"Ah… this…"
"Giratina, Dialga… no, wait—what kind of godlike Pokémon even is this?"
"This is too much, seriously too much! How can it transform this much?!"
"Ahhh! Does anyone know where he even caught this Pokémon? I want one so badly too!"
After a brief moment of silence, the entire Silver Arena—and all the viewers watching the live broadcast—completely erupted.
A Pokémon that could transform into Legendary Pokémon, and could even use their exclusive signature moves—was that not shocking enough?
No. This was simply beyond outrageous.
"We already knew Lucas was a monster, but this Pokémon is just…"
Coming back to her senses, Iris couldn't help but click her tongue, her clear eyes fixed tightly on the 'Dialga' hovering in the sky.
This was the dragon that governed time in Sinnoh's creation legends!
And more importantly—how could there possibly exist a Pokémon capable of transforming into Legendaries?
"This is really an enormous surprise. Today truly broadened my horizons." Leon also marveled endlessly. Good grief—this was really something else.
"The ancient Dragonite is probably about to lose its ability to battle. From today onward, Lucas is World Championship No.1 ranked Master Class trainer."
"So, dear seniors, how do you feel about that?"
Iris turned around to look at Leon, Cynthia, and the others, blinking mischievously as she teased them.
There was no need to think about it—having taken a full-force Roar of Time from Dialga, even an ancient Dragonite with an extraordinarily powerful physique would have been heavily injured.
The result was already obvious.
"Feelings? Lucas becoming world number one was only a matter of time." Cynthia glanced at the girl, shook her head, and replied calmly.
Ever since Lucas had entered their field of vision, they had all known that Lance's so-called 'world number one' title was merely a hollow honor in name alone.
Now, Lucas had simply claimed the glory that rightfully belonged to him.
"That monster… I don't plan on challenging him again for at least a few years. Next year, I'll probably challenge Lance instead." Leon was very honest about it.
Extremely honest, in fact. Those Legendaries… how were you even supposed to fight them?
"If Lucas doesn't use those Legendaries, though, I wouldn't mind sparring with him." Leon added after a moment's thought.
He liked challenging strong opponents and looked forward to it—but that didn't mean he enjoyed being utterly crushed. Leon didn't have a masochistic streak.
"Don't forget Red and Blue. They've already stepped into the realm of top-tier Champions as well—they're formidable opponents too." Raihan reminded them.
Those two had grown terrifyingly strong. Even Leon might lose to them if he wasn't careful.
Threatening opponents were only increasing.
"Compared to that…"
Steven pondered thoughtfully, resting his chin on his hand as he turned his gaze toward Leon.
"?" Leon looked at Steven in confusion.
"Well~ Champion Leon, how is that Xurkitree you got back then?" Steven asked.
Xurkitree?
Hearing this, Cynthia and the others froze for a moment before remembering.
Back in Unova, Leon had traded information about Calyrex to Lucas in exchange for a Xurkitree—according to Lucas, it was also a Legendary Pokémon.
"Xurkitree? It's an exceptionally outstanding Pokémon. If nothing unexpected happens, it should finish its training next year and become another ace on my team."
Leon paused briefly but didn't hide anything, his tone filled with satisfaction.
After raising it for a while, he had realized that Lucas hadn't deceived him at all.
Xurkitree's growth potential was in no way inferior to his Charizard or Dragapult—if anything, it was even more impressive.
As expected of a Legendary Pokémon!
By next year, once Xurkitree is fully trained, I—Leon—will also be a Legendary Trainer!
"I see." Steven's eyes sank into contemplation. It seemed Lucas's Ultra Beasts were all truly exceptional.
"Champion Steven, those require Legendary intel to trade for. Don't tell me you've already found some?" Raihan asked curiously upon seeing Steven's expression.
"Ah~ I do have some leads." Steven nodded.
"A while ago, while training at sea, I saw Groudon walking by not far away."
Indeed—while training Pokémon on a remote island, he had happened to spot a certain flightless, lost-looking creature trudging slowly through the ocean…
So, he memorized Groudon's approximate location.
Hearing this, Leon and the others were stunned. Good grief—Steven really had found traces of a Legendary.
"Not bad, Steven. Your luck is impressive too."
"Just good fortune." Steven smiled modestly.
"Later I'll go trade with Lucas for a Celesteela!"
As he spoke, a blazing anticipation flickered in his eyes—he had long been looking forward to that heavyweight Celesteela.
"Ugh…" Iris bit her finger, gazing at Steven with envy. She wanted a Naganadel and a Guzzlord too, darn it!
But Unova's Legendaries…
The Black Dragon had been taken by N, the White Dragon and the Ice Dragon by Lucas…
"Damn it! I wonder if Uncle has found any traces of the Swords of Justice yet…"
Iris thought to herself. Even though Unova's dragon gods were gone, at least those Sacred Swordsmen should still count, right?
And while the Champions were chatting, the battle finally reached its conclusion.
On the field, as the Dialga transformed from Mega Mewtwo Y unleashed another Roar of Time, the colossal Dragonite could no longer hold on. Its massive body collapsed heavily to the ground.
"Dragonite has lost its ability to battle. Mewtwo wins!"
After checking Dragonite, the referee raised a small flag and announced the result.
Lance looked calmly at Lucas, seemingly unconcerned about his defeat.
"Since all six of Champion Lance's Pokémon have lost the ability to battle, the winner of this challenge match is Mr. Lucas Blackthorn!"
On the giant screen, Dragonite's portrait turned completely gray, while Lucas's image was magnified to fill the screen.
The victor was born!
"Ohhh~ Lucas has defeated Lance! He has defeated the World Championship's No.1!"
As the referee's words fell, the commentator in sunglasses shouted passionately into the microphone, his voice echoing throughout the Silver Conference Arena.
"So-called strong ones exist to be challenged and overthrown! A trainer's path has no end!"
Colorful confetti rained down like a brilliant shower of flowers.
"The throne will never remain sealed forever! No matter how strong a trainer is, someone stronger will eventually emerge to usher in a new era!"
"Let us give him our warmest applause! He has successfully defeated the reigning No.1, Lance!"
"From this moment on—"
"The strongest trainer in the world! The new king!"
"LUUUUUCAS Blackthorn!!!"
The commentator's fervent voice bordered on deafening, but no one in the arena cared.
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—!"
Thunderous cheers and applause exploded instantly.
Everyone stood, clapping with all their might.
"Lucas! Lucas!"
The overwhelming sound waves were so intense that eardrums rang, yet even so, the applause and worshipful cheers never ceased.
"Insane! Honestly, Lucas truly deserves it!"
"I'm so fired up I slapped my Ursaring next to me. Turns out the whole hospital's watching this broadcast too!"
"Lucas is invincible!"
"Why isn't Lucas Oppa the Johto Champion? Ahhh! I really wish he were!"
"Kanto is history! I hereby declare—Johto is the strongest region now!"
The League's livestream channel was completely flooded with comments, especially from Johto trainers, who were spamming messages like it was New Year's.
After all, whether it was Lance or Lucas, both were members of the Blackthorn Clan of Blackthorn City, this was essentially an internal Johto battle.
"The strongest trainer in the world! Hahaha~ As expected of my son!"
Cassius Blackthorn stared at the white-robed youth on the field, his eyes reddening, his mature face filled with pride and joy.
"Lucas really is the strongest!"
Green and Marnie were just as excited. They had always known it—always believed Lucas was the strongest.
But before, that was only their belief. Now, his strength had finally become the belief of everyone.
In this League arena, Lucas had defeated the reigning No.1 Lance and taken his place.
The universally acknowledged world's number one.
"So strong…"
Blue applauded as well, gazing at that figure on the field with envy.
To stand on such a global stage, to become the true strongest and receive everyone's recognition and cheers—it was genuinely enviable.
"Hehe~" Giovanni also applauded without restraint, smiling faintly.
You did it.
In Giovanni's deep eyes was reflected that white-robed youth—before he knew it, that child had become the strongest in the world.
This crown of glory would make Lucas the most revered person in the world.
He stood at the pinnacle of this era.
And at this moment, Lucas looked around at the passionate, frenzied crowd, a slow smile rising on his lips.
He didn't dislike this feeling—the feeling of being watched, admired, and cheered for was intoxicating.
He had never been a reserved person. Even as his personality gradually changed, that remained true.
Challenging the World Championship had initially been a way to pass the time—but once he reached No.1, this outcome had been inevitable.
On the high platform, Chairman Loki looked at the two men on the field with a sigh. Lance being defeated head-on was truly regrettable…
After all, Lance was a League trainer and the current Johto Champion, whereas Lucas was not.
But this scene was something Loki had anticipated from the very beginning—and what he was most grateful for was that Lucas had now "returned to the right path," hadn't he?
"Congratulations, Lucas."
After recalling his defeated Dragonite, Lance walked up to Lucas and offered his congratulations with a faint smile.
"Huh? Cousin Lance, you didn't say something like 'I'll come back for revenge someday'?"
Lucas blinked, feigning surprise.
The faint smile on Lance's face vanished instantly as he stared expressionlessly at his annoying cousin.
What the hell are you talking about?
You beat me, took my ranking, and now you're still mocking me?
"I've held this position for a long time already. And since you're my cousin—we're family."
"Letting you sit in it for a while is fine too."
After calming himself, Lance replied indifferently.
Hmph—world number one? I've sat there for years already. You think I care?
Ridiculous!
"Haha~ As expected of you Lance. But now that I've taken first place, you should be careful about holding onto second."
"Hmph! Whoever dares challenge me—I'll let them taste the power of my dragon legion!"
Lance snorted proudly. Losing to Lucas was an exception!
Would he lose to anyone else? Impossible. Absolutely impossible!
"Mm~ of course I believe in you." Lucas raised an eyebrow.
Hopefully you can withstand Red and Blue's assault…
"Oh, right—Lance, when you reclaimed your Champion title, I didn't give you a gift, did I?"
"Consider this my present."
Suddenly recalling something, Lucas tossed two Poké Balls to Lance.
"???" Lance caught them, looking at Lucas in confusion.
"They're two Dragon-type Ultra Beasts. I caught them for research in Ultra Space—just right to bolster your Dragon-type core lineup."
Lucas explained briefly. As Lance had said, they were family.
He had plenty of Ultra Beasts—giving Lance a boost wasn't a bad idea.
"Dragon-type Ultra Beasts?" Lance's interest was piqued.
Although the challenge match had ended, the atmosphere in the arena remained blazing hot.
Lucas headed through the competitor tunnel to look for Marnie and the others. He had also received invitations from Leon and the rest to gather later that evening.
It seemed the next few days wouldn't be quiet either.
But just as he exited the tunnel, sensing something, Lucas's eyes narrowed as he instantly turned toward the distance.
There stood a young man in a dark crimson robe, strikingly handsome, smiling as he looked at Lucas.
"Who are you?"
Lucas frowned slightly. This person gave him an extremely strange sensation—an indescribable sense of wrongness.
The reason he had noticed him instantly was because this man carried an aura that felt very familiar.
The same origin, the same source—yet subtly different.
Arceus's power!
Yes—this person also possessed the power of Arceus, and it was incredibly strong!
"Me?"
The young man smiled faintly as he walked closer, his voice deep and magnetic.
"Just… an unusual traveler, I suppose."
"Unusual? More like extremely unusual." Lucas narrowed his eyes.
"You're not a native of this world!"
His tone turned cold. Yes—this unsettling feeling existed because the young man before him was not from this world at all.
Lucas still clearly remembered how, back in Ultra Space, someone from another world had arrived in this one together with Solgaleo.
Obviously—it was this man.
The Pokémon world had parallel worlds; Rainbow Rocket was proof of that.
But Lucas had never expected this intruder to actively come looking for him!
"You noticed?"
The young man stopped, his wine-red eyes smiling as they met Lucas's gaze.
"Let me introduce myself. At present, I'm a traveler between worlds—and also a trainer."
"You can call me Silas."
Silas spoke with a gentle smile.
"And speaking of natives… are you really one, Lucas?"
"We… are the true kindred spirits."
(End of Chapter)