Watching Steven and Wallace fall neatly into place, Aiden couldn't help but feel a trace of satisfaction.
What could possibly be more enjoyable than having his two longtime rivals willingly step into his plan?
After all, it was Steven who had taken the initiative, eager to face Aiden under the spotlight of the entire region.
Wallace was no different.
Both of them had never quite let go of their previous losses to Aiden.
Back then, Aiden had used a Legendary.
That fact had always lingered in their hearts.
Even if this time Legendaries were still allowed, a full-force battle on equal footing was something they deeply desired.
And so—
They walked straight into the trap.
"It's simple," Aiden said calmly. "If I win, I become Hoenn's new Champion. The two of you—Steven and Wallace—will assist me as members of the Hoenn Elite Four."
"If you don't like the title, we can have the League create a 'Vice Champion' position for you two."
"Of course, if I lose, whoever becomes Champion may impose the same condition."
Steven and Wallace exchanged looks.
Temptation flickered in their eyes.
Who wouldn't enjoy having the other serve under them in the League?
The thought alone was satisfying.
Yet—
Something felt… off.
Was Aiden setting them up?
Before they could fully think it through, Aiden subtly amplified the lingering frustration they held from their previous sparring matches—just a faint nudge with psychic power.
Blood rushed to their heads.
"Deal."
The words left their mouths almost simultaneously.
Only afterward did they blink.
…Had that been too impulsive?
But an agreement was an agreement.
Now, all that remained was to fight with everything they had.
Inside, Aiden was quietly delighted.
If he became Champion, he could operate exactly like Cynthia—handling the prestige while delegating the administrative headaches to Steven and Wallace.
Perfect.
…
However—
A new argument quickly arose.
Who would face Aiden first?
Steven argued that as the former Champion—who had voluntarily stepped down—Wallace should fight first, since Wallace's strength must logically be lower.
Wallace shot back instantly.
"You idiot. I'm the current Champion. You're the one who's been dethroned. You fight him first."
"And don't forget how many messes I cleaned up for you."
Within minutes, the two were arguing loudly enough for half the stadium to hear.
Left with no other option, Aiden proposed a solution:
Steven and Wallace would battle first.
Then, over the following two days, Aiden would face the loser and the winner separately.
The proposal was accepted unanimously.
Even Chairman Damaranch refrained from objecting.
This was, after all, Hoenn's internal matter.
He held authority—but not enough to override three top-tier Trainers simultaneously.
Thus, the Champion Challenge evolved into a three-stage showdown.
First match—
Steven vs. Wallace.
The clash between Hoenn's former and current Champions began.
After their growth following previous encounters with Aiden, neither was weaker than before.
The outcome was uncertain.
Steven opened with Metagross.
Wallace answered with Milotic.
After a brutal exchange, both Pokémon fell simultaneously.
Aggron faced Gyarados next.
Gyarados prevailed with its typing advantage.
Cradily then defeated Gyarados—and continued on to take down Wallace's Whiscash.
In the second half, Ludicolo emerged and eliminated Cradily and Armaldo, only to fall to Skarmory.
Wailord then overwhelmed Skarmory.
At last, Steven revealed his final Pokémon—
Not Steelix, as Wallace expected—
But Magnezone.
The shift caught Wallace off guard.
Soon, Wailord and Tentacruel both fell.
Magnezone secured the victory.
Wallace clenched his fists.
Electric-types were naturally devastating against his Water-centric lineup.
Had Steven chosen Steelix instead, Wallace might have won.
But strategy was part of battle.
Steven stood victorious.
Which meant—
Wallace would face Aiden first.
If he lost again, as the reigning Champion, the embarrassment would be considerable.
Among the invited guests, Alder and Diantha watched carefully.
Hoenn possessed three Trainers of their caliber.
And Aiden—
Rumor said he commanded even stronger Legendaries.
It was difficult to fathom.
The next day, the Champion match between Wallace and Aiden officially began.
Fortunately, Wallace's team had fully recovered overnight.
Otherwise, even a victory would feel hollow.
"Aiden," Wallace began, composed yet intense, "I've awaited this battle for a long time. Since my loss in Mauville City to your Rayquaza, I've reflected deeply."
"I am no longer the Trainer I was then."
Aiden's lips twitched slightly.
Wallace openly admitting that defeat—
He truly had embraced the challenge.
Of the three of them—
Wallace was now technically the weakest.
A small, almost sympathetic thought crossed Aiden's mind.
Poor Wallace.
But sympathy had no place on the battlefield.
The Champion battle—
Was about to begin.
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