At Drake's command, Haxorus let out a furious roar.
A savage aura erupted from its body as it hurled itself forward.
Mega Aerodactyl answered with a thunderous cry, diving headlong into the clash.
Dragon Rush and Outrage detonated at the same instant.
Haxorus fought like a beast devoid of pain, locking its claws onto Mega Aerodactyl and hammering it relentlessly with draconic energy.
The impact shook the entire arena.
For a long moment, neither yielded.
Then—
Haxorus' strength gave out first.
Even as it collapsed into a near-fainted state, it still clung stubbornly to Mega Aerodactyl.
The prismatic light faded.
Mega Aerodactyl reverted to its base form, letting out a strained cry before falling as well.
"Aerodactyl and Haxorus are both unable to battle! Please send out your next Pokémon!"
Aiden calmly recalled Aerodactyl.
At his current level, his first-tier main team could contend with peak Champions—even Master-tier opponents.
But asking them to sweep endlessly?
That was unrealistic.
Drake burst into hearty laughter. "At last! I've taken one of yours down! Looks like I'm still the strongest of the Elite Four!"
Aiden smiled faintly. "You truly are formidable, Elite Four Drake. But next… let's test the might of a Legendary."
"Latios, I'm counting on you."
Latios descended in a streak of blue light.
Drake clicked his tongue. "You really think highly of this old man, don't you? Saving a Legendary for last."
Still—
He released his final Pokémon.
Kingdra.
"Ding! Kingdra's current attributes are as follows:"
Pokémon: Kingdra
Level: 78
Ability: Swift Swim
Type: Water / Dragon
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Not unlocked
Mega Evolution: Not unlocked
Moves: Dragon Breath, Water Pulse, Dragon Pulse, Hydro Pump, Dragon Dance, Twister, Blizzard…
"Kingdra—Rain Dance!"
Dark clouds gathered instantly.
With Swift Swim, Kingdra's speed would skyrocket under rain.
But—
"Latios—Luster Purge."
A colossal beam of radiant psychic energy erupted forth—larger than Latios itself.
Before the rain could fully take effect—
The beam struck Kingdra directly.
One blow.
Kingdra fell.
"Ding! Latios has defeated Kingdra!"
"Kingdra is unable to battle! Since Elite Four Drake has lost all six Pokémon—and Challenger Aiden Flint has only lost one—"
"The Elite Four Challenge is won by Aiden Flint! All four Elite Four members have been defeated!"
The referee shouted excitedly.
Aiden and Drake both turned to look at him at the same time.
The referee stiffened.
He had the sudden realization—
He might have offended two terrifying individuals at once.
With Drake's defeat, Aiden's Elite Four gauntlet was complete.
Moments later, Chairman Damaranch and Champion Wallace stepped onto the elevated platform.
"Aiden Flint," the chairman announced, "having defeated Sidney, Phoebe, Glacia, and Drake, you have earned the right to challenge the Champion. Will you proceed now, or at a later time?"
Aiden grinned.
"Now."
Wallace stepped forward gracefully.
"Very well. The Champion match will begin this afternoon. Aiden… I look forward to a truly exhilarating battle."
He turned elegantly, still every bit the reigning Champion.
The crowd erupted—
"Aiden!"
"Wallace!"
The stadium thundered with cheers.
Then—
A familiar voice rang out.
"If it's a Champion battle… would this former Champion be allowed to join the fun?"
Steven stepped forward casually, hands in his pockets.
The crowd gasped.
"Steven! The heir of Devon Corporation!"
"Is he entering the Champion race too?!"
"How would a three-way battle even work?!"
Chairman Damaranch sighed. "Steven, don't stir trouble. This is a Champion challenge. It doesn't concern a former Champion."
Steven ignored him, eyes locked onto Aiden.
"I've wanted a rematch for a long time. A full-power battle in front of the entire region… that's rare."
Wallace turned back, smirking. "So you admit you lost to Aiden before?"
The stadium exploded in chatter.
Steven narrowed his eyes. "You really never let things go, do you?"
Aiden watched the two exchange barbs.
Then—
A thought surfaced.
If Steven wanted in…
Why not?
But with one condition.
Whoever won—
The other two would serve as Elite Four members under the new Champion.
Imagine it—
If Aiden became Champion…
The Elite Four would consist of Steven, Wallace, Drake, and Glacia.
Even Lance would struggle to break through that lineup.
Besides—
Aiden had long intended to find capable stand-ins within the League.
Being Champion meant enjoying the glory.
The daily responsibilities?
Let Steven and Wallace handle them.
Consider it… punishment for their constant banter.
Aiden smiled.
"We can fight. I'll even take you both on at once."
"But I have one condition."
Steven and Wallace both grew interested.
"Let's hear it."
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