He knows Pokémon better than me.

"It's still at the Super Ball level?"

Staring at the phone screen that Ash was showing, Sonia could immediately tell that Ash's true strength was more than what he was ranked in.

Based on the power that Blaze Ace just demonstrated, it could easily reach the Advanced Ball level.

With some effort, it might be possible to reach the top ranks of advanced ball sports.

But to enter the top eight and face off against Dan in the main tournament...
"Hmm, it still feels a bit inferior to Dan Emperor's Blazing Ace."

Sonia pursed her lips and said that although she was no longer a trainer, she still watched every one of Leon's battles on TV.

You could sense that it had reached a level she could hardly imagine.

Fortunately, I retired early, so I don't have to overthink things anymore.

"Hehe~ That's even better~!"

Xiao Zhi touched his nose, his confidence undiminished.

His Cinderace has only just evolved and is still in its final growth stage. Also, he hasn't drunk the Max Soup yet, so he's far from reaching his peak.

Sonia could only offer a word of encouragement and, incidentally, check out Ash's League Cards.

She will also be able to see the latest changes in the latter's World Championship rankings in real time.

"So, Sonia, where are you going next? Are you going to study what you collected during the day?"

"Hmm. I'll take it to a friend of mine who studies stones."

Sonia nodded. She was currently wandering around the Galar region, searching for evidence that the history of Galar mythology had been altered or disguised, in an effort to restore the true mythology completely and clearly.

Of course, it would be best to find the legendary Pokémon directly, but after investigating for so long, I have never heard of any sightings.

However, this time two "upper-class people" inexplicably appeared.

"These two people also need to be thoroughly investigated."

Sonia secretly made up her mind: maybe it was all related to this?
“Sonia, the ancient gods of the Galar region, if you find them, please be sure to let me know!”

Ash couldn't help but speak up, glancing at Pikachu.

"Especially the ancient god biting a sword!"

Witnessing the opponent's Beast Slash in person should allow Pikachu to take its Beast Slash technique to the next level, right?

At that time, even the Pill Emperor could be killed with a single strike!

Speaking of which, wouldn't it be faster to go find it myself?
"And what about you, Ash? I heard from Lurina that you also have a castle ranch?"

Xiao Zhi nodded and invited with a smile:

"Yes, it's in the area south of the Wild Area. There aren't any dangerous wild Pokémon there, and it's next to Motostoke. If you're interested, you can come visit anytime."

Next, he had to return to the watchtower before setting off for Marie's Spiketown.

When the time comes, I'll also pay a visit to Master Ma on the island of Kaiji across the river.

"Oh, what a pity!"

Sonia exclaimed with emotion that if it weren't for the accident involving the statue, which kept her from leaving, she would have gone with Ash to see the castle.

After being forced to retire by Dan Di, she really considered going back to Mugan Town, opening a small ranch, and living a carefree, laid-back life.

However, she simply didn't have the patience for leisurely farming.

After working on the farm for two days, he immediately went back to the big city to study.

Ash then asked the latter for some information about Dynamax and Galar particles, to see if he could also Dynamax in his own castle.

Unfortunately, the conclusion was still no good.

Sonia, however, was more interested in his relationship with Lulina—but after asking for a while, she only received ordinary answers.
It seems she's overthinking things; they don't have any relationship at all?

That night, the two spent the night at the Pokémon Center.

Hehehe~ Hehehehe~

Strange and rampant ghostly howls echoed through the town all night long, like a pickpocket cat in heat, forcing many townspeople to plug their ears and suffer from insomnia.

It's time to properly address the issue of homeless hakimi in the neighborhood!

The next day, early in the morning.

Sonia had finished dressing up early and was still a beautiful and fashionable woman.

A Corviknight taxi was parked at the entrance of the Pokémon Center; it was the one she had arranged to meet before.

"I'll head out now, Xiao Zhi. Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you. Good luck at the World Championships!"

Sonia smiled and shook hands with Ash to encourage him, then hurriedly hugged Rumble and climbed into the car.

“Gah!!”

The Steel-Armored Raven spread its wings and took flight, grabbing the carriage and heading towards the east of Suzen Town, which should be the location of Hammerlocke City.

Xiao Zhi shrugged, not paying any attention.

He summoned Pikachu to jump onto his shoulder, and then released his Corviknight as well.

"Hmm, my Corviknight is definitely more imposing!"

After comparing them, Ash patted Corviknight's wings with satisfaction, making a "clanging" metallic sound.

With its black and blue steel feathers, his Steel Armored Raven clearly had a metallic texture, making it much stronger than the Flying Taxi's bird!

Corviknight rose two meters into the air, and Ash grabbed the bird's ankle with one hand. The next second, he was carried into the sky by Corviknight.

He even had the time to operate the Rotom phone with his other hand!
"Hmm, has Mary already arrived in Spiketown? That's fast."

"Xiao You is currently in a gym battle at the Arena. Uh, it's a bit far."

However, the phone could be used to watch the live stream. Xiao Zhi curiously clicked to watch and saw that it was a snowy arena. Xiao You's opponent was a plump middle-aged woman wearing a white sweater and dressed very brightly.

The Ice Expert, and reportedly the only Galar Gym Leader who has never lost to Raihan, Melion!

"I remember Mary chose to challenge her son before, right?"

Ash muttered to himself, "The Battle Arena allows for two-way selection, and the two Gym Leaders are mother and son."

In terms of difficulty, it is naturally more difficult for Miss Meirong, who is a mother.

The battle had reached its final stage. On Meimei's side stood a Pokémon as large as a small mountain, its slender neck tilted back as it let out a long, resonant cry:

"Moo ho ho—!!"

Upon closer inspection, it was a giant dragon. In other aspects, it had not changed much, but it was surrounded by a musical staff made of light blue ice crystals, which was very gorgeous and dreamlike.

"So Lapras can Gigantamax too?"

Ash held onto the bird's claws while intently watching the screen, and even Pikachu on his shoulder curiously came over to watch.

With a loud roar, the sky was instantly shrouded in ice clouds, followed by a shower of enormous hailstones that crashed down like meteors.

Through the phone, you can also hear a magnificent and beautiful soundtrack.

"Beep beep! Gigantamax Aurora Melody, Lapras's signature Gigantamax move: Loto~, which halves the damage taken by all allied Pokémon from moves for five turns!"

Rotom automatically recognized and reminded him. (End of Chapter)