Logan idly flipped the Master Ball on his chest, a flicker of violet light flashing in his eyes.
"Logan, he's dangerous."
"He's the commander of the Elite Four in Kanto—of course he's dangerous. You could even say he's the strongest in Kanto… No, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but he's definitely in the top tier."
Logan hated the man who shared the same surname as him. That smug, arrogant gaze of his seemed to dismiss the entire world as beneath him. Just a single glance was enough for Logan to be sure—this Dragon-type Elite had never once tasted failure. His life must've been smooth sailing all along.
Compared to Giovanni, who had just left, Logan felt the man in front of him, Lance, wasn't even close. Ever since arriving in this world, Logan had treaded carefully, always wary, always observing. Giovanni—the strongest Gym Leader—exuded maturity and wisdom, his presence naturally commanding awe.
Even though Giovanni clearly viewed him with hostility, and Lance seemed to have a favorable opinion of him, if he had to choose, Logan would pick Giovanni without hesitation. That calm, ruthless composure… that air of unshakable control—it was something you could devote yourself to.
"If I could crack that arrogant mask of his… make him suffer his first crushing defeat, what kind of face would Lance make? Would he spiral into despair, or would he finally grow up?"
Logan couldn't help but entertain the thought, a touch of malice curling in his heart.
That look in Lance's eyes was infuriating—as if everyone else were weaklings. And yet… Logan begrudgingly admitted that expression was enviable. That pride, the kind that looks down from above… was something Logan also desired. But not because of Lance. He didn't see Lance as a goal, not at all. To him, this so-called champion of the Elite Four was still lacking… something.
"Logan! One who bears the same surname as I do… one who, like me, commands the power of dragons… my dear younger brother…"
The massive Aerodactyl spread its wings wide and descended slowly from above, landing before Logan. Lance stood motionless, arms crossed, with that ever-present air of superiority. He was always a step above, quite literally.
Seated on Gabite's shoulder, Logan met Lance's gaze without a hint of fear, even smirking internally. Clearly, this guy had no idea Logan held a trump card like Mewtwo. The sheer arrogance—approaching him so carelessly. The lack of caution was almost laughable. Compared to Giovanni, who had thoroughly probed Logan's every strength and weakness, Lance was wide open. If Logan launched a sneak attack right now… he might actually be able to take this guy out.
"Brother? I remember being an orphan. And you're from Blackthorn City, right? Don't tell me my parents are from this so-called 'Dragon Clan' over there. That's some third-rate soap opera nonsense—hardly funny."
Logan shrugged. If the other guy was this quick to underestimate him, all the better. Whether to attack or retreat, the initiative was his now. No danger meant no fear. Might as well chat for a bit. At least Lance didn't bring the pressure Giovanni did. That man… was truly unreadable.
The old saying rang true—"A sudden show of kindness always hides an ulterior motive." Giovanni's parting words to beware of Lance didn't feel like mere sabotage. They were likely a genuine warning.
"'Dragon Clan'? Hahahahahaha—!"
Lance burst out laughing like he'd just heard the world's funniest joke, standing atop Aerodactyl, his voice echoing across Mt. Moon, carried far by the wind.
"…Just because one of their ancestors once had the true 'Power of the Dragon', just because they live near the 'Dragon's Den' teeming with dragon-types, they have the gall to call themselves the Dragon Clan? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"
Clearly, Lance held nothing but disdain for Blackthorn City's so-called Dragon Clan. The contempt in his voice was undeniable.
"...The power to command dragons isn't something passed down by blood. In this world, there are only two people known to truly possess the 'Power of the Dragon'—you and I!"
He pointed at himself, then at Logan.
"This power isn't something those Blackthorn fools could ever wield. It doesn't come from noble blood or high birth. It's a blessing from Viridian Forest—a gift of love from that beautiful land! The forest chose you, which means you are just as exceptional as I am, my dear brother!"
That proud man now looked at Logan with unmistakable recognition in his eyes, which made Logan pause in slight discomfort. After mentally mocking Lance for so long, it turned out the guy actually held him in such high regard. Maybe he should revise his opinion of Lance up by a couple of points?
Still, that arrogance hadn't changed. He saw Logan as his equal only because they shared the same power. Probably assumed Logan would also agree with all his ideals. Typical.
He was treating Logan like a younger sibling, like family—not because of blood, but because he saw Logan as a continuation of himself. His successor.
"My father was from that Blackthorn family. But that rotting clan insisted the 'Dragon Power' could only be passed to those who married another from the same city. My father gave up his inheritance and married a woman from Viridian. I, like you, was born within the forest's embrace—and like you, received its blessing."
Lance spoke freely about his family—an unprecedented revelation. The Elite Four were famously secretive. This was headline-worthy stuff.
He had Aerodactyl step forward until it was just before Gabite. Gently placing a hand on Gabite's body, he sensed the dragon's wariness and, wearing a rare gentle smile, said softly:
"…Don't be afraid. Don't be tense, Gabite. I bear no ill will toward your trainer… I can feel your blazing fighting spirit and your unwavering loyalty. You're ready to fight to the death for him. He is a remarkable trainer. He loves you. He's raised you well."
Lance closed his eyes, attuning himself to Gabite's emotions. Logan simply raised an eyebrow, saying nothing. But then, to his shock, he saw the wounds on Gabite's body begin to heal—visibly and rapidly.
'The Power of Viridian?! Just like Yellow!'
Logan's mouth hung open, wordless. This guy was cheating! He had the 'Power of the Dragon' and the 'Power of Viridian'? No wonder he was so full of himself, convinced of his own superiority.
Still… Logan could sense that Lance's 'Dragon Power' wasn't the same as his own. It was incomplete—just a heightened affinity, nothing more. It couldn't erase a dragon's flaws or make them flawless. In terms of commanding dragons, Logan knew he was far superior.
Which made sense, honestly. Lance was just some Flying-type poser who happened to like dragon-looking Pokémon. The guy couldn't even tell real dragons apart.
"My brother," Lance said, his voice deep and full of conviction, "I can feel your love for your Pokémon through Gabite… But those common humans, they don't share our bond. They treat Pokémon as tools—as conquests. With their filthy hands and their poisoned skies, they seek to dominate this world that belongs to Pokémon…"
"They—should be erased. Just like the ancient civilizations that were wiped out."
His fists clenched. His voice burned with fanaticism, bordering on madness. No doubt about it—this guy was definitely a 'Logan' too.
Logan, outwardly calm, diagnosed him in an instant.
Chuunibyou.
Advanced stage.
Possibly terminal.
Chuunibyou wasn't dangerous by itself. The problem was when someone had immense power and chuunibyou.
And Lance… was exactly that kind of person.
--------------------
T/N:
Check out my Patreon
p@treon.com/FictionalRealms784 - (Replace '@' with 'a')
for 5 Advanced Chapters absolutely FREE—or unlock 35 Advanced Chapters
--------------------