Dylan was quite conflicted about how to deal with the three troublemakers, Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti.
Strictly speaking, these three were merely subordinates of Pecharunt in the Mask Incident centuries ago, playing supporting roles in his crimes.
Their theft of the masks back then was entirely under Pecharunt's orders. Obsessed with his poisonous mochi, they obeyed him blindly.
The mochi amplified their abilities—Okidogi gained strength, Munkidori gained wisdom, and Fezandipiti gained beauty. However, consuming too much of the toxic mochi altered not only their bodies but also corrupted their desires and personalities.
After being resurrected from the game, they even ganged up to bully the maskless Ogerpon, showcasing their lingering toxicity.
Of course, this revenge wasn't entirely surprising since Ogerpon had originally killed them.
"Brother, what's wrong?"
Ilene and Lillie approached.
"I'm thinking about what to do with these three," Dylan mused, pondering whether to seal them here again.
"Booo!"
"Take them away and keep them under supervision?" Dylan heard Ogerpon's suggestion.
"Booo!" Ogerpon nodded. It didn't want anyone else—human or Pokémon—falling victim to Okidogi and its companions in the future.
Ogerpon was determined to keep a close eye on Pecharunt and his cohorts!
"If that's your decision, then so be it," Dylan agreed, reasoning that Ogerpon was more than capable of monitoring them.
Dylan began capturing Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti one by one. Though it took some effort, all were successfully caught.
It cost him over 50 Ultra Balls. While they may have seemed weak in front of Ogerpon, they were still legendary Pokémon.
"Perfect finish."
Dylan stored the Ultra Balls containing the three Pokémon and glanced at Ogerpon and Pecharunt with a satisfied smile.
This northern journey had been immensely fruitful, a resounding success.
"Congratulations, Dylan!"
"You're amazing, Brother!" Ilene and Lillie cheered.
"This afternoon, let's head to the Paldea region," Dylan said with a smile, looking at the two girls.
Having explored all six northern sights, there was nothing left to see. Missing the "Masked Festival" was a pity, but not a big deal.
"Alright!"
After lunch, as they prepared to head to the airport, Dylan once again encountered Lacey and her companions.
"Gym Leader Dylan!" Lacey's eyes lit up as she ran over excitedly.
"Miss Lacey, Miss Carmine, and Mr. Kieran."
Dylan greeted them with a smile.
"We must be destined to meet! But are you leaving already?" Kieran asked, visibly surprised.
"Yes, we're about to depart," Dylan said, noticing that Kieran's mental state had significantly improved, with his hair neatly tied back.
"You're not staying to search for Ogerpon?"
Kieran looked startled, recalling Dylan's words from the previous day about competing with him to find it.
"I've already captured it, Mr. Kieran. It's my partner now."
Dylan gestured to the Ogerpon behind him. At the moment, it was engrossed in a drama on its phone, tears streaming down its face.
Ogerpon had a penchant for melodramatic shows. It had binged Hero vs. the Three-Headed Dragon King all night and was now absorbed in The Wandering Life of Princess Venusaur.
"W-What?"
The trio was stunned, especially Kieran, who stared at the tearful, phone-holding Ogerpon in disbelief.
This was the "terrifying ghost" he had always admired?
"Well…" Dylan rubbed his chin and glanced at Ogerpon, who was wiping its tears with tissues. "It does enjoy its dramas, and it's quite emotional, going through tissues fast."
"Truly worthy of you, Gym Leader Dylan!" Lacey exclaimed, unfazed. After all, Dylan was the trainer who had captured both Reshiram and Kyurem.
"That's incredible! Looks like you've lost, Kieran," Carmine remarked.
Kieran bit his lip, lowering his head in disappointment. He had planned to hunt for Ogerpon with enthusiasm, but it had already been caught.
"Don't be discouraged, Mr. Kieran. Even if you lost this time, don't you want to win next time?" Dylan patted the boy's shoulder with an encouraging smile.
"But…" Kieran hesitated, lacking confidence.
"Remember what I said yesterday? Confidence is an essential trait for any strong trainer."
Dylan's words stirred something in Kieran, who looked up at him in a daze.
"I believe in your potential, Mr. Kieran. Aren't you a student at the Blueberry Academy? How about setting a goal for yourself?"
"I have high hopes for you."
Dylan's bright, infectious smile lit a spark in Kieran.
"Climb to the top of the Blueberry Academy by year's end and come to Kanto to challenge my Rota Gym. Show me your progress—what do you say?"
"This won't be an easy task, but I trust you can do it. This is the bond between men. You have the potential to become a top-tier trainer."
Dylan's words carried deep conviction, making Kieran's golden eyes shimmer with emotion.
This unprecedented recognition left Kieran's heart aching with determination.
"When the time comes, I'll battle you with Ogerpon. That's our promise, Mr. Kieran. Can you do it?"
"Yes, Mr. Dylan! I'll make it happen!" Kieran clenched his fists, determination unwavering.
Kieran's steadfast response surprised Carmine, who stared at her usually introverted, scholarly brother.
Lacey's eyes glimmered with curiosity. Could Kieran really possess such potential?
With only a few months left until year-end, was it possible for Kieran to rise to the top of Blueberry Academy?
"You've got great spirit. I'll be waiting for you in Kanto, Mr. Kieran," Dylan said with a smile.
Kieran's talent was undeniable. As a rival in the DLC storyline, he was destined to be a powerful Champion-level trainer in the future.
"Please wait for me! I'll definitely make it!"
Kieran's determined tone resonated.
"Until then, feel free to drop by the Rota Gym for some tea," Dylan said, bidding farewell to Lacey and Carmine before leaving with Ilene, Lillie, and the drama-addicted Ogerpon.
"Kieran, you were too impulsive. What if you can't…"
Watching Dylan's group leave, Carmine began to chastise her brother.
"Reaching the pinnacle of Blueberry Academy before the end of the year? That's impossible!"
"I can do it, Sis."
Kieran calmly interrupted his sister's words.
Carmine was stunned.
"I will do it! I will become the strongest in Blueberry Academy!"
Kieran stared in the direction where Dylan had disappeared, his eyes shining brightly and resolutely. He now had a goal, even if it was one that had been set for him by someone else.
Dylan, the Gym Leader! I will become the champion of Blueberry Academy! Then, I will go to Kanto to challenge you!!
Meanwhile.
"It seems like you hold that boy in high regard, Dylan."
Ilene glanced curiously at Dylan. His attitude toward Kieran was unique, something she could easily discern.
"Is he exceptionally strong?"
"It's not about strength," Dylan chuckled and shook his head.
"Kieran is a genius, but his mindset has limited his growth. I simply gave him a reason to strive forward."
For someone like Kieran, who possesses talent but hasn't fully realized it, a clear goal and purpose can unleash astonishing potential.
"He can become a formidable challenger. And besides…"
Dylan was looking forward to Kieran's next challenge, though that wasn't the most critical factor.
"The Kanto region is preparing to establish Johto as an independent league. This is significant news," Dylan remarked.
"And for Johto to stand as its own region, it will need an Elite Four and a Champion."
"Brother, are you suggesting…?"
Lillie was startled. Was Dylan intending to groom Kieran into an Elite Four member or even the Champion of Johto?
Dylan smiled but said nothing.
In truth, Lillie had guessed wrong. While Dylan did have plans to support Kieran as an Elite Four member, it wasn't for Johto.
Kieran's talent as a trainer was exceptional, second only to those rare protagonists from the games. At the very least, Kieran's potential wouldn't fall short of someone like Diantha, a Champion-level trainer.
As for Lance, his heart harbored growing darkness. Although Vernon wanted Dylan to advise Lance, Dylan doubted that words alone would "wake" him.
It might be better to let Lance's inner "evil" fully erupt, and then deal him a solid defeat to teach him the meaning of reality. Only then would Lance naturally return to normal.
If Lance were to succumb to the darkness, the current Kanto Elite Four would be on the verge of collapse. Lorelei would undoubtedly leave with Lance, while Agatha, with her hidden agenda, might also join them. Bruno, who was dependent on the other three, would have no choice but to follow.
In such a scenario, not only would Johto's Elite Four and Champion positions need to be filled, but Kanto would also be left without an Elite Four, forcing the Kanto League to rebuild it from scratch.
Kieran was Dylan's candidate to serve as one of Kanto's potential "backups."
Dylan had no particular interest in power, as he already possessed strength. However, placing "his people" in strategic positions would undoubtedly be advantageous in the long run, making everything more convenient and providing a sense of personal fulfillment.
As Dylan pondered, he realized he already had a surprising number of current and future Champion-level trainers under his guidance.
Particularly Dylan's apprentice Selene, who was destined to become a top-tier Champion-level trainer.
"Once I return to Kanto, I'll find some time to visit Viridian Forest and bring that child out to serve as a Gym apprentice. Selene won't need much longer before she embarks on her own journey."
Dylan mused. That child, like himself, Lance, and Giovanni, had been blessed by nature and possessed the rare and unique Viridian Force.
That child was also destined to be a top-tier Champion-level trainer in the future.
Perfect.
(End of Chapter)