[Shocking News! Former Kanto Elite Four Bruno Challenges Rota Gym—Only Defeats One of Champion Dylan's Psychic-Type Mainstays!]
[Full Battle Replay: Bruno vs. Champion Dylan]
[Why Did Bruno Challenge Rota? Former Elite's Hidden History with the Gym]
[Rumor: Former Champion Lance Once Sparred with Champion Dylan in Private. The Result...?]
Unsurprisingly, Kanto's official forums exploded with threads. Not even the hype surrounding the Indigo Tournament could compete.
When it's something involving past and present Champions or Elites—especially when someone leaves under mysterious circumstances—the gossip flies fast.
And the fans? The Poké-verse may not be as toxic as some of the forums from Dylan's past life, but in terms of sheer hype... they were unmatched.
Rota Gym, rear garden.
"Bunch of bored people."
Dylan gave the news a cursory glance and dismissed it.
He had more important things to think about—like tonight. Tonight, he'd finish his Johto run in the growth simulation.
Leaf and Lillie exchanged knowing glances, both amused by Dylan's usual calm.
Beep beep beep—
Dylan's phone rang. The caller ID showed an unknown number—but this was his private line. Not many had access.
"Hello? Who's this?"
"Champion Dylan. I've heard much about you," came a calm, deep, and cultured voice on the other end.
Just from the voice, Dylan could imagine the man on the line—composed, charismatic, refined.
"And you are?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.
"Rose. My name is Rose. Perhaps you've heard of me?"
Rose—the Chairman of the Galar League? Dylan blinked in surprise.
Lillie and Leaf exchanged confused looks. They didn't recognize the name, but "Chairman of the Galar League" was clear enough.
Lillie promptly pulled out her phone and started searching.
"I'm surprised Champion Dylan knows me," Rose chuckled lightly. "I'm honored."
"Chairman Rose, you're too modest. Your contributions to the Galar region are well-known. Without you, it wouldn't be what it is today. That's not something just anyone could accomplish."
Dylan wasn't just being polite—he meant it.
Anyone familiar with Pokémon Sword/Shield would have mixed feelings about Rose. But his dedication to Galar and the infrastructure he built? Unquestioned.
Sword/Shield had no true evil team. Team Yell was just a rowdy fan club. If you had to name a "villain," it was Rose. But even then, he wasn't evil—just desperate to protect Galar's future.
His plan to tap into Eternatus's power may have failed, but he did help save the region—indirectly.
And Rose was indeed a charismatic, hardworking leader.
"Dylan, you flatter me."
"No, Chairman Rose, you truly deserve it," Dylan chuckled.
"Founding Macro Cosmos and revitalizing Galar's economy... discovering Oleana... introducing Dynamax battles to the League... even selecting Leon as a Gym Challenger... your efforts reshaped Galar entirely."
And that wasn't an exaggeration. Rose carried 90% of the weight in Galar's modern development.
Before his tenure, Galar was already sliding into corruption. The previous Champion, Mustard, was asked to throw matches in rigged games. He retired in disgust.
After taking over, Rose brought Dynamax to official Gym matches, turning Galar into a global spectacle.
Macro Cosmos, his corporation, was a massive conglomerate: railways, energy, airlines, tech, construction—Rose had his hands in everything.
And the profits? He reinvested them into Galar's cities, culminating in the creation of Wyndon, Galar's crown jewel.
He also discovered Leon—offering him a recommendation letter. Together, Rose and Leon became Galar's spear and shield: Rose, the visionary businessman; Leon, the undefeated Champion.
"Just doing my part," Rose said humbly.
"So, Chairman Rose, may I ask what prompted your call?"
Dylan was curious. Shouldn't the Champion Cup be underway in Galar?
Their Gym challenge system was rigorous. Fewer trainers made it to the Champion Cup, but the quality was top-tier.
"I was wondering, Champion Dylan... would you be willing to visit Galar sometime soon? There's something I'd like to ask of you."
"Right now?" Dylan was surprised.
"If you're busy, a couple of days later is fine. But we're on a tight schedule here. Ideally, within the next three days. Of course, we'll provide generous compensation."
Rose's voice remained warm and courteous.
"I'm open to it. But may I ask what it is? I'd like to be prepared."
"Well... it's a rather personal matter," Rose said after a pause. "But one thing I can say—if possible, I'd like to arrange a friendly match between you and Leon. Just as a private spar."
"Between Champions, even a 'friendly' match is no small matter," Dylan noted. "I'm still Kanto's Champion. Even unofficially, such a match will carry weight."
"Which is why I'm asking you to come as a private individual," Rose replied calmly. "I've spoken to Chairman Goodshow. He said it's your decision."
So that's how Rose got this private number—Goodshow must've handed it over.
Officially, it would be an informal spar. But in reality? The media would turn it into a showdown between Galar and Kanto.
"Fine by me. But does Leon know about this?"
"He does. He's very eager. He loves battling strong trainers," Rose chuckled.
And Rose knew Leon well—too well.
Leon was passionate, kind, strong, a role model for all of Galar. Outside of his horrendous sense of direction, he was the perfect Champion.
He faced down Eternatus to protect civilians. When he lost to the player character, he congratulated them and stepped aside to guide the next generation from the Battle Tower.
In short, Leon was the ideal Champion and mentor.
"I'm looking forward to it," Dylan smiled. "It'll be an honor to battle Leon."
He was already wondering what team to use—Poison? Dark? Ghost? Maybe even… Legendary?
After all, Leon's ace was Gigantamax Charizard. Maybe Dylan should bring out his own Charizard for a Mega Evolution showcase?
So many options.
"Excellent. I'll notify Leon and arrange your arrival. Just contact me when you land—I'll have someone waiting."
"Got it. No need to be so formal, though. You're my senior—you can just call me Dylan."
"Haha, very well then, Dylan. Galar eagerly awaits your visit."
"Goodbye, Chairman Rose."
"Goodbye."
After the call ended, Dylan sat in thought.
Why now? Was this about Eternatus? But that didn't seem quite right.
"That guy doesn't strike me as the type to just set up a battle for fun," Leaf muttered, arms crossed.
"You're Kanto's Champion. Whether you win or lose, it means something."
After all, Kanto is the original League—its Champion carries prestige. If Dylan wins, people will say, "Of course! Kanto's Champion is the strongest."
But if he loses… the media storm would be insane.
Of course, Goodshow wouldn't have agreed to this if he had any doubts. In his eyes, Dylan was undefeated. What's some Galar Champion?
"It's fine," Dylan said with a small smile. "I've always wanted to see how strong Leon really is."
Leon, after all, was the only trainer besides the player character who came close to subduing Eternatus—even if it was fresh out of its slumber and not Eternamax.
Still, it proved Leon's strength.
"Whatever," Leaf shrugged.
"Mhm~ Big brother won't lose!" Lillie declared confidently.
"Good timing too. It's Thursday. Let's book a flight and make a trip of it. I'll show you both around Galar."
Dylan checked flight schedules. He could also catch up with Byron and see how the hunt for the Regis was going.
"Yay!"
That night, inside the growth simulation.
Indigo Plateau—Johto Region Final Battle.
Dylan had defeated Will, Koga, Bruno, and Karen. Only Champion Lance remained.
It made sense—Johto's League was headquartered at Indigo Plateau. The Johto Elite Four were just the evolved lineup of Kanto's own.
"I've been waiting for you, Dylan," Lance declared, cloak billowing dramatically.
"I knew you'd make it here. No more words! Let our battle decide who's truly stronger!"
"I, the Dragon Master Lance, Champion of the Pokémon League, accept your challenge!"
Lance struck a pose, ready for battle.
And then...
"Phew... So strong!"
Champion Lance was on one knee, panting, looking up in awe at Dylan's calm expression.
Yeah. He got swept. By a single Frosmoth.
Who told you to bring three Dragonites, huh?
"You and your Pokémon have incredible strength. That bond... it's no wonder they follow your lead."
Still reeling, Lance led Dylan to the Hall of Fame.
"It's been a while since I entered this room. Here, we forever honor those who earned the title of Champion and their victorious Pokémon..."
He kept going, as Champions do.
Dylan inserted his Pokédex into the machine.
[Data Recorded]
Champion: Dylan
Champion Team: Frosmoth, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Dragonite, Gardevoir.
Six Pokémon portraits appeared on-screen.
Dylan's eyes lingered on Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.
Time, Space, and Antimatter—Sinnoh's three divine creators.
Now the real question was… which one to choose first?