The sun rose over Wang Tang. For most trainers, three days was nothing.For Elior, it was everything.The defeat against Zeff
still lingered in his mind. But instead of dwelling on it, he began training.
For the first time in a long while, all six Pokémon trained together.
Infernyx
Eclipse Lunashade
Lucario
Mystveil
Thundrion
Skyrend
Each had a role. Each had weaknesses. Each had room to grow. Despite recovering from its injuries, Infernyx remained frustrated. It hated losing. Especially when it couldn't protect its trainer. Again and again it challenged stronger Dragon Pokémon around Wang Tang. Again and again it pushed itself beyond its limits.
From a nearby cliff, Master Longwei observed silently. He said nothing. Simply watched. As if waiting for something.
The training became harsher. Lucario practiced battling multiple opponents at once. Mystveil trained its concentration beneath a waterfall. Thundrion raced across mountain peaks, learning to control its speed. Skyrend soared through powerful wind currents. Lunashade meditated alone. Trying to understand the strange voice it had heard beneath the shrine.
That evening—Elior sat beside Infernyx. The campfire flickered softly. Neither spoke for a while. Then Elior smiled.
"You're blaming yourself too, aren't you?"
Infernyx lowered its head.
It remembered the battle against Noctyros. The defeat. The helplessness.
Elior gently placed a hand on Infernyx's shoulder.
"You don't have to carry every battle alone. We've always fought together. And we'll keep fighting together."
Infernyx looked at him. Then nodded. A small flame reignited in its eyes.
The final day arrived. The training reached its peak. Longwei finally approached. Without warning—
He released a Dragon Pokémon.
Drakorion
"Show me." Longwei's voice echoed.
"Show me what you've learned. But the battle wasn't official. It was a test. A lesson. That what you have learned from it."
The entire team fought together. Skyrend created openings. Thundrion pressured from a distance. Mystveil predicted movements. Lucario protected allies. Lunashade controlled the battlefield. Infernyx led the assault.
For the first time— The team moved as one.
When the battle ended—Drakorion remained standing. But barely. Longwei smiled.
"Good. Now you're beginning to understand."
As sunset approached—The gates of the Dragon Gym slowly opened. Ancient dragon statues lined the entrance. The final challenge awaited.
That night—Elior stood before the Dragon Gym. The wind blew across the mountains. Seven Gym Badges hung from his jacket. Only one spot remained empty. He clenched his fist. Tomorrow would decide everything. His final Gym Battle. His eighth badge. And his ticket to the Luminara Pokémon League.
Far away, hidden in darkness— Zeff looked toward the night sky.And whispered:
"The final key...I'm coming."
TO BE CONTINUED...