At the Explorers base, Sidian is concluding his report on the Rising Volt Tacklers, and Gibeon orders the admins to ambush them at Laqua, expressing high expectations from Spinel at the same time. Once the meeting ends, Coral and Sidian comment on Amethio being left out again, but Spinel reminds them he was taken off missions and instead says the four of them will be enough, which Chalce agrees with. However, Spinel and Chalce miss the suspicious look shown towards them by Hamber. Meanwhile at Exceed, Amethio leads a disguised Zirc and Onia to Spinel's lab to uncover what he's planning.
On the Brave Olivine, the Rising Volt Tacklers watch Pagogo having fun with the Black Rayquaza while they head to Laqua as Friede reminds them to be cautious since the Explorers are after the Laquium. A discussion begins as to why the Laquium is also called the "Treasure of Eternity", with Mollie offering a theory relating to cell activation. She explains the concept to the confused kids before tying it back up to the topic at hand, with Friede theorizing that the effect of the Laquium on people is how Gibeon is still alive. Dot asks if there is a need for the Explorers to go to Laqua if they already have Laquium but Friede points out it could run out at some point, leading to Roy questioning if there even is any Laquium left. Because Pagogo put up a barrier in Laqua, the effects of Laquium aren't seen around the world, therefore it is hard to surmise if any Laquium is left. However, the kids aren't deterred by the potential danger, choosing to focus more on actually reaching Laqua with everyone involved and the adults follow suit in not losing sight in their reasons for adventuring.
Back in Spinel's lab, Amethio discovers the Laquium used on Spinel's Umbreon is an unfinished version, with plans involving a "Laquium Sphere". Unfortunately they were found by Exceed security guards and got locked in a warehouse. As Spinel and Chalce meet with Gibeon in person to talk about his dream being finally fulfilled, Zirc tries to force his way out of the warehouse despite Onia reminding him how everyone had their Poké Balls confiscated. Amethio tells them to calm down and Onia suggests bringing this up to Cervantis, but he dismisses the idea. Since they're brought to a warehouse away from Exceed by security guards under Spinel's influence, it is likely Cervantis does not know anything and Spinel intends to keep it that way. Just as Onia wonders about Spinel's intentions, Amethio silences her. At that moment, the shutter raises, revealing Hamber, who has come to retrieve the trio with their confiscated Poké Balls in hand. After checking on their respective Pokémon, Amethio and Hamber share their suspicions about Spinel betraying Gibeon. Amethio asks Hamber for answers about Laquium and the events of a hundred years ago, as he desires to help his grandfather and in order to do so, Amethio must know everything, including who he is and what he has to do. Sensing Amethio's drive, Hamber suggests they move to another place for further discussion.
Upon arriving at Amethio's mansion, Zirc and Onia come to a stop in front of a portrait of a woman. Amethio reveals she is his late mother, having passed from a car accident when he was young and that he was raised by Hamber in place of his father. Once they have settled in another room, Hamber begins to explain Gibeon's past with Lucius and Rystal, including his shared dream with Lucius. However, things changed between them in Laqua due to the Laquium, even more so when the White Zygarde also went against its Trainer's wishes because of Lucius's Rayquaza. When Hamber mentions Gibeon's Pokémon losing many of its Zygarde Cells, Zirc becomes confused. Hamber elaborates on Zygarde's biology before pulling one of Zygarde's Cells, surprising the others in the room. Hamber explains the Cell took a liking to him to the point of staying with him, with Amethio commenting how it's a sign of Gibeon's trust. While Lucius went through the same fate as Laqua, Gibeon nearly lost his life, only being saved by the Laquium. From there, he discovered how Laquium could extend a person's lifespan and left Laqua with a sample of Laquium. Gibeon subsequently founded Exceed and researched Laquium for the future of Pokémon for a hundred years alone. Amethio questions Hamber's reason for joining Gibeon, which was out of gratitude and respect for guiding him when he was lost as an adventurer. Gibeon's goals also inspired Hamber to personally teach the current admins of the Explorers, except for Spinel, who was recruited personally by Gibeon. Amethio becomes determined to stop Spinel from using his grandfather to obtain the Laquium in Laqua, with Ceruledge, Zirc, and Onia following in his steps without question. Hamber reports on the Rising Volt Tacklers making their way to Laqua and Liko being Lucius and Rystal's descendant, which doesn't surprise Amethio as he had suspected it. Hamber suggests calling it a destiny transcending a hundred years but Amethio laughs at the idea, saying that while he inherited his grandfather's will, he does not intend to fight for him. As for his earlier question on his identity, Amethio determines he is himself and that is all he needs to know. Hamber tells the group he would ensure no one knows of their plans before wishing them luck on their journey to Laqua.
On the Brave Olivine, Rayquaza suddenly roars, attracting the attention of the kids. They immediately find Friede, who tells them they are arriving at Pericarp Town and not Laqua. Friede speculates Laqua is not a former name of the town as Rayquaza flies off higher into the mountains. At Roy's urging, Friede asks Orla to increase the speed to catch up to Rayquaza, but she firmly objects, saying the airship won't survive going any higher, forcing the group to venture into Pericarp Town to get to Laqua.
