Aside from Team Aqua, Team Magma still had one remaining executive—Courtney, a woman.
By having Shelly gather the remnants of Team Aqua, Aiden would naturally gain control of their enormous financial network.
After all, Team Aqua could build submarines, fighter jets, even ocean fortresses. That level of military hardware meant absurd amounts of money.
Once all that wealth fell into Aiden Flint's hands…
He would never have to worry about funds again.
Sky fall would gain a limitless budget for missions, rewards, and expansion.
It was the lifeblood of an organization.
So Aiden gave J a new order—work together with Shelly to capture Courtney and absorb what remained of Team Magma, fully inheriting the legacy of both evil teams.
With that arranged, Aiden headed toward Mossdeep City.
Halfway there, a red-haired man riding a Dragonite caught up to him.
Aiden relaxed when he saw who it was.
"Lance."
Lance looked serious.
"Finding you isn't easy. Ever since we separated, I've been debating whether I should challenge you."
"But a true strong Trainer must climb higher by fighting stronger opponents."
"And don't worry—I know the rules. After our battle, I'll give you a proper reward."
In truth, Lance's words were far nobler than his real motivation.
Earlier, he had just been humiliated by Lorelei.
After seeing Wallace being treated like a joke in Hoenn—despite being Champion—Lance finally made up his mind.
If he didn't get stronger…
He would never truly secure his own Champion title.
Back in Kanto, his position was shaky.
Lorelei countered his Flying-type Dragons with quadruple effectiveness.
He couldn't defeat her.
So even though he wore the title of Champion, many didn't truly acknowledge him.
That was why he had fled Kanto before, going to Johto.
Now he had returned… but without ever beating Lorelei.
He needed power.
And Aiden Flint was the strongest stepping stone he could find.
"I accept," Aiden said calmly.
Lance released his Dragonite.
Aiden sent out Milotic.
"Ding!"
Pokémon: Dragonite
Level: 85
Ability: Inner Focus
Type: Dragon / Flying
Potential: Red
Moves: Roost, Extreme Speed, Twister, Dragon Dance, Outrage, Hyper Beam…
"Milotic, Ice Beam!"
"Dragonite, Thunder!"
They clashed.
But the gap was too large.
After just two exchanges, Milotic was defeated.
Aiden sighed.
"Guess I can't keep holding back."
He unclipped a Master Ball from his neck and threw it.
"Come out, Rayquaza."
A green god-dragon descended from the sky, flooding the air with pressure.
Lance and Dragonite both stiffened.
Once again…
They were standing before a true god.
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