Chapter 424: Alliance

"So you really went from this era to Hisui, saved Hisui, then took on Arceus's mission, and returned to this era just to save the present world?"

Paipa took a big bite of the sandwich in his hand, showing no extra shock on his face, and his tone was flat and calm.

After all, what happened today had already far exceeded his limits—time‑space travel, Legendary Pokémon, betrayal and back‑stabbing, one after another. By now he was numb, and even hearing something outrageous couldn't stir much.

After finishing the food in his mouth, he asked, "Then why did you infiltrate the Explorer Team and suddenly backstab Spinel?"

Huo La leisurely ate the last bite of his sandwich, wiped his mouth corner, and only then spoke slowly, his tone calm and steady: "To verify Jibeiweng's situation."

He paused, then continued: "I left Hisui and arrived straight at Paldea, and the Explorer Team that controls Paldea naturally became my recent target. The Explorer Team's leader Jibeiweng is someone I can't avoid and must confirm clearly."

"Now I've confirmed that Jibeiweng isn't a member of Rainbow Rocket; the one truly linked to Rainbow Rocket is Spinel."

Huo La's gaze darkened slightly, his thoughts drifting to earlier details: "Regardless of Spinel's original intent in giving me that Ancient Spirit Ball, it proves one thing—at least for now, he has no immediate plan to strike me."

"So, this capture of Terapagos is, for me, a new test."

"The two keys that unlock Paradise are now both in my hands. Next, I want to see what reaction Spinel will have."

Paipa listened, nodded repeatedly, still with an unfinished sandwich in his mouth, and said vaguely, "Mmm mmm mmm, you make sense. By the way, where are we now?"

Huo La lifted his eyes toward the rolling mountains below, explaining calmly: "When Palucia tore the space, we were already near the Chengdu Region. Tonight we'll find a place to rest, and at first light tomorrow we'll enter Chengdu and go to the League."

"League?" Paipa jerked his head up, his face full of doubt, clearly not expecting Huo La to suggest going to the League.

"Yes, the League." Huo La's tone wavered slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. "I'm back; I should finally meet my relatives and friends. I had been hiding, using the alias Lei Yi to blend into the Explorer Team, fearing exposure would cause trouble for them."

"Now the matter has escalated to this point; it can't stay hidden any longer. It's better to go straight to the League and seek their help."

He paused, his tone growing heavy: "After all, truly saving this world with just the two of us is nothing but a fool's dream."

Huo La stared into the distance.

This place, after all, isn't Hisui; the crisis there always involved Pokémon, even the ultimate mastermind Arceus never chose an outright war, and now his whereabouts are unknown.

But the current situation of this world is far more complicated than Hisui's.

The foes he must face are ruthless beings like Chi Ri and Spinel; his own Pokémon alone are insufficient.

Even if he could defeat them one by one, he couldn't manage the aftermath across the regions, which would only plunge things into greater chaos.

Therefore, the League, with so many "our people," is undoubtedly the best choice.

At least for him, the League is trustworthy—under its rule the world had good order, and only with their help could the situation be truly stabilized against those evil forces.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the League's territory, the Brave Light Green descended slowly and settled steadily on the landing pad.

The hatch opened, the ship's roar gradually faded, and the landing pad was already filled with people waiting to greet.

Professor Oak, Senior Kikuko and others had long been waiting at the front of the pad, their expressions solemn yet hopeful, eyes fixed on the Brave Light Green's hatch.

And before the crowd stood a particularly eye‑catching figure.

A flamboyant head of purple hair fluttered in the wind, a grand red cape draped over the body, posture upright, aura abundant.

He is the current League Acting Alliance Leader, Dande.

Everyone knows this position originally belonged to Du.

But Du ultimately chose to leave the League, turning to join Sakaki's side, becoming the League's opponent.

Aside from Du, within the entire League only Dande has the strength and prestige to sit in that role.

Seeing such a grand reception, Fried, who had just reached the hatch, was briefly startled, then recovered, taking two steps at a time, rushing down the ship to Dande, his expression respectful.

"Alliance Leader Dande, Professor Oak, Senior Kikuko, everyone, sorry for the wait," Fried greeted the crowd in turn, his tone sincere.

Dande's face showed a gentle smile, he reached out his hand, his tone friendly: "Welcome, Captain Fried. Thank you for making the effort to come to the League."

Fried scratched his head, smiled a bit embarrassed, waved his hand: "Please don't call me captain; I'm not the captain. Our real captain is that one." He turned and pointed at the captain Pikachu standing on the ship's deck.

Captain Pikachu rose, puffed up his tiny body, waved his paw vigorously at the crowd, and shouted crisply, "Pikachu!" his voice full of vigor, quite captain‑like.

Dande looked at the cute captain Pikachu, smiled and nodded, his eyes warm: "So it's Captain Pikachu, I've heard of you for a long time."

At that moment, Senior Kikuko stepped forward, her expression urgent, eyes fixed on Fried, and bluntly asked, "Fried, do you know the whereabouts of my grandson?"

Fried blinked slightly, then nodded firmly: "That's right; barring any surprise, we've already met Huo La."

Kikuko was about to continue questioning when Professor Oak interjected in time: "Let's discuss it inside the League later. They've traveled far; we needn't rush now."

Kikuko glanced at Professor Oak, let out a cold snort, and ultimately stepped forward first, heading toward the interior of the League.