For Ryuu Shiro, this day was undoubtedly the most joyful one in his eighteen years of life.
Because he had obtained the Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon he had always dreamed of! And not just any Legendary—it was Eternatus, a top-tier Legendary with a base stat total exceeding a thousand after Dynamaxing!
But for some, this day was nothing short of catastrophic.
Hammerlocke City.
A robust, orange-red Charizard descended from the sky, and on its back sat a young man with purple hair.
Draped in a red champion's cape, with short stubble and a handsome, mature face, he exuded an air of unwavering reliability.
This was Leon, the undefeated Champion of the Galar region!
Since his debut, Leon's career as a Trainer had been flawless.
Yes, flawless!
Leon was the epitome of a true prodigy. He debuted at the age of sixteen and, within just a year, claimed the Champion Cup, becoming the Galar region's Champion!
To rise to the rank of Champion as a rookie in just one year was Leon's most outstanding achievement.
And after becoming Champion, Leon never grew complacent or lazy. He understood the weight of his responsibilities.
He dutifully safeguarded the peace of the Galar region and treated every challenger with absolute respect, giving his all in every battle.
It was this admirable attitude, coupled with his gentle personality off the battlefield, that made Leon the most beloved star in Galar, earning him the title of the Undefeated Champion.
But now, the Champion known for his calm demeanor wore an unusually grave expression.
"Charizard, return for now."
Leaping down from Charizard, Leon patted his longtime partner's arm and returned it to its Poké Ball.
After surveying the nearby ruins, Leon's expression darkened. He had rushed back from the Crown Tundra after noticing Oleana's urgent message.
But by the time he saw the message, it was already too late. Despite traveling nonstop, he didn't reach Hammerlocke until nightfall.
The devastation before him weighed heavily on Leon's heart, filling him with guilt.
At the moment when he was most needed, he hadn't been there, and Hammerlocke had suffered this tragedy.
"What exactly happened?"
But Leon quickly composed himself and walked into the building ahead, where Oleana and Raihan were waiting.
Without wasting time, Leon asked in a serious tone.
Raihan remained silent, his usual lively demeanor completely absent. His face and eyes were dull, devoid of their usual spark.
"Team Rocket. A member named Shiro infiltrated the Energy Plant. He's incredibly strong."
Oleana's expression was dark and grim as she spoke, her voice cold.
"Just one person? Raihan couldn't handle him?" Leon's frown deepened.
Team Rocket was an infamous organization from the distant Kanto region. Leon had heard some things about them.
"I'm sorry. I was useless."
Raihan's voice was low and hoarse. He was consumed by guilt. If only he had been stronger.
Then Hammerlocke wouldn't have been destroyed like this. And if it hadn't been for Zacian's intervention…
"…??"
Leon stared at his friend Raihan in shock. This wasn't the same Raihan who always bounced back from defeat with unyielding determination.
Noticing Raihan's unusual state, Leon glanced at Oleana.
Oleana shook her head at Leon. She had tried to comfort Raihan, but it was clear that the Team Rocket member and the day's events had dealt him a severe blow.
He had completely shut down. There was nothing she could do but let him recover on his own.
"Team Rocket, huh…" Leon clenched his fists, a rare fire burning in his eyes.
They had destroyed Hammerlocke, left so many citizens homeless, and reduced his friend Raihan to this state!
Damn it!
"We'll discuss the details once the Chairman arrives. I've already contacted him, and he'll be back in Galar by tomorrow morning."
Pursing her lips, Oleana closed her eyes and rubbed her temples wearily. It wasn't just Raihan; today's events had also taken a heavy toll on her.
To Oleana, Rose, who had discovered her potential, was her guiding light. But this time, she had even lost Eternatus, the foundation of Rose's dream.
Oleana couldn't imagine how she would face Rose tomorrow.
…
The night passed quickly.
After a good night's sleep, Ryuu Shiro left the town. At the town's entrance, a girl with a cool demeanor stood quietly, as if waiting for something.
Her jet-black hair was tied into two braids with red ribbons, and her face was exquisitely cute. She wore a pink dress with a black jacket over it.
Her slender, straight legs were eye-catching.
"You're late."
Hearing footsteps, the black-haired girl turned her gaze to Ryuu Shiro. Her emerald-green eyes flickered slightly as she spoke in a flat, emotionless tone.
Her voice was clear and pleasant, but like her expression, it lacked any inflection.
"Marnie, I've told you before. The 'emotionless' trope is cute, but you're seventeen now. You're not a kid anymore."
Ryuu Shiro raised an eyebrow and walked up to the black-haired girl, Marnie. Ignoring her furrowed brows, he mischievously ruffled her hair and teased her.
Marnie's eye twitched, and her slender, pale hands clenched into fists.
"You jerk! How many times have I told you not to touch my hair!"
"I spent half an hour styling it!"
For a moment, the air was still, and then the girl's furious 'roar' echoed.
A/n - One extra chapter at 150 Powerstones