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"Uh… Liam, I'll be honest with you. This gemstone is a meteorite the League obtained many years ago. They discovered a mysterious power inside it, and they've been researching it ever since—but made no progress. So the League discussed it and ultimately decided to give it to you. I know… this reward is a bit excessive, and it's also something useless to you. I tried my best to argue against it, but the decision still passed by majority vote."
"So, if you have any dissatisfaction, just tell me. I will personally try my best to compensate you. I only hope you won't hold any grudges against the League."
On the screen, Gyokuryu Shigen's face carried clear guilt, and his tone was extremely sincere.
But at this moment, Liam was gently touching the yellow, oval gemstone in front of him. As he listened to the information echoing inside his mind, everything Gyokuryu Shigen had just said was already forgotten.
.....
[Ding!]
Pokemon:Deoxys
Type: Psychic
Species: The DNA Pokémon. Once believed to be an alien lifeform, later confirmed to be a cosmic virus attached to a meteorite. Mutated into a Pokémon after being exposed to cosmic radiation. It possesses extremely high intelligence and can control its body to produce multiple forms. Its core is the gemstone located in its chest and it is currently in a dormant state.
Ability: Pressure
Nature: Unknown
Gender: None
Moves: ??? — Dormant; system cannot detect.
Egg Moves: None.
Base Stats: ??? — Deoxys is dormant; system cannot detect.
Evaluation: Unknown. Incomplete data; accurate evaluation impossible. Currently dormant. Time of awakening uncertain. No evaluation provided.
.....
Liam: "…"
His heart was surging like a storm, but his face remained as calm as always. After gently closing the box, he smiled at Gyokuryu Shigen on the screen.
"You're too serious, sir. Handling the Masked Man's situation was something I should have done. With all the rewards the League has given me, I'm already more than satisfied. Thank you for fighting so hard on my behalf."
Liam reminded himself to stay calm—quietly getting rich is the true path.
"Hehe, hearing you say that puts me at ease. Impressive—having such a broad mind at your age. You truly are remarkable."
Gyokuryu Shigen finally let out a sigh of relief and smiled.
"Ah, sir, you flatter me. By the way, didn't you say earlier that I'm allowed to make one request that the League can reasonably fulfill? Can I state it now?"
Liam asked with a faint smile.
"Oh? Already thought of it? Of course, this is your right. Go ahead."
Gyokuryu Shigen gestured for him to speak.
"Actually, my main purpose this trip is to accompany Delia on her journey. But I also have another goal—to challenge strong trainers from various regions. So, my request is this: I want to battle the Champion of the Johto Region, and if I somehow manage to win, I'd like to receive the Johto Champion's Medal as a keepsake."
Liam stated calmly.
But the moment he finished speaking, everyone present—and even those only watching—gave him very strange looks.
"Huh? What? Did I say something wrong? Why are all of you looking at me like that?"
Liam frowned slightly, confused.
"Ahem… Liam. Actually, the Johto League currently has no Champion. The position has been vacant for some time. But I've taken note of your request. After giving it some consideration, I already have a plan."
Gyokuryu Shigen cleared his throat and redirected everyone's attention.
"Your request itself isn't difficult. But the battle still has to follow our rules. The Johto Silver Conference is in two months. I need time to prepare. I'll arrange your requested battle for after the Silver Conference. Is that acceptable to you?"
He smiled.
"Of course. I'll leave everything in your hands, sir."
Liam agreed casually—he wasn't in a hurry anyway.
"Good. Then let's end the call here. I'll begin the arrangements. Farewell, everyone."
With that, the communication cut out.
"Whew, all done? No other business, right? In that case, I'll head back first."
Liam looked at the folding communication screen, chuckled softly, picked up the box on the table, and prepared to leave.
"W–Wait, Champion sir!"
Just as Liam stood up, Black Ape shouted.
"Hm? Something else?"
Liam narrowed his eyes slightly and turned toward him.
"Ahem… Champion sir, that Clear Bell I entrusted to you… it's no longer needed. Would you… maybe…"
Black Ape squirmed uncomfortably, but still reached out to ask.
"Oh, the Clear Bell? Right, I don't have any use for it anymore anyway. Here—it's yours."
Liam loosened his grip on the box handle, smiled, reached into his pocket, pulled out the small crystal bell, and casually tossed it to Black Ape.
"W–wah! Got it! Whew… that was close…"
Black Ape barely managed to catch it, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"All right, nothing else now, right? Then I'm really leaving."
This time, nobody stopped him. Liam walked toward his room with the box.
But just as he knocked lightly on the door—
Footsteps approached from behind.
Liam turned slightly, puzzled, and saw Harribel walking toward him expressionlessly. It seemed she had something to say.
Click—
"Ah! Welcome back, Liam~ Are you ready to go shopping? Eh? And this is…?"
Delia burst out of the room excitedly, then noticed Harribel and blinked in confusion.
"Uh… this is Ms. Harribel, one of Johto's Elite Four. She helped me a lot in this battle. She's… a friend."
Liam quickly explained.
"Oh! Hello, I'm Delia. Is something the matter?"
Delia bowed politely, completely unfazed by Harribel's Elite Four status.
"Hello. Nice to meet you."
Harribel replied politely. Then she pulled two brand-new ferry tickets from her waist pouch and handed one each to Liam and Delia.
"These are tickets for tomorrow's ship to Alto Mare. It's my hometown. I heard you're traveling—Alto Mare is a must-visit destination. If you can, you're welcome to come as my guests."
After saying this, she nodded and turned to leave—only for Liam to call out.
"Uh—wait, Harribel? Is this… your way of repaying the favor?"
Her body froze. She trembled slightly, then spun around sharply, glaring at him with a half-smile.
"You're dreaming way too beautifully!!"