"It's Champion Lance!"
Selene and the receptionist finally noticed the red-haired, dragon-like young man with a haughty demeanor, feeling a bit excited.
Kanto's Champion Lance, also known as Dragon Master Lance!
Although there were rumors that Lance wasn't particularly fond of being called Dragon Master, it was still true that he rose to prominence due to his natural gift from Viridian Forest. His rise was unstoppable, leading him to the peak of Kanto.
After the Blackthorn City Clan was confirmed, they contacted Lance. His rise was independent of the Blackthorn City Clan, and in fact, his relationship with them was somewhat ambiguous.
But that's not the main point.
"Champion Lance, when did you arrive?"
Dylan invited Lance to the lounge, and after some consideration, Lance accepted.
"Right at the beginning of the battle."
Lance took the tea Selene offered, took a sip, and nodded approvingly. The tea was quite good.
Dylan observed Lance with curiosity, wondering why he was on Lance's radar. Was it because of the incident on the S.S. Anne? But that shouldn't be the case. Archer was hardly more than a larger bug to Lance.
If it were the anime version of Lance, there'd be nothing to discuss. However, the special episode version of Lance is incredibly powerful!
"I heard the President mention you. Since I was nearby today, I decided to come and see."
Lance spoke with an indifferent expression but in a friendly tone.
"So, how is the Dratini?"
"It's indeed the Dratini you gave me."
Dylan raised an eyebrow, not particularly surprised, and released Dratini from its Poké Ball.
"Mi~"
Dratini immediately swam to Dylan's arm and snuggled up against his cheek.
Seeing this, Lance's indifferent expression revealed a hint of a smile.
"Mm?" But Lance quickly sensed something was off.
He was very familiar with this Dratini, as it was the one he had given to Dylan. The Dratini's talent was excellent; when he gave it to Dylan, it was already about two meters long. This growth was quite good.
Yet, after just one day, Lance estimated Dratini's length to be about 2.3 meters. It must have molted at least twice. Dratini can grow bigger by molting repeatedly, but this usually happens after a certain level of growth or nutrition, and not in just a single day!
This is simply unreasonable!
"Mi~!" Dratini seemed to recognize Lance, letting out a cute chirp in greeting.
"Dylan, does the Viridian's power have special abilities?"
Lance nodded toward Dratini, furrowing his brows as he observed Dylan closely.
He couldn't understand, but according to the League records, some previous holders of the Viridian Forest's power also had special abilities.
"I'm not sure. Basically, I only use the healing abilities."
Dylan shook his head and raised his arm, a faint green light appeared, and the breath of natural life spread.
The blessing of the Viridian Forest is essentially a form of natural power.
"I see." Lance nodded, not sensing anything particularly special.
So Dratini's changes are not due to the Viridian Forest's power? Then what could it be?
Lance couldn't figure it out but decided not to dwell on it, as he didn't feel anything wrong with Dratini.
"Dylan, since the Viridian Forest chose you, you are special like me."
"I watched your recent battle. You have talent, but you should apply this talent in the right direction."
Lance's previously haughty face now showed a serious expression as he spoke to Dylan.
"What do you mean, Champion Lance?"
Dylan was puzzled. What does he mean by 'applying this talent in the right direction'?
"There has always been one vacant position among the Elite Four of Kanto. I think you, Dylan, have the qualifications for it," Lance said blandly.
Dragons are proud, and so is Lance!
The Elite Four position has been vacant, so he is both the Champion and one of the Elite Four. But now, a talented junior has appeared, hasn't he?
"Champion Lance, are you suggesting that I become a member of the Elite Four?"
Dylan raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly.
"Do you not want to?"
"Not that I don't want to. It's just that, compared to being an Elite Four member, Champion Lance, if I were to challenge the League, I'd rather aim for the Champion position."
Dylan's lips curled up in a teasing manner toward Lance.
Simply put, if he were to challenge the Kanto League, he'd definitely be aiming for Lance's position.
"Oh?"
Lance's indifferent expression finally showed a subtle change. His sharp eyes locked onto this junior with a piercing gaze.
Wanting to be the Kanto Champion means challenging and defeating him, Lance! So this is how this junior thinks?
Dylan smiled as he stared at Lance.
He wasn't afraid of Lance. Even if Lance were the more intense, almost 'world-destroying' version from the special episodes, he would still only despise those who harm nature and Pokémon with desires tainting their hearts.
The lounge fell silent.
"Champion Lance, is there something wrong?"
Seeing Lance merely staring at him without speaking, Dylan became curious.
Lance's sharp gaze gradually softened, his mouth forming an exaggerated grin, revealing his white teeth. At that moment, Lance had a somewhat eerie presence.
"Hahaha! Interesting, truly interesting!"
Lance stood up, looking down at Dylan with a strangely enthusiastic tone.
"Just as expected of my junior! I will wait for you, challenger!"
Lance raised his chin proudly with his arms crossed. He liked juniors with such determination!
If they don't even have the courage to challenge him, how can they be worthy of being his juniors?
???
Dylan looked at the dramatically imposing Lance, bewildered. What is this situation? Why the sudden display of over-the-top behavior?
"However, junior, as a senior, I must give you a piece of advice."
"A mere Poison-type is nothing but sand. Only the power of dragons is absolute!"
Lance maintained his arrogant smile and extremely self-confident tone.
???
Dylan cast a strange look at Lance.
"Dragons are legendary creatures. With effort, their power will be unmatched in the world!"
"I'll make sure you witness my unbeatable dragon army firsthand!"
Lance dramatically flicked his cape and turned to leave. He had nothing more to say, as he would wait for this similarly blessed junior from the Viridian Forest to challenge him someday.
For now, he had to leave. He had a lead on a dragon and couldn't miss it. As for dragons, Lance was always full of enthusiasm.
Dylan watched Lance leave with a rather strange expression.
What did this over-the-top red-haired man just say?
(End of Chapter)