Several days had passed since Elior's victory at the Dragon Gym. The excitement surrounding his final badge had spread across the entire Luminara Region. Eight badges. A complete team. And a ticket to the Luminara Pokémon League. The dream he had chased since the beginning was finally within reach.
As Elior and his team traveled through a mountain route leading toward the League City, something felt strangely familiar. A strong wind suddenly swept across the valley.
Skyrend immediately looked toward the sky. As if it had sensed someone.
Far above the clouds—A trainer was riding on the back of a large Flying-type Pokémon. The silhouette rapidly approached.
Closer.
Closer.
Until finally—Elior's eyes widened.
"No way..."
The Flying Pokémon landed in front of him. Dust scattered everywhere. A familiar voice laughed.
"Looks like you've gotten stronger."
Standing before him was none other than Aero.
Months had passed since their last meeting. Aero looked different now. Older, More confident and Stronger. But the grin on his face hadn't changed.
Without hesitation—The two trainers bumped fists.
"It's been a while. Too long."
Both laughed.
Aero looked at the Dragon Badge attached to Elior's jacket. Then nodded.
"So you finally got all eight."
Elior grinned.
"What about you?"
Aero smirked. And revealed eight badges of his own. The atmosphere instantly changed.
"Looks like we'll both be entering the League."
Aero said.
"And this time..."
His eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I plan on winning."
Elior laughed.
"You'll have to get through me first."
Aero pointed toward a nearby battlefield.
"Then let's see how much you've improved."
The two trainers agreed to a single battle.
One Pokémon each. A friendly match.
Infernarx vs Stormwing The battle was intense.
Fast.
Explosive.
Neither trainer held back. But unlike before—Neither cared about winning. They were testing each other. Preparing for what was to come.
After an incredible clash—Both Pokémon landed simultaneously. Exhausted. The referee declared the battle a draw. The two rivals laughed. Exactly the outcome they expected.
As the sun began to set— Aero's smile faded slightly.
"Actually...There's something you should know."
Elior noticed the seriousness in his voice.
Aero looked toward the horizon.
"I've been hearing rumors. About a group called the Eclipse Rebellion."
Elior's expression immediately changed.
Aero reached into his backpack. Then pulled out a torn black banner. A banner carrying a silver eclipse symbol. The symbol of The Eclipse Rebellion.
Aero looked directly at Elior.
"Tell me. Why are they searching for something called..."
The wind blew through the valley.
"...the Third Key?"
Elior froze.
And for the first time—
The road to the League no longer felt like his biggest challenge.
TO BE CONTINUED...