Red's ace, Mega Charizard X, had fallen, and this full-team battle had clearly entered its final countdown.
Although Red still had his mainstay Blastoise, everyone knew the truth—how could a single Blastoise possibly be a match for Meowscarada?
Even though Meowscarada had Terastallized into Dark-type, it still retained the power boost to its Grass-type moves.
What's more, even without any move-type power boosts, dealing with a Blastoise was still an easy task for Meowscarada.
The battle continued. Red didn't give up—but compared to Meowscarada, Blastoise was so clumsy it looked downright silly.
From start to finish, Blastoise never managed to touch Meowscarada even once. When Meowscarada's final Flower Trick landed, Blastoise crashed to the ground.
Watching Blastoise fall unconscious, Red could only shake his head helplessly.
He had truly fought with everything he had—but it still wasn't enough.
"Blastoise is unable to battle. Meowscarada wins!"
"Since Red has lost all six of his Pokémon, the winner of this match is Dylan!"
Leaf entered the field and announced the final result.
"The winner is decided! Dylan defeats Red and claims the ultimate championship of this World Championships!"
On the platform, the slick-haired host shouted at the top of his lungs, unleashing the loudest roar of his life.
His excitement ignited the entire stadium.
"Wooo!!!"
"We're the champions!!"
"I say Champion Dylan is unbeatable—who agrees, who disagrees?!"
"No one can beat Champion Dylan! He didn't even need legendaries to crush the runner-up!"
"Absolutely deserved! This championship wasn't surprising at all!"
"AHHH—Champion Dylan! I want to marry you! I want to have your babies!!"
The entire venue erupted into frenzied cheers, everyone shouting the same name.
"Hahaha—my son is the world champion!"
In the stands, the Itto's face was flushed red with excitement as he laughed nonstop, overflowing with pride.
"Xin'er is amazing!"
Dylan's Mother wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, crying tears of joy. From the bottom of her heart, she was proud—this was her son.
"When Grandma and the others find out, they'll definitely be happy too."
She knew Dylan was outstanding, but witnessing him win the world championship with her own eyes made the joy indescribable.
"All thanks to my foresight!" the Itto said smugly, wrapping an arm around Dylan's Mother's shoulder.
"If I hadn't let this kid inherit the Gym back then, how could his potential have been forced out?"
If he hadn't wanted to go on a honeymoon trip with Dylan's Mother and handed the Gym over to Dylan, how could Dylan have exploded with such Trainer talent and reached this point in just two short years?
Mm! As expected of me!
"Pah! You really know how to pat yourself on the back," Dylan's Mother shot him an eye-roll.
"Hahaha!" The Itto didn't care in the slightest. He was so happy that even their ancestors in heaven were probably lighting incense in celebration.
He made money for his son, and his son became world champion—perfect! Truly the winner of life.
A beautiful, caring wife. Endless wealth. A perfect, outstanding son. Absolute bliss!
…Wait.
Something still felt missing.
The Itto suddenly fell into thought. What was it again?
On the field—
"Well done. As expected of my Meow."
Dylan walked onto the field, rubbing Meowscarada's head with a smile.
"Meow~"
Meowscarada's big eyes curved into crescent moons, its cry full of pride and joy.
Seeing that expression, Dylan chuckled softly, then looked around at the crowd chanting his name in fervor.
This feeling… wasn't bad at all.
Dylan's smile deepened. Being the focus of everyone's gaze—admiration, fervor, reverence—hearing them shout his name… it was truly exhilarating.
He hadn't even competed in a regional league, but winning the World Championships—did that count as fulfilling a dream?
"Red, that was a great battle."
Dylan walked over to Red. Red had just sprayed healing medicine on Blastoise, which had regained consciousness.
Blastoise looked dejected, head lowered, while Red gently comforted it.
"Thank you, Dylan. You've gotten even stronger."
Red shook Dylan's outstretched hand, Dylan's reflection clear in his crimson eyes.
Dylan had grown stronger—Red could clearly feel it.
The first battle in Vermilion City—Dylan had relied on his understanding of Poison to defeat him.
The second, a Gym challenge with a Fire-type team—Dylan's strength was already obvious.
And this time, another Poison-type team—yet again, Red wasn't a match.
"No one stays in place forever. You too, Red—you're far stronger than the last two times," Dylan replied with a smile.
"I'll challenge you again."
Red pressed down the brim of his cap. Beneath its shadow, his eyes still burned bright and fierce.
Three straight losses—but that was fine!
Raihan from Galar lost to Leon eleven times, didn't he? Three losses were nothing.
And Red felt he probably wouldn't "catch up" to Raihan's record anyway.
"Of course. You're always welcome."
Dylan truly meant that. He enjoyed battling—and Red's next challenge would be a Gym challenge.
A perfect chance to let his other attribute teams "get some fresh air."
Red nodded, already thinking about his next team composition.
Recently, he'd heard rumors of an extremely powerful wild Pokémon appearing in Cerulean Cave. He planned to check it out when he had time—maybe even capture it.
The finals ended, followed naturally by the award ceremony.
Goodshow, President of the Pokémon League and Chairman of the Kanto League, personally presented the award.
"Congratulations, Dylan. From today on, you are truly the strongest Trainer in the world."
Radiant with pride, Goodshow placed the medal on Dylan and handed him the trophy, his tone filled with both pride and awe.
From Goodshow's perspective, he had witnessed Dylan's rise firsthand.
The kid who once discussed rewards with him had, in the blink of an eye, climbed to the very peak of the world.
Sometimes Goodshow felt that both he and Kanto were incredibly fortunate.
If Dylan had been born in another region, the one feeling envy now wouldn't be the other League Chairs—it would be him.
"Thank you. I also owe much to your care and guidance," Dylan replied respectfully.
"Hahaha! This Itto didn't do much. Go take photos—capture this moment."
Goodshow laughed and gestured to the photographer.
Even though the World Championships winner didn't enter the Hall of Fame, commemorative photos were still essential.
After all, this was a global tournament—its prestige spoke for itself.
Dylan released the Pokémon he used in the finals: Arbok, Toxapex, Drapion, Crobat, Gengar, and Meowscarada.
"Alright everyone—strike your coolest pose! I'll capture your best moment," the photographer said, adjusting the camera.
Drapion, the largest, stood behind Dylan.
Toxapex tilted its head at Dylan's left.
Meowscarada stood on his right, hands on its hips.
Arbok stretched upward from behind his left.
Crobat hovered behind on the right.
Gengar was the smartest of all—sitting right in front of Dylan, pulling a huge, goofy grin.
Click.
The moment was frozen.
Kanto Champion Dylan defeated his final opponent, Red, to win the inaugural World Championships. The news spread across the globe like a storm.
The name Dylan truly became the idol of Trainers worldwide.
For a Trainer with dreams, what could be more alluring than becoming world champion?
Regional Champion? That was already yesterday's glory.
How many regional champions had been eliminated at the World Championships?
Of course, for rookie Trainers, regional champion was still the first goal.
But the day after the World Championships ended, another bombshell rocked the world:
Kanto Champion Dylan retired.
Red assumed the title of Kanto Champion.
Trainer Yellow became a member of the Elite Four.
The shock was immense.
Dylan had just won the world championship—and retired immediately?
Even with the League's official statement, fans struggled to accept it. Only after Dylan released a personal video explanation did the uproar finally settle.
In the backyard of the Rota Gym, Dylan lounged lazily beneath a tree.
It was the end of the year, the World Championships had just concluded, and there were no challengers at all.
Dylan was extremely free. He was even considering taking Lillie, Leaf, and Ilene on a vacation to Alola.
At the moment, he was chatting on a call with Steven and Wallace.
"Man, I really didn't expect you to retire, Dylan. Say—are you interested in Pokémon Contests? We could start a Pokemon Contest Cup together!"
Wallace's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm on the video call.
"What kind of nonsense is that? Knock it off," Steven couldn't help but roast him.
"You think Dylan is as free as you?"
Wallace already had his Wallace Cup, and now he wanted to rope Dylan into a Pokemon Contest Cup?
"Maybe in the future. I've got a headache of a problem right now," Dylan said, rubbing Eevee's soft fur in his arms.
"What happened?" Wallace asked curiously.
"My dad… he's pressuring me to get married."
Dylan rubbed his forehead.
Last night after returning to Rota Street, the Itto dragged him aside and talked endlessly.
When were you getting married? When were you having kids?
He and Dylan's Mother were in full agreement—Dylan should settle down.
Career established. Family wealthy. Time for life's big matters.
"I'm only nineteen, guys," Dylan said helplessly.
"I get it," Steven nodded. Before Zivetch Magnolia was incarcerated, he'd been pressured the same way.
"Pfft—hahaha!" Wallace burst out laughing.
"So, Dylan, do you have someone you like?" Steven asked curiously.
"Of course he does," Wallace chimed in eagerly.
"Leaf, Lillie, and Ilene—his childhood friend, right?"
"Yes," Dylan nodded.
"Then which one do you like most?"
"I want to marry all three," Dylan answered honestly.
"There's no law against it in this world."
"???"
Steven and Wallace stared at him, speechless.
"Then why are you telling us this?" Steven sensed something was wrong.
This guy wasn't troubled at all—he was baiting them!
"I want your advice. I've never been married before. I don't know what to do next," Dylan said earnestly.
Steven: (—)
Wallace: (︵)
After that, Dylan also "consulted" Giovanni, Lance, Leon, Geeta, Cynthia, and others—more like informing them.
He wanted them to witness his proposal to the three girls.
The Itto might be impatient, but Dylan agreed with one thing—
His life was nearly perfect, but he still needed the most important companion: the person to walk with him through the rest of his life.
On the final day of the year, Yellow, May, and Dawn took Leaf, Lillie, and Ilene out shopping together.
Meanwhile, Wallace and the others secretly entered the Rota Gym using Hoopa Unbound's golden rings and prepared the venue.
At eight in the evening, Hoopa Unbound appeared before the six girls and mysteriously tossed out a golden ring, gesturing for them to step through.
The instant they passed through, Yellow, May, and Dawn joined the main group and lifted up placards.
Leaf, Lillie, and Ilene were stunned.
Shimmering blue light rippled across the lake—Kyogre was glowing beneath the water.
Pink luminescent diamonds dotted the lawn—crafted by Diancie.
White balloons. White petals. Crystal lamps. A flower-ringed stage. And the starry sky above.
This was—
Their minds went blank.
Dylan, dressed in a black suit, walked toward them.
Holy golden light descended as Arceus appeared.
Three ring boxes floated forward under Arceus's control.
"!!!"
Leaf suddenly understood. She covered her mouth, eyes shining with joy as she looked at Dylan.
Lillie's face flushed red. Tears welled in Ilene's eyes.
She could hear Dylan's gentle voice—but the sudden happiness was overwhelming.
She only caught the final, most important sentence:
"Will you marry me?"
Before the three could respond—
"Marry him! Marry him!!"
Wallace and the others started cheering loudly, waving placards. Especially Steven and Blue—they shouted so loudly it was impossible to ignore.
But Leaf didn't care at all.
This felt like a dream!
"I'm willing!!"
…
One year later, the world was still as lively as ever.
The most interesting news was that the Kanto Champion had changed again—May defeated Red and claimed the title.
That meant next year's Kanto Champion would be May.
Dylan wasn't surprised at all. May and Red were close in strength, trading wins in private matches.
It wouldn't be shocking if Red reclaimed the title the year after.
But what mattered now was—
"I must've been blind back then to marry you together with Lillie and Ilene!"
Leaf, holding a baby, looked slightly rounder in the face—yes, she'd already had one child.
"Don't get mad, don't get mad. I drank too much with Wallace and the others last night—they're really not human!"
Dylan sighed helplessly.
Yesterday was his daughter's one-month celebration, and Wallace, Leon, and the others came to Kanto. They drank hard.
"So that's your excuse for sleeping with Selene?" Leaf glared.
"Dylan, she's your disciple!"
"I think I can explain…"
Dylan glanced at the tightly shut room door, scalp tingling as he cursed Wallace and Leon internally.
They'd been the ones pushing drinks nonstop.
But wait—he'd blacked out completely. And he vaguely remembered Ilene helping him to his room.
And in dramas, drunken hookups were fake anyway—when you black out, you're like a dead pig!
How could he have initiated anything?
The more Dylan thought about it, the more suspicious it felt.
Could Selene have… attacked him while he was asleep?
That rebellious disciple would be capable of that!
But then again, Leaf and the others should've been watching over him…
Dylan was puzzled. Leaf noticed too.
"Cough… so what are you planning to do now?"
"…"
Dylan fell silent.
"Fine. I get it. Marry one more."
Leaf rolled her eyes.
"Leaf… you didn't all plan this together, did you?" Dylan asked helplessly.
"Of course not! You jerk—what do you take us for? We can barely share you as it is. Why would we add another?" Leaf retorted righteously.
Dylan thought about it—it made sense. Still, something felt off.
"Then… another wedding?" he asked tentatively.
"And you're asking me that?" Leaf shot back.
"Alright, alright. I'll talk to May properly later."
Dylan pondered how to even start that conversation.
Waking up next to your disciple—and being caught by your wives—
Yeah. Awkward.
"Gym Leader bro, there's a challenger," a message from Yellow popped up on his phone.
"I'll go handle the challenger," Dylan said to Leaf.
"Go on."
Watching him head toward the Gym, Leaf hummed softly, smiling as she gently touched her daughter's cheek and pushed open the room door.
"Once things are settled with May, we'll truly be one family."
…
"So this is the Rota Gym."
A cute brown-haired girl stared curiously at the massive turntable before her, filled with excitement at the legendary Gym.
"Are you the challenger?"
A clear male voice reached her ears.
She turned around, eyes lighting up instantly.
Dylan—the legendary Rota Gym Leader!
Ever since she was underage, she'd heard countless stories about the Rota Gym and its master.
He was her idol.
The strongest Trainer in the world—and that was her goal too.
"Hello! I'm Ayumi from Pallet Town, a Trainer who just started traveling this year."
She introduced herself excitedly. On her head sat a cute Eevee, staring at Dylan with big watery eyes.
"I see—a Trainer from Pallet Town?"
Dylan's eyes flickered slightly as he smiled and nodded.
"I'm Dylan, the master of this Rota Gym.
So—are you ready?"
"YES!!"
——————————
(The End)