"This badge... over 10 million Pokédollars???"
Even Nemona, upon hearing Dylan's words, was shocked. She stared at the Poison Rota Badge in her hand.
She had already guessed that the badge wasn't cheap, but she didn't expect it to be worth over 10 million.
"Gym Leader Dylan, how are you even affording this?"
Nemona couldn't help but ask. With badges costing over 10 million each, wouldn't this bankrupt him? And what about those so-called "Legendary Badges"—what could those be worth?
"I have very strict standards for my challengers. Strictly speaking, Miss Nemona, this is only the third newly crafted Rota Badge I've ever officially awarded," Dylan replied with a smile.
He wanted to make the Rota Gym the most prestigious Gym in the world, in every sense of the word.
"Wow~!! So I'm actually really amazing, huh!"
Nemona was thrilled and fell even more in love with the badge.
"Alright then, I'll make it my mission to challenge all of Gym Leader Dylan's types in the future!"
Nemona's eyes burned with determination. One badge wasn't enough for her. With someone as strong as Dylan, she couldn't resist the urge to challenge him again and again.
"Whenever you have the chance, come visit the Rota Gym in Kanto," Dylan said with a warm smile.
"I also enjoy battling strong challengers."
Compared to battling rookies, Dylan much preferred facing experienced and powerful trainers. Those were the battles that truly sparked his fighting spirit.
"Gym Leader Dylan, can I challenge you too?"
Iono was a bit tempted as well. It wasn't because the Rota Badge was worth so much, but because earning it would be proof of her strength.
If she could win the Rota Badge, it would mean Dylan had recognized her as an outstanding trainer, wouldn't it?
Sure, it might seem odd for one Gym Leader to challenge another Gym Leader's badge... it was a bit strange. But so what?
After all, Dylan was so strong—it wouldn't hurt to ask for advice, right?
"Of course, you're always welcome to challenge me," Dylan nodded.
"Actually, the first person to officially receive my newly crafted badge was Gym Leader Erika from Celadon City. She's an excellent Gym Leader," Lillie said with a cheerful smile.
"Wait, Dylan wouldn't use his strongest Pokémon in these challenges, right?" Iono suddenly realized this might be a problem.
If Dylan used his full strength, how could she possibly win? Iono couldn't believe she was actually worrying about this.
"I adjust my team according to the challenger's strength—that's just basic Gym Leader etiquette," Dylan replied calmly.
"Phew~ That's a relief. Alright, I'm going to challenge you next time!"
Iono flashed a big, hopeful grin, her eyes full of envy as she looked at Nemona's Rota Badge. It was so exquisite, so beautiful, and so meaningful. She wanted one too!
"You're more than welcome," Dylan said with a faint smile.
"Well, ladies, the three of us have something to take care of, so we'll take our leave now."
Dylan glanced at the time and politely bid farewell to Nemona and Iono.
"Huh? But I haven't even properly thanked you yet, Dylan!" Iono said, momentarily stunned.
Dylan and his Ogerpon had saved her, after all. The least she could do was treat him to a meal!
"Helping a fellow Gym Leader is only natural. There's no need to be so formal, Miss Iono," Dylan replied gently.
"If you ever visit Kanto, feel free to stop by Rota Street. I'll be sure to extend you the warmest hospitality."
With that, Dylan gave a small wave and said goodbye.
"Goodbye~"
"Alright then... Goodbye, Dylan!"
"Gym Leader Dylan, wait for me! I'll definitely come challenge you again!"
Dylan smiled and nodded. He released Reshiram, and the three of them climbed aboard. Together, they flew toward the Great Crater of Paldea.
Nemona and Iono watched as Reshiram's silhouette disappeared into the distance.
"Another Pokémon I've never seen before! I really want to battle it!"
Nemona was practically bouncing with excitement. The pure white dragon looked incredibly powerful—she couldn't wait for the chance to fight it!
Seeing Nemona's reaction, Iono discreetly rolled her eyes in an adorably exaggerated manner. What a battle maniac.
"Are all Kanto Gym Leaders this... over-the-top?"
Iono rested her delicate chin on her hand, which was hidden beneath her wide sleeves.
"No, no... I think Dylan is just an exception," she concluded quickly.
There was no way such a ridiculously overpowered Gym Leader was the norm in Kanto.
"I need to start training a new powerhouse team right away, then head to Kanto to challenge Gym Leader Dylan!" Nemona said, clenching her fist with fiery determination.
"Seriously, there are so many monsters these days," Iono muttered with a defeated expression.
What was someone like her, with just above-average talent, supposed to do? It was giving her a headache.
Then again, who cares? She was just a livestreamer—she'd let the world do its thing.
Meanwhile...
"Yes, President Goodshow, I'd like to visit Area Zero. Could you help me contact Champion Geeta?"
Seated on Reshiram, Dylan was speaking on the phone with President Goodshow.
He wanted to visit the Zero Lab in Area Zero, where Professors Sada and Turo conducted their research.
"Thanks so much. Don't worry—I won't cause any trouble. Besides, you've got my back, right?" Dylan chuckled as he ended the call.
Not long after, his phone rang again, this time from an unfamiliar number.
"Hello? Is this Gym Leader Dylan?"
A warm, magnetic female voice came through the receiver.
"Yes, this is Dylan. Am I speaking with Champion Geeta?"
"That's correct. President Goodshow just contacted me, saying you'd like to enter Area Zero?" Geeta asked thoughtfully.
"Yes, I'd like to visit Professors Sada and Turo. I was hoping you could assist with the arrangements."
"That won't be a problem, but Gym Leader Dylan, I must warn you—the interior of Area Zero is not very safe right now."
Geeta offered a subtle warning. Since Goodshow had specifically reached out to her, she was willing to give Dylan some leeway.
But as the Champion of the Paldea League and its Top Champion, she knew exactly what dangers lay within Area Zero.
"Please don't worry, Champion Geeta. I'm very strong," Dylan reassured her.
"I see... In that case, I'll contact the professors for you. Please be careful."
Geeta didn't press further. With both Professors Sada and Turo present, she doubted anything overly dangerous would occur.
"Thank you very much."
After finishing his conversation with Geeta, Dylan directed Reshiram to descend into the Great Crater of Paldea.
"I've heard Champion Geeta is also Paldea's Top Champion. That's really impressive," Ilene remarked after Dylan hung up.
Indeed, Geeta was an incredible woman. Not only was she the Champion of the Paldea League, but she also held the title of Top Champion and served as director of Naranja Academy.
Three roles, and none of them were simple.
"Yes, Champion Geeta is indeed very strong," Dylan agreed. Geeta's strength was undeniable.
In the Scarlet/Violet games, it was clear she wasn't going all-out during her first battle with the protagonist.
Nemona had even described her this way:
"Everyone wants to be a Champion, right? Well, this person... she's at the very top of the Champion ranks."
That was Geeta. At the time, Nemona herself had already achieved Champion rank, but her admiration for Geeta remained incredibly high.
It was evident that Geeta wasn't using her full strength during Champion challenges, and Nemona acknowledged this after defeating her again later.
While the protagonist and Nemona may have surpassed Geeta by the endgame, she remained one of the strongest Champions within her rank.
As Reshiram descended, Dylan and his group finally arrived at Area Zero.
Area Zero was divided into the Upper Layer, Middle Layer, Lower Layer, and the Zero Lab at its deepest point. Currently, Dylan and his group were on the Upper Layer.
"Let's move forward," Dylan said as he recalled Reshiram. Together with Ilene, Lillie, and his Ogerpon, they began advancing.
"What's that over there?"
Lillie looked around curiously, taking in the lush green grass and serene environment. Suddenly, she froze, spotting something in the distance.
It was a Pokémon that resembled Volcarona, but its body was covered in white fur. Its limbs were grounded, and three pairs of orange wings adorned its back. Its yellow eyes contained black, cross-shaped pupils.
"Is that... Volcarona? No, it's different."
"Slither Wing," Dylan murmured, a small smirk forming on his lips.
Looks like his luck was good—he had encountered one right after arriving.
"Slither Wing," Dylan murmured, a faint smirk appearing on his lips. It seemed his luck was good—he had encountered one immediately upon arrival.
'Beep~ Slither Wing. Bug/Fighting type. Paradox Pokémon.
Ability: Protosynthesis.
Moves: Bulk Up, Close Combat, Lunge, Morning Sun, Low Kick, Stomp, Sunny Day, Flame Charge...
Description: This Pokémon bears a striking resemblance to what ancient depictions of Volcarona might have looked like, as detailed in a suspicious magazine article.'
The Rotom Dex diligently introduced Slither Wing's data, leaving both Lillie and Ilene stunned.
The words Paradox Pokémon and Protosynthesis immediately reminded them of Roaring Moon.
At this moment, Slither Wing also noticed the three of them. Its wild gaze flashed sharply, and it charged toward Dylan's group with all four limbs propelling it forward.
"Bonk!"
Ogerpon's right arm sprouted a thorny vine club as it leapt into the air, slamming it down on the charging Slither Wing.
Boom!
The vine club struck Slither Wing's head with a loud crash, halting its movements instantly.
Ogerpon leapt back to Dylan's side with ease, calm and composed, as it continued scrolling through its phone. Meanwhile, Slither Wing lay unconscious on the ground.
"Ultra Ball."
Dylan threw an Ultra Ball. After three shakes, it clicked shut, confirming the capture of Slither Wing.
"Not bad at all," Dylan remarked, picking up the Ultra Ball containing Slither Wing. He seemed quite pleased.
"Brother, what kind of Pokémon is this?" Lillie asked curiously.
It looked so much like Volcarona. And there was Roaring Moon as well—so similar to Salamence. Yet both had entirely different classifications and abilities. It was hard not to wonder.
"Dylan, we've come this far. Don't keep us guessing. You must know what's going on, right?" Ilene said with a playful smile.
"I wasn't planning to hide it from you anyway. Let's talk as we move," Dylan replied, putting the Ultra Ball containing Slither Wing into his bag and signaling the two girls to keep going.
"Do you remember the adventurer Heath I mentioned before? Two hundred years ago, he entered the Great Crater of Paldea. He encountered many strange things, which he later chronicled in The Scarlet Book and The Violet Book."
"Over the years, most people dismissed the contents of those books as too far-fetched to be true. They ended up being classified as fantasy or folklore."
Dylan spoke slowly as they walked.
"But they're real, aren't they?" Ilene asked, cutting straight to the point.
"You could say that... or you could say otherwise," Dylan replied with a light chuckle.
"Professors Sada and Turo—absolute geniuses, the kind of geniuses that come around once in a century," Dylan continued. "Their research into the crystals of Area Zero led to the creation of the Tera Orb. But that's not all they invented. Here in Area Zero, they achieved something even more extraordinary, something that defies ordinary imagination—a discovery that could shake the entire world."
Dylan's eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light.
Both Lillie and Ilene paused, their curiosity growing even stronger.
"Professors Sada and Turo were deeply passionate about Pokémon from other timelines. Sada was devoted to ancient Pokémon, while Turo was fascinated by future Pokémon."
"And because they believed in the contents of The Scarlet Book and The Violet Book, they began their research."
"First, using their intelligence and knowledge, they created AI robots modeled after themselves. Then, with the help of these AI counterparts, they developed the devices that brought about the current state of Area Zero!"
Dylan glanced into the distance, where a massive ancient Pokémon that resembled Jigglypuff was prowling with a menacing aura.
"A time machine that could transport Pokémon from ancient times and the far-off future into the present!"
Lillie and Ilene's pupils dilated in shock.
What?!
"That's right. This was the groundbreaking invention created by Professors Sada and Turo, along with their AI counterparts, using the crystals found in Area Zero," Dylan explained.
He pulled out another Ultra Ball and slowly approached the Screaming Tail, which had already noticed them and was now growling aggressively.
"Pokémon from the distant past, primal and instinctual, the very essence of ancient life!"
"Pokémon from the far-off future, refined to the peak of evolution!"
"These are the Paradox Pokémon brought forth by the time machine. They embody the power of both the ancient past and the distant future!"
As Dylan finished speaking, a confident grin spread across his face.