Meganium created Light Screens around herself to resist Inferno's burning assault. The shields didn't last long before they shattered. The flames scorched Meganium's body and skin before slowly dissipating.
Although the Light Screens mitigated half the damage, Meganium was still seriously injured.
"Not bad, you blocked it. Let's try this move," Gary ordered. "Blast Burn!"
"Roar!!"
Charizard roared as blue flames surged around him. The flames condensed into a powerful explosive force. Charizard slammed his fists into the ground—cracking the earth—while the explosive fire traveled beneath the surface, heading straight for Meganium.
Cracks appeared under Meganium's feet, glowing with fiery red light.
Boom!
A mushroom cloud of flames erupted into the sky, engulfing the battlefield in a sea of fire.
When the smoke cleared, Meganium lay on her side in a massive crater, eyes swirling in unconsciousness.
"Meganium is unable to battle!" the referee declared. "All of Dobo's Pokémon are unable to battle. The winner is Gary!"
The Silver Conference finals had ended—Gary had become the Silver Conference Champion.
"Dad Gary… wooo, you're my honorary father now!"
"Amazing! I'm finally debt-free! Gary is incredible!"
"Damn… If I had bet on a clean six-on-one sweep, I'd be financially free by now!"
"I really hope Gary enters the next tournament too!"
"Don't count on it. Even if he does, he won't be as profitable. After winning two Alliance Conference championships in a row, the betting odds won't be high."
This Silver Conference had changed many lives—Gary's perfect record gave countless desperate people hope.
With the matches over, it was time for the closing ceremony. The championship trophy would be awarded at the end.
After an hour-long ceremony, it was finally time to crown the winner.
"Gary, congratulations on winning the Alliance Conference again!" said President Charles Goodshow.
He had presented Gary with a trophy just last year, so he remembered the young Trainer clearly.
"Thank you, President."
Gary accepted the championship trophy respectfully.
[Ding! Mission completed. Limit requirements met. Rewards doubled and sent to space backpack.]
Hearing the system notification, Gary couldn't hide his happiness.
This time, the doubled rewards included six Ability Enhancement Stones, which could significantly strengthen many of his Pokémon.
With the awards distributed, the Silver Conference officially came to a close.
Later that day, at a restaurant, everyone gathered to celebrate Gary's championship victory.
"Ash, aren't you coming back with us?" asked Aunt Delia, clearly unhappy upon learning that Ash planned to travel to the Kanto Region.
Like any mother, she worried constantly. She'd rather Ash do nothing than risk danger.
"Mom, Misty and I are planning to visit Alto Mare. We talked about this before coming to the Johto Region," Ash explained.
"Auntie, we're just going sightseeing—nothing dangerous. We're even taking a boat," Misty added.
Alto Mare, famously known as the Water Capital, was a city surrounded by water and teeming with Water-type Pokémon. Misty had always wanted to visit. Since they'd pass through Alto Mare on the way back to Kanto by sea, she naturally wanted to explore it.
"Alright, go have fun," Delia said, relenting as soon as Misty spoke.
Gary noticed this and thought: She must already see Misty as Ash's future bride. Otherwise, why agree so quickly?
"What about you, Gary? Are you coming back with us?" asked Professor Oak.
"I'm heading to Alto Mare too. The tournament's over—I could use a break," Gary replied.
"Great, let's all go together!" Misty suggested.
"Sure."
Gary decided to tag along, wanting to join the fun with Ash and the others.
He knew the plot of the fifth movie took place in Alto Mare. If it weren't for a system mission trigger, Gary wouldn't have gotten involved in this at all.
After all, Latias and Latios—a Legendary duo—appeared in Alto Mare. Gary knew that encountering Legendary Pokémon often triggered system missions with valuable rewards.
If he could catch Latias and Latios, he'd undoubtedly receive rare rewards—like Master Rare Candy.
Gary also felt sorrow over Latios's sacrifice in the movie's story. Maybe by being there, he could prevent such a tragedy.
This tragedy was caused by two Team Rocket operatives—though unlike the usual members, these two weren't hunting Pokémon. Instead, they were internationally wanted jewel thieves.
Their names were Annie and Oakley, famous female criminals notorious for stealing precious treasures.
Gary had a plan: if done right, he could use them to help him capture Latias and Latios.
After lunch…
Professor Oak and Aunt Delia left Johto by car and caught a flight back to Kanto.
Meanwhile, Gary and Ash contacted Professor Oak's Laboratory to teleport their tournament Pokémon back—and receive some new ones.
Gary sent back the six Pokémon he used in the Silver Conference and received Blastoise, Gengar, Eevee, Alakazam, Magnezone, and Charizard.
Magnezone didn't require food—just electricity. It could even recharge from lightning, making it a low-maintenance addition to Gary's team.
Ash also sent all his Pokémon back to the lab, except for Pikachu.
Some traditions never change.
Any Pokémon could be placed in Professor Oak's care—but Pikachu always stayed with Ash.
"Eevee, Gengar—come out," Gary said, releasing the two Pokémon he received from Tracey.
"Booee…"
"Genggar!"
Eevee and Gengar celebrated Gary's Silver Conference victory.
"Thanks. I'll need your help for the next journey. Let's give it our best," Gary said.
Gengar nodded and slipped into Gary's shadow, while Eevee stayed close by.