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Since he was running a Day Care, Liam had installed a communication transfer machine inside the house. It was similar to the ones at the Pokémon Rescue Center—capable of both communication and long-distance Pokémon transfers.
Beep beep~
"Hello, Liam. Heh, looks like you've been living quite well lately."
The screen flickered on, revealing the long-unseen, dignified face of Gyokuryu Shigen.
"Uh… old man, just get to the point. It's almost dinner time. After this call, I still have to prepare food for the Pokemon."
Liam looked at Gyokuryu Shigen's face on the screen and clicked his tongue in annoyance, wondering internally how his communication number had been leaked. He urged him lazily.
"Ahem, heh. Young people sure are impatient. I contacted you because I need to trouble you with something."
Gyokuryu Shigen cleared his throat lightly, then grew serious.
"This concerns the Hunter Group."
"Hm? The Hunter Group? Weren't they already scattered to pieces? Are they causing trouble again?"
Liam frowned slightly.
"That's true. After the heavy blow they suffered earlier, the Hunter Group collapsed. Though their leader still exists, they no longer pose a threat to our League. However…"
Gyokuryu Shigen paused briefly before continuing.
"The day before yesterday, our people located the hiding place of the Hunter Group's leader, Janine, along with her three top subordinates. We were about to apprehend all four when someone interfered. In the end, we only captured the two subordinates. The leader Janine and their strategist Iga were rescued."
Anger was clearly visible on Gyokuryu Shigen's face.
"They were rescued? By who? Who would dare do something that bold in Johto?"
Liam frowned deeply, trying to think of what hidden force in Johto would dare act at such a critical moment—but nothing came to mind.
"Hmph. They were a group calling themselves Team Aqua, dressed in blue uniforms. They're an outlaw organization from the Hoenn region. From what I know, they're extremists who want to expand the sea and flood the world. This time they dared cross regions to rescue criminals—clearly they have some evil plan!"
At the mention of Team Aqua, Gyokuryu Shigen's anger flared again, the pen in his hand bending from the pressure of his grip.
"What? Team Aqua?! What are they doing in Johto? And risking so much just to rescue someone…?"
This was something Liam truly didn't understand.
"Hmph. We don't know their purpose either. That's why I'm contacting you."
Gyokuryu Shigen tossed aside the now-ruined pen and spoke coldly.
"Wait… you're not planning to—"
Cold sweat began forming on Liam's forehead. He had a bad feeling another sudden journey was coming.
"We want you to go to Hoenn and capture Janine and Iga. Since this involves cross-regional jurisdiction, the League cannot send too many people. After considering everything, you're the only one with sufficient strength."
"I will send additional personnel to assist you later. But before that, don't sit idle—gather as much intelligence as possible about Janine and Team Aqua to prepare for future operations."
"And if possible—teach Team Aqua a lesson! Let them understand the consequences of provoking Johto! You are Johto's Champion! You wouldn't say you don't want to go… right?"
Even through the screen, Liam could feel the pressure in Gyokuryu Shigen's voice. If he dared refuse, the consequences would not be pleasant.
"Ahem. Of course, you won't be making this trip for nothing. Once you complete the mission and return, you may name your reward."
The classic carrot-and-stick method—Gyokuryu Shigen had mastered it over decades.
"…Alright. As Johto's Champion, it's only right that I contribute. But give me a little time—I need to settle matters at home and prepare some things. It won't take long. That's fine, right?"
Since Gyokuryu Shigen had already said this much, Liam could only agree. Besides, even without this mission, he had planned to visit Hoenn to search Mt. Chimney for the meteorite needed to restore Deoxys. Now he simply had a legitimate reason.
"Good! No problem. I'll contact Hoenn on your behalf. I also happen to have a friend with a ship heading there—it should reach Johto's port in three to four days. Use that time to settle everything. Then you'll travel to Hoenn with him."
Seeing Liam agree, Gyokuryu Shigen finally relaxed and smiled.
"Understood. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up."
"If anything else comes up, I'll contact you."
Beep beep~
The call ended.
Liam stared at the receiver in his hand, sighed, and hung it back up.
...…
When he returned inside, he saw Delia humming softly as she prepared dinner. Liam opened his mouth to speak but no words came out.
"Hm? Liam? You're back! Welcome home~ Just wait a moment—dinner will be ready soon~"
Though he hadn't spoken, the sound of the door alerted her. She turned, smiling brightly.
Liam walked into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"I'm home~"
This was the life he had once longed for. For over a month now, he had been immersed in happiness. If not for Gyokuryu Shigen's call, he might not have considered leaving home for a long time.
After dinner, while washing dishes together, Liam finally hesitantly told Delia about his upcoming trip to Hoenn for the mission.
"You're going for a mission? Will it be dangerous?"
Delia looked at him worriedly, eyes filled with concern.
"Hehe, don't forget who I am. No danger is truly dangerous to me. Relax—it's just an investigation. It shouldn't take long. I'll be back soon."
With wet hands, Liam lightly ruffled her hair, speaking casually.
"Ah! Your hands are wet! I hate that! Hmph! You wash the rest of the dishes! I—I—I'll go pack your luggage!"
Her hair instantly damp, Delia pouted and swatted his hand away before hurrying toward the bedroom.