After the Dark Guild's defeat, Lian wasn't sure if their guild master would attempt to re-enter the Dream World anytime soon. He felt that it was unlikely in the near future.
With the Dark Guild in disarray and possibly still on the run, it seemed highly improbable for the guild master to have the inclination to venture back into the Dream World under such circumstances.
As a result, the Dream World should now be relatively safe, free from any further disturbances by members of the Dark Guild, allowing Lian and Zapdos to enjoy peace undisturbed.
However, the most significant outcome of this incident wasn't the elimination of the Dark Guild but rather the increase in bond points.
Within system space, Lian examined his current attributes panel. Initially, the bond points were just over forty percent, but due to his exceptional performance during the battle, culminating in saving Kalia's life, their emotional connection deepened significantly, leading to a substantial boost in bond points.
Now, the bond points had reached 70%, increasing by more than thirty percent. With only 30% remaining to reach 100%, he was getting closer to unlocking Mega Evolution with each passing moment.
Even now, the bond points continued to increase slowly. Lian felt that within a few days, they would rise further as his relationship with Kalia strengthened.
Next, he glanced at the data panel and noticed a significant level boost, reaching Level 45 directly. This might be attributed to swiftly defeating a large group of Pokemon at once.
However, Lian found it peculiar. He always thought leveling up after battles was due to personal growth or insights gained during combat, which provided battle experience, thus enabling progression.
This time, despite eliminating numerous Pokemon, Lian didn't feel any such gains; it was merely about unleashing moves and instantaneously defeating them.
Yet, he still managed to jump straight to Level 45. Had he reached Level 44, he might have considered it normal progression, but leaping two levels indicated clearly that resolving over three hundred Pokemon had a direct impact.
In essence, the system endowed him with the ability to level up simply by defeating opponents, without requiring any profound insights or achievements from the battles. By overcoming adversaries, he could gain 'experience' and enhance his development.
While it's true that Pokemon can typically level up without battling due to their natural growth, this process is significantly slow.
Even during battles, many Trainers avoid picking on weaker opponents because victories from overly easy fights do not contribute much to a Pokemon's development.
Therefore, most Trainers focus on the benefits gained from each battle rather than just winning, preferring encounters with formidable adversaries.
"This works well for me. In the future, defeating large numbers of Pokemon at once could still lead to leveling up."
Experiencing such a scenario, where he defeated over three hundred Pokemon simultaneously, was entirely new for Lian. On average, his daily limit would be defeating only dozens of Pokemon, sometimes even less when Sceptile or Ninetales took part in battles, reducing the overall count.
Encountering situations with numerous Pokemon like today would be ideal. By employing wide-area moves again, Lian might swiftly boost his levels whenever such opportunities arise.
After reaching Level 45, Lian's Special Attack ability value nearly surpassed two thousand, hitting 1,994 points. Currently, his highest ability value was Stamina at 2,035 points, directly breaking past the two-thousand mark.
Lian was thrilled with this power boost, although the limited Combat Points were somewhat disappointing, requiring gradual accumulation over time. Kalia likely needed more preparation before initiating the Middle-Class Trainer Assessment.
With the Dark Guild's demise, tranquility returned to the Sebas Region. Meanwhile, the acquisition and distribution of Z-Rings continued, selling them to Trainers across various cities. Most Z-Ring holders were mid-level trainers or higher, but some beginner trainers also obtained Z-Rings and mastered Z-moves.
In the Sebas Region, virtually every city had Trainers equipped with Z-Rings, effectively integrating Z-moves throughout the area.
Following the incident during the Exchange Competition, relations between the two regions remained strained. Although apologies were made, the Sebas Region became well-aware of Ellie's regional culture, leading to a general perception of indifference towards the Ellie region among most people.
***
In a hidden underwater area:
Few knew that the Dark Guild maintained a secret base beneath the ocean's surface. Immediately after Kentra's escape, he rushed to this clandestine location for refuge.
It was incredibly safe here, as the depths of the ocean remained largely unexplored due to their mystique and the presence of numerous enigmatic Pokémon.
Inside the hidden underwater base, Kentra sat with a pale face. This base had been established long ago, serving as a fallback position for the Dark Guild.
Kentra never anticipated such a catastrophic outcome; not only did their operation fail, but the League also completely dismantled the Dark Guild, leaving only him, a few guild members, some lower-ranking associates, and several researchers intact.
Fortunately, they managed to secure all research materials and information related to Genesect before fleeing. The League would now be unable to uncover any details about their Genesect studies. As long as they remain undetected, there is still hope.
"Damn it! Damn it!" Kentra gritted his teeth, realizing the extent of the Dark Guild's downfall. They lost countless members and many captured Pokémon, inevitably delaying their research on Genesect further.
"No, we cannot halt Genesect's research. Entering the Sebas Region is now impossible, but I can proceed to the Ellie Region."
This failed plan was originally a collaboration with individuals from the Ellie Region. If Taro had arrived slightly later, Kentra would have undoubtedly succeeded.
Although the Ellie Region possessed greater strength, the Dark Guild currently faced dwindling numbers and limited options. Their only choice was to establish themselves within the Ellie Region.
They would need to maintain a low profile, cautiously rebuilding their organization. Over time, once the Dark Guild faded from public attention, it would be poised for resurgence.
Kentra then summoned his guild members and announced his new plan: infiltrating the Ellie Region and gradually redeveloping the Dark Guild.
As long as the research on Genesect continues, the Dark Guild will not disappear. The moment the research concludes, it marks the return of the Dark Guild.
In this scheme, Genesect holds power comparable to that of Legendary Pokémon due to its cybernetic enhancements, making it a fusion of advanced technology and a Pokémon.
"Wait and see, I will rise again," Kentra vowed silently before beginning preparations for their next move.