After discussing the purpose behind the Ecological Park with Roxanne, Yong secured her promise to move some of the Rock-type Pokémon being raised at the Gym into the park in the future.
Even more surprisingly, those Pokémon would include several of Roxanne's own partners.
In exchange, Yong offered to share the Stone Plate with Roxanne so her Pokémon could study it and gain insight.
By the time Yong stepped out of the Rustboro Gym again, the sun was high overhead, and the day had quietly slipped into the afternoon.
Yong returned to the Pokémon Center and headed straight for the room he had booked earlier.
And at that moment.
The city seemed to have undergone some subtle change because of the young man's arrival, an indescribable atmosphere spreading through its streets.
The moment he entered his room, a faint wave of fatigue washed over him, though a smile still lingered on his face.
He sat on the edge of the bed and thought back over his recent experiences.
Ever since the Invitation Tournament ended, he seemed to have been caught up in a whirlwind of work and preparations for the Ecological Park. Although he was brimming with anticipation, the experience had brought feelings quite different from those of simply traveling.
The young man smiled faintly and lay back on the bed.
"Sure enough... Pokémon battles are still what I look forward to most..."
After that brief sigh, resolve filled Yong's heart once more.
As his thoughts wandered, Yong slowly closed his eyes, letting his body and mind sink into peace.
Outside the window, the sun remained bright, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. The people of Rustboro City remained busy, while more and more eyes seemed to turn quietly toward this place as the young man drifted off to