Amazingly, after waiting for fifteen minutes, a few people who were farther away really did show up.
For example, Kona, who was vacationing in the Orange Islands, far south of the Kanto Region.
The distances between Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh aren't actually that far, but the Orange Islands are considered relatively distant.
Kona arrived in a hurry and didn't notice Natsuhiko in the crowd.
After the final fifteen minutes passed, the three Elite Trainers felt there was no point in waiting any longer.
Subsequently, Natsuhiko and the others witnessed how the alliance opened a gateway to an Alternate Space, sealed and untouched for countless years.
Technology!
Thanks to the efforts of many alliance staff, a space device had been installed on this island a few days ago.
However, it seemed to have been hidden under some kind of power.
The technology level in the Pokemon Realm is quite advanced, and the invention of space devices like the Pokeball is groundbreaking.
Naturally, the alliance wasn't satisfied with just the Pokeball; there's always been a team of specialists researching space technology, and who knows how advanced they have become today.
Natsuhiko only knew that the promotion and application of equipment for transferring Pokémon and items should not be too far off.
With a dull hum and the subsequent roar of machinery, a whole new world appeared before everyone.
Even Flint, the Young Master of Devon Company, couldn't help but express surprise and admiration when he saw this scene.
After all, the Devon Company is merely a private enterprise. Although large in scale and almost intertwined with the Hoenn Alliance, it still can't compare to a colossal entity like the entire alliance.
Under the arrangement of the alliance staff, the young Elite Trainers present entered the space device in an orderly fashion.
Natsuhiko noticed that many people were whispering before entering, seemingly discussing how to regroup once inside.
In such an unknown and potentially dangerous Alternate Space, banding together is clearly a wise choice.
The rules explained by Genji earlier also did not prohibit the formation of small groups; group activities were allowed.
This might also be one of the alliance's objectives for this trial, to train this group in cooperation.
Natsuhiko glanced at the people around him.
Whether it was Lance, Flint, or Hilona, all had rich outdoor experience and appeared confident in their ability to survive in the Alternate Space.
So none of them suggested meeting up inside the space.
Natsuhiko was indifferent.
But upon further reflection, if the Alternate Space was truly as dangerous as rumored, grouping could be a strategic decision.
At the very least, it could maximize their gains.
While others aimed to survive for two weeks, Natsuhiko was already contemplating how to extract maximum resources from the Alternate Space.
No choice.
Given his inferior innate conditions compared to over ninety percent of the people here, obtaining resources was something he had to rely on his own efforts for.
Yet, since none of the three spoke, Natsuhiko found himself at a loss as to how to bring it up.
It was just at this moment of hesitation that a godsend of assistance came.
"Flint, I think we should meet up as soon as we go inside. Only then can we have the chance to explore the secrets of this space to the fullest extent," suggested Du Juan, adjusting her glasses.
While she spoke of wanting to explore its secrets, her hands, tightly clutching the binder, betrayed her inner anxiety.
Being an academic, Du Juan's outdoor experience, while not zero, was indeed lacking.
Upon hearing this, Flint pondered briefly.
He could sense Du Juan's nervousness, but he couldn't deny that her words made some sense.
If this group could form a team, they might be the strongest force in this Alternate Space, and they would be the most qualified to explore it.
After all, with three future Champions, no combination across these four regions would exceed theirs.
"What do you guys think?" Flint looked at Natsuhiko and the other two.
Grouping is a viable option.
But there's a significant problem.
How to regroup?
Nobody knows where they'll be teleported, wandering aimlessly like headless flies might lead to danger even before finding their comrades.
Without sufficient strength, running around recklessly is riskier than staying in a familiar place and environment.
Natsuhiko remained silent.
He awaited the decisions of Lance and Hilona.
However.
When Natsuhiko raised his head to see why no one was speaking, he noticed Lance, Hilona, and Flint were all looking at him.
"Why are you all looking at me?"
Yet, they just kept looking at him, saying nothing.
Lance and Natsuhiko had ventured into the wild together early on, trusting in Natsuhiko's judgment and execution, and to be honest, he wasn't as familiar with Flint or Hilona as he was with Natsuhiko, who had been through life and death situations with him.
Hilona, especially, had received help from Natsuhiko just days ago on Celestial Crown Mountain and greatly valued his skills.
Flint also once avoided trouble in the Dark Ruins thanks to Natsuhiko's warning.
Though Natsuhiko might not be the strongest among them, his outdoor experience was likely the most extensive.
Moreover, he seemed to serve as a connecting link between Lance, Flint, and Hilona.
As the one who initiated the proposal, Du Juan hadn't forgotten Natsuhiko, whom she initially regarded as a "paparazzi," yet she couldn't have imagined that the three top talents of the alliance seemed willing to listen to his advice.
This left Du Juan both surprised and curious.
Natsuhiko raised his hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright."
After a brief contemplation, he continued, "I suggest that once we enter, we shouldn't act rashly. Find a relatively safe place to familiarize ourselves with the environment, understand the potential dangers within the space, and then consider other matters only when we've ensured our safety."
"Tell us specifically how to arrange it," Lance expressed his position, indicating he was willing to follow Natsuhiko's plan this time.
Hilona and Flint also nodded in agreement.
Natsuhiko: "..."
With a roll of his eyes in mild annoyance.
After some thought, he said, "Five days. Use five days to become familiar with the environment, and after five days, if you're confident in your abilities, start seeking out others. Anyone who feels incapable should stay put and wait for others to come to them.
Let's standardize a mark. Whether in the forest or elsewhere, leave a mark as we pass by. The mark's position should be near the bottom, on a tree's roots or under a rock, hidden enough to be discreet yet ensure discovery among us."
After speaking, he looked up at the others.
None of the three had issues with Natsuhiko's proposal.
"Why must the mark be hidden? Wouldn't that also make it easy for us to miss it?" Du Juan asked.
As they spoke, they followed the crowd to the entrance of the space device.
Natsuhiko glanced at her with an amused look, akin to seeing a "naive sweet girl," then smiled cryptically and said, "Don't be too naive or trusting of others, little sister."
With that, he was the first to step into the space device.
And his words were overheard by Agatha and Genji, who were not far from the device.
Agatha's face cracked into a smile, her aged visage resembling a chrysanthemum, as her deep, resonant voice echoed, "It's a pity this little guy is in this era."
Beside her, Genji nodded in agreement, "The younger me might have gotten along with him quite well."
They all came from the early days of the alliance, a chaotic time, and the younger Elite Four might not be fond of such talk.
Otherwise, why is it that the older generation's skills in guerilla warfare were so strong?
Especially Agatha, although her conventional combat skills weren't weak, they were a few levels below her guerilla abilities.
The Ghost Legion wasn't just a legend.
"Didn't you notice those three youngsters have a good relationship with him? It's the same no matter the era they're born in," Kikuno smiled, pointing her chin at Lance and the other two.
Agatha nodded, her lowered eyes flashing with light.
The unresolved issues that had been lingering in her mind seemed to reach a decision in an instant.
And the decision was naturally influenced by Natsuhiko, who had just stepped into the space device.
If Natsuhiko were still on the island, he might feel a chill down his spine.
That feeling…of being targeted by an "old mastermind."