Sunsteel Strike Beneath the Heavens

Yali's return caused quite a stir within the Aether Foundation.

As the founder who had been missing for years, her sudden reappearance naturally drew close attention and cautious investigation from the League.

The Ultra Beasts had only just ravaged Alola, and this figure—who had once delved deepest into Ultra Space before vanishing in that very field—returned at precisely this moment. It was hard not to draw connections.

Faced with the League interrogators' relentless questioning, Yali remained perfectly composed.

Her answers were logical and sincere. She described her years of disappearance as "barely surviving on the fringes of Ultra Space while struggling to find a way home," while claiming she had "only learned of Alola's recent disaster after returning and was deeply heartbroken."

Her emotions and testimony were virtually flawless, and she passed the League's questioning.

From the interrogators and her former subordinates, she also learned what had happened to the Aether Foundation after her departure—particularly Vice President Moke's series of unauthorized and even illegal actions while she was gone.

"Moke... in the end, he was simply too eager for quick success and took the wrong path." She sighed softly, her tone carrying an elder's regret and reproach. "You stopped him in time. You did well. Later, I will personally meet with him. There are some things... I need to ask him face-to-face."

Although her attitude seemed entirely reasonable, the League guards still held a trace of suspicion.

However, there was insufficient evidence, and there was no point in continuing to detain and interrogate her. They could only release her for the time being, though necessary surveillance would naturally continue in secret—just not too strictly.

Yali then headed to the special prison where Moke was being held.

The instant Moke saw her through the visitation glass, he was so shocked he