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After hearing Ash's words, Delia walked over, stood in front of him, and gently helped him up. With a tender smile, she straightened his clothes and cap, then softly wiped away the tears on his face before speaking gently.
"Although we were only together for a few days, I was truly happy. When you were here, it always felt like I had more emotions inside me… feelings I can't even name. Now that you're leaving, you must take good care of yourself. You mustn't get hurt again, because if you do, I won't be able to treat you anymore… Hehe, remember my words well. That's all I'll say, otherwise someone might start getting jealous~"
At the end, Delia covered her mouth with her hand, chuckling together with Ash.
Hearing her words, Liam pursed his lips in dissatisfaction, muttering inwardly with exasperation.
"Jealous? How could I possibly be jealous of my own son… Ridiculous…"
"Mm! I understand. I'll definitely remember it. Please don't worry."
After the laughter faded, Ash looked at Delia and Liam with firm determination.
"Alright, before you leave, let me give you one last gift."
At that moment, Liam reached into his pocket, pulled out a silver necklace, and quickly walked forward. He lifted it and placed it gently around Ash's neck.
"This is…"
Ash touched the necklace, running his fingers across the round pendant with some confusion.
"This is a Guardian Necklace. Sealed within it are two moves—Reflect and Light Screen. As long as you wear it, damage from Pokémon attacks will be greatly reduced. It's meant to help keep you safe."
This Guardian Necklace was something Liam exchanged from the system. Originally, it only contained Reflect, which halves physical damage, and cost 2000 exchange points with limited uses. But Liam knew the Ultra Beasts Ash faced also had overwhelming special attacks. So, after spending another 5000 exchange points for modifications with Lulu's help, Light Screen was also sealed into the necklace. Its defensive power was greatly enhanced, and it could now be used permanently.
"This—this is far too precious! I can't accept it!"
Ash immediately realized the value of the necklace after hearing its abilities. Panic spread across his face as he quickly tried to take it off. But he failed—because Liam pressed his hand firmly over it.
"You're going to wear it! With this, we'll at least have some peace of mind. If you refuse… then I won't let you leave!"
Liam's grip tightened as he spoke with absolute seriousness.
"…Alright. I understand. I'll wear it."
Feeling the strength in Liam's hand, Ash was deeply moved. He stopped resisting, nodded, and let go of the necklace. Then, after fumbling inside his clothes, he pulled out a golden badge decorated with two ribbons, and placed it into Liam's hand.
"Hm? This is…?"
Liam looked down at the badge in confusion, not sure what it meant.
"This is the Champion's Emblem Professor Kukui awarded me after I won the Alolan Championship. I don't have anything else to leave behind, so I want you to have it—as proof that you just defeated me. Please accept it."
Ash smiled, gently closing Liam's hand around the badge and pushing it back toward him.
[Ding!]
[Hidden Achievement Task: Champion's Emblem, Alola Champion! Complete!]
[Achievement Reward: Host obtained the Champion's Emblem of Alola! Reward granted—10,000 exchange points, 1 Pokémon lottery ticket, Super Mystery Pack unlocked! Rewards: 2000 exchange points, 1 Jaw Fossil, 1 Goggles, TM Defog, TM Thunderbolt.]
The sudden system notification rang in Liam's head, leaving him a little speechless. Looking at the golden Champion's Emblem in his hand, he couldn't help but feel like he'd just profited again…
"Haha~ Since that's settled, I really am leaving now. Celebi!"
Ash's expression lightened after entrusting the emblem. He turned and called out to Celebi, then walked over to Greninja's side.
"Mi~ Mi~"
Having waited impatiently all this time, Celebi immediately flew over with joy, fluttering its transparent wings and circling behind Ash. A mysterious green energy radiated, forming a vortex-like portal of time and space.
"What—what is this!"
Liam, though somewhat stirred, wasn't surprised. He had seen this scene many times before. But he had forgotten… Delia had never seen anything like it!
"Uh…"
"Mi! Mi!"
Ash noticed Delia's shocked expression, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He wanted to explain, but Celebi's urging left him no choice. Just as he stepped toward the portal, he turned back and smiled at Liam and Delia.
"Well then, goodbye. I'll be waiting for you in the future, Mom… Dad. I believe we'll be reunited someday…"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Ash entered the portal with Greninja and Celebi. The vortex spun rapidly before vanishing without a trace, leaving the place as if nothing had ever happened.
At that moment, black lines filled Liam's face as he stared at the spot Ash disappeared, feeling Delia's sharp gaze beside him. He nearly cursed aloud.
"Damn brat! Even when leaving, you had to set me up! Who in the world did you inherit this rotten personality from?!"
Liam roared inwardly, completely oblivious of himself.
"Hohoho~ There's something you've been hiding from me, isn't there? Care to explain? What did he mean by waiting for us in the future… Dad?"
Delia's strange laughter echoed beside him. Liam didn't even need to turn to know her face must be very dark. He quickly forced a laugh, turning around with an innocent look.
"W-what Dad? What future? Oh hoho~ Delia, you must've misheard~"
He planned to deny it to the bitter end… until—
"You bastard! You dare hide things from me? You're dead today!"
"Ah! No, Delia, please don't! Garchomp! Hurry and help me!!"
"Gaarr~"
Garchomp merely shrugged helplessly, watching Liam run frantically around while being chased by Delia, deciding this matter had nothing to do with it.