"Ash, what's the deal with this Treasure Pearl? Why did it emit that kind of light in your hands?" Liza still had a lingering expression of shock on her face, her words carrying a trace of awe.
The Treasure Pearl, which had been dormant in the valley for over a hundred years, suddenly blossomed with such intense light when it was in Ash's hands. Could it be that this Treasure Pearl was destined for Ash?
"I'm not quite sure, but from the information the Pearl conveyed to me, this Treasure Pearl seems to be connected to Rayquaza, the Sky Dragon. Miss Liza, may I take this Pearl with me?" Ash didn't directly say that he had known about the Green Treasure Pearl from the start, but he did disclose that it was related to Rayquaza.
It's worth noting, although Liza suggested this Treasure Pearl should belong to Charizard Valley's new king, implying it was already Ash's, if most people knew that the Green Treasure Pearl was associated with the Legendary Tier One God Rayquaza, they would certainly entertain thoughts of reclaiming it.
Ash's straightforward discussion about the Green Treasure Pearl was partly because he trusted Liza's character and partly because he didn't place too much importance on it.
This Pearl indeed was a remarkable treasure, but he had his chat group, numerous partners who had grown alongside him, and Mewtwo. Even without the Pearl or Rayquaza's assistance, he believed he could stand at the pinnacle of the world as a Pokemon Master.
If he had it, great; if not, so be it. This was Ash's real reason for revealing the connection between the Green Treasure Pearl and the Sky Dragon.
Upon hearing the mention of "Rayquaza," Liza's body stiffened, her jade-green pupils dilated, her face overtaken by shock.
She staggered back half a step, instinctively grabbing the rock beside her, her voice trembling: "You... what did you say? Rayquaza? The Legendary Tier One God that controls the sky?"
The Treasure Pearl of Charizard Valley was actually related to such a mythical Legendary Beast?
Having guarded the valley for nearly a decade, Liza had grown up hearing tales of the Pearl, told by elders as a priceless heirloom passed down from ancestors, without ever mentioning its connection to Rayquaza.
A stone dormant for hundreds of years, now glowing in Ash's hands, connected to such a terrifying background made it hard for Liza to digest.
Ash looked at her in a state of astonishment, maintaining a calm demeanor: "Yes, the information from the Pearl said it seems to be related to Rayquaza's artifact."
He neither exaggerated nor concealed the information, and his tone was as calm as talking about the weather being nice today.
Considering this was an artifact belonging to a Tier One God, it could cause global uproar yet Ash spoke so lightly of it, even sharing the information with her, showing no concern she'd reclaim it.
No, rather than saying he's not worried, it's more accurate to say Ash didn't consider the Pearl too important. Liza saw no greed in his eyes; to be so indifferent about a Tier One God's item, what had this boy experienced on his journey?
Liza took a deep breath, her shock turning into a relieved smile: "Since the Pearl chose you, then regardless of what Pokemon this Pearl is linked to, it naturally belongs to you."
She paused, adding, "This is the honor you've earned with Charizard, and the rules of the valley won't change. You can handle the Pearl however you wish."
With Ash being so open and indifferent, how could she act in a way that would disgrace Charizard Valley? Rules are rules; since this Treasure Pearl already belonged to Ash, she wouldn't take it back, no matter what Pokemon it was connected to.
Besides, honestly, she was just shocked about the connection between the Green Treasure Pearl and Rayquaza, but never considered keeping it for herself.
After all, her interest and favorite Pokemon were only Charizard. So in response to Ash's inquiry, after the initial shock, she stated unwaveringly that this Green Treasure Pearl was Ash's possession and was no longer connected to Charizard Valley.
Unless a new Charizard Valley king is elected next, and if by then the Green Treasure Pearl is still with Ash, it should be returned to the new king.
But Liza felt that was unlikely to happen because Ash's Charizard would only grow stronger. The newly elected Charizard Valley king has a five-year protection period, during which no change can occur.
She could hardly imagine how strong Ash's Charizard, after training for less than a year, was already at such a level. Given five years, how powerful could it become?
So as long as Charizard does not step down, the future king will inevitably be him.
Ash smiled brightly upon hearing this: "Thank you, Miss Liza!"
"Don't rush to thank me yet." Liza shifted her focus, looking toward Charizard interacting with other Charizards nearby.
"Your Charizard has just become the king and needs to consolidate and enhance its strength. The environment of Purgatory Valley is a perfect training opportunity for it. Do you plan to take it on your journey?" Without boasting, training in Charizard Valley, especially in Purgatory Valley, significantly speeds up Charizard's level advancement.