As expected, three days later, Adams finally explained the situation to Aoki. Also present were Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace, who had rushed over from the Hoenn region.
What Adams explained was almost identical to what Lance had told Aoki, with little discrepancy.
However, Aoki couldn't reveal that he already knew. He could only cooperate and feign ignorance again. When Steven and the others showed surprised expressions, he promptly displayed a surprised look as well.
Although his acting was slightly exaggerated, he still managed to fool them and didn't expose Lance.
"However, the situation in our Hoenn region is different this time. We have four slots, which means all four of you can enter," Adams explained to them via video call.
Upon hearing this, Aoki and the others finally understood. After all, most regions only had three slots, but they had four people this time, meaning one person would inevitably be left out. Now, hearing Adams' words, they realized that this time, their Hoenn region had truly become the most special.
"When Team Magma and Team Aqua first acted, the Hunter Guild rashly trespassed into the Hoenn region. Although we eventually drove them out, they still caused us considerable losses. Therefore, we exchanged the General Alliance's dereliction of duty for an additional entry slot this time," Adams said.
As the president of the Hoenn region, he had naturally entered before in his youth, so he could impart some experience to Aoki and the others, preventing unnecessary casualties among them.
The four individuals currently before him were the most valuable assets of the Hoenn region. Any loss would be a heavy blow to the Hoenn region.
However, Adams also knew that given their personalities, if he didn't let them go in, they would likely cause a huge fuss. Moreover, without experiencing danger, how could they break through their limits?
The four of them were all very strong now, but Aoki had become the strongest among them. This was largely due to him constantly pushing himself and his Pokémon to the edge of danger.
In fact, whether it was Steven, Phoebe, or Wallace, their trainer talents were not inferior to Aoki's. In some respects, some even had higher talent than Aoki.
It was just that Aoki actualized his talent too quickly, so fast that even other geniuses couldn't react.
Fortunately, after Aoki became an Elite Four, he successfully enlightened them, showing them the direction they should strive for.
"Because the shrunken continent appears too small from the outside, we cannot accurately pinpoint the teleportation location. After you enter, you must first ensure your safety, then determine your position. Before entering, each of you will have an internal map. At that time, I will mark some dangerous and safe places on the map for you.
Aoki, you will be the captain of this operation. Your wilderness survival experience is extensive, and I believe with your abilities, you should be able to gather the four of you quickly.
Once the four of you are gathered and have sufficient self-preservation capabilities, then you can explore places that might contain rare materials.
Remember, your primary task this time is not to collect how many materials or improve your strength, but to ensure your own safety. Each of you is the future of our Hoenn. We cannot afford to lose any of you." Adams earnestly emphasized the issue of their safety again.
"Yes!" The four responded in unison.
As for Aoki becoming the captain of the four, no one had any objections. After all, Aoki was indeed the strongest among them now, and he was also the only one with an Elite Four position.
Furthermore, Aoki was already designated as the brains of the group of four, though recently he had started to open up more and was intentionally trying to compete with Steven and Wallace for the title of the most handsome.
Adams then discussed many other precautions with the four, almost to the point of participating himself.
Finally, he emphasized personal safety one more time.
After hanging up Adams' video call, the four of them instinctively exhaled at the same time, then burst into laughter at their shared understanding.
It had been a long time since all four of them had gathered together. They had a lot to say to each other and many questions to ask.
After the pleasantries and banter ended, they discussed the matter of their participation tomorrow.
"We haven't gathered for so long, which means we definitely don't understand each other's strengths well enough. I suggest we lay out our cards first so I can have a better idea," Aoki proposed.
"You certainly should have an idea, otherwise you might not even know when we'll push you out of the Elite Four position, right?" Steven said with a laugh.
Phoebe and Wallace both smiled knowingly.
Although they weren't jealous of Aoki becoming an Elite Four, this was indeed a very successful topic for them to tease Aoki about.
"Ahem, be serious." Aoki glared at Steven.
Seeing Aoki's expression, Steven shrugged, indicating he wasn't afraid at all, but he still said, "Then I'll start first."
"Currently, one Champion-level, five Quasi-Champion, and the rest are Veteran Elite Four level."
Even if Steven didn't say it, everyone could guess that the Champion-level Pokémon was definitely Steven's Shiny Metagross; that was his ace.
Everyone immediately turned their attention to Wallace.
"Three Quasi-Champion peak, three Quasi-Champion, and the rest of the Pokémon are Veteran Elite Four level," Wallace said directly.
Compared to Steven, Wallace's strength was slightly weaker, but six Pokémon all at the Quasi-Champion level were enough to serve as an Elite Four of a region.
Next was Phoebe. "Two Quasi-Champion peak, four Quasi-Champion, and the rest are also Veteran Elite Four level." Phoebe was the youngest, after all, and to possess such strength was already quite outstanding.
When all three of them had finished speaking, they all turned their gaze to Aoki.
Their strength had improved significantly, but they were still very curious about Aoki's power.
They didn't know when it started, but catching up to Aoki had become their goal.
Noticing their gaze, Aoki smiled, "Two Champion-level, and the rest range from Quasi-Champion peak to Elite Four level."
Aoki had the most Pokémon among the four, so there was still a considerable difference in the strength of his Pokémon.
However, Aoki had still hidden some of his strength, as Darkrai and Kommo-o were not included in his count. But even so, he was still the strongest among the four.
Upon hearing Aoki's strength, the three fell silent.
Only they knew how hard they had worked during this time, but it seemed there was still a significant gap between them and Aoki.
However, they quickly let it go. If it were truly that easy to catch up, would he still be the Aoki they knew?