"Splash!"
As Lapras emerged from the water, Ace immediately took off his scuba gear, taking deep breaths of fresh air. Although he could breathe underwater without issue, Ace always felt a sense of confinement. Only by breathing normally like this did he feel comfortable.
"So much seafood, I'll have to handle it carefully, or it'll go to waste."
Ace turned to look at the small iceberg, which represented a small portion of his day's sleep, and pulled a bundle of ropes from his satchel. With Lapras's help, ice pillars suitable for tying were formed on the iceberg. After securing it with ropes, Lapras and Blastoise each grabbed an end of the rope and easily towed the small iceberg toward Ace's cabin.
They made their way back to the cliffside, where Aerodactyl and Crobat worked together to lift the iceberg and bring it home. Ace processed the Pokémon frozen inside, put the leftovers in the fridge, and the rest was naturally turned into a feast for him and his Pokémon.
Of course, even for the Genesect in the incubator, Ace prepared a portion. After preparing the dish, he extracted nutrients and injected them into the culture fluid. The Genesect, which was slowly absorbing the nutrients, underwent a slight change. Its metallic body began to become slender, but this was not a weakening; its body was becoming more streamlined. This shape would minimize drag, whether flying or dashing through water, ensuring its speed wouldn't be diminished.
And the Genesect's level remained at 1, but its stats in all aspects began to steadily increase. In this regard, it was similar to Gengar—as long as it had enough soul fragments, Gengar's stats would increase, enhancing its strength.
Consume, absorb, and then evolve. Genesect's unique characteristic, that of a shiny Pokémon, was this cold and ruthless! Ace was increasingly looking forward to what kind of power Genesect would possess when it was fully nurtured! Could it challenge Blissey's dominance at the same level?
Time flew by, and Ace's life, free from the interference of plots and quests, gradually returned to peace.
But as if fate couldn't bear to see him idle, just as Ace was peacefully raising his Pokémon, doing research, and tending to his berry trees, the Pokémon League Chairman arrived at his home.
It was a hot afternoon. Ace finished his daily workout, took a shower, and was drying his hair when another Blissey walked over and informed him of a visitor.
"Someone's visiting me? Who is it?"
Filled with questions, Ace tossed the towel he was using to dry his hair to Blissey. Blissey caught it and went to wash it for him. Ace, meanwhile, walked out the front door and into the yard.
Through the yard, Ace saw a group of people standing outside his gate. They were cautiously looking around, as the homes of Ace's Pokémon were right outside the yard, and a multitude of eyes were watching these outsiders with palpable hostility.
"Ahem, my young friend Ace, are you not going to let us in? Your Pokémon seem a little unfriendly," the leader of the group said. It was the League Chairman. Although Ace had a hard time remembering what he looked like, he still had an impression of his unique haircut with the small tuft of hair on top.
"Chairman, what brings you here?"
Ace smiled slightly, cursing inwardly. He walked to the gate and opened it.
"Ahem, let's talk inside. It's really too hot out here."
The Chairman cleared his throat, signaling to talk inside. Ace stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. The Chairman and his entourage quickly walked into the yard. The immense shade of the Tree of Life blocked the scorching sun, making the temperature in the yard several degrees cooler than outside.
The group entered Ace's house. Ace didn't offer them any tea; he simply sat down in the main seat on the living room sofa and looked at the Chairman. "Chairman, please get straight to the point. I don't have much time for other things. I have to go train with my Pokémon after a little while."
The Chairman looked around Ace's living room, found a spot, and sat on the other side of the sofa. He then said to Ace, "Then I'll get straight to the point. Ace, are you interested in becoming a Gym Leader, presiding over a city?"
"No, I'm not."
Ace immediately refused. For him to become a Gym Leader would nominally increase his authority, but it would also mean entrusting the development of an entire city to him, which would greatly hinder his progress in becoming stronger.
"Don't be so quick to refuse. Hear me out first." The Chairman waved his hand. "The League currently manages the various regions through Gym Leaders, but above the Gym Leaders, there is also the position of Champion."
Ace nodded; he knew about this, like with Steven Stone.
"However, a Champion can sometimes be stretched thin. So the regional chairmen have decided to establish the position of Elite Four below the Champion, with authority lower than the Champion's but higher than a Gym Leader's. So..."
"Chairman, I'll be honest with you." Ace interrupted the Chairman's words, speaking calmly. "I'm someone who hates trouble, which is easy to see from where I chose to build my home. I'm used to a leisurely life and am not interested in organizations or handling other people's affairs. I feel that living my own life well is good enough for me. So, while I appreciate your offer, I must refuse."
Ace's refusal left the Chairman momentarily speechless. His purpose in coming to see Ace was to get him to join the League and become one of the Elite Four or a Gym Leader. After all, Ace's strength had been affirmed by Ash and Gary, and since Ace also had a cooperative relationship with the League, he was the perfect candidate for an Elite Four member or a Gym Leader.
"Are you absolutely sure?" The Chairman sighed, speaking to Ace. "Actually, Pryce has already submitted his letter of resignation to us, and he recommended you to take over the Mahogany Town Gym. After all, you're the Trainer he acknowledges."
"Pryce? He's resigning?"
Ace was stunned for a moment, then fell silent. His mind raced, and he quickly pieced together the whole story. Because of his involvement, Pryce's plans had deviated slightly from the original. At first, Pryce needed the identity of a Gym Leader as a cover, but now, because of Ace's intervention, Pryce's resolve had wavered. Or rather, he was no longer as determined as he was in the beginning. His resignation was a signal that he was preparing to go all-in to deal with that matter, no longer caring if he would be exposed.
Having understood all this, Ace remained silent for a long time, then looked at the Chairman. And in the Chairman's hopeful gaze, Ace slowly shook his head...