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At this, May's big eyes sparkled as she glanced at Mammon.
Mammon, ah… yes, May had received some rumors, supposedly about the Top Executive of Team Rockets, or more accurately, the female Top Executive.
Their ranking in this World Championship was not just about the ranking itself.
"Indeed, I didn't expect the ranking stage of this World Championship to be so intense."
Steven, of course, didn't know May's thoughts and sighed with genuine emotion.
For the past six months, Steven had truly been on the verge of losing his mind.
Ever since the World Championship was launched, the entire world had been in a frenzy, fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the World Championship rankings.
This was true for every stage.
The first half of the year was still okay; during that time, it was mainly the Great Ball, regular Ball, and lower-to-mid Ultra Ball tiers that were bustling, with rankings changing almost every five minutes.
However, the rankings of the top Trainers remained relatively stable.
But as time moved into the middle and latter half of the year, things completely changed; now, even the lower-ranked of the Eight Masters would see their positions change almost every one or two weeks.
It was truly an endless battle.
As of now, the rankings of the Eight Masters have seen significant changes.
No.1 — Kanto Champion. Giovanni
No.2 — Alola Champion. Selene
No.3 — Akari
No.4 — Leon
No.5 — Lance
No.6 — Caitlin
No.7 — Volo
No.8 — Unova Champion. Rosa
Hmm, just two days ago, Rosa defeated Red and reclaimed her spot among the 'Eight Masters,' but as the youngest, Rosa probably faces the most challenges.
It will be very difficult for her to hold onto this position.
As for Steven, Cynthia, Geeta, and others who were originally on the list, they are now hovering around the teens in the rankings, and their positions are not secure.
Strictly speaking, the top three are basically fixed: Giovanni, Selene, and Akari's strengths are simply too formidable.
Especially Selene; she has already captured Solgaleo and Koraidon, and to some extent, she even has the confidence to challenge Giovanni.
However, the power of Primal Groudon still makes Selene wary, so she is still preparing.
As for Akari, ever since she reached the No.3 position, she has stopped challenging others, perhaps waiting for the main event of the World Championship to begin.
For Steven, he had actually felt the world's drastic changes last year.
After all, Mammon's rise was not just his own; he also brought forth too many excellent 'monster' newcomers.
Steven had a deep understanding of this; wasn't May an example?
May's strength can now be said to have completely surpassed Steven's, and seeing one part gives a glimpse of the whole picture.
The world is entering a new era.
And in this era, it is no exaggeration to say… geniuses are merely the threshold for making their mark.
"So, Master Steven also needs to work harder, otherwise the waves behind will push the waves in front, and the waves in front will only be crushed on the beach."
Mammon chuckled, saying to Steven with deep meaning.
For Mammon, such a world is actually very interesting, but for the vast majority of Trainers…
Such an era of 'monster rampant' is truly despairing.
Talent and brilliance, these simple four words, are already enough to crush ninety-nine percent of the people in the world.
This World Championship simply laid this truth bare before everyone.
"To be able to see the current flourishing scene is actually a blessing," Steven said with a smile, although he also felt a little regret, but not much.
He could only say that sometimes, he would sigh and admit that his era had passed, nothing more.
Anyway, he, Steven, had had his glory, hadn't he?
Moreover, even with the current surge of prodigies, he still holds a place; there's just a slight gap between him and those top-tier Trainers.
"As expected of Master Steven, his mentality is truly good."
Mammon shrugged; he had originally intended to use this opportunity to get Steven to join Team Rockets.
"Excuse me, excuse me, Mammon~!"
And just as the three were chatting, a figure squeezed out from the crowd.
It was Alexa, dressed in professional attire.
Speaking of which, Alexa's interview program is now a world-leading major show.
After all, it was a project under Team Rockets' umbrella, and their own people naturally received preferential treatment, so Alexa is now considered a successful, phenomenal host.
"Miss Alexa, what can I do for you?"
Seeing the staff carrying cameras behind Alexa, Mammon showed a gentle and elegant smile.
"Mammon, do you have time for a short interview right now? I've received many questions that people want to ask you."
Alexa blinked at Mammon, asking with a generous and friendly smile.
As one of Mammon's underground lovers, Alexa was one of the most self-aware.
Compared to competing with Selene and the others for family status, Alexa was wholeheartedly devoted to her hosting career.
Relying on exclusive Team Rockets resources, Alexa is now truly thriving, and from time to time, she can also collect various tricky and bizarre questions from fans to interview well-known Team Rockets bigwigs like Mammon, Selene, and Rosa.
Doesn't that bring in traffic, fame, and everything else?
"Of course, but I'm going to have dinner with Master Steven and the others afterward, so time is limited."
Mammon replied with a smile.
"Okay, okay~ It'll be quick, just two small questions."
Alexa smiled radiantly, quickly tidied her hair, and moved closer to Mammon, facing the camera.
Steven and May consciously took two steps back. Steven glanced at Wallace, who was still changing poses to take pictures with Kyogre, and couldn't help but rub his forehead in exasperation.
"Mammon, these questions might be a bit sensitive, but you wouldn't mind, would you?"
Alexa smiled sweetly, glanced at the questions she had noted down, and playfully winked at Mammon.
"As long as it doesn't involve personal matters, it's fine." Mammon raised an eyebrow.
He had heard that Alexa's interview questions now ranged from strange to bizarre.
If Alexa asked too tricky questions, Mammon wouldn't mind making her call him daddy tonight.
"Then there's no problem." Alexa feigned a sigh of relief.
"First question: According to a netizen, last year in Saffron City, Team Rockets, led by you, engaged in an unprecedented major battle with the Kanto League, which resulted in more than half of Saffron City being reduced to ruins."
Hearing this, Steven and May both froze, looking at Alexa in astonishment.
"Sister, is this something that can be discussed openly? And that netizen who asked the question, their guts are too big."
Although the Saffron City battle was practically impossible to keep completely secret, anyone with connections and a keen interest could generally know a little about it.
But it was, after all, a major battle between the League and Team Rockets; as long as the officials didn't admit it, no amount of outside speculation would matter.
Moreover, with the League and Team Rockets now governing the light and dark sides, coexisting peacefully and complementing each other, these old matters naturally couldn't be brought up.
Steven guessed that the netizen who asked the question was probably just looking for excitement, but he didn't expect Alexa to actually ask Mammon himself directly.
"It is said that at that time, you defeated Lance, Steven, Wallace, Leon, and many other Champions, leaving them hospitalized for more than half a month to recover. What are your thoughts on this?"
As she spoke, Alexa's tone already carried a teasing smile, and she also apologized to the strange-faced Steven with her eyes.
May almost burst out laughing, and Steven gave a helpless bitter smile.
What the hell about being beaten to the ground and recuperating for more than half a month? Who the hell is spreading these rumors?
"That is completely a rumor."
Mammon, however, shook his head earnestly upon hearing this, flatly denying it.
Steven breathed a sigh of relief, glad that Mammon would clarify things.
Otherwise, what if this rumor spread? But… "Master Steven and the others only recuperated for one week, not half a month, which is too much?"
Mammon had a serious expression, stating that what he said was the truth.
"Pfft~" May finally couldn't hold back.
"Mammon…" Steven hesitated, "No, my reputation!"
"Oh? Does Mr. Steven have anything else to add?"
Alexa asked with a beaming smile, and the cameraman cooperatively turned the camera towards Steven.
Steven's awkward but polite expression was very amusing.
"Hahaha~ It was just a joke. Actually, nothing like that happened. We are all good friends, so how could we fight to the death? The matter of going to the hospital is even more baseless."
Mammon smiled faintly.
"In short, the Saffron City incident cannot be fully disclosed to everyone due to certain reasons, but it is definitely not what everyone imagines."
Hearing this, Alexa understood and signaled the cameraman to refocus the camera on Mammon.
"I see. However, Mammon's words are still very credible. So, next, here's another question."
Alexa glanced at the netizen's question she had selected.
"This is also a question about Saffron City. It is said that during the Saffron City battle, Mammon, you forcibly abducted Champion Cynthia, and the people of the Sinnoh region are very dissatisfied with this."
"They hope you will return Champion Cynthia to them. What are your thoughts on this?"
Alexa continued the interview.
Well, I'll be!
May's mouth was wide open with excitement, and Steven also watched Mammon with great interest, wanting to know how Mammon would answer.
The matter between Mammon and Cynthia was not much of a secret to them.
As far as Steven knew, it seemed Cynthia was already pregnant?
After all, Cynthia hadn't appeared in the public eye for two or three months, nor had she returned to the Sinnoh region.
"Nonsense." Mammon merely smiled at this.
"Cynthia and I are in love; who are they to object?"
"By the way, Cynthia is currently pregnant and temporarily not considering returning to the Sinnoh region, thank you."
The Sinnoh region exploded!