History, it seemed, remained on track. The Silver Conference progressed smoothly into the top 16 round.
Every Trainer who made it through the qualifiers, preliminaries, and the first round was without exception an elite, each of their matches recorded, later to become invaluable material for Trainers across the regions to study and learn from.
And this match? It was the much-anticipated 6-on-6 full battle between none other than Ash, the protagonist basking in his plot armor, and his longtime rival, Gary.
As the original rival and the grandson of the renowned Professor Samuel Oak, Gary's strength was never in question.
Especially after what he'd pulled off on Sunburst Island, rallying survivors and organizing resistance during a monster incursion, showcasing impressive leadership under pressure.
"Think your brother can win this one?" Lucius asked, eyes fixed on the field where the two young men were locked in battle.
"I have complete faith in Gary," said Daisy Oak, her tone gentle, her beauty and poise radiating as always.
"Wanna bet on it?" Lucius chuckled, tilting his head toward her. "I say Gary loses."
"Oh?" Daisy turned to look at Volkner of the Kanto Elite Four, clearly intrigued. "And what are you betting?"
"A Zygarde Core."
"…That's not for me to decide," Daisy replied, turning her attention back to the match. "I can't authorize that."
Ever since the Z Foundation and Team Flare had sparked a global rush for Zygarde Cells, countless factions had launched large-scale expeditions across Kalos. Whether for private research or to sell to the Foundation, the payoff was more than worth it.
Even the Unova Pokémon League had gotten involved. Unlike smaller organizations, the League wielded overwhelming influence. In no time, they'd secured over a hundred green cells, among them, even a Zygarde Core.
"Alright then, let's change the wager," Lucius said. "Once the Ultra Beasts show up, you and the League stay out of it. Let me handle it. Deal?"
Daisy turned, meeting his gaze with sudden seriousness. "Then you'd better make sure not a single one escapes."
Lucius gave a small nod. Neither said another word, both returning their focus to the clash between Charizard and Blastoise on the battlefield.
Despite the type disadvantage, Ash showed zero hesitation in commanding his Fire-type Charizard against Gary's Water-type Blastoise, classic Ash, the master of turning the tide in type-matchup battles.
In short order, Charizard grappled the massive Blastoise and executed a perfect Seismic Toss.
The ground quaked. Dust erupted.
Blastoise, weighed down by its own hefty build, took greater damage than most from the maneuver. It collapsed, knocked out cold.
The battle ended decisively. Ash had bested his original rival and secured his place in the quarterfinals, basking in the roaring cheers of the stadium.
And with that, Lucius won his bet.
"You win," Daisy said, disappointment flickering briefly across her face. But her focus quickly shifted. "The rest is up to Hive now."
Lucius nodded and left the viewing gallery, heading for the strategy meeting room.
Inside were the region's strongest: Johto Champion Lance, along with the Elite Four.
"You've all reviewed the intel from the League," Lucius began. "Get ready. We can't afford major casualties."
Daisy had already arrived earlier, sent by Unova before the tournament began.
Unova's intel indicated recent spatial disturbances, numerous Ultra Beasts had infiltrated this world, several of them arriving directly in Johto.
In the past, Ultra Beasts only showed up sporadically, like they'd lost their way between worlds. When that happened, the UB Countermeasure Headquarters would dispatch a team to capture and return them.
But this time was different. Data from the League and the Aether Foundation confirmed it: this wasn't a stray or two, this was an invasion. The number of Ultra Beasts had reached unprecedented levels, forming what amounted to a coordinated force.
Lucius even discovered, during tournament registration, that some competitors had listed Ultra Beasts as part of their teams.
Based on prior experience, Ultra Beasts often clustered together, perhaps out of confusion in unfamiliar environments. Having one appear at the tournament could very well attract more.
And these creatures… were not friendly toward humans or native Pokémon.
The Unova League had offered to send support. After all, protecting civilians was the League's duty.
But Lucius had other ideas. Johto was now under Hive's domain, no reason to let the League interfere. Ultra Beasts or not, Hive could handle them.
Who knew what kind of tricks the League might try to pull under the pretense of "assistance"?
Hence, the bet between Lucius and the League's envoy, Daisy Oak.
By normal standards, wagering responsibility for Ultra Beast threats on a single bet was reckless, but as the source of the virus, Lucius represented Hive. His word was law, careless or not.
Trainers known to possess Ultra Beasts were now being watched in secret. Simultaneously, a wide-area sweep was underway, any unidentified Pokémon were to be captured immediately.
Since most operatives lacked Ultra Beast knowledge, Lucius had UB Countermeasure HQ distribute detailed dossiers to all involved personnel.
Meanwhile, the Silver Conference surged onward. Match after electrifying match kept the audience's blood pumping.
But for the competitors, the tension ran deeper, their emotions rising and falling with each win or loss.
The quarterfinals kicked off with a battle on a Grass Field.
Lucius and the Johto Elite Four were watching closely, not because Ash was fighting again, but because of his opponent: Terys.
According to the Pokémon Center registration data, one of Terys's listed Pokémon was a Nihilego.
Unaware of its official name, Terys had nicknamed it "White Jellyfish" after capturing it.
Once the registration data was uploaded, it triggered immediate alerts at the UB headquarters. That jellyfish-like creature was unmistakably UB-01: Symbiont—Nihilego.
And so, this Trainer from Hoenn became a person of special interest.
Of course, with so many people gathered here, Terys might not be the only one who had captured an Ultra Beast.
Back on the Grass Field, the battle was another full 6-on-6—ideal for testing a Trainer's all-around ability.
Ash started strong. Pikachu, Totodile, and Snorlax each took down Terys's Kecleon, Sneasel, and Shiinotic in swift succession.
Three Pokémon down, and Terys was clearly rattled.
After the mid-match intermission, Ash sent out his Shiny Noctowl.
Terys, diverging from his original team lineup, didn't use a Steelix this time. Instead, he called out a bizarre creature, its body gelatinous, tendril-like, resembling a bell-shaped jellyfish. It had a translucent dome ringed with six white star-shaped protrusions, and the wavy brim of its bell shimmered with an eerie blue glow.
"Go, White Jellyfish!" Terys shouted.
The appearance of this rare Pokémon drew cheers and gasps from the crowd.
"White Jellyfish?" Ash squinted at the unfamiliar creature and pulled out his Pokédex.
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