"I have no objections," Drayden replied with a shake of his head.
"From this moment on, I hand the position of Clan Leader over to you. I will stay by your side for the time being to assist you in managing the Dragon Clan," Drayden stated, having made a careful and deliberate decision.
"Everyone, taking advantage of this opportunity, I announce that I am stepping down as the leader of the Dragon Clan."
"I am formally passing the leadership of the Unova Dragon Clan over to Feng Che."
"Please give Clan Leader Feng Che your full support."
Deafening applause instantly echoed through the Dragon Shrine.
After exchanging a brief glance with Feng Che, Zekrom soared high into the sky and vanished into the clouds. Meanwhile, Feng Che departed alongside the higher-ups of the Dragon Clan to attend a leadership council where the clan's current status and pressing issues would be laid out for him.
Inside the conference room, the elite figures of the Dragon Clan were gathered. For the first time in twenty years, Zinzolin sat at the meeting table, attending as the representative of the First Elder's lineage.
"Clan Leader Feng Che, our Dragon Clan currently counts one Champion-level trainer and four Elite-level trainers among our ranks," Drayden reported gravely. "Gym-level trainers are countless. However, we are facing a severe crisis—our resources are critically depleted, to the point where we are operating at a severe deficit."
"If I recall correctly, the Dragon's Den houses vast dragon-type resources. How has it come to such a desperate shortage?" Feng Che raised an eyebrow, asking with genuine curiosity.
"That is because the Dragon's Den in Unova is the largest of its kind in the Pokémon world, home to a massive population of Dragon-type Pokémon," Drayden answered respectfully. "Centuries ago, our ancestors signed a binding pact with the Dragon-types, strictly forbidding anyone from arbitrarily exploiting the resources within the Den."
It was the Sword of Damocles hanging perpetually over the Dragon Clan.
Feng Che couldn't help but notice that every member of the Dragon Clan he seemed to cross paths with was perpetually strapped for cash. Lance was like that, Iris was like that, and even Drayden, who appeared prosperous on the surface, was no exception. Being the leader of the Dragon Clan was certainly no easy task.
As Feng Che reviewed the detailed financial logs of the clan, his fingers tapped rhythmically against the tabletop, sending anxious shivers through the hearts of everyone watching.
"Well, it seems the Second Elder actually did one good thing before he died," Feng Che said suddenly, lifting his head. "There is a massive iron ore deposit located deep beneath the Dragon Clan's territory. And it's a rich vein."
"We can use this iron ore to trade for supplies with other regions. As it happens, I have familiar channels for that exact purpose."
"The problem is that this iron ore is notoriously difficult to mine, and we severely lack the manpower," Drayden said, a troubled look on his face.
"Don't worry. The Second Elder managed to breed a specialized strain of Alolan Geodude," Feng Che explained calmly. "These Geodude naturally generate electric arcs that resonate with iron ore. They can ingest crude iron ore and spew out fully purified metal. We can breed and utilize these Geodude for completely pollution-free mining."
"Additionally, we can trade the rare Dragon Scale fruit harvested here for vast quantities of everyday necessities. Rest assured, the Dragon Clan's days of hardship are coming to an end."
Feng Che addressed the gathered leaders with quiet authority. The Dragon Clan already possessed formidable inherent combat strength, meaning Feng Che didn't need to exhaust time and effort on rigorous training regimens. His priority was simply elevating their standard of living.
"Inside the clan, we must completely purge the Second Elder's remaining influence. Anyone who colluded with his faction must be thoroughly investigated." Feng Che needed to forge the Dragon Clan into a unified, unbreakable iron wall.
"Furthermore, Drayden and Zinzolin will serve as the clan's Vice Leaders. Whenever I am away, the two of them will temporarily exercise the authority of the Clan Leader."
Feng Che paused mid-sentence. At that exact moment, Zinzolin glanced down at a newly arrived message on his device, and his aged face instantly darkened.
"Clan Leader Feng Che, this is bad! Team Plasma has moved into the Giant Chasm. They're trying to unseal Kyurem!" Zinzolin said urgently. "The Swords of Justice have already rushed to the cave."
A frown touched Feng Che's face. Team Plasma's sudden mobilization caught him slightly off guard.
"Team Plasma's objective is simple: release Kyurem and launch a direct assault on the Dragon Clan," Feng Che analyzed quickly. "Once they crush us, they will essentially achieve total dominion over the Unova region. Champion Alder is hardly a threat—they can easily sideline him and leave him as a mere figurehead."
"Drayden, take the clan members and secure our absolute defense. Zinzolin and I will head to the Giant Chasm to stop Team Plasma."
Using teleportation, Feng Che and Zinzolin vanished, reappearing thousands of meters up in the upper atmosphere. Zekrom was already waiting there, hovering majestically in the freezing winds.
"Zekrom, take me to the Giant Chasm. Team Plasma is attempting to break Kyurem's seal," Feng Che commanded.
Zekrom lowered its body, allowing Feng Che and Zinzolin to mount its back. Its engine-like tail flared with a brilliant, cyan-blue radiance.
"Feng Che... although we have only just acknowledged one another, this gift is a dozen years overdue. Please, accept this Pokémon," Zinzolin said, his voice carrying a rare warmth as he pressed a still-warm Poké Ball into Feng Che's hand.
"You've seen this Pokémon before. It's the Kommo-o that Vael fought with."
"It is the full-blooded sibling to the Kommo-o I currently keep by my side."
"As for Vael... that reckless fool—you don't have to forgive him. After all, he was irresponsible and absent for over a decade of your formative years."
"Still, I hope you can accept this gesture of sincerity."
Zinzolin spoke with earnest vulnerability.
"Old man, I'll take the Poké Ball," Feng Che replied with a feigned, haughty scoff, though a subtle fondness danced in his eyes, "but don't expect me to start calling you grandfather."
Zinzolin was overcome with quiet relief. The fact that Feng Che accepted the Poké Ball was proof enough that the young man had truly accepted him.
Just then, a roiling mass of black malevolent energy erupted in the distance.
Four figures clad in ritualistic ceremonial robes soared into the high altitude, radiating a bizarre, oppressive dark aura.
"Found you at last."
The Wind Priest's crimson eyes burned with unadulterated malice.
"We are the Four Priests of Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth, serving under High Priest Shaka."
"Mr. Feng Che, you should remember us."
"By the decree of the Sky God, we have come to claim your soul."
Suddenly, a thick shroud of black fog billowed outward, completely enveloping Zekrom and its riders. Provoked by the sudden assault, Zekrom roared, a torrent of violent lightning bursting from its body.
Yet, as the lightning struck the dark fog, it was swallowed up and dissolved into nothingness.
Before Feng Che could react, he vanished from Zekrom's back. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing alone deep within the churning vortex of mist.
"Welcome, Feng Che."
"Empowered by the might of the Sky God, I have invited you into the divine realm of the Sky God himself."
"Strike you down here, and your soul shall be devoured by the Sky God for eternity."
"I am the Earth Priest. You may address me as the Earth God."
A short, stout man stepped slowly out from the shadows of the fog.