"Long time no see, Shiyan Yong!"
With a sunny smile on his face, Muren Under the Moon approached Yong, spreading his arms as though he intended to hug him.
But the boy frowned and dodged him, asking instead,
"You're the one pulling the strings behind the scenes?"
"Oh, come now~ Don't put it like that~"
Muren Under the Moon stopped, gave him an innocent smile, and spread his hands.
"I merely met you at the right time and the right place! What do you think? I've been preparing this stage for ages, all to await your arrival!"
Below the stands,
Scott rose and headed toward one of the entrance doors. As Kofu watched Muren Under the Moon, something flickered in his eyes... disdain?
"Tell me what you want!"
Seeing how firmly Yong kept him at arm's length, Muren Under the Moon dropped his smile and spoke earnestly, his expression solemn.
"I, Muren Under the Moon, formally invite you to join us on behalf of Under the Moon! You will receive abundant resources and training! What do you say?"
Yong looked at him expressionlessly, then shook his head.
"I refuse! I won't join any financial conglomerate or Ancient Family faction!"
Argenta lowered her eyes, her thoughts unreadable. Muren Under the Moon, however, remained unperturbed and smiled.
"Rejected, just as I expected!"
He looked around and spoke with feigned regret.
"You know, Yong, finding somewhere completely out of sight of Stone and the Pokémon League was no easy task!"
"To that end, I had to pay a certain price to gain complete control over a Battle Facility! Well? Haven't I worked hard?"
Yong frowned.
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
"Tsk, tsk! Don't be so impatient!"
Glancing at Scott and Kofu as they stepped onto the stage, Muren Under the Moon