[Neutral is good! Archer isn't sure how to make things any better, so leaving it as it is seems to be the best course of action. The topic shift is appreciated as well - and not just for the fact that he's now the center of attention.]

I've been well; Kimblee and I are still working on training our Pokémon in preparation for the Elite Four. They haven't opened yet, unfortunately, but with any luck they'll accept challengers soon. We do need to return home, after all.

[The usual air of confidence is there, but Archer sounds a bit distant somehow. He's quick to continue, noticing that.]

Perhaps we'll visit Kanto in the meantime. Aside from your friend leaving, how have you been, Zulf?