Adams sat in the main seat.
Below him were the high-ranking officials of the Hoenn League.
Adams stood up, bowed to everyone, and said apologetically, "I am fully responsible for the massive losses incurred this time. Once this incident is over, I will step down from the position of League Champion and hand it over to a capable person."
As he spoke, he scanned the room, his gaze finally resting on Drake.
The meaning was clear: he hoped Drake would take over the Champion position.
The League President is primarily responsible for internal League affairs, while the League Champion is responsible for battles and all matters requiring the use of force. The order for Drake and the others to rush to the Hunter Guild battlefield was issued by Adams in his capacity as Champion.
Therefore, Adams hoped that by resigning from the Champion role, he could provide accountability to everyone.
"What are you doing? Don't look at me! You can step down if you want, but I wouldn't dare take that Champion spot," Drake said irritably, sitting right next to Adams.
"President, you don't need to blame yourself. Casualties are unavoidable in war. We achieved two major victories in a single day this time; judging by the final outcome, it was an excellent result," said Mr. Stone, who was seated on the other side of the main table.
These people were all old acquaintances. They knew Adams was genuinely remorseful, but the Hoenn League was not yet ready to manage without his leadership.
Following Drake and Mr. Stone's comments, the people below also began speaking up, urging him to reconsider.
Everyone had witnessed Adams's diligent service and contributions to the Hoenn League over the past few decades.
However, Adams's attitude was firm. "Stop talking, all of you. I have made my decision to step down as Champion. Since there is currently no one in the Hoenn League ready to take the position, we will leave it temporarily vacant—isn't the Kanto League doing the same? I will temporarily exercise the authority, but as soon as someone earns everyone's recognition and can serve as Champion, we will collectively support their ascension!"
He scanned the room again, his gaze briefly lingering on Aoki, Steven, and Norman.
Everyone with discerning eyes knew Adams's intention was to select one of these three to serve as Champion.
Currently, Norman was the strongest, his true strength ranking among the top within the entire conference room, but he personally did not want to be constrained by such positions.
While he would readily serve the League in emergencies like this one, he did not want mundane matters to impede his pursuit of greater strength.
Aoki's true strength was currently slightly higher than Steven's, but the power he had displayed publicly was roughly the same as Steven's.
However, Aoki had a significant advantage: he came from an ordinary background, had no family ties, and would not show favoritism. Furthermore, as an exceptionally gifted Advanced Breeder, his influence was even greater.
Following this incident, Aoki had gained considerable prestige within the League's standing forces, and the calls for him to become an Elite Four member were the loudest.
As for Steven.
Adams had observed Steven for a long time and understood that he lacked nothing in terms of talent, effort, or resources. If asked which of the three had the highest probability of becoming the strongest, it would definitely be Steven, supported by the entire Stone family.
Steven's personality was also quite commendable, devoid of the arrogance often seen in rich heirs. Mr. Stone had clearly done an excellent job raising him.
But sometimes, the family that makes you can also break you; his status as the family heir became a certain stumbling block, whether competing for the Elite Four or the Champion position.
However, this was unavoidable. Even a seemingly upright person like Steven could not guarantee that he wouldn't open certain doors of convenience for the Stone family after becoming Champion.
Even if it was a negligible point, holding that position was like being exposed under a spotlight; every detail would be magnified infinitely, potentially leading to criticism.
In truth, all three of them possessed the potential to serve as Champion in other regions.
Adams was currently experiencing a feeling of bittersweet joy.
However, speaking of the Champion role was still premature; even Norman, the strongest of the three, was still slightly lacking.
Drake could barely qualify for the role, but only barely, and he himself was unwilling.
Drake was also getting old; even if he became Champion, he wouldn't be able to make substantial changes. It was better for him to faithfully carry out his current duties and pave the way for the next generation.
Drake saw an infinitely bright future for the Hoenn League in Aoki's generation.
It wasn't just Aoki and Steven; Phoebe and Wallace were at least Elite Four caliber, and in weaker regions, they could even challenge for the Champion title. They only seemed less prominent because Aoki and Steven were too dazzling.
No one could predict the future growth potential of Phoebe and Wallace.
Regarding future potential, only Steven's was the most certain; the limits of everyone else were unpredictable.
Part of the reason for Adams's resignation due to fault was that he genuinely needed to bear some responsibility for the incident, and the other part was his desire to vacate the Champion position to give hope to those below him.
The matter was finally settled by Adams's firm decision.
"What are your thoughts on Team Magma and Team Aqua?" With this question, the formal content of the meeting finally began.
"Team Magma and Team Aqua have suffered massive losses in strength, with seventy to eighty percent of their forces wiped out. However, their strongest high-ranking members remain intact, so we need to be wary of a sudden counterattack. But for the short term, they should pose no problem," Drake said. Since he was primarily in charge of this operation, his words carried the most weight.
Adams nodded and then looked toward Aoki, who was seated in the position representing the League's Chief Investigator.
No one knew exactly when, but this seat had transitioned from being occupied by four people in rotation to being occupied by Aoki alone.
The other three Chief Investigators showed no intention of competing for it.
"Aoki, what are your views? Tell us," Adams asked.
Aoki glanced at Elite Four Drake, nodded, and stated frankly, "Elite Four Drake makes a very good point. Team Magma and Team Aqua won't be able to cause much trouble in the short term, and we can temporarily shift our focus away from them. However..."
He paused briefly before continuing, "However, Team Magma and Team Aqua obtained two special stones from Meteor Falls. Based on discussions with Professor Solace and descriptions I've read in certain documents, these two stones are very likely the Blue Orb and the Red Orb... two unique stones capable of awakening the Legendary Pokémon, Kyogre, the God of the Sea, and Groudon, the God of the Land. If they find the resting places of these two Legendary Pokémon..."
Upon hearing Aoki's words, everyone's expressions turned serious, understanding the gravity of the situation.