"Champion level?" Juan said in surprise.
Steven nodded firmly; he had witnessed Kommo-o's true power.
"That's right—Champion level. And it's a new Dragon-type pseudo-legendary species. I believe both Mr. Drake and Mr. Norman have seen it as well," Steven explained.
Juan turned to look at Drake and Norman.
Drake nodded with a serious expression. "It's true. A Dragon-type pseudo-legendary at Champion level. When my Salamence saw it, it could feel an overwhelming sense of danger."
Hearing such a statement from Drake himself, everyone looked at Cain with astonishment in their eyes.
Had he really been hiding such power all this time?
Cain remained seated, a bitter, resigned smile on his face, though inside he felt quite calm.
At last, they were talking about Kommo-o.
He didn't want to live hidden in the shadows forever.
However, aloud he said, "That Pokémon came with me from Ho-Oh's dimension, but I can't control it. It only protects me in crucial moments."
"The species is called Kommo-o, a pseudo-legendary. If I'm not mistaken, it likely originates from the newly discovered Alola region. As for my candidacy for the Elite Four, that Pokémon doesn't give me any advantage."
"What a hypocrite I am..." Cain thought silently.
"Kommo-o? If what you say is true, then yes, it's Alola's pseudo-legendary Pokémon. A Dragon/Fighting type," Juan confirmed.
While the species name was a detail, the crucial fact was that Cain possessed a Champion-level Pokémon capable of protecting him in decisive moments.
That alone was enough.
Steven could only sigh: "..."
Cain and Steven continued.
Inside the meeting hall began an "exciting" exchange of courtesy over who should take the Elite Four seat.
Smack!
"That's enough, you two! Do you not respect the importance of this position? The title of an Elite Four member isn't something to be tossed around between friends!"
"If both of you have the ability, then stop pushing it away. This isn't just about yourselves—it concerns the entire future of the Hoenn region. Whoever fills that seat must be like Drake, Glacia, and Sidney: someone who leads by example and stands at the forefront of the region."
"It's a responsibility, and also a right! But always remember—responsibility comes before the right!"
At Juan's words, both Cain and Steven quieted down.
They exchanged glances in private, and each could see a flicker of amusement in the other's eyes.
"Take this seriously, both of you!"
"One month from now, right here, you'll have a full-scale battle! The winner will take the Elite Four position," Drake finally declared.
Though the great conflict in Hoenn had ended, minor disturbances still remained.
A month would be enough time to settle them—and then, the arrival of a new Elite Four member would serve as a positive sign for the region.
Since even Juan had made the decision, neither Cain nor Steven had any reason to object.
When the time came, they would simply face each other head-on. The two often trained together, but they had never fought a full-scale duel like this—a complete battle with their entire teams.
After resolving that matter, the meeting continued with other topics.
The main one was how to deal with the small and large factions that had emerged during the previous chaos.
If they could be eradicated at the root, it would be best, returning to Hoenn a clear and peaceful sky.
...
The meeting ended.
They had been in session the entire day; some were already feeling dizzy.
Cain and the other three walked out to the commercial street in front of the League headquarters, found a simple restaurant for dinner, and then each returned home.
After so many consecutive battles, they were exhausted—they needed rest and recovery.
In a month, they would meet here again.
The duel between Cain and Steven, while not as grand as the Kanto Tournament, judging by Juan's tone, would still be far from small-scale.
It would be the perfect occasion to showcase the strength of the Hoenn League.
Inside the Stone family's private jet, at the central dining table, sat patriarch Joseph Stone, Steven, his cousin Vivian Stone, and Vivian's father.
"Steven, you did well. Our family tree is already too large; we can't afford to become the thorn in others' eyes," Joseph Stone said, looking at his son with proud eyes.
Having had a child at such an advanced age, he considered his upbringing a success.
Steven shook his head. "I simply think Cain is more suited than I am for the Elite Four position. Both in strength and ability, he surpasses me in some respects."
However, Steven understood what his father truly meant.
The Stone family was already too powerful. His father, his second uncle, and even his cousin all held important positions in the League. Even if he didn't become an Elite Four member, it would make no difference to the family.
Besides, the family had many hidden cards and secret forces—like any great lineage.
If they wanted, they could have become a larger organization than Team Magma and Team Aqua combined.
But they had no ambition for conquest; their loyalty lay entirely with the Hoenn League. They prospered together, and they fell together.
That was why Joseph Stone always made decisions from the League's perspective—and the main reason Juan trusted them completely, without suspicion.
When the League was first established in Hoenn, the Stone family had been among the first to give full support.
"That Cain really is someone with great ability. From what I've seen, I'm not even sure I could beat him," Vivian said with a smile, covering her mouth.
At her words, the three men exchanged surprised glances, and almost in unison, asked, "Ahem... Vivian, what do you think of Cain?"
"He's fine, though a bit young," she replied absentmindedly while eating cake, not noticing their intent.
Patriarch Joseph Stone looked at his brother, saw him nod, then turned his gaze to Steven, signaling him clearly with his eyes. Steven understood instantly.
"Ahem... he's not that young! Only a three-year difference. As the saying goes: an older woman by three years is a golden treasure..."
Thud!
Vivian finally realized what they were implying and flicked Steven on the head with her finger.
Not many people in this world could do that to Steven—but she was one of them.
Her face flushed red, though it was unclear whether from anger or embarrassment.
The patriarch and his brother hurriedly looked out the window as if nothing had been said.
But how could Vivian not know what they were plotting?
She gave her father a kick under the table, then looked at Joseph Stone—since he was the head, she wouldn't scold him. Instead, she stood up and went to another table, cheeks still burning.
Steven, his father, and his uncle exchanged glances again, and in all three pairs of eyes shone the same gleam of hope.
Something was different today... her reaction had been much milder.
There was hope!
Their eyes lit up as if they had just discovered a new continent.
If anyone could tame that mischievous little devil, it would be a miracle!
And the same was happening in other families—not just the Stones.
The Joys, the Jennys, and many other large and small families also had Cain's data laid out on their tables.
Any family with beautiful, well-mannered young women thought exactly the same as the Stones.
At that moment, Cain was undoubtedly the legendary golden son-in-law.
An advanced-level Breeder, an Elite Four candidate—with the potential to become not just a member, but possibly even the Champion someday!
Everyone knew how to calculate that value.
(End of Chapter)