After ending the video call with his parents, Dylan fell into a contemplative silence.
He instinctively recalled the older sister who always wore a smile on her face when he was young.
Aster...
"So, it seems that no matter the world, scum always exists," Dylan mused, rubbing his temples with a hint of helplessness.
The "Meteor Village" mentioned by Amelia was actually the name of a village, but it was no ordinary village.
In the Hoenn region, there is a famous wild area known as Meteor Falls, which is on par with Johto's Mt. Silver and Sinnoh's Mt. Coronet.
Meteor Falls is also one of the habitats for the preliminary form of the quasi-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon, Bagon. However, the wild Pokémon deep within Meteor Falls are of high level and strength, so it's rare for Trainers to venture deep inside.
But what few outsiders know is that deep within Meteor Falls is a village called Meteor Village.
The inhabitants of Meteor Village, known as the Draconid People, have had a heritage spanning thousands of years. The Draconid People are an ancient clan that worships Rayquaza and are generally experts in Dragon-type Pokémon.
For two thousand years, the Draconid People have maintained their traditions, making them one of the most enduring cultures in the world. This is absolute, as even the Pokémon League was only established a little over a century ago, and the Orange Archipelago has only existed for eight hundred years.
However, as of now, there are not many Draconid People left in Meteor Village. Over the long years, most of them have moved to live in the outside world.
For example, Dylan's mother, Amelia, is one of them. Eighteen years ago, Amelia left Meteor Village, and soon after met Dylan's father, Itto. The two quickly fell in love and married.
However, Amelia still keeps in touch with the elders of Meteor Village and occasionally brings Itto and Dylan back to visit.
It was during these visits that Dylan met the sisters Aster and Zinnia.
But even in the Pokémon world, not everything is kind and beautiful. In fact, Aster had already died many years ago.
Not due to an accident, but due to human greed and desire, Aster tragically perished in the Embedded Tower in Johto.
The most ironic thing is that the Embedded Tower were actually built by the Draconid People for Rayquaza, but it became the resting place of Aster, the Lorekeeper of the Draconid People.
"Zinnia ended up becoming the Lorekeeper after all..." Dylan thought, gazing at the nearby Pokémon, such as his Arbok and Drapion, as they trained.
Zinnia, a character not present in the anime but quite significant in the games and special episodes, is known for her formidable strength.
"So, mixed-type worlds are really troublesome," Dylan said, feeling a headache coming on.
In the special episodes, Zinnia is actually a self-proclaimed "Lorekeeper," a title not recognized by the other Draconid People.
However, in this world, Zinnia is recognized as the Lorekeeper by the Draconid People, clearly resembling the game's version of Zinnia, while the death of Aster at the Embedded Tower is a story from the special episodes.
"Well, I'll ask Zinnia about it when I visit Meteor Village."
Dylan shook his head, deciding not to dwell on the matter. Aster's death had occurred nine years ago, and Dylan was too young at the time to understand the specifics.
He would ask Zinnia properly during his next visit to Meteor Village.
As night fell, Dylan entered the Growth Simulation World once again.
In the Indigo Plateau, Dylan entered the fourth room, where he saw a young man in a red outfit and cape with red hair, none other than Lance.
But unlike the cold and aloof Lance from the real world, this version of Lance had a much more "cheerful" demeanor.
"Yes, you've arrived, Dylan!"
Lance greeted Dylan with a smile, his face radiating warmth.
Dylan tilted his head slightly.
"I am one of the Elite Four! Dragon Master Lance!"
"Do you know? Dragons are legendary and sacred creatures. Although they are difficult to capture, their strength is unparalleled if nurtured properly!"
Lance declared with increasing fervor, raising his hands in proclamation.
This sounded... very familiar.
Dylan remained expressionless, not expecting to hear Lance's declaration again after already hearing it from the Champion in reality.
Alright, alright!
"They are strong and powerful; mere tricks won't work against them! Well then, it's about time to begin!"
Lance looked at Dylan, taking out a Poké Ball with a grin.
"Or should you just turn tail and run now, Dylan?"
"No, I'm going to beat you."
Dylan suddenly smiled, taking out an Ultra Ball.
"Articuno! Time to work!"
And then...
"Wow~ So strong! I still can't believe my Dragon team lost!"
Lance knelt on the ground, muttering in disbelief.
No, you must believe it; you were defeated by my Articuno.
Dylan was somewhat speechless. The level 58 Gyarados, 56 Dragonair, 56 Dragonair, 60 Aerodactyl, and 62 Dragonite had been easily handled by Articuno after a few High Potions.
It seemed that Elite Four Lance had finally accepted the reality and stood up with a smile.
"From now on, you are the Champion of the Pokémon League! Oh, wait, actually, you must defeat one more person first."
"That Trainer is Blue. He defeated us Elite Four before you, and now he is the new Champion of the Pokémon League."
Lance suddenly remembered, his face showing some frustration, as if he couldn't describe his current mood.
In a short time, they had been defeated in turn by two people.
"Well then, go ahead."
Nodding at Lance, Dylan proceeded to the final Champion room.
The Champion room was much more spacious and brighter than the Elite Four rooms. As Dylan pushed the door open, his gaze finally settled on a throne at the top.
At that moment, a young man in a black fitted shirt and purple pants, with a spiky brown hair and a handsome, smug face, was seated on the throne.
It was Blue!
"Yo~ Dylan!"
Blue squeezed a Poké Ball and slowly stood up, looking down at Dylan from above.
Dylan raised an eyebrow. So it was Blue after all, though he hadn't encountered him throughout his journey.
"Dylan, you've arrived~ You finally came! Hahaha~"
Blue descended the steps, his handsome, defiant face wearing an unmistakable air of arrogance and mockery.
"It's laughable, really. As a rival, you have no competitive value whatsoever."
Upon reaching the battlefield, Blue tightened his grip on the Poké Ball, lifting his head slightly with a sharp and arrogant smile.
Dylan watched Blue's performance with an expressionless face. He had tried before; these 'NPCs' would simply ignore him and continue their scripted lines.
"Do you know what this means, Dylan? While collecting data and searching for perfect Pokémon, I've assembled the strongest team! And now, I stand at the peak of the Pokémon League!"
Blue spread his arms in a welcoming gesture, his arrogant tone impressive.
"Dylan, do you know what this means?"
"Alright! Let me tell you! This Lord! The Strongest in the World! Stronger than anyone else!"
Blue grinned widely, throwing his Poké Ball with a flourish.
Champion Blue, I challenge you!
And then...
"Damn it! Is it really ending like this? Losing in a full-out battle?!! I finally reached the top of the Pokémon League!"
Blue collapsed on the ground in exhaustion, pounding the floor in frustration.
"Ugh... Has my reign come to an end? It shouldn't be like this! Why... why did I lose? My training... it was flawless..."
Blue fell into self-doubt.
Dylan savored the sight of this defeated figure, pondering if Blue would react similarly in reality after being defeated.
Speaking of which, defeating Blue would mean completing the Kanto region. Soon, he would be able to register his Champion team in the Hall of Fame.
Zapdos or Articuno— which bird should he choose?
Dylan pondered this.
(The End of This Chapter)