Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice-Chapter 195: Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice []

Kukui then took out a silver medal and placed it around Leon's neck.

Leon was a bit amused and baffled.

From the time he debuted until now, he had won so many trophies that he couldn't even count them. But a silver medal? That was a rare experience.

The experience of winning a trophy one day and receiving a silver medal the next—he figured he'd probably never encounter something like that again in his lifetime.

Meanwhile, Stephen was even more speechless because Lusamine directly handed him a massive championship trophy.

It was far more extravagant than the friendship match trophy Leon received yesterday.

Winning one match and being handed such an enormous trophy left Stephen unsure of what expression to show.

"Champion!!!"

"Champion!!!"

"Champion!!!"

Fortunately, the atmosphere wasn't as awkward as Stephen had imagined. The Manalo Stadium erupted into deafening cheers.

Not only were the local Alolans ecstatic, but spectators from all over the world were equally fervent.

To them, witnessing today's match not only symbolized the confirmation of the strongest trainer in the League but also marked the birth of a guardian deity for the people of the Pokémon League.

Looking at Goodshow's smiling applause was enough to tell.

Although Stephen hadn't joined Kanto or Johto, just like when the Shadow Organization caused trouble before and elites from other Leagues rushed to help, the same would happen in the future.

If those Rocket scoundrels caused trouble again, they'd now have a pillar of stability to rely on.

Alola began its final day of celebratory festivities.

Reporters rushed to interview elite trainers and League presidents from various regions.

"I'm delighted that Diantha has taken over as the champion of the Kalos League. I will continue to support her as one of the Elite Four,"

Diantha's predecessor, Drasna, cheerfully accepted an interview.

Although Diantha's performance in the tournament was the least eye-catching among the new champions, Drasna was still happy to see her take the position.

After all, Drasna knew very well that while Diantha still had some ways to go now, she would undoubtedly advance to true champion level in the near future.

It was better than Drasna, who had been stuck at the peak of Elite Four level for years but was forced to occupy the champion's seat.

Besides, Drasna had never particularly wanted the position. The issue was that Kalos had no one else!

"After the former Chairman retired, it's said that Lysandre, the representative of the Lysandre Group, will take over as Chairman. What do you think about this?"

The reporter pressed further.

"Mr. Lysandre and his Lysandre Group have made outstanding contributions to the economic development of the Kalos region. I believe he will make an excellent president,"

Drasna wasn't very familiar with Lysandre, but since her colleague Malva spoke highly of him and he indeed contributed greatly to Kalos' economy, Drasna supported Lysandre in becoming the new Chairman.

"Champion Wallace, many online speculate that the only reason you became champion was because Steven's Metagross was severely injured in a previous battle. How do you respond to this?"

Meanwhile, another reporter threw a sharp question at Wallace.

"It's normal for everyone to have different opinions, but since I am now the champion, I will take on the responsibilities of a champion and protect the people of Hoenn. If I fail to do so, then criticism at that time will be justified,"

Wallace responded with a smiling face, leaving no room for rebuttal.

"Have you reconciled with Gym Leader Winona?"

The reporter abruptly turned the topic to an unrelated personal issue.

Wallace's face instantly darkened.

The main focus, however, remained on Alola.

Alola's champion, Stephen, League President Lusamine, and even recent Galar transfers like Nessa and Bea received significant attention.

Then, there was Rose.

After all, Stephen had acquired too much from Galar.

Just the Gym Leaders alone—three of them were poached from Galar.

"President Lusamine, many are curious why Dr. Stephen chose Alola instead of Galar. Could you share the reason with us?"

"Dr. Stephen, since you chose Alola, your Bewear will be separated from Zamazenta. Will you release Bewear?"

"Ms. Nessa, did you leave Galar and join Alola because of Dr. Stephen?"

"Chairman Rose, many online suspects that you secretly admire Dr. Stephen. Is that true?"

"Leon performed terribly today. Will you replace him with Raihan or Melony?"

"..."

Lusamine frowned slightly, visibly displeased, and said:

"When I first met Stephen two years ago, my family and I developed a deep bond with him. We are like family. Stephen chose to stay in Alola because, compared to profit, he values relationships more. Of course, this may seem impossible to those who prioritize self-interest, but he is just such a loyal and compassionate person."

Rose said with a smile:

"Dr. Stephen is the most brilliant genius in the League's history. I am happy to provide him with any necessary support. Although Leon couldn't defeat even one of Dr. Stephen's Pokémon today, I believe that besides him, no one else in the League could last as long against Dr. Stephen. And it won't take long before Leon reaches a level where he stands shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Stephen."

The reporters, and even the League elites listening nearby, exchanged bewildered glances.

Even Leon himself was stunned.

Does the chairman think so highly of me?

...

The next day, chairmans and elite trainers from various regions bid farewell to Stephen one by one.

Steven remarked that not being a champion wasn't a bad thing. This way, he could focus entirely on nurturing his shiny Beldum and researching the newly discovered stones in Hoenn.

Yes, stones similar to the keystone that Diantha had given to Stephen before.

Both the Devon Corporation and the Lysandre Group had started research on them.

It remained to be seen which side would be the first to unlock Mega Evolution.

However, as long as Xerneas awakens, this achievement might ultimately belong to Dr. Stephen.

When bidding farewell to the Sinnoh group, Stephen's gaze lingered on Sheena for an extra second.

If nothing unexpected happened, this woman would be kidnapped by Pryce the moment she returned to Michina.

"Sorry about that. After all, I can't let my territory be destroyed,"

Stephen silently apologized to Sheena in his heart, without feeling the slightest guilt.

He admitted to himself that he wasn't exactly a good person.

If he were to clash with Pryce, it would undoubtedly be at a country level of destruction.

Alola was, after all, his own home, and Stephen couldn't bear to start a fight there.

But Michina was different—it was vast and sparsely populated. Worst case, after a battle, he could just ask Sheena to summon Palkia to repair the space, just like Palkia restored Alamos Town in the movie.

[Uncle, they're back.]

After bidding farewell to everyone, the first thing Stephen did was send a message to Giovanni.

Accompanied by Karen and Will, Stephen arrived at the ecological sanctuary of the Aether Paradise.

At the moment, the Tree of Eternity, placed at the very center, still showed no signs of awakening.

Meanwhile, the wild Pokémon adopted by the Aether Foundation were huddled nervously in the corners, their expressions full of fear.

The reason? Beneath the Tree of Eternity, a group of Pokémon lay prostrate, resting with closed eyes.

"Woof!"

Detecting footsteps, Sina and the other two perked up their ears, got up, and quickly ran to greet them.

Nearby, the trio of Bewear, Umbreon, and Shadow Lugia, who had been seated in a triangle formation, put down their playing cards. Recently, they had become obsessed with a game Stephen taught them.

However, whenever Umbreon played, she always had to transform into Primarina, because only in that form could she free up her hands to hold cards.

Meanwhile, Zoroark and Mew, who had just teleported Zamazenta over, sat across from each other. The two—a fox and a cat—each held a second-generation Pokédex, playing a multiplayer game called Pikachu Kart Racing.

This was the third game developed by Rainbow Corporation. It featured popular Pokémon like Pikachu, Bewear, and Mew as racing drivers in a kart racing game, clearly inspired by a certain mustachioed plumber who had been rescuing a princess for decades.

Stephen patted the three dogs, then glanced over at Bewear, Umbreon, Shadow Lugia, Zamazenta, Mega Altaria, Zoroark, and the others, one by one.

"Next, we're going to face what is very likely—no, definitely—the strongest trainer in this world."

"But I'm not afraid at all. When I look at you all, I'm confident that we won't lose to anyone."

"Master-level trainers aren't scary. Let's make him part of history."

Stephen's words were filled with unshakable determination.

However, just as Stephen boarded the private plane with his best lineup and was about to land in Michina, he suddenly received a call from Giovanni.

["Stephen, there's been a change."]

Stephen, who was about to disembark, paused mid-step and frowned. "What happened?"

["That little girl didn't return to Michina. She went to Lily of the Valley Island."]

"What?"

Stephen was stunned.

Of course, he was familiar with Lily of the Valley Island. It was the location of Ash's infamous loss in the Sinnoh League in the anime and the headquarters of the Sinnoh League.

Why would Sheena go there instead of returning home?

["Anyway, Pryce has also headed there. I've already sent some people to investigate. Wait for my update."]

Giovanni hung up after finishing his explanation.

Stephen, who had been fully prepared for a do-or-die battle, suddenly felt as if his plans had gone awry.

After disembarking, Stephen and his companions found a small inn in a Michina village to stay in.

Although Michina only had a few dozen households, it was still considered a tourist spot, so there were accommodations available.

...

Two days later, Giovanni finally sent back some news.

He reported that Sheena no longer lived in Michina and had moved permanently to Lily of the Valley Island.

Stephen was immediately baffled. What was this about?

Giovanni explained further: It was all due to the Jewel of Life theft incident a year ago.

Back then, Stephen, in his Joker persona, had stolen the Jewel of Life. The Pokémon League had been terrified when they found out. They even dispatched a dream team consisting of Lance, Cynthia, and Steven to deal with it.

Although the Jewel of Life was eventually recovered, the League remained uneasy. After much deliberation, they decided to store the Jewel of Life at Lily of the Valley Island, the headquarters of the Sinnoh League, to prevent another theft.

As the Jewel of Life's guardian, Sheena naturally moved to Lily of the Valley Island to continue protecting it and to ensure it could one day be returned to Arceus.

"Now, Pryce is in a tough spot. That little girl, Sheena, is living in the Sinnoh League's headquarters building, practically inseparable from Sinnoh's new champion, Cynthia. Even when they're not together, she's always under official protection. It's hard for him to make a move."

On Lily of the Valley Island, Giovanni squinted as he observed the bustling streets.

Sheena being under the Sinnoh League's constant protection was a problem. Additionally, unlike sparsely populated Michina, Lily of the Valley Island, as the Sinnoh League's headquarters, was densely populated.

If Pryce attempted a kidnapping in such a place, even if he succeeded, the Sinnoh League would respond immediately.

In the original storyline, Pryce fled directly to Ilex Forest after obtaining the GS Ball because Celebi was located there. He had been too preoccupied to cause chaos in a crowded arena. That had been a small mercy.

"At least for us, this is a good thing, isn't it? If that old man can't act anytime soon, maybe Xerneas will awaken in the meantime," Giovanni added.

Stephen, Will, and Karen exchanged glances.

That was true.

If Pryce couldn't act for now, it gave them more time to wait for Xerneas to wake up.

"Should we... head back?" Will asked, blinking.

Karen brushed back her hair and sighed in exasperation. "We came here fully prepared for a life-or-death battle... what a waste of emotions."

"Hm? Stephen, what's wrong?" Karen noticed Stephen's serious expression.

"If a battle breaks out on Lily of the Valley Island, it won't be good for us," Stephen said.

"What do you mean?" Will asked, looking confused.

"Lily of the Valley Island has too many people, right?" Karen quickly caught on.

The reason Stephen had sold Sheena's intel to Pryce was because Michina, with its vast, sparsely populated landscape, was the perfect battleground. With no bystanders around, they wouldn't have to worry about casualties and could fight at full strength.

But Lily of the Valley Island? Karen checked the population numbers. Seven figures!

"This... this is going to be a problem. If a fight breaks out there..."

Will briefly imagined the scene, and a bead of cold sweat rolled down his chubby face.

Although he enjoyed seeking thrills and admitted he sometimes did bad things, dragging over a million people into trouble at once... damn, that's playing way too big.

If so many people died, no matter how carefree Will might be, he'd surely wake up at night in terror and slap himself hard in the face.

"... There's no other way. I can only use that move."

After some thought, Stephen made up his mind.

"Stephen, do you have a plan?"

Karen and Will turned their heads in unison.

"That legendary creature we saw earlier that likes to steal things—isn't it very good at teleportation?" Stephen asked.

At those words, Karen and Will immediately recalled a certain gluttonous mythical beast that could speak human language and kept stuffing donuts into its mouth.

That's right, in the original story, wasn't the reason the Ragnarok battle didn't cause massive civilian casualties precisely because of Hoopa's abilities?

"Are we going back to Kalos to borrow it from that girl?" Will asked curiously.

After all, they had the legitimate reason of avoiding harming innocent people. Compared to Meray and her not-so-reliable brother, they probably wouldn't refuse.

"But what if she asks us, 'How do you know something's going to happen in Lily of the Valley Island?' What would we say then?"

Karen shot a withering glance at Will. They'd been traveling together for years now, and this idiot still hadn't learned a thing.

"Well, it might be a bit crude, but we'll have to steal it."

Stephen chuckled. "After defeating Pryce, we'll just pretend to lose focus and deliberately let little Hoopa escape."

"Perfect!" Will gave a thumbs-up in approval.

Karen couldn't be bothered with this fool and turned to Stephen. "When do we act?"

"No rush. We'll wait until Pryce is about to lose his patience. If we snatch Hoopa too early, it might leave the girl with psychological scars."

Stephen smiled.

"I think teaching that little thing a lesson wouldn't be so bad. It's way too mischievous."

Karen recalled the scene when they first met Hoopa a few days ago. She thought to herself, if her child were this naughty, she'd give them a good spanking!

...

Meanwhile, in the heart of Lumiose City in the Kalos region, inside a towering office building...

Everyone in Kalos knew this was the headquarters of the prestigious Lysandre Group, the top company in the region.

But few were aware that it was also the base of the criminal organization, Team Flare.

Of course, it was no surprise. After all, even the Kalos League hadn't figured out what "Team Flare" was.

At this moment, Lysandre was leading a group of Team Flare scientists, headed by Xerosic, in researching Mega Evolution Stones.

On the lab table in front of them lay several evolution stones, each with a different color.

Just then, the lab's automatic doors opened, and Malva walked in with one hand on her hip, striding confidently like a model.

"Mr. Lysandre, the Kalos League has officially decided to appoint you as the next Chairman of the League. They hope you can attend the press conference tomorrow, where they'll also announce Diantha's successor as the Champion."

"Excellent. This will make Team Flare's operations in Kalos even easier, zo~."

Xerosic, the chief scientist of Team Flare, said with his peculiar accent.

"Is that so? Understood."

Compared to his excited subordinates, Lysandre remained exceptionally calm.

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Malva crossed her arms, accentuating her impressive presence, which was no less dazzling than Lorelei's. "By the way, is it okay to leave Xerneas with Dr. Stephen? Isn't it the key to activating the ultimate weapon?"

"Xerneas is the guardian deity of Kalos. Once it awakens, it will inevitably return to Kalos. Not even Dr. Stephen can forcibly capture it."

Lysandre's expression didn't change as he spoke.

"Besides, we have another ace up our sleeve."

At this, a faint smile finally appeared on Lysandre's face.

"Hoopa... right?"

Malva narrowed her eyes slightly.