The group discussed Lilligant's abilities for a while.
By the time the last piece of important information was confirmed, the sky outside Wetland Base had turned completely dark.
The Crimson Mirelands are more dangerous at night than during the day, so it was natural for them not to head to the stage battlefield at this time.
They decided to rest for the night at Wetland Base and start the formal action after sunrise tomorrow.
With a limited number of tents available at the Wetland Base, Ash and Cynthia, who maintained the relationship of siblings in public, stayed in the same tent, each resting at their own spot.
Having traveled together in Hisui for so long, it wasn't the first time they spent the night in the same temporary tent, so naturally, they didn't feel awkward about it.
Though this era doesn't have modern lightweight sleeping bags, their structure isn't complex, and Cynthia made two herself using thick cloth and soft filling over a month ago.
At this moment, the two lay inside their sleeping bags, while Pikachu curled up beside Ash, its tail lightly resting on the edge of the sleeping bag.
The oil lamp in the tent had already been extinguished, leaving only the slight sound of the wind blowing through the grass outside.
"Ash, are you asleep?"
"Not yet, I'm waiting for you to devise the battle plan for tomorrow. This time, the opponent is much stronger than Kleavor. Relying solely on Typhlosion and Samurott might not be as easy as last time."
Cynthia did not deny Ash's assessment.
While Kleavor was only at Gym Beginner Level back then, Typhlosion and Samurott, although they had a disadvantage in raw power, could gradually suppress it through attribute advantage and cooperation.
Lilligant is stronger than Kleavor fundamentally, and with its ability to continuously enhance its power and speed through dance, its true threat in battle definitely exceeds the initial level displayed.
"According to the information provided by Adaman, Lilligant's threat level after consecutive enhancements might reach the Elite Level, and Typhlosion and Samurott are still quite a bit away from that level. Especially Samurott, which suffers from an attribute disadvantage, as both Grass Attribute and Fighting-type attacks pose significant threats to Samurott."
Lying in her sleeping bag, Cynthia reorganized the information currently known in her mind.
If Samurott chooses to engage with Lilligant directly at close range, just one powerful kick hitting the target could render it unable to continue fighting.
In comparison, Typhlosion, with its Fire Attribute and Ghost Attribute, is more suited to take on the main offensive role.
Fire Attribute can counter Lilligant's Grass Attribute, and Ghost Attribute can better handle Fighting-type attacks.
"So tomorrow, we should let Typhlosion take the lead in attacking, while Samurott focuses on limiting the Queen's movement from the side."
Ash listened intently and quickly understood Cynthia's arrangement.
"Then we'll have Typhlosion initiate the attack, not giving Lilligant the time to complete its dance. If its actions differ from what we expect, then we can adjust during the battle."
"If you encounter a problem you don't know how to solve, take the first step forward. Once you start truly acting, you'll always find new ways during the process."
Cynthia was slightly taken aback.
She habitually analyzes all situations before a battle begins and considers possible dangers in advance.
This habit seldom allows her to make mistakes in battle, but it also makes her overthink when information is insufficient.
Ash, on the other hand, is entirely different.
He doesn't overlook dangers and doesn't rush into the battlefield unprepared.
Yet, when action is necessary, he never hesitates because of unknown possibilities.
Even if the road ahead is temporarily unclear, Ash would still take that first step, relying on himself and his partner's strength to find the way forward.
"Heh, it seems I overthought this time too. You're right, information only allows us to be prepared in advance; the true answers must be found within the battle."
"But you can't be careless because of this. Although Pikachu and Garchomp serve as the final insurance, unless the situation gets out of control, don't let them make a move first."
"Understood, Typhlosion has improved so much over this month, and I want to see what he can really achieve now."
Ash turned over and gently touched Pikachu's head beside him.
"Pika."
Pikachu opened its eyes and responded lightly with a sound.
As long as he's here, regardless of what changes occur in Typhlosion and Samurott's battle, Ash and Cynthia will never face true danger.
After a brief silence in the tent, Ash's smile gradually faded.
"Sister."
"Hmm?"
"I kind of miss home."
Looking at the tent top, Ash's voice became lighter than before: "Mom must be very worried now, along with Professor Oak, Serena, Misty, Dawn, and Brock. I wonder how our friends who stayed in the modern era are doing."
Pikachu quietly snuggled closer to Ash, gently nuzzling his arm.
Cynthia also thought of the modern world.
After her departure, the Sinnoh League must have fallen into chaos, and familiar people may be doing their utmost to find her and Ash.
"Sleep, once we restrain Lilligant, the rampant Kings and Queens will only be left at Coronet Highlands and Alabaster Icelands (there's one area without a King), if the Queen is willing to hand us the Plate, along with the local Plate, we'd have six in total."