He had lost.
Lost to an… Eevee…
Until the moment Blastoise collapsed, Gary still couldn't believe his eyes.
He knew Elias was gifted, enough to raise a champion-level Lucario in just a few short months.
Though difficult to accept, that at least made some sense.
Even before Elias had set out on his journey, he'd already demonstrated exceptional talent in Pokémon breeding—
And even created Pokéblocks that weren't available anywhere else.
With such talent, encountering a Lucario of extraordinary potential could explain raising a champion-level Pokémon in merely three months… perhaps?
But…
How could an Eevee be this strong?!
Gary rubbed his eyes repeatedly, suspecting there was something wrong with his vision.
Before this battle, he'd been confident that his strength among rookie trainers was well above average.
In fact, he could be considered quite powerful.
To say nothing else, his Blastoise alone was already comparable to the ace Pokémon of many Gym Leaders.
His other five Pokémon were also meticulously trained and nurtured.
Yet in this fight—
That Eevee hadn't even used its full strength.
Playfully, it had knocked out all six of Gary's Pokémon.
In less than ten minutes.
Gary had never heard of an Eevee being capable of such outrageous power.
And it wasn't just him. Even the spectators around them stood frozen in stunned disbelief.
"Was that… an Eevee?!"
"That move just now was [Tackle], right? It knocked Blastoise over a dozen meters away!"
"This is absurd—like watching a Caterpie beat Rayquaza!"
What they had thought would be a straightforward battle left everyone doubting their own eyes.
On the other side,
Elias caught the "Eevee" that leaped cheerfully into his arms.
It seemed incredibly pleased with winning the match.
Right after the battle ended, it even covered its mouth with its paws, giggling mischievously in the center of the field.
Such prankish behavior perfectly suited Mew's playful nature.
"You know, Gary, your Pokémon are actually quite impressive."
Holding the "Eevee," Elias approached Gary with a warm smile, gently patting his shoulder.
This was no empty comfort.
Gary's Pokémon truly were strong, and his tactics were solid.
Yet upon hearing this praise, Gary could only twitch his lips bitterly.
If I'd known earlier, I'd have challenged Lucario instead.
At least losing to a Lucario would've felt honorable.
Thinking this, Gary quietly sighed.
"You're impressive, Elias. I admit it."
If Gary had been reluctant before, this Eevee completely convinced him otherwise.
To raise such a weak Pokémon to this terrifying degree, Elias must have had a unique training method.
Gary's mind was already picturing Elias training alongside his Pokémon even in pouring rain.
A trainer like that deserved the respect usually reserved for veterans, even if he was technically a rookie like himself.
"It's their own hard work, really."
Elias smiled gently, rubbing the "Eevee's" head.
He suspected Gary had already imagined quite a touching scene.
He did wonder, though, what kind of face Gary would make upon learning that this "Eevee" was actually Mew.
After chatting idly for a bit with Gary and Professor Oak, Elias began to head back toward the hotel.
"Everyone back there was looking at you as if you were some kind of monster," Cynthia remarked, grinning beside him.
Honestly, if she hadn't known the truth, even she might have been shocked by a champion-level "Eevee."
But then again—
Elias had managed to raise even more terrifying Pokémon like Gardevoir and Zoroark.
Raising another champion-level Pokémon didn't seem impossible at all.
"Why do I get the feeling you're even happier than Mew?"
Noticing Cynthia's smile, Elias asked curiously.
Mew had quieted down after a brief moment of excitement, but Cynthia had seemed thrilled all the way.
"Not sure." Cynthia was refreshingly honest. "It's just strangely fun watching you tease other people."
In fact, she found this even more satisfying than winning battles herself.
Bzzzt—
Just then, Elias's communicator buzzed softly at his waist.
Noticing this, Gardevoir gently removed it and handed it to him.
Opening the device, he found two notifications.
One was a friend request.
Judging by the name, it appeared to be someone from a Kalos region TV station.
Elias was slightly surprised.
He'd thought Lance had only casually mentioned it. Apparently, the reporter really had been drawn in.
Casually accepting the request, Elias checked the other message.
[Elias, we've spotted the Twin Dragons of Time and Space. Thought you might want to have a look.]
The message was from Lance, accompanied by an address below.
Elias immediately became interested upon seeing mention of Dialga and Palkia.
He'd been searching everywhere for these two lately.
Unfortunately, pinpointing their exact locations within dimensional rifts was extremely difficult.
He hadn't expected they'd finally decided to emerge from their space-time rift.
But after clicking on the address Lance had provided, Elias found himself staring blankly, question marks practically popping over his head.
[Lumiose City]
If Elias remembered correctly, wasn't that in Kalos?
"The Twin Dragons of Time and Space, who originally should have been headed to Kanto, suddenly changed direction…"
Nearby, Gardevoir was checking her own communicator, apparently having received similar information.
Her cheeks puffed out slightly as she spoke, clearly annoyed.
It irked her that Lance had shared this intel with Elias first.
"Looks like you've got no choice but to go to Kalos," Cynthia teased, a playful smile curving her lips.
Despite the joking tone, her eyes slowly sharpened with vigilance.
Going to Kalos meant meeting Diantha, the reigning Champion.
Earlier, Cynthia had been joking, not particularly worried—
But now, it seemed dangerous indeed to let Elias anywhere near Diantha.
Gardevoir and the other Pokémon were one thing, but Diantha… she was a living, breathing human.
Not only was she an actress, but she was also notoriously beautiful.
Most concerningly—
As a friend, Cynthia knew all too well that Diantha adored Gardevoir and had a particular interest in powerful trainers.
And Elias, a powerful trainer with a shiny Gardevoir, was practically Diantha's ideal type.
"No way."
Cynthia shook her head decisively, feeling she needed to do something.
With that thought, her gaze shifted toward Gardevoir, who stood quietly nearby.
Perhaps Gardevoir might make an excellent ally…
---
P.S.
Elias: Diantha, my Gardevoir can do backflips.
Gardevoir: ?
Ah, parting is always such sweet sorrow, isn't it? Yet, even the gods must occasionally retreat into the shadows, leaving their beloved adventurers longing for more.
My darlings, thank you for accompanying me on this intoxicating journey. Remember, every end is but the prelude to a new beginning—and you've all entertained me immensely. Do continue to support our dear translator, won't you? Cast those Powerstones generously (Every 100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter!), and perhaps you'll lure me back sooner than expected.
Should your heart desire more, the translator's Patreon (patreon.com/wisetl) awaits, filled with optional yet enticing rewards—including exclusive early access chapters. And of course, the gates of our Discord (discord.gg/wisetl) remain wide open. Join your fellow adventurers; perhaps you'll find another divine secret hidden within~
Though I must withdraw for now, never forget—my eyes remain ever watchful. Grow stronger, shine brighter, and perhaps we shall meet again in another captivating tale.
Farewell, my lovely adventurers… Until fate entwines our paths once more.
-Freya