In Blackthorn City of the Johto Region, within the rear garden of the Blackthorn clan estate.
At this moment, three days had already passed since Eternatus underwent its Eternamax transformation. After Eternatus entered its Eternamax state, Lucas had it add several new power spots to the Galar Region once again.
For example, Spikemuth, which originally did not possess any power spot at all.
It was also during that time that Lucas met his brother-in-law, Piers, for the very first time.
Mm… it really had to be said—Piers' fashion sense was truly far too visually overstimulating …
And it was honestly impressive that his younger sister, Marnie, had somehow managed to grow up with a perfectly normal aesthetic sense…
Although Piers had a reputation among outsiders for being difficult to get along with, he was clearly quite fond of Lucas. As for the matter between his own sister and Lucas, he expressed his wholehearted approval with both hands raised.
To be honest, Lucas strongly suspected that the reason Piers was so easygoing was because he had immediately arranged for a power spot to be established in Spikemuth…
But regardless of the reason, being able to earn the approval of Marnie's family was, in any case, a good thing.
After finishing the arrangements of power spots throughout the Galar Region, Lucas returned to the Indigo to continue his "restorative lifestyle."
However, today, Phyco from Alola suddenly contacted him.
"Are you certain?"
Inside a pavilion, Lucas was lying back on a long bench in casual clothes. Upon hearing the report, he frowned slightly and asked Phyco.
"Yes, my lord. We have confirmed it multiple times. An Ultra Wormhole has been opened, and based on the detected life signs, it is not limited to Ultra Beasts alone—there are humans as well."
Phyco wiped the sweat from his forehead and spoke seriously to Lucas.
They had all relocated to Alola and resumed relatively normal lives. However, having lived for many years in the sunless world of Ultra Megalopolis, Phyco and the others had skin and appearances that were completely different from normal humans, to the point of being rather frightening.
As a result, Lusamine had specifically designated an area for them to live in on the artificial island of Aether Paradise.
And Phyco and his people had dutifully continued fulfilling their responsibilities, monitoring the connections between Ultra Space and the real world.
But just moments ago, an Ultra Wormhole had opened. With their highly advanced technology, Phyco and the others immediately prepared to identify what kind of Ultra Beast had emerged.
As natives of Ultra Space, they were extremely familiar with Ultra Beasts.
Yet the life-sign readings this time had completely exceeded their expectations!
"Furthermore, the reaction from that Ultra Beast is extremely similar to… Lord Solgaleo…"
Phyco pressed his lips together. In truth, even he found it hard to believe.
Because living in Aether Paradise, he knew very well that Solgaleo should not possibly appear in Ultra Space!
Or rather, it should be impossible for Solgaleo to appear at all—after all, its second-stage form, Cosmoem, was still being held in Lillie's arms every single day!
"Solgaleo, together with an unidentified human?"
Lucas's eyes flickered thoughtfully. The reason he had ordered Phyco and the others to monitor Ultra Space in the first place was precisely to guard against Team Rainbow Rocket!
Team Rainbow Rocket was an organization that appeared in the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon game versions—a supreme villain faction whose core members consisted entirely of parallel-world versions of past leaders of evil organizations!
Most importantly, every single core member of this organization was equipped with a top-tier Legendary Pokémon!
That's right—Rainbow Giovanni possessed Mewtwo, Rainbow Maxie wielded Groudon, Rainbow Cyrus commanded Palkia…
They were all rulers from parallel worlds who had conquered their respective realities and fulfilled their ambitions, gathered by Rainbow Giovanni to invade one parallel world after another.
Such a dangerous organization—although it was unclear whether it truly existed in reality—was still something Lucas preferred to guard against in advance. That was why he had Phyco and the others fulfill their role by monitoring Ultra Space.
And now, there truly seemed to be a suspected member of Team Rainbow Rocket?
"Can you track that person's whereabouts?"
After pondering for a moment, Lucas asked Phyco.
"My deepest apologies, my lord. After appearing, that individual immediately concealed their trail. The trace belonging to Lord Solgaleo also vanished at the same time."
Phyco replied in shame.
"In that case…"
Lucas felt the situation was becoming rather troublesome. The world was simply too vast—trying to locate someone deliberately hiding themselves would be extremely difficult.
Moreover, they had no idea who the other party even was.
Besides, Team Rainbow Rocket didn't even have anyone capable of controlling Solgaleo, did they?
"Have Lusamine be extra cautious. Also, dispatch personnel to place the Alola Region under alert. If any suspicious individuals are discovered, do not act rashly—take photos and send them to me."
After thinking it over, Lucas issued his instructions to Phyco.
At present, there was no useful information at all, so heightened vigilance was the only option.
The core members of Team Rainbow Rocket were all ferocious, wildly ambitious individuals—none of them could be underestimated.
Although if their location could be confirmed, Lucas could simply head over and deal with them directly. Top-tier Legendary Trainers were indeed powerful, but Lucas wasn't afraid of them.
However, without a location, everything was just empty talk.
After hanging up the call, Lucas temporarily set the matter aside, as all he could do was wait for further news.
After all, as long as that stowaway dared to show their face, Lucas would suppress them on the spot!
It was merely a Solgaleo—what kind of waves could it really stir up?
Lucas shifted his gaze to his phone. Displayed on the screen was the latest Master Class Rankings.
No.1 — Former Indigo Champion: Lance Blackthorn!
No.2 — Indigo Trainer: Lucas Blackthorn!
No.3 — Galar Champion: Leon Laventon!
No.4 — Sinnoh Champion: Cynthia Shirona!
No.5 — Former Hoenn Champion: Steven Stone!
No.6 — Indigo Elite Four: Red Ketchum!
No.7 — Indigo Elite Four: Zinnia Draconid!
No.8 — Indigo Champion: "N" Natural Harmonia Gropius!
Yes—this was the current, brand-new Master Class Rankings!
Three days ago, Zinnia had challenged Iris and taken her ranking. And with Iris entering the rankings, Blue had been squeezed out of the Master Class Rankings.
Then yesterday, N once again challenged Iris and successfully claimed her ranking.
At this point, the Champion and two members of the Indigo Elite Four had successfully risen to the top. It was also rumored that Blue was preparing to challenge Steven again.
It could be said that recently, with the frequent challenges from the Indigo Elite Four, the Master Class Rankings had been constantly reshuffled. And poor Iris had become the most-challenged member of the rankings…
First she was challenged by Lucas, then by Red, then by Zinnia, and then by N…
Even Lucas couldn't help but feel some sympathy for this future Unova Champion girl. Truly, a world where only Iris gets hurt… so pitiful.
"The timing should be about right."
Looking at the rankings, Lucas's lips curved slightly upward.
At present, the reputation of the Indigo Elite Four had completely exploded across the world. Everyone knew that this generation of Indigo Elite Four were all absolute powerhouses.
In other regions, each of them would already be more than qualified to serve as an Elite Four member or even a Champion!
…
Indigo Plateau.
Inside the highest conference chamber, the upper echelons of the Indigo League were holding a meeting.
Compared to the past, when the entire chamber would be filled to capacity, this imposing hall now appeared somewhat empty. Still, it was at least better than some time ago…
Back then, nearly all of the Indigo League's council members had been slaughtered by Lance, leaving only Officer Jenny Zero, Head Nurse Joy, Chairman Loki, and two councilors as survivors.
Yet the atmosphere in the chamber at this moment was rather peculiar.
Blue and the others curiously cast their gazes toward the opposite side. Aside from several newly promoted councilors appointed by Loki, there were four additional newcomers present today.
Lance, Agatha, Bruno, and Lorelei!
That's right—the former Indigo Elite Four!
The four who had previously been imprisoned had now been released, and had even been arranged to sit inside this very conference chamber.
Clearly, they had once again gained Loki's recognition.
And Officer Jenny Zero and Head Nurse Joy who had experienced that terrifying night showed no resistance toward Lance either.
After all, from beginning to end, they never believed that Lance had been wrong—only that his methods had been far too extreme.
Those monsters who had been completely consumed by desire had long since become malignant tumors within the Indigo League.
Being eliminated by Lance could even be considered a good thing.
"I have called everyone here today to discuss an important matter."
Loki smiled gently as his gaze swept across everyone present, a look of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.
Although the previous betrayal by Lance and the others had gravely wounded Indigo, the present Indigo was now stronger than ever before!
The old and new generations of Indigo's Elite Four were gathered here together—who else could compare?!
Lance stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
Agatha still wore her familiar, faintly sinister smile. Lorelei's face was icy and silent.
Bruno lowered his head, eyes closed, deliberately minimizing his presence.
Each one was more eccentric than the last…
But that was only natural. Although they had been persuaded by Loki this time, there were surely still knots in their hearts.
After all, they had once been traitors.
"Chairman, please proceed."
Officer Jenny Zero spoke with a serious, meticulous expression.
"The Alola League is currently under construction. President Lusamine of Aether Paradise has proactively provided a massive amount of funds and supplies, so for the League itself, the establishment of the Alola League has consumed very few resources."
"At present, Team Rocket within the Kanto area has been eliminated, with only a small number of remnants gathering in the Johto area."
"Indigo, in the end, is simply too large."
Loki's aged voice was gentle and kindly as he explained the current situation of Indigo.
"This morning, Elite Four Zinnia specifically came to discuss this matter with me. At present, Indigo is overflowing with talent."
Loki's gaze shifted toward Lance and the other three. After Zinnia's reminder, he too felt the idea was entirely feasible.
"I propose that we separate the Johto area, establish it as an independent Johto Region, and form the Johto League. What do you all think?"
Establishing the Johto Region!
Hearing this, everyone except Zinnia was stunned. Separate Kanto and Johto?
"If the Johto area is made independent… it truly is feasible."
Officer Jenny Zero furrowed her brows, rapidly analyzing the pros and cons in her mind, before ultimately reaching a conclusion.
Completely feasible!
The Indigo Region was the largest of all regions. Combined, Kanto and Johto already possessed a total of sixteen officially recognized Gyms.
Not to mention the privately operated ones…
This alone spoke volumes.
Moreover, separating Kanto and Johto would significantly reduce the pressure on law enforcement.
The region was simply too vast—when emergencies occurred, it was often impossible to respond in time.
But once Indigo had two separate Leagues, each managing its own territory, the situation would become entirely manageable.
The only drawback was that once Johto was separated, Indigo's overall strength would inevitably decline.
After all, personnel allocation and such would need to be redistributed from the original Indigo to Johto in order to establish a basic League framework, which would then be gradually filled out.
"I support this proposal."
"I second it!"
"I second it!"
Almost everyone voiced their approval. The establishment of the Johto League indeed carried many benefits.
As for Indigo's decline in strength?
They weren't particularly concerned. After all, with five Champion-level Elite Four members like N, Indigo would still remain the strongest League!
"In that case, after the meeting, we will issue an official announcement. As for the location of the Johto League, it will be set in Silver Town, beneath Mt. Silver."
Loki smiled as he declared. Kanto and Johto were originally adjacent regions, merely separated by Mt. Silver.
Now, it was actually quite fitting—Johto League and Indigo League would not be far apart at all.
"Next is the matter of selecting Johto's Elite Four…"
The establishment of a League inevitably involved the League's highest combat power—the Elite Four!
At this point, Loki's gaze naturally fell upon Lance and the other three.
Weren't they ready-made Elite Four?
But there were only four of them—where would the fifth come from?
"Lance, why don't you ask for Lucas's opinion?"
After pondering for a moment, Loki asked Lance.
If Lucas were willing to take the position, it would be perfect.
"Lucas is probably unwilling."
Lance replied calmly, unsurprised.
His cousin enjoyed a free and unrestrained life—how could he possibly be willing to take on the position of an Elite Four or Champion?
"However, I can go and ask him. Whether it succeeds or not is beyond my control."
After thinking it over, Lance wasn't opposed to Lucas joining the League.
Besides, it had been a long time since he'd last seen Lucas. He truly missed his cousin.
"Then I'll have to trouble you."
Loki smiled, then lowered his head to look at the planning documents in his hands.
It was time to properly plan the next phase of deployments. Moreover, Zinnia had proactively volunteered to take up a post in Johto.
It really would be best to separate Lance and the other three.
After all, past lessons were right there. Although Loki believed that the four of them had already turned over a new leaf…
To say he had no lingering worries at all would be a lie.
(End of Chapter)
TN: I'll probably call Indigo now to just Kanto since I think Indigo is more for both and be less confusing too.