For Ash, knowing that Gary was going to the Orange Archipelago didn't come as a surprise. After all, his battle with Lorelei was likely known worldwide.
It was not just a challenge against an Elite; it was a battle that showcased his possession of a Legendary Beast—Lugia, the Sea God of legend. Although its size and form differed somewhat from the mythical images, it was undoubtedly the genuine Lugia.
Lugia is of a rarity higher than the Three Divine Birds and the Three Holy Beasts, a Tier One God, and even without a Divine Position, has a high chance of advancing to a Divine Domain-level Pokémon. If it's the leader among them, it could even reach the legendary Divine Domain Peak.
Ash's Lugia clearly does not possess a Divine Position, nor has it reached the Divine Domain level, but that doesn't negate the limitless possibilities inherent in Lugia!
With Ash's abilities and Lugia's talent, it can be said that Ash is destined to have a Divine Domain-level Pokémon in the future. What Ash is lacking now is just time.
The battle with Lorelei instantly pushed Ash's fame to new heights, but it also made him a target for many.
After all, it's a Tier One God that hasn't matured yet. Despite Lugia defeating Lorelei's main Pokémon, that Lugia's level was only at Elite Level, relying entirely on Ash's help. Ash's special methods to enhance his Pokémon's power is no longer a secret.
So, with Lugia's current strength, if one really wants to seize it, it's not impossible.
Besides Team Galactic, many others are eyeing Ash, though it's only Team Galactic that noticed the unique trait within Little Lugia. But that doesn't make much difference.
Whether it's Team Galactic or anyone else, thinking of taking on Ash who has Mewtwo is akin to courting death.
Ash suppressed his thoughts, showing a smile and said, "I'm going to the Orange Archipelago for some business, and also as a vacation of sorts. But Gary, where have you been for more than a month? Joined the Silver Conference?"
Regarding the Orange Archipelago, Ash wouldn't casually mention it, since it involves four Legendary Beasts with Divine Positions. Although telling Gary wouldn't hurt, explaining it would be too troublesome.
This reflects Ash's growth; previously, he wouldn't care so much and would directly boast to Gary. After all, the events on the Orange Archipelago would provide lifelong bragging rights for anyone!
Especially considering showing off in front of his childhood friend, the ability to resist such temptation is undoubtedly a sign of growth!
Gary also noticed Ash had hidden intentions; since Ash didn't speak, he wouldn't ask more.
"I spent time honing myself. I felt participating in this year's Silver Conference at my previous level would just make me cannon fodder. Whether from the trainer's perspective or the Pokémon's, I have far too much to improve, so I took time to settle myself."
Honing oneself? It was hard to imagine these words coming from the arrogant Gary, but this time upon meeting him, the entirely different aura he emitted shows he's serious.
Not just about the Pokémon, but regarding the trainer aspect, today's Gary compared to when he was at the Quartz Conference is like two completely different people.
Not simply being more stable; one can vaguely feel a regal aura from him, an aura only experienced trainers emit.
Though still immature, Gary's aura has already begun to take shape.
"Want to have a battle?"
"I'd love to, but I suppose you didn't come here looking for me first, right?" Gary readily accepted Ash's challenge but calmly reminded him of his real reason for visiting Oak's Research Institute.
Ash clearly didn't know Gary had returned, so he came here not looking for Gary but for Professor Oak.
Upon hearing this, Ash instantly realized, then sheepishly scratched his head and said, "Right, right, I came to see Professor Oak. I'll battle you after I find him!" Saying this, Ash dashed into Oak's Research Institute with Pikachu.
Inside the institute, Professor Oak was busy examining the Crystal Onix with a magnifying glass. After his battles concluded, Ash sent the Crystal Onix back, swapping in other Pokémon.
After all, it was a vacation. He wanted all his Pokémon to enjoy the vacation vibes, so in a week, Ash rotated the Pokémon he sent to Oak's Research Institute.
Professor Oak had long known about Ash capturing the Crystal Onix. He had wanted to study its structure but couldn't as Ash was training it, so it hadn't been sent back.
But after the competition ended, Ash finally had the time to relax, sending the Crystal Onix back.
Professor Oak had spent these days researching the Crystal Onix tirelessly, and aside from its appearance resembling an ordinary Onix, it's overall a brand-new species.