With both semifinals concluded, the two trainers advancing to the finals were officially decided.
Aiden Flint of Littleroot Town, Hoenn.
Ash of Pallet Town, Kanto.
As for Tetsuya and Tyson, they would compete for third place in this year's Hoenn Ever Grande Conference.
The championship match was set for tomorrow.
Aiden had already arranged his lineup.
His earliest partners—Sceptile, Pidgeot, Milotic, Shiny Aggron, and Metagross—would each battle once.
As for the final slot—
It was time for Rayquaza.
As a Legendary trainer, if he didn't deliver at least one jaw-dropping Legendary moment during the tournament, wouldn't that be a little dull?
Having made his decision, Aiden went to sleep early, conserving his energy for tomorrow's battle against Ash.
Meanwhile—
Ash couldn't sleep.
He tossed and turned restlessly.
For this battle, he had assembled his six strongest Pokémon.
Looking at their familiar faces, he spoke solemnly:
"Everyone… I'm counting on you tomorrow!"
In response, his Pokémon cried out with spirited determination.
…
The next morning.
The third-place match between Tyson and Tetsuya was held first. After all, once the champion was decided, the audience might lose interest in the bronze match.
To maintain excitement, the battle for third place came first.
After an intense exchange, both trainers were down to their final ace Pokémon.
Blaziken versus Sceptile.
Whether by typing or Mega Evolution advantage, the edge clearly belonged to Tyson.
The outcome did not surprise Aiden.
Blaziken defeated Sceptile decisively, securing third place in this year's Hoenn Ever Grande Conference.
Then—
Amid thunderous cheers, Aiden and Ash stepped onto the battlefield.
At the main stage, Sidney of the Hoenn Elite Four appeared as a special guest.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer shouted. "Up next is the final match of the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference! Competing are Aiden Flint and Ash!"
"Since today marks the crowning of our champion, we have invited Elite Four member Sidney to observe and evaluate the battle!"
Sidney laughed awkwardly and glanced at Aiden.
"Evaluate? I wouldn't go that far… Honestly, these two are so strong, I'm starting to wonder if I'll still be in the Elite Four next year."
The crowd erupted in laughter.
"Elite Four Sidney is too modest! Even Mr. Norman, known as the strongest Gym Leader, isn't your opponent!"
Only Sidney himself understood the bitter truth.
Aiden possessed Legendary Pokémon.
He had even captured Groudon and Kyogre before the eyes of Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and Champions alike.
If Aiden won the League, he would gain the right to challenge the Elite Four and Champion.
And knowing Aiden—
He would absolutely challenge.
Sidney happened to be the lowest-ranked among the Elite Four.
If Aiden defeated Champion Wallace, Sidney would be automatically removed from the Elite Four.
It was… unsettling.
Better to lower expectations now than be humiliated later.
…
Soon, the referee raised his flags.
"The final match of the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference will now begin! Each trainer may use six Pokémon! The first move belongs to Aiden Flint! The battlefield is the Grass Field!"
A Luxury Ball flew from Aiden's hand.
Metagross appeared first.
Seeing this, Ash grinned.
"Aiden! I've been waiting a long time to battle you at a big tournament like this!"
"Today, I'll defeat you! Go—Sceptile!"
For the opening battle, Ash sent out his strongest Hoenn ace.
An Elite-tier Sceptile.
"Impressive, Ash. Your growth really is fast. No wonder you defeated Tetsuya."
Aiden smiled faintly.
Then—
Ding! Detected that the host is battling Ash in the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference Finals. The following options are available:
Option 1: Defeat Ash with absolute dominance and make him understand the gap between you. Reward: Shiny Black Rayquaza (the Movie version that fought one versus six) + one Master Ball.
Option 2: Draw with Ash. Reward: One random Shiny sub-Legendary Pokémon.
Option 3: Lose to Ash. Reward: One Shiny Pokémon.
After such a long silence—
The system had finally returned.
Aiden's eyes lit up.
"System, I choose Option 1."
Ding! Selection confirmed. Upon decisively defeating Ash, you will obtain Shiny Black Rayquaza.
The system even added a note.
This Black Rayquaza was the movie version—the one that single-handedly Mega Evolved and fought Groudon, Kyogre, Giratina, Palkia, Dialga, and Kyurem simultaneously.
If you counted Kyurem's split forms—
That was essentially eight top-tier Legendary forces.
Its power spoke for itself.
And now—
Such a terrifying Legendary would become his.
How could Aiden not be excited?
"Ash," Aiden said calmly, "today, you'll truly understand the gap between us. Metagross—use Psychic!"
"Sceptile, Quick Attack! Then Leaf Blade!"
The final battle—
Had begun.
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