"Lucario—"
After closely observing Zacian and Zamazenta unleash their ultimate techniques, Lucario fell into deep contemplation.
Compared to its masters' martial arts, the "Behemoth Blade" and "Behemoth Bash" it had just witnessed were refreshingly straightforward. And crucially—the move types aligned perfectly with its own Steel-type proficiency. Lucario currently lacked reliable Steel-type offensive options, often defaulting to swift-but-weak Bullet Punch. The gap between its arsenal and the Legendaries' signature techniques was undeniable.
Thus—this must be Trainer's pre-planned training regimen for me!
Lucario glanced at Aiden—understanding flashing in its eyes.
If Trainer believes it's achievable… then it is.
Alright. I'll learn it!
"LU-CARIO!"
Eyes shut, Lucario replayed Zacian's demonstration mentally.
First like this… then like that…
Finish with one decisive slash!
It snapped its eyes open—stomping the earth, leaping skyward while swinging the Sword of Ruin.
"Lucario!"
Mid-air slashes erupted—then a final horizontal cut channeled all residual energy.
BOOM—
The explosion lacked Zacian's raw power… but the form was undeniably there.
Watching, Aiden smiled inwardly.
It doesn't have the full 'flavor' yet—but the foundation's solid.
With Lucario's legendary work ethic? Mastery is inevitable.
After all—I've never met a Pokémon more dedicated. If it can master Invisible Fist… Behemoth Blade is child's play!
"WOOF—"
Zacian observed Lucario's attempt—expression shifting to mild bewilderment.
I agreed to demonstrate… but being able to replicate the technique after one viewing?
What a pleasant surprise.
Unless that colossal threat reappeared, they'd remain secluded here.
For a Pokémon to carry their legacy outward? An amusing prospect.
Fine. Minimal guidance it is.
Zacian and Zamazenta exchanged glances—nodding in silent accord.
But just as telepathic instructions formed—
Their noses twitched. Unfamiliar human scent.
[Human. Today concludes here.]
[Send Lucario alone next time. We honor our word.]
In crimson and azure flashes—they vanished.
"Lucario?"
Lucario tilted its head, puzzled.
Then—footsteps answered.
"Hey, you guys—"
Aiden turned. A familiar figure stood on the forest path.
Both froze.
"Aiden… / Leon?!"
Indeed—the man before them was Galar's "Strongest Champion," undefeated in official competition: Leon.
"Aiden—you suddenly appear in Galar?"
Relief softened Leon's initial wariness. He scratched his head.
"At least it's not those two trying to loot ancient artifacts again."
"Those two?"
Aiden's eyebrow lifted. Ah—the royal descendants. Absurd names, shadier deeds.
No wonder Zacian was so on edge earlier.
"Mm, it's a long story. Let's skip it."
Leon clapped Aiden's shoulder, grinning.
"Since you're here—tell your host! Had I not been on leave in Postwick today, I'd never have known you slipped in!"
"Raihan mentioned you constantly after Paldea. Said you refined his Archaludon tactics!"
"I've seen it—truly formidable and perfect for his weather strategies. Though its inability to Dynamax anymore is… noted."
"But innovating new tactics? Brilliant. On behalf of the League and Raihan—thank you!"
In a relaxed mood, Leon spoke freely.
Aiden simply nodded. "I came solely to investigate the two Pokémon dwelling in the Slumbering Weald."
"Two Pokémon? The 'phantoms' rumored here?"
Leon seemed genuinely confused.
'As expected', Aiden thought.
The royal descendants had buried Zacian and Zamazenta's legacy. Three millennia of seclusion left Galar with only ghost stories with no proof of their existence.
"Never mind."
Leon pivoted smoothly. "Since you're here—come visit Postwick! My brother and the neighbor's daughter are huge Teacher Azure fans. Meeting you would thrill them!"
Aiden blinked.
Hop and Gloria.
By this timeline—neither had become Trainers yet.
So young… and they're already studying Teacher Azure's tactics? Truly future Champions.
"Of course."
Aiden agreed without hesitation. Beyond Legendaries—he sought connections with Champions… and future Champions. Gloria, Leon's neighbor, was one.
—
Postwick, a tranquil southern Galar town.
Ranches dotted the landscape—humans and Pokémon coexisting in harmony for generations.
Though Wooloo and Moomoo Milk defined local life… the town's true pride was its resident Champion: Leon, Galar's beloved screen idol.
"Charming. Reminds me of Cabo Poco's peaceful vibe."
Strolling through Postwick's lanes, Aiden breathed deeply.
"Right? I adore this uncomplicated life."
Leon's smile faltered slightly. "Sadly… post-Championship, such simplicity becomes a luxury. I honestly can't wait for retirement."
"Truly a Champion—casually dropping humblebrag declarations," Aiden mentally sighed.
Every Champion—from Cynthia included—treats the title like an afterthought.
But with their talent… perhaps it truly is effortless.
—Dammit I'll compete with you prodigies!
"We're here."
Leon gestured to a modest two-story home.
Familiar. Nostalgic.
Aiden's gaze drifted to the nearby battlefield—where a chestnut-haired girl in a round flat cap and a sun-kissed boy played with Wooloo, oblivious.
"Hey, Hop! Gloria! We have a guest!"
Leon's call turned their heads.
Shock. Then—radiant recognition.
"Brother—and—"
"TEACHER AZURE?!!!"
Hop sprinted towards them first—eyes blazing with fanaticism.
Gloria lagged a heartbeat—then her own eyes ignited with starlight.
Both approached, breathless with anticipation.
"I'm Hop! Your loyal fan! Even Brother knows!"
Hop beamed—his tan mirroring Leon's lineage.
"Hello, Hop."
Aiden smiled, turning to the flustered girl beside him.
"A living Teacher Azure!"
"Mr. Leon, you're amazing for inviting him!"
Gloria blurted—then flushed crimson.
"Ah—I mean—"
"I'm Gloria! Please forget I said that!"
Yet her flustered charm only amplified her adorableness.
Wait—come to think of it… are there too many cute girls in Galar?
Beyond the designated cuties Gloria and Marnie… Sonia's scholarly grace, Nessa's aquatic elegance, even the DLC's Klara—they were all uniquely captivating.
This region definitely has a pattern!
"Alright! Aiden's our guest tonight—wanna have dinner together?"
Leon ruffled Hop's hair, eyes twinkling at Aiden.
"Thoughts, Teacher Azure?"
"Absolutely."
Aiden shrugged—then tilted his head.
"By the way… Hop and Gloria haven't become Trainers yet?"
"Nope. They'll get their starter Pokémon next year. Their journeys begin then."
Leon's explanation clarified Galar's timeline.
Approximately one year until Chairman Rose triggers the 'Darkest Day.'
Not too urgent. Even if disaster strikes—Zacian, Zamazenta, and Leon formed an unbreakable triad.
Eternatus's raw power may be monstrous… but Galar's "matchmaking" is flawless.
Overpowered numerical monster? Meet sibling duo with perfect counter-mechanics + undisputed Strongest Champion.
If it dares emerge—Galar can handle it by themselves.
Truly the most embarrassingly overmatched Legendary ever!
As Aiden pondered—Hop tugged his sleeve.
"Teacher Azure! A request—I beg you!"
All eyes locked on Hop.
"Sure, let's hear it."
Aiden withheld immediate agreement—though he guessed: Battle request. Of course.
"Teacher Azure! I heard you defeated Raihan!"
"Please battle Brother too! I must witness two strong Trainers clash!"
Predictable—
Aiden smiled inwardly. Hop and Leon—cut from the same passionate cloth. Hop was perhaps even more fervent.
A pity his destined rival is the "future Champion" holding the protagonist's script.
"What say you, Aiden?"
Leon's competitive spark ignited.
"And me! I must witness Teacher Azure's battling style!"
Gloria raised a hopeful hand, stars practically twinkling in her eyes.
"—Alright."
Aiden nodded. Refusal now would be rude.
"Though I brought only Lucario today. One-on-one battle—agreed?"
"Naturally! I've long awaited this."
Leon bumped fists with himself—grin fierce with anticipation.
"After all, even that picky Raihan holds you in highest esteem. Missing this spar? Don't even think about it!"
He strode to the battlefield.
"Let's battle here, do you have any objections?"
"None."
Aiden followed—heart steady.
Perfect. Let's use this battle to test Lucario's new style.
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