Crossing the Obsidian Fieldlands and traversing the Coronet Highlands, the group finally reached the Crimson Mirelands after witnessing Ingo's heartfelt farewell with Sneasler.
After days of travel, Summer and Ingo had grown familiar with each other, both being from the modern era.
Ingo was astonished to learn of Summer's true identity. He had initially assumed Summer was simply an exceptional Trainer but was surprised to find out he was actually a Ranger. Perhaps that was why he had encountered Celebi in the first place.
When Summer mentioned Drayden and Roxie, Ingo's expression turned nostalgic. As the Subway Boss of Unova, he was more than familiar with the region's strongest Trainers.
He deeply respected Drayden, a senior who had devoted his life to the growth of Unova's battle scene, not to mention his sheer strength as a Trainer.
As for Roxie, she had left an impression as a promising young Trainer—after all, she was one of the few who had defeated him in a Subway battle.
Rei found all of this fascinating and half-joked that he wished he could have seen those battles firsthand.
Meanwhile, in Veilstone Village, the Diamond Clan's leader, Adaman, was inside his quarters, reviewing various documents.
With Hisui finally at peace, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to focus on growth and development.
"Hmm… The crop reports look promising. Looks like another great harvest year. We should consider expanding farmland—more people are joining the village, and we need to provide for both them and our Pokémon partners."
He moved to the next document.
"As for the quarry on Diamond Hill, iron and stone are valuable resources. We'll need them for expansion. No, we should maintain our current pace—rushing might cause conflict with the Pokémon living there. We should focus on building good relations first."
He reached another report.
"Improving roadways will be critical. We must strengthen ties with traveling merchants—the Crimson Mirelands are rich in natural resources, so perhaps we can trade them for technological advancements. The power of technology is truly remarkable…"
His gaze shifted to the camera taking up a large portion of his desk. Photography had become his new fascination—capturing fleeting moments and preserving them forever. What could be more exciting than that?
Adaman picked up the next proposal and immediately became intrigued.
"Establishing a Trainer School… An interesting idea. Something like the Galaxy Team's training grounds. Who should teach, though? Rotate the Wardens? Have the older guards instruct them? Or should I…?"
"But a Trainer needs Pokémon. Should we let them catch their own? No, too dangerous. Should we raise Pokémon for them? No, that takes away the journey of growing together…"
"Newly hatched Pokémon? They grow quickly, bond with humans easily, and could be carefully selected…"
Adaman chuckled. "If only Summer were here—ah, what am I saying?"
At that moment, a guard burst into the room.
"Leader Adaman!"
"How many times have I told you to knock first? What's the urgency?" Adaman asked, unfazed.
"It's Ingo!"
"Ingo?" Adaman tapped his chin. "Ah, the Pearl Clan Warden? He's a great candidate for overseeing battle training. If he's here, that actually works out well—"
"No, there's more! Rei is here too!"
Adaman's interest deepened. "Rei? From the Galaxy Team? Hmm… As a surveyor, he has extensive Pokémon knowledge. He could help us select the right Pokémon for new Trainers…"
The guard sighed. Adaman was good at many things, but letting people finish their sentences wasn't one of them.
"And Summer is with them!"
"...What?"
"Summer, Leader! You remember him, don't you?!"
For a moment, Adaman simply stared. Then, his expression lit up with disbelief.
"Summer… It's really him?!"
The Leafeon resting on his lap perked up, sensing his shift in emotion.
Adaman stood abruptly, grinning from ear to ear. "This is incredible news! Summer's return—it's like a miracle! This is the best news I've heard in ages!"
Throwing his coat over his shoulders, he hurried out the door. He had an old friend to reunite with.
At the entrance of Veilstone Village, Summer, Rei, and Ingo waited patiently.
Before long, Adaman emerged from his home, excitement radiating from him as he made his way toward them.
A Leafeon trailed at his heels.
Without hesitation, he pulled Summer into a tight hug.
"Oh, oh, it's really you! Summer! It's been so long!"
Now that Summer got a better look, Adaman had grown taller, his once long hair now tied back in a neater style, and his face had matured, now adorned with light stubble.
"Long time no see, Adaman," Summer responded with a chuckle. "Honestly, I didn't expect us to ever meet again."
Adaman finally pulled away and grinned.
"Alright, now that we've caught up, we don't have time to waste! We're gonna sit down and have a proper talk!"
Throwing an arm over Summer's shoulder, he practically dragged him toward his home, laughing the entire way.
Watching from the sidelines, Ingo and Rei observed the scene unfold.
"Looks like we've been completely ignored, huh?" Rei joked.
Ingo adjusted his hat, smiling faintly. "Nothing wrong with that. It's a reunion between longtime friends. Besides, Adaman has always been an enthusiastic person. This reaction is only natural."
"Yeah… It must be nice, getting to see an old friend again." Rei sighed wistfully.
At that moment, Adaman turned back and waved them over.
"Ingo! Rei! You guys get in here too!"
Ingo let out a chuckle. "Well then, let's see just what kind of bond these two share."
Inside, however, their conversation quickly shifted from nostalgia to practicality.
Instead of reminiscing about the past, Ingo was immediately thrown into a discussion about the Trainer School and which Pokémon would be ideal for beginners.
"What about Pikachu?" Rei suggested. "It's friendly, and Electric moves are super useful. Plus, all you need is a Thunder Stone to evolve it."
"Hmm… Good points, but Electric-types struggle against Ground-types. And I'd prefer Pokémon that evolve naturally, through battle and experience."
"Heh. Some things never change, huh, Adaman?" Summer teased.
"Hey, what's wrong with that? I just want to settle on the best solution quickly!" Adaman laughed, then turned back to Summer.
"You're from the future, right? Just tell me what Pokémon trainers in modern Sinnoh start with!"
Summer hesitated. He glanced at Ingo, who nodded reassuringly.
"Go ahead, Summer. If Adaman has already started thinking about raising the next generation of Trainers, then Hisui is heading in the right direction. Our answer won't change history—it'll just help things along."
Summer took a deep breath.
"In modern Sinnoh, Trainers choose between three Pokémon…"
BANG!
The door suddenly burst open, cutting him off.
Adaman groaned. "Does no one in this village knock anymore?"
A woman with fiery red hair and bright, wide eyes stood at the entrance, her expression filled with shock and excitement.
"Summer!"
It was Arezu.
(End of Chapter.)