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"Aaoooo!! (Do not worry about the fact that I saved you. It was simply something I ought to do. Now then, as a gift for awakening me, I can help you accomplish one thing—of course, only something that does not violate my principles.)"
Lugia had not noticed the silver Pokeball in the masked man's hand. Its expression remained calm as it spoke to him.
"You… what did you say? You want to help me? You can? But… why?"
The masked man, who had just taken out the silver Pokeball, froze when he heard Lugia's words. His eyes stared blankly at Lugia, and he blurted out a chain of confused questions.
"Aaoooo!! (It is only helping you do one thing—there's no reason I cannot. As for why? First, to repay you for awakening me. Second, I can feel the determination of your heart. You possess a steadfast conviction, and your earlier courage moved me. So speak—though I can tell you are not one of the Sea People, and I do not know how you obtained the Great Sea Spirit Sapphire, I am willing to trust you. At least this once, I will believe in you.)"
Lugia's voice remained tranquil, but in the masked man's ears, it struck like thunder—each word shaking his heart.
"…Heh. So in the end, I'm being trusted… by a Pokemon. How ironic."
A faintly desolate smile formed on the masked man's lips as he muttered to himself.
"Aaooo? (What are you talking about? I am not the only one who trusts you. That Lapras from earlier—were you not trusting each other? That strong bond between you two—I could feel it clearly.)"
Masked Man: "Yes… heh. Thank you, Lugia. Thank you for believing in me. If that's the case, then I'll shamelessly ask you for this one favor."
As he spoke, the masked man discreetly put away the silver Pokeball, then raised his head, staring into Lugia's eyes with a solemn expression.
"Aaooo! (I am willing.)"
[Ding!]
[Emergency Mission Issued - The Silver Wing of the Sea!!]
[Mission Description: In the unseen depths of the ocean, a mysterious being that stirs waves and commands currents has awakened! With unparalleled might, it displays the fury of the sea! Go uncover its true identity. A reference sample is required—blood, scale, feather, or hide is acceptable.]
[Mission Reward: Due to enhancement from the Silver Wing, mission rewards increased. Upon completion: 3000 Exchange Points, 1 Super Mystery Gift Pack, 1 Feather of Incubation.]
[Note: This mission has no penalty. The host may ignore it without consequence.]
"It's here… the legendary Sea Guardian—Lugia!"
Even without the system prompt, Liam had already recognized the silver giant bird not far ahead. The oppressive aura radiating from Lugia left him no choice but to admire it—it truly lived up to its title as a legendary Sea God!
The massive Lugia before him was covered in silvery-white feathers, its belly light blue. Only the eye ridges and back bore streaks of black feathering. Its enormous body was well over five meters—almost half a body bigger than Ho-Oh! With each beat of its wings, the sea below churned violently, forming a massive whirlpool under its body.
"Aaooo!!"
Suddenly Lugia let out a sky-shaking cry, then with two sweeping wingbeats, its silver-white form shot forward, instantly appearing before Liam and Harribel. The wind pressure from its wings whipped the sea into towering waves.
"Hm? Heh… so, now that your mask has shattered, you're revealing your true face? Masked Man… or should I call you Elder Pryce?"
Lugia hovered before them without hostility. Liam had already seen the truth—standing on Lugia's back, mask broken, was none other than the Gym Leader of Mahogany Town… the elder he'd once briefly met in the Ilex Forest—Pryce!
"Pryce! Hmph. I really didn't expect that the masked criminal causing trouble everywhere… would be a Gym Trainer of our own League."
Harribel's voice rang sharp with disdain as she glared at him.
Pryce simply stood atop Lugia's back in silence. Despite their accusations, his expression remained calm, as if the words had nothing to do with him.
Then—
"Aaooo? (Are these the opponents you meant?)"
Lugia's low, resonant voice entered all three minds through telepathy.
"Yes. That is my request. Lugia—please defeat them for me."
Pryce spoke quietly.
"Aaooo!! (Very well! Leave this to me. You must still have something else to do.)"
Pryce: "Yes… then I'll trouble you."
As soon as he finished speaking, he leapt from Lugia's back. While still midair, he released his Lapras. Landing on its shell, he and Lapras plunged into the sea, speeding toward the distant glaciers.
"Pryce! Stop!"
Harribel moved to pursue, but Lugia immediately blocked her path, forcing her to halt.
"Lugia!? That man is a criminal! Why would you help him!?"
Harribel shouted angrily, unable to chase Pryce.
"Aaooo!! (Because I believe in him! In his courage. In his conviction. In the bond between him and his Pokemon! These are things I can feel!)"
Lugia's telepathic words rang clearly in both Harribel's and Liam's minds. Then Lugia turned slightly, its gaze settling on Liam, seated atop the Moltres.
Its eyes narrowed with interest.
"Aaooo!! (Boy… I can sense it. There's a strange power within your body. A power that chills the heart.)"
Liam blinked at Lugia's words, then smiled.
"Oh? Really? Are you saying I'm pretty strong?"
"Aaooo!! (Strong or not, I do not know. But I very much wish to battle you. You have captured Moltres, and I sense the presence of the other two as well. Your strength must be considerable. Release them all! Let me enjoy a long-awaited battle!)"
Lugia lifted its head, issuing a sharp cry, its eyes blazing with battle-lust. Then its gaze swept toward the Latios and Latias beside Harribel.
"You two little ones—join in as well!"