This call of 'Ancestor' made Paul, who had been keeping a stoic expression all along, unable to remain composed. Among the people present, who could possibly make a Champion call them Ancestor? It obviously couldn't be Ash or the others, so that leaves... that Dragonite!
'Just coming out with the young folks for some fresh air, don't mind me, carry on with your procedures.' A deep voice resonated in everyone's hearts, and Gary looked towards the dragon source in shock.
"This Dragonite can talk?!"
"Gary! Be courteous, this one is the chief of the Dragonite clan on Dragon Island, possessing unimaginable strength." Lance softly admonished.
If it were other dragons, even if they were clan chiefs, Lance definitely wouldn't be so serious, but this Dragonite is different, not only is it the chief of the Dragonite clan, but also a Divine Domain-level Pokemon!
Because of his status and power, even the entire Dragon Taming Race has to be respectful to him, let alone Gary, a newbie trainer.
"The chief of the Dragonite clan... Lance, you must be joking, how could the chief of the Dragonite clan be ridden by Ash?" Gary said, somewhat incredulously.
However, this statement made Lance's eyes widen in disbelief, what does it mean Ash is riding the chief of the Dragonite clan?! Explain yourself clearly!
"It was Dragonite that brought us out here, Mr. Lance, he's a very good-natured Dragonite!" Ash patted Dragonite's shoulder, smiling cheerfully.
Lance: ...
At this moment, Lance felt utterly baffled, although he knew Ash was famously unpredictable, he didn't expect it to be this unpredictable! Have they become like sworn brothers with Dragonite already?!
In just three days! Is your socializing ability a bit too exaggerated?
...
Eventually, Lance and the others departed under Dragonite's watchful eye. As they left, Lance still wore an expression of disbelief; who could have imagined the only Divine Domain-level Dragonite on Dragon Island would be won over by Ash in just three days.
Lance even suspected that if Dragonite wasn't required to stay on Dragon Island, he might have run off with Ash! If that were the case, it would surely cause chaos within the Dragon Taming Race, although they said Ash and the others can capture any Pokemon they like, but you can't just abduct the leader of Dragon Island!
That not only stands as the stabilizing force of Dragon Island but also for the entire Dragon Taming Race!
Fortunately, that situation didn't unfold; Dragonite seems quite fond of Ash but not to the extent of going away with him.
Lance was also very curious about what Pokemon Ash had captured and why it attracted Dragonite's attention, but these matters would have to wait until they could be discussed privately. Right now, after escorting Ash and the others back, they would have to return to visit the Dragon Taming Race.
Though the confidentiality of Dragon Island has been managed well, they still have to do some follow-up to ensure that Dragon Island's existence remains a secret, and it seems Dragonite has something he wishes to discuss with their Dragon Taming Race.
Therefore, the questions Lance wanted to ask could only be delayed for the time being.
Ash and the others returned to Quartz Plateau; Ash was thinking of saying hello to Paul and asking about the Pokemon Paul captured, but Paul left without saying a word.
Meanwhile, Gary successfully captured the Bagon Ash had mentioned, primarily because this Bagon holds a rather unique position within its group, and with S-Class talent, Pokemon usually stand out, allowing Gary to easily discern which Bagon Ash was referring to.
Although it took some time to gain its acknowledgment, the outcome was satisfactory; he successfully made quite a good catch on Dragon Island.
"What are you planning to do next?" On the way back to Pallet Town, Ash asked Gary.
"Train my Pokemon well, then prepare for the Silver Conference. This year's Silver Conference is going to be really exciting; not participating would be a regret for a lifetime." Gary grabbed his backpack with one hand, slightly raised his head to look at the blue sky and white clouds, and said determinedly.
"Really exciting? Is this year's Silver Conference different from before?" Ash tilted his head, puzzled.
After visiting the Orange Archipelago, Ash was also planning to participate in the Silver Conference, but the Silver Conference described by Gary seemed somewhat different from what he understood.
The Silver Conference is not like the Quartz Conference for newbie trainers; the Silver Conference showcases endless strong trainers, and the trainers who win the Silver Conference can even directly initiate an Elite and Champion challenge.
Quartz Conference's champions can only initiate an Elite challenge, though even an Elite challenge is something past champions of the Quartz Conference have never exercised; after all, having a trainer who has been out in the field for less than two years initiate an Elite challenge is simply laughable!
And the Silver Conference champions have actually challenged Elites before; ultimately, to become an Elite, aside from diligent work under the league's command, only conference champions qualify for it.
So full-fledged League Conferences like the Silver Conference, Ever Grande Conference, etc., still very much attract trainers to participate, including those with Elite-level skills joining these competitions.
Even meeting a Champion in these conferences isn't uncommon; though meeting a Champion, one might only encounter them once in a decade, encountering one is purely unfortunate.