After the battle ended, Ethan left directly without paying attention to the spectators' commotion.
After winning that match, Ironvale City Pokémon University finally managed to qualify for the playoffs.
In addition, for Arcaia City Pokémon University's team, losing that match was not really important either.
However, the terrifying strength Ethan had displayed made everyone tremble deeply.
Originally, they believed they had a chance this year to secure a place among the top three universities, but they had not expected Ironvale City Pokémon University to appear again halfway and shatter their dreams. All that remained to be seen was whether the other two universities would be able to withstand it.
Now that Ironvale City Pokémon University had already qualified, Ethan had no interest in participating in the following battles that would not affect the qualification slots.
After all, he still had many things to do.
For example: researching life energy, preparing for the trip to the Spirit World, and... exploring Secret Kingdoms!
Now, thanks to the study of healing-type moves, Lucario had already managed to master some applications of life energy.
Ethan was already thinking of leaving Arcaia City Pokémon University and taking Lucario to the next step in its life-energy training.
In fact, this was a plan he had already begun to outline since returning from the World Championship.
Several months had passed, and the headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild had probably also finished its preparations.
At first, Ethan planned to return first to the headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild and then immediately launch the next phase of his plan.
Of course, that was his original plan. Now, after learning about the anomaly of his own soul, Ethan decided that he first had to make a trip to the Spirit World.
Moreover, researching life energy through the relationship between Ghost-type energy and life energy had been part of his plans from the beginning.
If he managed to find a method to increase his mental power in the Spirit World, then both Lucario and Charizard would be able to master Mega Evolution much more smoothly.
Strengthening control over Mega Evolution through the mastery of life energy, and even reaching autonomous Mega Evolution, had precisely been Ethan's initial intention in studying life energy.
Back in the dormitory, Ethan began packing his luggage.
During this time, Captain Jason also called him to propose a celebratory banquet, but Ethan refused.
Before setting off for the Spirit World, he still had to make some preparations.
Knock, knock, knock.
At that moment, Ethan heard someone knocking on the door.
"So you came?" Hearing the knocks, Ethan smiled slightly.
When he opened it, he saw Rowan Thorne, Laura Thorne's older brother and the second-place finisher in that old initial Pokémon competition.
"I didn't expect us to meet here again."
Rowan's gaze toward Ethan was somewhat complex.
Only two years had passed since their first confrontation until now, but the change that had occurred during that time had been enormous.
Now, he had barely managed to become a professional-level trainer, while Ethan was already a world champion.
"Yes, we hadn't seen each other in two years."
Ethan smiled, poured Rowan a glass of nutritious Berry juice, and the two began to converse.
"By the way, this is my family's information on exploring the Spirit World."
After chatting for a while, Rowan solemnly took out a dossier and handed it to Ethan.
Ethan immediately thanked him, took the documentation, and began reviewing it.
The Thorne family, as a family specialized in Ghost-type Pokémon, was naturally no stranger to the Spirit World.
Moreover, the reason the Thorne family had established its base in Arcaia City was precisely the existence of the Ancient Battlefield and the entrance to the Spirit World.
If one had to point to the family that knew the Ancient Battlefield and the Spirit World best, then it was undoubtedly the Thorne family.
For that reason, while preparing to enter the Spirit World, Ethan had first contacted the Thorne family and exchanged part of his own resources for this documentation about the Spirit World linked to the Ancient Battlefield and the Thorne family's exploration records.
"Do you want to explore the Spirit World?"
While watching Ethan review the documents, Rowan's eyes flashed for an instant.
In the past, in order to get one of his Pokémon to evolve, he himself had once entered the Spirit World.
That oppressive and unbearable atmosphere had left a deep mark on him. Even under multiple layers of protection, he had felt immense pressure.
The Spirit World was not a place where a normal person could live.
After all, ordinary human beings were still, in the end, only ordinary humans.
"I have a Litwick. But some problems have arisen with it, and I think the Spirit World may be able to help it."
Ethan nodded and only explained it that way, without going into too many details. His own situation was too special for other people to know about.
After chatting for a while longer, Rowan tactfully said goodbye.
Ethan completely reviewed all the information in his hands and finished making a decision.
That same night, he mounted Charizard and left Arcaia City Pokémon University to head to the Ancient Battlefield.
This time it was night, and compared to the previous visit, when it was daytime, the atmosphere of the Ancient Battlefield seemed much gloomier.
"Good evening, this is my access permit."
Upon arriving at the rest station outside the Ancient Battlefield, Ethan showed his authorization.
Now, as a Pokémon Professor, he enjoyed a privileged status.
As long as the application was submitted for research purposes, almost all of them were approved without issue.
"Good evening, Mr. Ethan. Your permit has been verified."
"In addition, it is now night, and the Ghost-type Pokémon of the Ancient Battlefield are more active than during the day, so we ask you to be careful."
After reviewing his credentials, the staff gave him that reminder.
Ethan thanked them, released Lucario, and entered the Ancient Battlefield.
With Lucario's intimidating presence, at that moment no Pokémon from the Ancient Battlefield dared to approach Ethan.
"Come out, Dusknoir."
Upon arriving at an open area, Ethan released Dusknoir.
This time, after having captured Dusknoir, his treatment toward it was different from the previous occasion.
Last time, he had managed to capture it by resorting to a group harassment tactic with several Pokémon, so Dusknoir had been quite unruly.
But now it was different. Under Lucario's overwhelming strength, Ethan had obtained Dusknoir's recognition very easily.
"Dusknoir, search for the entrance to the Spirit World."
After taking it out, Ethan gave the order with great seriousness.
(End of chapter)