A Conversation with the Champion

The next day, a faint aroma of tea filled the reception room of the Fossil Research Institute, creating a quiet yet solemn atmosphere.

Champion Lucario sat upright, her expression no longer sharp and imposing, but carrying a cautious calmness.

Yan Yang sat on the sofa opposite her, while Entei lay quietly at his side. The silent majesty of the Legendary Pokémon lent an added sense of formality to their conversation.

The other Pokémon were not particularly suited to such a serious occasion, so they were all freely roaming the ecological zone.

The institute's other members were busy with their own work, though their gazes kept drifting toward the reception room. Curiosity and anticipation were practically written across their faces—just what kind of major event could bring the Champion here in person?

"I've more or less pieced together the overall course of events from the captured researchers, as well as my conversations with Eternal Flower and King Za," Lucario said bluntly. Her gaze fell on Yan Yang, carrying undisguised admiration and a hint of curiosity. "But for certain key details, especially the parts you experienced firsthand, I'd like to hear your version."

So Eternal Flower and Za had also been "interviewed" by the Champion. Yan Yang thought.

By now, those two should have been completely free to pursue new lives, right?

Although the rift in their relationship still remained, at least they would no longer pose a threat.

The destruction of the Ultimate Weapon apparently had not affected their immortality... As long as they behaved themselves, with Eternal Flower keeping watch, Za probably could not stir up much trouble.

Yan Yang nodded and began calmly recounting the parts he could talk about.

He described how he had been drawn into the incident, how he had encountered Volcanion on the plateau and