Red remained silent, falling back into his usual brooding state. But perhaps it was for the best!
The more challenging the Rota Gym was, the greater the sense of accomplishment upon obtaining the Rota Badge, right? Seeing Red revert to his usual aloof demeanor, Dylan shrugged.
Perhaps in the future, Red would realize that despite having defeated the Elite Four of Kanto, vanquished his childhood rival Blue, and become the Champion of Kanto, he would look back and wonder why he still couldn't obtain the Rota Gym Badge.
Hmm, thinking about it, Dylan found it quite interesting.
"That was a fantastic battle. You two certainly lived up to expectations, Dylan, Red."
Temporary referee Leah, having seen the post-battle comments, cheerfully approached.
Today had been quite good—not only had they thwarted the plans of the detestable Team Rocket, but they had also met two impressive peers.
The battle had been enjoyable to watch as well. However, now that it was over, she needed to continue her journey.
"Well then, cute little Leah will take her leave now. Let's meet again if fate allows~"
With a playful wave and a cute blink of her large eyes, Leah said her goodbyes.
Next, Dylan and Red would need to tend to their injured Pokémon, and Leah had to continue her travels.
"..." Red.
"Goodbye. If you have time, come visit Rota," Dylan said with a smile.
"Alright~ Maybe if I can't get by out here, I'll come to apply for a position at your Gym."
Leah's pure smile was as bright as a sunflower, embodying a lively and optimistic young girl.
At least she appeared that way on the surface.
"You're always welcome. The benefits are good," Dylan couldn't help but smile.
"Mmhm~"
Leah smiled sweetly and skipped away with a light, joyful step.
Dylan, Red, and the others returned to the Pokémon Center, but with so many injured Pokémon from the battle, Nurse Joy was still quite busy.
Dylan and Ilene decided not to wait any longer; they needed to return to Rota tonight.
"Come visit Rota when you have time. As your host, I'll make sure to give you a warm welcome," Dylan said with a smile as he bid farewell to Red, Ash, and the others.
"We definitely will! Dylan, I'm going to challenge your Gym too!" Ash declared confidently, clenching his fist. He had decided that he would get the Rota Gym Badge!
Misty rolled her eyes, and Brock chuckled.
"Oh? Quite spirited," Dylan observed with interest.
"I'll give it my all too, Ash. I look forward to your visit."
Dylan was not discouraging the eager young boy but was smiling in response.
Though he had just begun his journey, Ash's enthusiasm as a challenger was quite interesting.
Speaking of which…
Tomorrow, Selene would also be coming to the Gym as an apprentice. As the teacher, Dylan was contemplating whether to prepare a starter Pokémon for this first apprentice.
After the challenge, Selene could also train with Ash.
After all, one was the main character from the anime, and the other was the protagonist of the seventh-generation game—both were key figures in the Pokémon series.
"By the way, Red, I recorded the battle between you and Dylan. May I post it online?"
Ilene remembered this and asked Red. As a queen, she naturally respected others' privacy, including Dylan's.
"...Yes."
Red paused at the question, then glanced at Dylan and nodded.
There was no reason not to; Red didn't feel embarrassed. He had lost honestly, and Dylan's use of Poison-type Pokémon was outstanding.
"Could I get a copy of the video?" Red asked hesitantly.
It would be best to have the video so he could review the battle in detail later. It would help him prepare for his next challenge, although Red didn't know if Dylan would use the same team next time.
"Of course," Ilene nodded with an elegant smile.
Ilene and Red exchanged social media contacts, and she would send the video to Red once they returned to Rota.
Misty and Brock also took the initiative to add Ilene as a friend; they were also interested in watching the battle video.
"Well then, goodbye everyone. Red, next time you challenge us, it will be an all-out battle."
Dylan waved goodbye to the four, finally focusing on Red.
"Sure," Red nodded seriously. A 6v6 full battle was undoubtedly the most challenging mode for evaluating a trainer's skills, tactics, and depth.
Red looked forward to it!
With that, Dylan and Ilene left the Pokémon Center.
As they exited the center, Ilene looked up at the sky, her beautiful eyes momentarily clouded.
"Today's experience feels... a bit surreal."
Could it not be surreal? She was originally a noble queen, had just come out for a brief vacation with her childhood friend, and then, by chance, boarded the world-class cruise ship S.S Anne.
And then she encountered the Kanto evil organization Team Rocket...
It was truly an experience she had never imagined in her life, but fortunately, everything was fine.
Thinking of this, Ilene couldn't help but glance at the young man beside her, her lips instinctively curling into a happy smile.
"What's up? Why are you looking at me like that all of a sudden?"
Dylan, noticing Ilene's gaze, asked curiously.
"Nothing, just thinking... it's really nice to have Dylan around~"
Ilene smiled gently and spoke softly.
"Having Ilene with me is also my fortune," Dylan replied, taken aback but then responded warmly.
The two shared a smile and continued walking.
However, just as they were about to leave Vermilion Town, they spotted an elderly bald man with a slightly hunched back.
"Grandpa Fuji?"
Dylan looked at the bald old man with surprise.
Indeed, this was Dr. Fuji, the person Team Rocket's Archer wanted to capture on the S.S. Anne.
However, after the S.S. Anne returned to the port, Dr. Fuji was taken away by Officer Jenny for some questions, and Dylan and the others had parted ways with him.
To their surprise, they encountered him again here.
"Oh, it's Dylan and you all."
Dr. Fuji turned around, a kind smile on his face.
"I didn't expect to run into you here. Actually, I wanted to properly thank you, Red, and that little girl."
Dr. Fuji expressed his gratitude, though he was one of the many 'victims' of the S.S. Anne incident and needed to provide a statement to the police.
Fortunately, Officer Jenny and the others did not know that Team Rocket's goal was partly to capture him, or he wouldn't have been out so soon.
Dr. Fuji had requested Dylan and the others not to tell Officer Jenny about this.
Facing the old man's request, Red and Leah remained silent.
"No need to be polite, Grandpa Fuji. Team Rocket is despicable. As a Gym Leader, it's my duty to help."
Dylan said.
"What a good child~ It's wonderful to have young people like you in the League~"
Dr. Fuji sincerely remarked. He was a kind-hearted old man, but…
Thinking about his previous actions, Dr. Fuji's gaze darkened.
Seeing the sudden change in the old man's demeanor, Ilene was puzzled. This elderly man seemed to have many secrets.
"Grandpa Fuji, actually, before we arrived at the room, we heard some sounds outside."
Dylan pondered for a moment and tentatively asked Dr. Fuji.
"Were you once a member of Team Rocket?"
Dr. Fuji fell silent, his once kindly face now clouded with pain and regret.
"If it's inconvenient, you don't have to say. I believe you are not like Team Rocket's evil members."
After waiting for a while, Dylan comforted him gently, seemingly sensing Dr. Fuji's reluctance to confront this part of his past.
Dr. Fuji pressed his lips tightly, staring at the ground in a daze, and after a long while, finally gave a bitter smile.
"Actually… I was invited by Team Rocket to participate in a genetic experiment."
Dr. Fuji's voice carried undeniable exhaustion.
"An experiment involving 'artificial god' and cloning genetic organisms."
Ilene gasped.
Artificial... god?!!
(End of Chapter)