Pokemon Paldea [295-296] (Patreon)

Chapter 295: Lucas's Explosive Appearance

"Viewers around the world, look over there! Our heroes who are saving the world have already collected the second treasure and are heading to the final island, Ice Island. As long as they get the treasure from Ice Island and return to the temple, they can resolve this world-ending crisis!"

The host's ponytail was repeatedly whipped across her face by the fierce wind, but her face was filled with a hopeful smile, trying to convey hope to the people behind their TV screens through her words and expression.

The cameraman carefully captured the outside scenery, while in a spot the camera couldn't reach, the trio piloting the speedboat was working hard to control it and chase after the figures ahead.

They were Jessie, James, and Meowth. After following the twerps to Shamouti Island and encountering a storm, they hid in a cave for a day. Just as they were planning to escape this troublesome place, they ran into the reporter and cameraman.

The broke trio was tempted by the reward and used the helicopter wreckage to handcraft this speedboat, helping them clearly broadcast the twerps saving the world.

In regions near the Orange Islands that were already affected, such as Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, and Unova, people gathered their gazes on their TV screens.

In Sinnoh Region, Canalave Library.

Cynthia, who was flipping through books recording the historical changes of this land, looked up at the silent TV mounted on the wall, her refined face full of seriousness.

Brushing aside her smooth, cascading golden hair, Cynthia murmured, "The destruction crisis brought by the three Legendary Birds."

In Hoenn Region, Sootopolis City.

Steven and Wallace, meeting with friends, had forgotten about the cooling tea beside them, staring intently at the live broadcast on TV.

The climate imbalance caused by Legendary Pokémon could have such a massive impact.

This reminded them of Kyogre, the creator of the seas, and Groudon, the creator of the land, sleeping somewhere in Hoenn.

Kyogre could raise tsunamis that swallow cities, with endless heavy rain as if to flood the entire Hoenn Region. Groudon's mere movement caused intense earthquakes, and drought-like weather turned the land into a barren wasteland.

Such disasters were a pain in the hearts of countless Hoenn people. Now, the people of the Orange Islands on the other side of the ocean were enduring heavy rains, typhoons, unprecedented blizzards, and other natural disasters.

If the three Legendary Birds didn't stop their rampage, how many people would suffer, how many would be displaced?

Switching TV channels and seeing countless reports on the disasters, Steven asked, "Wallace, has the Kanto League responded?"

Wallace picked up his communicator and nodded, "They have."

"What did they say?"

"Uh, they said they don't need Hoenn League's assistance for now. Ice Elite Four Lorelei is already on site, and the other Elite Four are heading toward the Orange Islands."

"As expected."

Steven sighed. Kanto, as the League headquarters, had its own ideas and wasn't willing to accept their help.

At that moment, the TV screen switched back to the only channel live-broadcasting from the site of the three Legendary Birds' rampage.

Steven and Wallace turned their eyes to it and immediately gasped.

In just a few short minutes, the scene had undergone a earth-shattering change!

Thunder God and Ice God suddenly appeared, launching wide-range attacks on the unknown savior team heading forward. Before Lorelei could start resisting, three more Legendary Birds dove down from the clouds and engaged in fierce battle with Thunder God and Ice God!

The host's trembling voice rang out on TV: "S-Suddenly, multiple Legendary Birds have appeared—Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno. Where did they come from? They're actually fighting against the gods named as such in their species!"

Steven and Wallace showed astonished expressions and murmured in unison, "There are actually multiple Legendary Birds..."

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Intense energy explosions resounded continuously in the sky. If not for the rampaging Thunder God and Ice God having very distinct aura characteristics, Lorelei might have had trouble distinguishing friend from foe in the real fight.

With the power to wield natural forces in battle, Ice God and Thunder God could still continue fighting, though they had taken significant damage. At this point, they felt no pain unless directly beaten to the point of losing combat ability.

On the other hand, Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno could only suppress them with Victini's assistance. Their own defenses remained unchanged, in a state of high attack and low defense. A single graze from Thunder God or Ice God's attacks would cause major damage.

After entangling for so long, Moltres and the others were actually more battered.

Lorelei focused on protecting Ash and Professor Oak, who held the two treasures, with her ice pokemons.

Just as Victini started feeling unwell, with a hint of mental dizziness, the Charizard carrying Ash and Professor Oak finally landed above Ice Island!

Before Moltres and the others could relax, Thunder God and Ice God, as if possessed, ignored the attacks landing on them from Moltres and the others, and began charging up directly targeting the entire Ice Island.

"Oh no!"

Sensing the terrifying killing intent, Professor Oak, who had just set foot on solid ground, quickly looked back and noticed the energy surging around Thunder God and Ice God. Experience told him a horrific attack was coming!

In the next instant, dazzling beams of light bombarded Ice Island, on a scale large enough to engulf the entire island!

Thunder God and Ice God would rather sink Ice Island than let Ash and Professor Oak get the treasure.

Charizard's tail flame surged, immediately preparing to release Flamethrower to block the attack, and Pikachu countered with Thunderbolt, but the gap between the attacks was like fireflies versus the bright moon.

Noticing someone was live-broadcasting and not wanting to expose itself on camera, Mewtwo, who had been hiding in the shadows controlling the battle aftermath, frowned.

Just as Mewtwo was about to intervene and save the two, it suddenly detected something accelerating from below the sea, its aura rapidly approaching.

In the next instant, in front of Ash and Professor Oak, a waterspout connecting heaven and earth burst through the frozen ice surface. With a deafening roar, a mysterious power directly blocked Thunder God and Ice God's attacks.

"Woo——————"

From the center of the waterspout, a mysterious and ethereal cry suddenly rang out.

Ash stammered, "Isn't this the tune that Melody played?"

Professor Oak stared intently into the waterspout, his intuition telling him something incredible was about to appear.

Boom—!

The waterspout dispersed into a shower of water under the unfolding of a pair of pure white wings like giant hands, revealing a massive white bird-like Pokémon with a light blue belly, blue tail fin, and blue mask-like structures around its eyes, displaying its noble and sacred form!

A terrifying oppressive presence immediately spread around. Even the wild Pokémon watching from afar trembled slightly due to the god's appearance.

Professor Oak murmured, "This is what Slowking said... the Sea God, Lugia!"

Lorelei also stole a glance back at Lugia, her heart filled with shock.

Through the lens, Lugia's sacred and majestic form was revealed to everyone in the world. Some marveled at its divinity, some breathed rapidly, and others looked at Lugia on the screen with greedy eyes.

Having effortlessly neutralized Thunder God and Ice God's attacks, Lugia's gaze turned to the other side. Besides Thunder God and Ice God, there were actually other Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno, plus that tiny Pokémon with an inexplicably massive energy that even made it uneasy.

Lugia blinked, feeling things were a bit beyond its expectations.

At that moment, Professor Oak inexplicably recited the last line of Slowking's prophecy from Shamouti Island.

"The Sea God only appears to save from destruction, but it cannot prevent the world's end."

Ash, who hadn't seriously listened to the Shamouti prophecy, blurted out bluntly, "Huh? It can't stop the crisis, so why did it come out?"

Lugia: "."

I can hear you talking!!!

Ash wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he felt like Lugia's face showed a hint of embarrassment.

At that moment, a magnetic male voice that inspired trust rang in Ash and Professor Oak's minds: "Relying on force cannot prevent the world from heading toward destruction. Conductor, hurry and collect the final treasure now, bring it to the temple, and play the Lugia's Song."

"Only then can you calm the imbalance of nature, the anger of Fire God, Thunder God, and Ice God, and heal their hearts."

Lugia didn't mind Ash's bluntness. To it, compared to humans with scheming minds, this straightforward boy was more to its liking.

"What about Thunder God and Ice God?"

Professor Oak pointed to Thunder God and Ice God, who didn't dare move easily due to Lugia's intimidation but still glared at them menacingly, ready to erupt at any moment.

"Since I've appeared here, naturally, I'll handle it, human."

Lugia's voice was full of confidence. Though it didn't know where Fire God had gone, this was perfect. As long as it slightly suppressed Thunder God and Ice God, this hurdle would be passed.

"Let me show you the power of the Sea God?"

Boom—!!!!!

Before Lugia could finish speaking, the sky suddenly lit up with a blinding flash that could blind eyes.

In the next instant, a violent destructive beam with terrifying power capable of annihilating everything descended from the sky, blasting a huge hole in the frozen sea surface.

A few seconds later, a heavily injured, clearly unconscious Moltres floated to the surface.

That aura was clearly one of the rampaging three Legendary Birds—Fire God.

Lugia, who had just been about to show off: ?????

Ash & Professor Oak & Pikachu: !!!!!!

In the next instant, a Dragonite with a gem on its head, its body emitting dazzling, gem-like facets of light, dove down like a meteor.

This commotion attracted not only Lugia and Ash's attention but even Lorelei's from afar.

Naturally, the live broadcast captured the man's figure.

…

In Paldea Region, late at night.

Geeta, sipping hot tea while observing the events, nearly spat out his tea.

Geeta exclaimed in shock, "Lucas!?"

When did he go to the Orange Islands!?

…

In Kalos Region, Flare Lab.

Lysandre, with his flamboyant red lion-like hair, raised the corners of his mouth, spreading his arms in ecstasy and letting out short, rapid sighs.

"I want him so badly!"

Single-handedly defeating a Legendary Pokémon named a god—this was the trainer Lysandre pursued, one who could suppress legends alone!

…

Stepping off Dragonite's back and looking at the unconscious Fire God, Lucas curled his lip: "That's it?"

It just took a full Dragon Dance stack, followed by a close-range Terastallized Outrage from a Normal-Tera Dragonite.

Fire God was just this?

Noticing the surrounding silence, Lucas blinked and looked around.

Whoa, in just half an hour, even the previously silent Lugia had appeared. Was this a team fight?

"Human, you..."

Lugia narrowed its eyes, but before it could finish, as if stimulated by Fire God's fall, Thunder God and Ice God let out sharp cries, no longer bound by Lugia's oppressive presence, and resumed their wanton destruction.

Lugia was barely holding onto its calm demeanor. How could everyone interrupt it!

Lucas only glanced at Lugia, not planning to approach it directly yet—there was still business to handle.

"I'm Lucas. We can chat later. Since we've landed, leave suppressing Thunder God and Ice God to me. You guys hurry and deliver the treasures to the temple on Shamouti Island."

With that, Lucas rode Dragonite toward the chaotic battle center. Moltres and Victini, who had been entangled with Thunder God and Ice God for nearly half an hour, were nearing their limits.

Soon, Lucas arrived at the battlefield's center. Sure enough, Moltres and Victini's faces showed obvious fatigue, and even the infinite energy boost effect had weakened.

Now, what was holding the battle together was the revived Lorelei.

"You've worked hard."

Lucas took out Poké Balls and recalled Moltres, Zapdos, Articuno, and Victini one by one, letting them rest well.

Lorelei's pressure suddenly doubled!

Whether it was because Team Rocket's trio was too capable, using a handcrafted ice-sea dual-purpose rubber speedboat to navigate the battlefield unscathed.

The fearless war correspondent continued their broadcast, the camera switching to Lucas. The female reporter exclaimed in surprise: "Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno are actually that man's Pokémon!"

"But they look like they're at their limit... Good thing he still has that peculiar-looking Dragonite that defeated Fire God!"

"We still have hope!"

But contrary to the female reporter's expectation of Lucas and Lorelei fighting side by side with Dragonite and Lapras blocking Thunder God and Ice God in a hot-blooded scene.

After exchanging a glance with Lorelei, Lucas nodded slightly and threw out six Poké Balls in succession!!!

Luxray, Swampert, Serperior, Ceruledge, Mimikyu, Raging Bolt!

If Lucas knew the reporter's thoughts, he would counter-ask her—

It's a world crisis, and you're still doing one-on-one singles?

Even though their minds were occupied by anger, Thunder God and Ice God's necks involuntarily shrank.

They had a feeling today they'd get a brutal beating.

On Ice Island, watching Thunder God and Ice God instantly fall into a disadvantage, their aura fleeting, Lugia, waiting for Ash and Professor Oak's return, twitched its mouth slightly.

Why did it feel like its presence made no difference?

The great Sea God Lugia was just here to fill numbers?

Not long after, Ash successfully obtained the final treasure.

"Lugia, do we really not need to worry about over there?"

Riding on Lugia's back, Ash felt a surge of excitement. He was actually in contact with the Sea God, even sitting on its back.

However, he was still worried about the situation over there.

In Ash's pocket, three transparent orbs were faintly glowing.

Asked by Ash, Lugia twitched its mouth, recalling the scene before Ash and the others returned, where that human had dominated and beaten Thunder God and Ice God.

After a while, Lugia's telepathy rang out: "Fire God has temporarily lost consciousness, and Thunder God and Ice God are being held back by that human named Lucas. Now is the perfect time to bring back the treasures and play the Lugia's Song."

Ash: "."

That's not what he meant!

Ash felt that although he often got hot-headed and charged in without thinking, even he could easily see from the scene when they left.

This wasn't just holding them back; if they were even a step slower, Thunder God and Ice God might end up beaten unconscious like Fire God.

At that point, playing the flute might not matter anymore.

Lugia could somewhat read human thoughts—the purer the heart, the easier it was to read; conversely, those with complex, scheming minds were hard to read.

So Lugia liked interacting with people like Ash, where it could see through their thoughts at a glance.

That Lucas, on the other hand, was a bit hard to read.

When Lugia sensed what Ash was thinking, it fell silent.

Yes, it seemed Lucas was about to suppress Fire God, Thunder God, and Ice God entirely, but that would only be temporary stability. Once the unconscious ones woke up, the natural balance would become even more chaotic, so Lugia didn't advocate suppression by force.

But the current situation was a bit subtle.

On one hand, that human named Lucas had overwhelming strength. Though Lugia believed it could do the same, Lucas's involvement had truly freed it up.

On the other hand, although Fire God had been beaten into a coma and Thunder God and Ice God were getting pummeled, the natural disorder should have intensified.

But Lugia clearly sensed another hand secretly smoothing and suppressing these changes, with a status possibly on par with its own.

So now, they just needed to bring the boy Ash to the temple, let the shrine maiden play the Lugia's Song before the anomaly worsened, and everything could be resolved perfectly.

Simply because Lucas and that unknown entity joined, what should have been a dangerous crisis could be resolved so easily—this was something Lugia hadn't expected when it sensed the natural balance issue and rushed from the deep sea abyss, prepared for the worst.

Lucas...

Lugia savored the name, sighing inwardly.s are such a wondrous species, producing such strong individuals. Though still a distance from itself, that potential was visible to the naked eye.

Lugia decided to seek out Lucas after everything ended and ask if he knew the other one.

Chapter 296: The End of Battle

Thunder God and Ice God were now looking a bit disheveled.

On Ice God's side, a beast wrapped in electricity charged at terrifying speed, leaving wounds on its body with every collision or claw swipe, along with paralyzing electric damage that made it hard to exert strength.

Another shadow swordsman clad in blue flames was elusive, its clinging ghostly flames burning Ice God every moment.

Whenever Ice God tried to gain altitude, the long-necked one's mane would flash with incredibly swift lightning, easily blocking its path.

Aside from Luxray, Ice God could suppress Ceruledge or Raging Bolt individually, and even defeating Luxray wouldn't be easy.

But they were team-fighting, treating Ice God like a boss to farm.

On Thunder God's side, led by Swampert without needing Mega Evolution, Dragonite and Serperior kept Thunder God at a height Swampert could reach, while Mimikyu used its low presence for constant ambushes, stacking status conditions on Thunder God, leaving it only able to let out impotent rage cries.

After fighting for a while, the two Legendary Birds were looking wilted, their red eyes showing a hint of fear when looking at Luxray and the others.

Though they were berserk due to the natural imbalance, their cognition wasn't greatly affected, and they could react to many situations.

Just like in the movie, the rampaging Thunder God, Fire God, and Ice God instantly chose to team up against Lugia when it entered.

Because even in their anger-driven state, they knew who posed a greater threat.

Finally able to catch her breath, Lorelei looked at Lucas. Even with her vast experience, she'd never seen such a scene.

The Legendary Birds revered as totems in the Kanto League were being dominated by a single trainer.

At this rate, it might end here before they could play the Lugia's Song over there.

Fortunately, Lugia didn't drop the ball in its now sole role.

Just as Thunder God and Ice God were about to be physically beaten back to their senses by Lucas, a melodious and ethereal tune, amplified by mysterious power, instantly echoed across the seas around Shamouti Island.

At the same time, green ripples spread from Shamouti Island's temple to the surrounding seas, melting the ice, and a rich life energy rose from the sea surface.

The tsunamis assaulting the Orange Islands receded, the heavy rains that seemed to wash away everything on the islands dissipated, the typhoons sweeping away houses collapsed, and sun-warmed areas covered by snow clouds received warming sunlight.

Boom!

As the white great bird carrying the conductor Pikachu and its rider Ash flapped its wings and flew up, skimming the sea, the deep ocean currents—usually invisible to humans—spanning the entire seas around Shamouti Island broke the surface like bridges and rainbows, hanging in the sky.

That was the birthplace of initial life. Just looking at it made everyone's hearts involuntarily fill with nostalgia.

Riding on Charizard, Professor Oak looked shocked and murmured, "Under the influence of the Lugia's Song, the deep ocean currents damaged by the rampage of Fire God, Thunder God, and Ice God are self-repairing."

"What principle is this..."

In his ears, the melodious Lugia's Song continued.

The injuries on the comatose Fire God began to heal, the destructive impulses in its heart dissipated, replaced by peace and tranquility.

Fire God opened its clear eyes, flapped its wings to the sky, followed behind Lugia, and let out joyful cries.

The now rational Thunder God and Ice God followed suit, circling the deep ocean currents that birthed initial life.

Lucas and Lorelei didn't stop them from flying away.

Countless Water and Flying Pokémon that had rushed to Shamouti Island sensed the restoration of natural balance and began returning to their homes.

…

In Johto Region, northwest of Ecruteak City.

This was the city with the strongest historical aura in Johto.

Beside the ground ruins once called Brass Tower, now known as Burned Tower, the monks showed shocked expressions because—

From under those ruins, a clear bell sound like ocean tides rang out.

The leading monk had tears in his eyes: "Could it be... Lugia has forgiven humans?"

…

In the airspace of Shamouti Island.

"It's over?"

Lorelei's eyes widened slightly, as if she felt like she was still in a dream.

From her entry into the battlefield to the end, it had been just over an hour, but that hour felt like a year to her.

Riding on Dragonite, which had exited its Terastallized state, Lucas smiled: "It's all over."

Before the ice fully melted, Lucas had recalled all his Pokémon into their Poké Balls, leaving only Dragonite out.

"Delibird."

"Deli~"

Delibird sighed in relief and smiled at Indeedee.

Looking at Lugia and the others circling the deep ocean currents, an idea suddenly popped into Lucas's mind. He took out four Poké Balls and said solemnly, "You guys join them too."

Red lights flashed, and Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno appeared. As if summoned, they flapped their wings and flew toward the sky where the deep ocean currents hung.

Lucas held Victini in his arms, who was clutching its little belly, looking stuffed.

From its appearance, the Victory Star from Lucas defeating Fire God would probably take Victini a long time to digest.

After digesting, Victini would make significant progress—not just in its support endurance, but it might even learn new moves itself.

Like leveling up.

Lucas looked up at the deep ocean currents fluctuating with the tune of the Lugia's Song. Moltres and the others had already flown behind Lugia, leading Fire God and the others.

The three gods had no objections to Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos joining. After all, with rationality restored, they were somewhat grateful to the three kin who had stopped them from causing greater destruction.

Moreover, even just following in this formation, these obviously young kin could gain unimaginable benefits.

The camera captured this wondrous sight that ordinary people might never see in a lifetime. The host, facing the lens with tears in her eyes, said, "Thank you to Elite Four Lorelei, Professor Oak, Professor Ivy, Ash, and others..."

"...And that mysterious trainer who single-handedly turned the tide. Because they risked their lives to act, the world was spared from destruction."

…

Lucas smiled, watching Moltres and the others circle the deep ocean currents.

As long as everything was fine, that was all that mattered.

At that moment, a psychic message entered Lucas's mind from the ever-hidden Mewtwo: "Prepare yourself mentally."

Lucas's expression froze. What mental preparation?

"The ceremony is still ongoing. I can sense that Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno flying with the Sea God and the others are like being blessed by nature itself. They might gain some peculiar abilities."

"Even, they could acquire some traits of Fire God, Thunder God, and Ice God, but without causing natural imbalance due to their own circumstances."

Lucas's grin nearly reached his ears: "That's great news!"

According to Mewtwo, perhaps not just borrowing natural forces for battle—in the future, Moltres might even link to climate to some extent, achieving the Pokédex description—

Legend says that wherever Moltres appears, even in a snowy country, spring arrives early!

Excited as he was, Lucas didn't forget the behind-the-scenes contributor Mewtwo: "Suppressing the aftermath of our battles with Fire God and the others to prevent further climate imbalance—thanks for your hard work."

"Thank you, Mewtwo."

For some reason, after Lucas said that, Mewtwo went silent. After about one or two minutes, a slightly odd message came through the psychic waves into Lucas's mind.

"Hmph, I only acted because I didn't want the planet where cloned Pokémon will live in the future to become a mess. Don't get the wrong idea!"

Lucas: "."

Where did this tsundere come from?

At dusk, the sky was dyed a warm orange, the sun slowly sinking below the horizon, casting its last glow.

Whether the deep ocean currents, Lugia, or the three gods, their figures had now disappeared.

In the splendid flower fields, a gentle breeze blew, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers and grass, refreshing the mind. It was hard to imagine that before this warm and harmonious scene, this place had been facing a crisis of destruction.

This was also Lucas's first formal meeting with Ash and his group.

As for the encounter on New Island, it was as good as nonexistent after Mewtwo erased Ash and the others' memories.

"Eh—Delibird is actually your Pokémon, big brother!?"

Ash looked surprised, turning to glance at Lorelei, who was handling the aftermath with Professor Oak and Professor Ivy. He had thought Delibird was Ice Elite Four Lorelei's Pokémon.

"Delibird~"

Delibird couldn't stand Ash and Pikachu's burning gazes. Having tailed them for a while, Delibird knew full well—these two battle maniacs were probably itching to challenge it.

So annoying; curbstomping noobs isn't fun at all!

Thinking this, Delibird unhesitatingly stuck out its tongue at Ash and transformed into a rainbow light, escaping into its Poké Ball.

Ash wanted to say something, but Misty, holding Togepi, pushed him aside and looked at Lucas with admiration.

Since they had already introduced themselves, Misty knew Lucas's name. She excitedly asked, "Mr. Lucas, may I ask what that blue Water-type Pokémon of yours is called?"

Whether due to the sunset or excitement, Misty's face, which hadn't fully matured but already showed hints of the Cerulean Sisters' charm, flushed red.

A Water-type Pokémon fighting against the Electric-type Thunder God—it was so cool and powerful, exactly the Water-type Pokémon Misty dreamed of!

Recalling Misty's interests, Lucas wasn't surprised: "It's called Swampert, Water and Ground-type. Most of its species are distributed in Hoenn. Why, are you interested?"

Misty nodded vigorously: "You know, Cerulean Gym is a Water-type gym. As the youngest of the Cerulean Sisters, my dream is to become a Water-type Master..."

Lucas smiled, but before he could reply, Ash, pushed aside and unhappy about his challenge being interrupted, grumbled, "Cerulean Sisters and leftover tea dregs."

Bang—

Misty punched the ground, creating a big crater even in the slightly damp soil.

"If it weren't for your mom being here, you know where this punch would land, right?"

Stared at by Misty's murderous gaze, Ash shivered, and even Brock, waiting in line to ask Lucas to let him observe Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno, suffered collateral damage.

Lucas: "."

Such a familiar scene.

After fulfilling the youngsters' requests one by one, the sky grew darker.

Sitting by the temple, listening to Lucas describe the scenery and culture of Paldea, Ash looked yearning: "The Paldea Region on the other side of the planet? If I get the chance, I'd love to travel there."

Pikachu on his shoulder nodded in agreement: "Pika pika~"

Hearing Ash's sudden sigh, Lucas was taken aback.

Come to think of it, before he transmigrated, Ash's anime journey had reached its final chapter.

He wondered if, in the places he couldn't see, Ash had reached Paldea and battled battle-maniac Nemona from dawn till dusk.

After a moment of silence, Lucas smiled: "If you come to Paldea, feel free to contact me. I'll invite you to my farm to play."

"Really? Awesome!"

"Pikachu~!"

Ash and Pikachu raised their arms in sync, cheering.

Brock asked curiously: "Why did you give up your Champion-level trainer status and retire to start a farm life from scratch?"

With Brock's question, Misty and Ash also cast curious glances, eager for the answer.

In their view, the Elite Four were already unattainably strong; why would Lucas, stronger than them, choose to abandon his Champion status?

Lucas pondered for a moment and replied: "Hmm, simply put, while I love Pokémon battles, I love the little memories created from living with Pokémon even more. That feels fulfilling and happy."

"You're still young, with long roads ahead. You don't need to understand what I'm saying now. Whether it's Pokémon Master, Water-type Master, or Pokémon Watcher, those are all amazing dreams. You have plenty of time to pursue them. This is just my personal answer to what I want—take it with a grain of salt."

Ash and the others listened with half-understanding expressions.

At that moment, the cleanup work over there seemed finished.

Lorelei, Professor Oak, and Professor Ivy walked over, heading straight for Lucas.

As for Ash and the others, Professor Oak and the rest sent them away with the excuse that Delia was using Shamouti Island's kitchen to make a loving dinner.

Lorelei first waved at Lucas, showing an intellectual smile: "We'll coordinate with Paldea Region on this incident from Kanto's side. Thank you for your assistance, Champion Lucas."

Lucas shook his head: "It was just a small effort. We're all living on this planet; I naturally didn't want to see such a disaster."

"A small effort... huh?" Lorelei smiled, summoning her flying Pokémon for transport, and said apologetically to Lucas: "I'd love to invite you to my hometown in the Sevii Islands right away to repay you for saving my life, but I have to rush back to League headquarters to report on this event."

"If you get the chance, please come to the Sevii Islands. I'll treat you well and show you the unique cultural scenery there."

Lucas nodded, accepting Lorelei's invitation: "I will."

Lucas remembered that the Sevii Islands not only had beautiful natural scenery but also many special things. If he had the chance, he could take up Lorelei's invitation for some sightseeing.

After seeing Lorelei off, Professor Oak and Professor Ivy approached Lucas. They had no specific purpose—just to personally thank him for his help.

Especially Professor Ivy, who was very grateful that Lucas had saved Shamouti Island and the surrounding Orange and Sevii Islands.

Many weak Pokémon on the islands couldn't survive such terrifying natural disasters. If time dragged on, it could devastate entire species.

After Professor Ivy and Professor Oak each enthusiastically shook Lucas's hand to express their thanks, Professor Ivy smiled: "The residents of Shamouti Island are holding a victory banquet. You'll come, right, Lucas?"

Lucas thought about his agreed time with Lugia and nodded slightly. Before he could follow Professor Ivy into the island, Professor Oak didn't move but stared intently at Lucas, as if recalling something.

"Hmm, I feel like besides meeting you for the first time today, I saw you a few months ago..."

Perhaps a Pokémon Professor's brain really was sharp, as Professor Oak actually dug up the related memory.

He excitedly clapped his hands: "Right, I remember!"

"You're the trainer using Arcanine in Pokémon battles on the video site!"

"Your Arcanine looked different from what I remember, leaving a deep impression. I even had my grandson help me register an account to leave a comment, inviting you to visit Kanto and observe that unique Arcanine!"

"But my grandson told me the uploader blacklisted my account..."

By the end, Professor Oak, despite his age, showed a aggrieved expression, leaving Lucas speechless.

And Professor Ivy, who specialized in regional Pokémon forms, had eyes sparkling, looking at Lucas with an enthusiasm as if she wanted to devour him.

Stared at by two professors with predatory gazes, Lucas admitted he hadn't been this nervous even when battling Fire God and the others.

Oh no, he'd been targeted by research fanatics.