Bottom-tier trainers in the Pokémon world

I gently rubbed Sylveon's soft head.

"However, it doesn't matter whether they show up or not. It's a rare treat to enjoy some free time in the wild."

Xia Yan hadn't spent a few leisurely days like this with his elves in a long time.

It felt really good, even if it was just once in a while.

Both he and his spirit were relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Their mental state and outlook have also improved considerably.

He propped himself up on his knees and swayed as he stood up.

He let out a long breath.

I squinted slightly, basking in the warm sunlight.

"Once everything is over, I believe that day is not far away."

"Buyi—"

"Chako-ee—"

Upon hearing this, the elves all revealed expressions of longing.

Although they are all considered to be quite fond of fighting.

But they prefer to live this carefree and comfortable life with Xia Yan.

"It's decided."

Xia Yan suddenly said.

Under the puzzled gazes of the Pokémon, he grinned and said, "After this competition, I will resign from my position as Sinnoh Champion."

"Bu-i?"

The elves all looked surprised.

Xia Yan had put in a lot of effort and energy to win this "championship".

but.

In order to become the champion, the main reason was to make it easier to investigate the royal family members hidden deep within the league.

And Xia Yan now.

There's no need to worry or fear those people anymore.

It would be even better if we could get rid of those royal businessmen before resigning from the champion's position.

Anyway.

For him now, whether or not he has the title of "champion" is completely unimportant.

I rarely use this name to do anything; it would be better to give it back to Cynthia.

"At that time," Xia Yan said, a hint of longing appearing on his face.

With a gentle breeze caressing our faces, we thought, "When the time comes, we'll find any place, build our own house, and live a quiet life."

The image of Xia Yan's ideal also appeared in the minds of the elves.

Actually, a very, very long time ago.

Xia Yan has said more than once that he wants to live a quieter life.

"What do you guys think of that space inside the Ruins of Suiyi Town?" Xia Yan asked, raising an eyebrow.

That space wasn't very big.

However, if we're only considering living space, it's more than enough.

"Buee!!"

The elves nodded repeatedly.

Actually, for the elves...

What you do, where you do it, or what you want to achieve—none of these matters.

The important thing is.

As long as I can be with Xia Yan.

enough.

"Coo, coo—"

The ancient moon bird, which had been circling in the sky for almost three days, also cooperated by letting out a few calls.

Upon hearing the voice of the Ancient Moon Bird, Xia Yan suddenly paused.

The elves around him also paused for a few seconds.

His expression quickly became serious and earnest.

After a moment of stunned silence, Xia Yan smiled again.

only.

The smile she wore now was different from the one before, which was tinged with a hint of languor and longing.

"I knew it! This Crested Moonbird was our lucky bird on this trip, and look..."

He slowly lowered his gaze, sweeping it over a corner of the open field.

A hint of coldness crept into his voice.

"...Here it comes."

Boom!!!

The ground where Xia Yan and the others were standing suddenly shook violently.

With a violent roar.

The ground groaned under the weight of the storm, and huge cracks appeared and burst forth amidst the roar.

and.

These cracks, like a giant wielding a great sword, cleaved the ground, eventually connecting together to form a circle.

next moment.

The vast ground, aided by a strange force, actually floated up.

Wisps of grayish-white energy appeared out of thin air, mixed with faint but chilling wails and roars, enveloping the suspended ground and a certain area in the air.

The originally warm and gentle golden sunlight became dim, hazy, and eventually disappeared completely under the cover of the mist formed by this special energy.

In a short time.

The area where Xia Yan and his group were located.

It was as if we were completely enveloped by a thick fog of gray, white and black.

The wild elves in the open wilderness watched in horror at what was happening before them.

The wild elves inside were completely panicked, scattering about like headless flies.

just.

No matter how much they cause trouble.

After rushing into the indistinct gray, white, and black mist, you will emerge from the mist in another direction the next moment.

as if.

It felt like stepping into a passage from which there was no way out.

"Wow, that's quite a generous offer."

Xia Yan, standing in the middle of this floating landmass, calmly rested his chin on his hand and clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Ugh-"

"Jie-"

"Barua-"

Zoroar, Aegislash, and Dragapult could all clearly sense that the energy that completely enveloped and levitated the surrounding area was very, very pure Ghost-type energy.

among them.

There are definitely quite a few Ghost-type Pokémon with considerable strength among them.

Zoroar and his companions were the most acutely aware of the Ghost-type energy and the malice it contained.

"Hmm." Xia Yan nodded thoughtfully, "This move is quite similar to Ms. Ju Zi's method."

Speaking of which...

This is exactly the same way that Kikuko's "Ghost Corps" operates.

only.

Judging by the sheer number and strength of the Ghost-type Pokémon that Kikuko controls, it seems that they are still somewhat lacking compared to the current situation.

No, it's much worse.

That's understandable.

Kikuko did it all by herself.

However, the one who controls this "ghostly realm" at this time is not just one person.

even.

Xia Yandu felt that all the royal descendants in the alliance had been mobilized.

I couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"Heh. These old guys who have existed for so long, their only notable possessions are Ghost-type Pokémon that have been around for a long time."

In fact, Xia Yan had noticed this from both Suzuki and Old Man Bai.

Upon closer examination, it's inevitable.