look here."
Black Ape returned to his seat, picked up a small remote, and pressed a button. With a mechanical hum, a massive screen rose from behind the conference table.
Static flickered for a few moments, then the image cleared—
And the stern yet honest face of Gyokuryu Shigen appeared on the screen.
"Heh, long time no see, Liam—and all of you. You've worked hard."
The moment he appeared, Gyokuryu Shigen gave everyone a warm greeting.
"Yes. Long time no see, sir. I'm very happy to meet you again—even if only through a video call."
Liam respected the old Dragon Elder far more than most people. Seeing him appear, he stood and bowed slightly.
The Elite Four also immediately stood and bowed deeply.
"Heh, please sit. No need to be so stiff. I'm glad you still remember this old man. Liam, how's the egg I gave you before? Did a healthy Pokemon hatch?"
Hearing Liam's respectful greeting, Gyokuryu Shigen smiled like a kindly grandfather speaking to his favorite grandchild.
"It hatched, yes—and not long ago it evolved. It's now a very strong Pupitar. I like him a lot. Thank you again, Elder."
Liam sat down and explained Larvitar's situation.
"Good, very good. It seems giving you that Tyranitar egg was the right choice. It certainly didn't choose the wrong trainer."
Gyokuryu Shigen nodded repeatedly, praise written all over his face.
"Sir, I assume you didn't call just to chat about family matters? Is there something else?"
Liam smiled faintly, skipping straight to the point.
"Heh, young people truly are straightforward. Very well, then I'll speak directly."
Gyokuryu Shigen didn't mind Liam's candor; in fact, his smile grew warmer.
Ahem.
"First, we must thank you, Liam, for helping the Johto League rescue Ho-Oh and repel Lugia. I've already heard the full report. Well done. The League has decided to reward you."
"The first reward is naturally what we previously agreed upon—you may name one request within the League's power, and we will do everything possible to fulfill it."
"The second reward—hmm, perhaps you don't care much for it—is money. The League will transfer 500 million in League funds to you."
"And the third, the final reward… is a treasure the League has safeguarded for many years. We hope you will take good care of it."
At this point, Gyokuryu Shigen's tone shifted ever so slightly, a hint of guilt flickering in his aging yet powerful eyes—as if he knew something he couldn't say.
When he finished, Black Ape lifted a full-metal box from the floor and gently slid it toward Liam.
Liam gazed at the box, curious. He flicked open the latch and raised the lid.
Inside… lay an oval yellow gemstone.
It rested quietly, emitting faint shimmering motes of light—like stardust trapped inside. Beautiful, mysterious, radiant…