Outside of the pseudo-legendary species—
Among the Legendary Pokémon, there were also many powerful dragons.
For example, Eternatus, Rayquaza, Latias, Latios, Sinnoh's Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia; in Unova, Kyurem along with Reshiram and Zekrom…
Even among the Ultra Beasts of Alola, Naganadel and Guzzlord were both considered Dragon-types.
Of course, neither Yozora nor any of the spectators believed that Ryūnan possessed a Legendary-class Pokémon…
Dragonair alone was already a pseudo-legendary. If Ryūnan had a second pseudo-legendary, that would already be impressive enough…
Besides pseudo-legendaries and Legendaries, the Dragon-type family still had no shortage of strong contenders.
For instance, Haxorus, Noivern, Duraludon, and Flygon.
There were also Kingdra and the Alolan Exeggutor.
But Kingdra was a purely aquatic species, unable to fight effectively on land, so its value as a battle partner wasn't considered high.
What's more—
Kingdra was extremely rare. Sightings were few and far between, usually only in the deepest parts of the ocean.
Experts had discovered that Kingdra shared the same genetic code as Seadra, leading to the conclusion that Kingdra was Seadra's evolution.
However, the actual method of evolving Seadra into Kingdra was still unknown.
For Yozora, this was also an opportunity. To advance his rank as a Researcher, he would need discoveries like this…
"So, what's Ryūnan's final trump card?"
"No idea, maybe a Salamence? His Flygon's from Hoenn too, after all!"
"Salamence? No way. His Dragonair hasn't even evolved yet. How could he have a Salamence? At best, maybe a Shelgon!"
"I think it'll be Garchomp. That one's insanely cool!"
The crowd was buzzing with speculation. Finally, Ryūnan sent out his last Pokémon—an Altaria.
[Altaria] (Dragon + Flying): Lord-tier peak, Champion-level potential.
Graceful as a celestial bird, Altaria's sky-blue body was adorned with cloudlike wings of soft, cottony fluff.
It was the evolved form of Swablu, and by appearance alone, it seemed like nothing more than an elegant bird.
But in truth, it was a bona fide Dragon-type Pokémon—a flying dragon.
Within the Dragon-type family, dominated by pseudo-legendaries and Legends, Altaria's species was considered unremarkable, even ordinary.
Yet in reality, Altaria was powerful in its own right.
Its balanced durability, decent offensive and speed, and tremendous cotton-like defenses allowed it to endure waves of attacks.
And—
Altaria carried quite a reputation among Dragon-types.
Because it bore a notorious nickname: "The Dragon Tribe's Traitor."
As everyone knew, Dragons had very few weaknesses: only against their own kind, and against Ice and Fairy.
Dragons feared Fairies most of all.
And when Altaria Mega Evolves, its typing changes from Dragon + Flying to Dragon + Fairy. By turning into a Fairy itself, it becomes a bane to Dragons—a betrayer of its own kin. Thus, trainers often mocked it with the title, Dragon Tribe's Traitor.
Speaking of Mega Evolution…
This Altaria bore no Mega Stone. Yozora's eyes flickered with disappointment.
With Ryūnan's level of skill, and his powerful Dragon's Aura, he should've already formed a strong bond with Altaria. As long as he had a Key Stone and the Mega Stone, Mega Evolution should've been possible.
Given Ryūnan's lineage and wealth, obtaining an Altarianite shouldn't have been difficult.
Mega Evolution—
To ordinary trainers, it was like a mountain, impossible to climb.
But for geniuses like Ryūnan, it should have been easily within reach.
…
Not long after Altaria entered the battlefield, the rain stopped.
The dark clouds scattered, and the earth revived.
Bathed in sunlight, Altaria radiated tranquility and harmony, as though it could cleanse one's very soul.
"So it's an Altaria… not bad. Sure, it can't compare to Salamence or Garchomp, but species is one thing, individual quality another. I think Ryūnan's Altaria looks outstanding—its posture elegant, its plumage pristine, clearly raised with great care!"
The crowd, upon seeing Altaria, felt no disappointment. Their voices were filled with excitement.
But what they didn't know—
Ryūnan's Altaria was exceptionally strong, carrying Champion-level potential.
Such innate talent and potential would be considered excellent even among pseudo-legendaries.
"Altaria, use Sing!" Ryūnan issued his first command.
Yet Altaria remained motionless.
It hovered high in the air, its eyes wide, staring down Machamp with a ferocious glare.
Ryūnan, standing behind, couldn't see—but Altaria's eyes were blood-red.
"Not again… Dragonair refused to dodge earlier, and now Altaria refuses to Sing…" Ryūnan frowned.
Though he couldn't see Altaria's gaze, through their bond he could sense the overwhelming battle-lust boiling inside it.
"I understand now! Yozora's Machamp must have some special gift—it rouses opponents, inflames their blood, and forces them into a frenzy where they can only use offensive moves!"
Ryūnan's heart stirred. To confirm his theory, he immediately shouted:
"Altaria, use Dragon Breath!"
Boom!
This time, Altaria obeyed. It unleashed a torrent of emerald-green Dragon Breath straight toward Machamp.
Machamp had no way to withstand it.
Through repeated Power-Up Punches, Machamp had temporarily boosted its strength to terrifying levels. But its defenses were still mediocre—it couldn't endure Altaria's strike.
The green flames exploded across its body. Machamp groaned, then fell flat to the ground.
At that moment, Yozora had lost four Pokémon, leaving only two.
Ryūnan, meanwhile, was down to his final one—Altaria.
"Not bad. Seems you've figured out Machamp's gift," Yozora said with a faint smile, recalling Machamp.
Against Altaria, Machamp indeed stood little chance.
Not just because of levels—
But more importantly, Altaria could fly, while Machamp had no long-range moves to retaliate with. It was utterly helpless.
"Earlier, I really took a loss…" Ryūnan muttered, remembering Dragonair and their previous exchange, lips twitching bitterly.
If—
If Altaria hadn't been airborne… If its Sing had failed, Machamp might've torn through it with a relentless barrage and finished it instantly…
That thought sent a chill down Ryūnan's spine. Thank goodness Altaria could fly.
After all, Dragonair also possessed flight, but they tended to remain on the ground or in the water.
Altaria, however, preferred the skies. That small habit, seemingly trivial, could make all the difference in battle.
…
…
(End of Chapter)