After disembarking from the airship, Luo Yuan didn't head directly to Sootopolis City.
Although he had anticipated Groudon and Kyogre would likely engage in their final battle there, it would still take some time before both arrived at the battlefield.
In the meantime, Luo Yuan decided it was necessary to have a proper conversation with Rayquaza. After all, his previous method of capturing the legendary Pokémon had been rather forceful.
If he didn't address this, it might lead to a rift between them, which would be problematic.
As for how to communicate with Rayquaza, Luo Yuan already had an idea.
When it came to the top of Rayquaza's grudge list—apart from himself—it undoubtedly had to be the Hoenn Pokémon Research Association.
Had it not been for an accident back then, Rayquaza would likely still be locked up in a research lab.
By attacking the Association's research facility to avenge Rayquaza, Luo Yuan figured this would be an excellent way to open the door to normal communication.
"What do you think?" Luo Yuan asked, shaking the Master Ball in his hand.
The Rayquaza inside the Master Ball remained silent.
"Fine, no response means you agree."
Placing the Master Ball back into his pocket, Luo Yuan lightly patted the Dragapult beneath him.
"Let's go!"
With a piercing cry, Dragapult transformed into a gray-green streak of light, carrying Luo Yuan toward the Pokémon Association headquarters in Slateport City.
---
In the Pokémon world, the structure of alliances varied from region to region.
In the Kanto and Johto regions, dominated by Team Rocket, the League's authority rested in the hands of the Champion and the Elite Four. The Champion and Elite Four managed the League's overall affairs, while Gym Leaders assisted in the local management of cities through League branches.
The Galar region, on the other hand, was entirely different.
Chairman Rose and his Macro Cosmos Corporation held the lifeline of the entire Galar region. With his dictatorial control and the entertainment-focused nature of the League tournament, Galar's Champion and Gym Leaders were reduced to little more than celebrity idols, stripped of significant power.
As for the Hoenn region, it had its own unique system.
Hoenn adopted a dual system of Pokémon Association governance alongside the Champion-Elite structure.
In Hoenn, Gym Leaders were treated as civil servants, while the Pokémon Association wielded the majority of the League's authority. The Association was headed by a chairman responsible for overseeing daily operations, including managing local trainers, selecting Gym Leaders, and distributing their salaries.
Though the Champion and Elite Four still held power in Hoenn, their influence was significantly diminished compared to their Kanto counterparts. They mainly handled major crises.
This diminished power of the Champion-Elite system was the reason why the Pokémon Association could coordinate with Devon Corporation and Mauville Holdings to capture Rayquaza in the past. Only the Hoenn Pokémon Association possessed such extensive resources.
Luo Yuan's target this time was the Hoenn Pokémon Association headquarters in Slateport City.
"We're here!"
Hovering above the Association headquarters, Luo Yuan surveyed the building below.
The headquarters was well-located and had largely avoided the initial storms and tsunamis caused by Kyogre, so there had been no need for emergency evacuation.
However, upon receiving word that Groudon was headed straight for Slateport City, the entire Association building sprang into action.
And by "action," it meant the entire building literally began to move.
The headquarters' upper section revealed enormous dirigible balloons as the Pokémon Association activated its mobile system, transforming the headquarters into an airship named Baku.
"Running away, are we?" Luo Yuan chuckled, watching the Baku from above.
He patted Dragapult on the back, signaling his intent. With a subtle flick of its tail, Dragapult shot forward like a missile toward the Baku.
At that very moment, alarms blared within the airship. Something was approaching at high speed!
Inside the Baku, the chairman of the Pokémon Association frowned deeply. Before he could fully grasp the situation, a resounding crash echoed through the air. Reinforced glass, designed to withstand extreme impacts, shattered into fragments as two figures—man and dragon—burst into the command center.
Tap.
Black boots touched the floor with a menacing finality, sending a chill through the hearts of everyone present.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" A modulated voice came from behind the mask.
The chairman immediately recognized the intruder. "Tech Hunter!"
It had been a year since the Tech Hunter last appeared, and now, amidst the turbulent times rocking the Hoenn League, he had chosen this moment to strike.
Worse yet, his target was none other than the Association's headquarters.
The audacity was unprecedented. It was as though he regarded them as nothing more than ants.
The chairman didn't bother asking why the Tech Hunter was here. Considering the circumstances, it was pointless.
What mattered now was capturing him.
"Seize him!"
At his command, the trainers stationed within the headquarters snapped into action, hurling their Poké Balls into the air.
Hoenn's distinctive Pokémon emerged, charging at Luo Yuan.
"Too weak," Luo Yuan muttered, glancing at the Pokémon before him. "Not a single Elite trainer, let alone a Champion? What a delusion. Not that it would change anything if they were here."
With a wave of his hand, he signaled Dragapult.
Roar!
With a deafening growl, Dragapult unleashed a Shadow Ball.
The attack struck a Blaziken mid-air as it attempted a Double Kick. The resulting explosion consumed the Blaziken, the shockwave toppling nearby Pokémon and their trainers alike.
Due to the Champions and Gym Leaders being deployed across Hoenn for disaster relief, the Association's headquarters had been left vulnerable. Luo Yuan had taken them completely by surprise.
The overwhelming difference in strength meant Dragapult defeated every opponent in a single move.
The command center was now littered with groaning trainers, while the non-combat staff stood frozen, trembling.
Whoosh.
Luo Yuan brushed some dust off his coat before turning his gaze toward the shortest—and most conspicuous—figure among those still standing.
"Chairman, good evening," he said, his tone icy.
"What do you want?" the chairman demanded, voice low and tense.
The Tech Hunter's strength was beyond anything he had anticipated. The power imbalance forced him to reconsider his approach.
"I'm here for something," Luo Yuan replied coldly.