Li Hua still followed the usual practice from previous years, planning to remain in Shuizhou City until Milotic appeared before leaving.
But at that moment, Jie Wei, who had been smiling and applauding the victor nearby, heard the whispered report from her assistant, who had hurried over. Her expression immediately darkened.
"Not good!"
Jie Wei cried out softly and swiftly turned her gaze toward Li Hua.
"Dragon-type Elite Four, we may need your Dragon-type army to act now!"
Li Hua: "?"
"Never mind everyone else, but Auntie, why are you calling my Flying-type army Dragon—"
Before Li Hua could finish his disgruntled complaint, Jie Wei directly cut him off.
"I just received word that several devices monitoring energy reactions around the city have detected Dark Element reactions."
"It's highly likely that people from the Dark Dream Council are preparing to sabotage this Infinity Festival!"
"Considering the timing, this happens to be when the protective barrier guarding Shuizhou City is weakest each year. It makes sense for them to cause trouble at a time like this."
Jie Wei's tone was full of gravity and seriousness.
Li Hua's expression seamlessly shifted from the embarrassment of having another painful piece of his dark history brought up to a battle-ready look.
"So it's those lunatics from the Dark Dream Council...!"
Li Hua's furrowed brow nearly formed the character for "river."
"If that's the case, then the Guardian Deities of Water City may also be their targets."
"And based on what I know about them, if Dark Element has already been detected outside the city, then individuals carrying Dark Element have probably already infiltrated the city—or started wreaking havoc."
As though in response to Li Hua's words, Jie Wei's assistant returned with more news.
"Pokémon affected by Dark Element have already undergone mild darkening, lost