When Lance and Cynthia entered the arena, everyone could sense the change in their aura.
Dragonite and Garchomp were their ace Pokemon, and also the source of their immense confidence.
The final clash between the two was a close-range move exchange.
Garchomp's Dragon Rush triumphed over Dragonite's Outrage, with Garchomp winning by the slimmest margin of HP!
"Garchomp's Dragon Rush tears through the earth, bringing victory to Ms. Cynthia!"
With Dragonite's defeat, Cynthia claimed victory in the battle.
Garchomp raised its crimson scythes and roared toward the sky.
Lance murmured, "It's not a bad loss."
Lance could sense that since the last World Tournament, Cynthia's Pokemon had grown even stronger.
Although the competition on the field was fierce, after the match, the two maintained a cordial relationship.
The two, having changed into their casual clothes, met in the lounge.
"Congratulations, Cynthia. Your Pokemon have grown stronger again."
Lance wasn't just referring to Garchomp, but all of her Pokemon.
Cynthia's lips curved into a slight smile. "They have indeed grown stronger... but it's not entirely my doing."
After consuming perfect-quality Energy Cubes for over half a month, combined with Wayne's special cooking, Cynthia's Pokemon had indeed experienced some improvement in their strength.
Even if this improvement was only slight, it was invaluable for Garchomp and the others.
As long as this limit was broken, Garchomp could touch the realm that only Red had reached—Battle Legend.
Therefore, among all the Champions, even with Leon, the so-called undefeated Champion, Red was still widely recognized as the strongest.
The Battle Legend of Mt. Silver!
Cynthia pondered, "I need to ask him to perform another maintenance session for Garchomp."
Hearing Cynthia say it wasn't entirely her doing, Lance searched his mind and could only arrive at one answer.
"Are you talking about Wayne?"
After all, the video of Wayne caring for Garchomp had shot straight to the top trending position and remained highly popular to this day.
With the conclusion of today's battle, the video's popularity might continue for some time.
Although he hadn't officially met Wayne yet, Lance had some understanding of this Breeder whom Blue and Red held in such high regard.
"Yes, all my Pokemon are currently eating the Energy Cubes provided by Wayne. You can try them too."
Cynthia didn't mind Lance seeking out Wayne, nor was she concerned about Lance becoming stronger.
Mutual competition and mutual progress were the right path—the only way to potentially step into Red's realm.
Lance burst into hearty laughter. "Haha, to be honest with you, I really do need to make a trip."
As if sensing something, Cynthia frowned slightly. "What's wrong?"
Lance didn't hide anything from Cynthia.
"It's like this..."
In Lance's view, this wasn't a major issue.
After hearing the full story, Cynthia nodded slightly. "Let's go together."
Lance was taken aback. "You're going too?"
Cynthia calmly retorted, "You're the Chief Investigator. Have you forgotten that I'm also a Special Investigator?"
"Alright, then let's go together."
Steven and Diantha's match was not on Lily of the Valley Island. It was being held in the Kalos region.
Steven also took the opportunity to go digging for stones.
The Lily of the Valley Island venue would host another match next, but that was no longer something Cynthia and Lance needed to concern themselves with.
"These are Oran Berry Cubes made by Wayne. Give them to Dragonite."
Looking at the crystal-clear Oran Berry Cubes, Lance was stunned again. Could even the most common Oran Berries be crafted into perfect quality?
"Perfect quality?!"
"Perfect quality."
"He made them?!"
"He made them."
"Immediately—let's go!"
Cynthia looked at Lance, who had already mounted Dragonite and flown into the sky, feeling momentarily flustered.
"How many Dragonite does this guy even have..."
After catching up on Braviary, Cynthia finally took out her phone. Messages from Celeste and Wayne were prominently displayed.
"Sister is amazing!"
"Congratulations on your first win."
On the other side, Wayne was cradling a sleeping Shaymin in his arms, with Drakloak perched on his head, currently cosplaying as Dragapult.
Drakloak had Dreepy on its head.
Wayne had Drakloak on his head.
By calculation, Wayne's seniority was slightly higher.
He wasn't at a disadvantage at all.
Staring wide-eyed at Dragapult, Wayne silently complained internally, "It's just that the relationships are a bit convoluted..."
Cynthia: "Because of your perfect-quality Energy Cubes, Garchomp and the others were in better condition during the match."
Wayne: "That's still due to your excellent training."
After receiving and replying to Cynthia's message, Wayne returned to the group chat, where the battle between Lance and Cynthia was being hotly debated.
Yellow: "Ms. Cynthia won, huh."
The people in the group also agreed with Cynthia's assessment: her Pokemon were in better condition during the match.
Blue: "Her Garchomp has gotten stronger."
At the level of Blue, Cynthia, and Lance, it wasn't easy to seek breakthroughs in strength.
It was something that could be encountered but not actively pursued.
Red: "I really want to battle her right now!"
Blue and Red had agreed to watch the match together.
Leaning back in his chair, Blue's lips curved into a slight smile.
"How about we have a match?"
Red's eyes immediately sharpened.
"No problem."
Blue considered for a moment. "Tomorrow morning, then. Steven still has a match later."
Red didn't object.
Blue : "@Clair, you lost, pay up, pay up!"
Clair: "I didn't even place a bet! I was just expressing my opinion, okay!"
Clair indicated she wasn't falling for that.
She indeed hadn't placed a bet. They were interrupted by Lance himself.
Silver: "Oh wow! Dragon Rush is so strong!"
Blue: "@Lance, where's the person involved? This isn't what you said."
Lance: "What are you talking about? I'm on my way to Jubilife City."
He sensed something.
Could it be that he's coming to challenge me?
Wayne: "?"
Red: "?"
Blue: "?"
After a series of question marks from everyone, Lance's message finally came through.
Lance: "Speaking of which, it concerns Wayne. There's a Pokemon Hunter in Jubilife City, so of course I have to go."
Wayne hadn't expected this matter to actually involve him.
How did Lance know?
No—he's the League's Chief Investigator. It would be strange if he didn't know.
Red: "Lance is truly dedicated."
Blue : "Shouldn't you say he's too dedicated?!"
Blue : "Pokemon Hunter—what's the situation?"
Lance: "I'm on my way to Jubilife City. Let Wayne explain it to you all."
Wayne: "Alright, leave it to me."
Wayne concisely explained what had happened that day, though he was still somewhat confused.
Hadn't this matter already been resolved?
Why was Lance getting involved now?
Yellow: "Mr. Wayne, you encountered Shaymin?!"
Wayne directly switched to his rear camera and took a picture of Shaymin, fast asleep after eating and drinking its fill.
Whitney: "So cute!!!"
Silver: "? You caught Shaymin?"
Wayne: "No, it's injured. I'm temporarily taking care of it."
Blue : "This Shaymin isn't large. It's still a child."
At this moment, the two Champions were still on their way to Jubilife City.