Land and Sea War!

"They retreated."

Watching Team Magma's members withdraw like a receding tide, Lance did not relax in the slightest.

Rather, he had thought of something troubling.

"Unheard-of beast roars and whale cries. More importantly, the sudden change in weather."

"Could it be—"

Interrupting Lance's thoughts were Nemona, Zhen Si, and Shizuka, who came running from the direction of Team Aqua's retreating encirclement.

Though they were puzzled by why both sides had retreated, they did not feel particularly nervous because they did not know much about Hoenn's myths and legends.

"Wow! It really is Mr. Lance!"

Holding the umbrella Shizuka had given her, Nemona jogged over. The moment she saw Lance and his unmistakably flamboyant red hair, her eyes lit up.

If the situation had been more appropriate, she would have immediately challenged him to a Pokémon battle!

After all, even in the distant Paldea Region, Nemona had heard of the famed Dragon Master Lance.

Zhen Si and Shizuka also called out to Lance with a hint of admiration.

"You came at just the right time."

Lance gave the three a slight nod. If Nemona and the others had not shared half the pressure, he might truly have been trapped without his full team and found it difficult to escape.

Though if they had not broken in, he would still have been undercover without issue.

"Based on the current situation, it is highly likely that the contained Ancient Pokémon were released for some reason."

"This is both a crisis and an opportunity."

"I know where Team Magma is holding Ash. Let's rescue him first, then consider our next move."

Whenever he was carrying out a mission, Lance's mind remained calm and clear.

He understood that since the Ancient Pokémon's escape could not be reversed, they should first do everything they could, then