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In the end, Bugsy accepted the Pinsir. After expressing his heartfelt gratitude, he happily left the Pokémon Center.
After Bugsy departed, Liam and Lorelei mounted Aerodactyl once more and continued their journey toward Lavaridge Town.
Although they had been delayed along the way, Aerodactyl's flying speed was more than enough. Liam and Lorelei still managed to arrive at Lavaridge Town before nightfall.
Lavaridge Town lay at the foot of Mt. Chimney. As they approached, Liam and Lorelei chose to land and proceed on foot, avoiding drawing attention by flying overhead.
Lavaridge was a hot spring town—famous and prosperous because of its springs. It was said that the hot spring waters here contained minerals highly beneficial to human health. Regular bathing could greatly improve one's physical condition, making it especially popular among the elderly.
After entering the town, Liam and Lorelei quickly experienced its hot spring culture firsthand.
Hot spring inns lined both sides of the streets, bustling with business. There were even hot spring-themed snacks everywhere. Many tourists were still happily enjoying themselves, clearly unaware that they were already in danger.
The Hoenn League Chairman had informed Liam that Gym Leaders from various regions would gather at the Lavaridge Gym. Therefore, the first thing Liam needed to do was locate it.
In any town with a Gym, it was undoubtedly a landmark. Liam didn't need to ask much—after inquiring with just two people along the way, he quickly found its location.
From the outside, the Lavaridge Gym had a strong traditional Japanese architectural style, exuding a calm and peaceful atmosphere—somewhat at odds with its Fire-type specialization.
After Liam revealed his identity, he and Lorelei were invited inside.
Eventually, they were led into a reception room.
There were already people present.
Due to the timing of the Chairman's orders, although Gym Leaders from various places were rushing over, more than half had yet to arrive.
The two Gym Leaders already present were:
The Petalburg Gym Leader, Norman, who specialized in Normal-type Pokémon, and the Rustboro Gym Leader, Roxy.
Norman was a robust young man with a firm, resolute expression, while Roxy was a mature woman dressed like a teacher. Behind her glasses, her sharp eyes occasionally flashed with intensity.
Liam stepped forward to greet them, and both Gym Leaders immediately stood up to respond.
Just as Liam was about to ask them about the situation on Mt. Chimney, footsteps sounded from behind.
Turning around, he saw an elderly man with a full head of white hair, wearing a traditional kimono, his hair slightly wild and frizzy. He was walking in with Wattson of Mauville City and Terry of Fortree City.
"Oh! You must be Champion Liam and Elite Four Lorelei! I didn't expect you to arrive so early. I had gone out to receive these two, so I wasn't here to welcome you—my apologies."
The elderly man's half-closed eyes opened slightly upon seeing the two newcomers. Smiling warmly, he greeted them.
"You're too polite, sir. There's no need to worry about such things."
Liam responded with a courteous smile.
"Haha! Liam—oh no, Champion! Haha! I truly didn't expect it—you're actually the Champion! No wonder your battling skills were so impressive! Looks like I didn't lose unfairly back then, hahaha!"
Seeing Liam, Wattson's expression briefly turned strange before he burst into hearty laughter.
"Yeah, I was kept in the dark too and ended up getting beaten badly. Thinking about it now, losing to a dual-region Champion isn't such a big deal, right, Wattson?"
Terry said with a wry smile, and Wattson nodded in agreement.
Faced with their "complaints," Liam could only smile awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
At this moment—
"Lord Moore, you've returned."
Behind Liam, Norman quickly stepped forward upon seeing the white-haired elder. Standing beside him, he turned and introduced him to Liam and Lorelei.
"Champion, Elite Four member—allow me to introduce him. This is Lord Moore, one of Hoenn's current Elite Four and the current Gym Leader of Lavaridge Gym."
"The Chairman has already issued orders. For this operation, we will follow the instructions of Lord Moore and the Champion. So please, give us any commands freely. Personally, I can't wait to teach those villains who dare disrupt Hoenn a proper lesson!"
Norman was clearly an impatient, action-oriented person. Even though not everyone had arrived yet, he was already eager to begin.
"Haha, no need to rush. I've already investigated the situation on Mt. Chimney. Although I didn't go too deep, I have a general understanding. Since Team Aqua entered the mountain, the two organizations have reached a stalemate—neither can overpower the other, so they remain locked in place.
I believe we should wait until everyone arrives before moving in together. That way, we can support one another and ensure greater safety."
Moore spoke calmly with a gentle smile.
"Uh… alright. I'll follow your lead, sir."
After hearing this, Norman stopped arguing and nodded obediently.
However, Liam's brows slowly furrowed as he listened to the exchange.
"Lord Moore, you mentioned that you didn't fully investigate the situation on Mt. Chimney—only observed the outer areas and made a judgment. If that's the case, I believe it's necessary for us to conduct a deeper investigation."
Liam stepped forward and spoke politely. Despite his doubts, he maintained proper respect toward the elder.
"Oh? It seems the Champion doesn't quite trust my judgment. Haha… youthful impatience, perhaps.
Right now, Mt. Chimney is filled with members of Team Magma and Team Aqua. It's impossible to infiltrate deeply without alerting them. If we act rashly and draw their attention, any unexpected consequences would be something we cannot answer for to the League.
At present, the entire mountain is already surrounded by League forces in secret. Once everyone arrives, we can eliminate both groups in one fell swoop.
So… Champion, let's wait a little longer. It won't take much time. The remaining Gym Leaders will arrive by tomorrow morning at the latest. Until then, I ask for your patience."
Moore smiled and waved his hand dismissively.
Liam: "…"