Akari's reaction was exactly as Cyllene had expected.
From the day Akari joined the Galaxy Expedition Team, she had displayed an extraordinary sense of responsibility. Driven by her desire to avenge Elias, she'd always been extremely strict with herself.
Previously, if Akari had made such a statement, Cyllene really wouldn't have had any way to argue back. She would've been forced to stall or divert the conversation, and the meeting would end without resolution—just like before.
But now…
"The strongest trainer here?"
"Are you sure about that?"
Before Cyllene could speak, Irida interjected with a teasing smile, directing her question at Akari.
"Of course!" Akari replied confidently, tilting her chin upward.
Ever since Elias's departure, Akari had trained herself relentlessly to become stronger. Influenced by Elias's training philosophy, she'd also pursued the elite path.
Currently, she only had Mamoswine, Abomasnow, and a Gyarados. But each had been raised meticulously, surpassing even the average Alpha Pokémon in strength.
She genuinely believed she stood at the pinnacle—not just within the Galaxy Team, but throughout the entire Hisui region.
Even Irida, the Pearl Clan's leader seated across from her, wasn't her equal now.
Akari had complete confidence in her strength.
Hearing this, several senior members around the table nodded in agreement.
"It's true, Captain Cyllene. Akari really is the strongest trainer we currently have."
"If not her, we'd have to call back all the wardens, but even then…"
The speaker suddenly trailed off, eyes widening in shock as if he'd seen a ghost.
His gaze fixed on a tall, graceful figure entering the room—a woman with flowing golden hair, accompanied by a familiar Garchomp.
Cynthia.
The name flashed instantly in his mind.
Considering Elias's role as essentially the founder of the current Galaxy Team, everyone remembered Cynthia, who'd often been by his side.
Let alone…
Cynthia herself was an incredibly powerful trainer.
Immediately, everyone recognized her identity.
Gulp.
Several people simultaneously swallowed nervously.
"Cynthia-san!" Akari exclaimed in surprise and delight, standing abruptly upon seeing her.
Shortly after Elias had disappeared, Cynthia had vanished as well. Akari never imagined she'd see Cynthia again like this.
"It's been a long time," Cynthia greeted warmly as Akari eagerly approached.
Once Akari stopped in front of Cynthia, she quietly compared their heights, biting her lip involuntarily.
In my memory…we were almost the same height, weren't we?
When did she get half a head taller than me?
"Everyone, I trust there's no more objection?" Cyllene spoke up calmly, standing at that moment.
All present still vividly remembered Cynthia's skill.
That Garchomp alone had nearly discouraged countless people from continuing as trainers in the past.
Since Cyllene had even brought Cynthia here, what more could they possibly say?
And yet…
Akari's expression remained uncertain.
Seeing Cynthia again certainly made her happy, but…
She genuinely felt that with type advantages, her Mamoswine might actually stand a good chance against Cynthia's Garchomp. Moreover, as she remembered, Cynthia had only one Pokémon, while Akari herself had three!
Akari's thoughts were plainly written across her face, making it easy for Cynthia to read her expression.
Reaching out, Cynthia placed a hand gently atop Akari's head, earning a puzzled glance from the girl.
"I'm not alone, you know. Elias is also here," Cynthia said softly, turning Akari's head carefully and stepping aside.
Elias is here too…?
Hearing Cynthia's casual remark, Akari instinctively nodded at first—
But then she froze, eyes widening.
Wait a second…who's here?!
As Cynthia stepped away, Akari could finally see clearly who was behind her. Indeed, standing there calmly was a very familiar figure.
It wasn't just Akari; the rest of the people in the room had overheard Cynthia's words and now saw Elias standing right behind her.
Almost instantly, they felt an urge to bolt out the windows.
If Cynthia's sudden appearance had merely surprised them, Elias's return made them seriously question if they were seeing a ghost.
Despite it being mid-afternoon, everyone felt chills run down their spines.
...
Inside the conference room.
"Akari, your expression earlier was priceless," Elias teased lightly, scrolling through the photos Mew had captured.
In the picture, Akari looked utterly stunned, practically bristling with shock. Elias had no doubt she'd almost instinctively reached for her Poké Ball at that moment.
Hearing Elias's voice, Akari remained seated, still unable to fully process the reality of the situation.
She couldn't understand how Elias was here again, perfectly unharmed and in front of her eyes.
He had clearly already…
"Since Arceus could send you to Hisui, isn't it perfectly reasonable that I asked it to revive me?" Elias casually provided, sensing her confusion.
He felt this explanation might be somewhat easier for her to accept…hopefully?
Akari blinked blankly for a moment.
Honestly, Elias's explanation felt strange in every conceivable way.
Yet…
Considering Elias's abilities, maybe it wasn't that impossible?
Besides…
She had already spent a good while poking Elias repeatedly, under the heated glares of Cynthia and several of his Pokémon. She hadn't found any indication that this was an illusion.
So Elias had really…asked Arceus to bring him back to life?
After several moments, Akari finally decided she could accept this explanation, smiling warmly at him.
"Welcome back, Elias."
Privately, she'd revised her opinion of Elias even higher than before.
"Oh? Akari, the strongest trainer here?" Irida leaned in playfully, bringing the topic back with a teasing grin.
At this, Akari's pale cheeks flushed bright red.
If it had only been Cynthia, she might have stubbornly held onto her self-proclaimed title.
But Elias's Zoroark alone was a Pokémon she had absolutely no desire to challenge.
She'd never forgotten the terrifying sight of the aftermath between Zoroark and Giratina that she'd witnessed back then.