After hearing President Damaranchi's proposal, Aiden gave it careful thought.
Traveling across regions to evaluate Gym Leaders did not conflict with his own goals in the slightest.
Whether it was Kanto, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Galar, or Paldea—
Each region held Legendary Pokémon and rare species he had long set his sights on.
Becoming a Gym evaluation officer was simply the perfect excuse to move freely between Leagues.
It was convenient.
However…
One thing still puzzled him.
If the regional Champion held such authority and prestige—
Why did Hoenn's Champions seem so uninterested in the position?
Steven Stone, the former Champion, would rather mine stones and explore caves than sit on the throne. He even abandoned the title without hesitation and refused to inherit his family's corporation.
As for Wallace, the current Champion—
His heart clearly belonged to Pokémon Contests. The so-called "Wallace Cup" had already become the highest honor among Coordinators.
It was obvious.
Wallace didn't particularly want to remain Champion either.
Which explained why he seemed subtly eager for Aiden to hurry and challenge the Elite Four.
There had to be more beneath the surface.
After finalizing the Elite Four challenge for one month later, accepting his new League assignment, and officially becoming a Gym evaluation officer—
Aiden left the Hoenn League headquarters and returned to Littleroot Town.
The moment he arrived at his luxurious estate, he released all of his Pokémon.
Rayquaza.
Groudon.
Kyogre.
Latios.
Latias.
Regirock.
And the rest of his core team.
Finally—
He took out the Master Ball containing Shiny Black Rayquaza.
Without hesitation, he threw it.
A flash of light erupted.
A massive black dragon materialized before him.
Its scales gleamed like obsidian.
The moment it appeared—
Hoenn's three great gods reacted instantly.
Rayquaza narrowed its eyes.
Groudon rumbled.
Kyogre's aura shifted.
Especially Rayquaza—
Its gaze locked onto its black counterpart, as if ready to fight at the slightest provocation.
Meanwhile, the Shiny Black Rayquaza lowered its head slightly, staring straight at Aiden.
As if asking—
Are you my new trainer?
Ding! Shiny Black Rayquaza's current attributes:
Pokémon: Shiny Black Rayquaza
Divinity: Guardian Deity
Level: 100
Ability: Air Lock
Type: Dragon / Flying
Aptitude: Prismatic
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Mega Rayquaza
Moves: Dragon Ascent, Hyper Beam, Air Slash, Dragon Pulse, Rest, Outrage, Fly, Hyper Voice, Extreme Speed…
Friendship: 255
History: Once hailed as the leader of the Six Heroes. Followed the ancient explorer Lucius in safeguarding multiple regions and seeking the ideal land—Paldea. After Lucius's disappearance, it wandered until finding a new master.
Likes: Maintaining balance.
Aiden stepped forward and gently placed his hand upon its dark scales.
In the newest regional legends, Shiny Black Rayquaza had journeyed with Lucius alongside the other Six Heroes, protecting Paldea's peace.
After Lucius vanished, the Six Heroes disappeared as well.
Now—
It stood before him.
A Level 100 apex deity.
And in front of it—
Another Rayquaza.
Two sky rulers.
For a moment, the atmosphere grew tense.
But Aiden's presence steadied everything.
Rayquaza slowly relaxed.
The black dragon's gaze softened.
No hostility.
Only acknowledgment.
Two dragons.
One master.
The balance of the sky—
Had never been stronger.
The road ahead—
Would be the true path of a Champion.
P.S. This chapter serves as a transition. Volume 2 — Champion's Road begins next chapter. Stay tuned.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/SorenSwiftTL