"Probably… not, right?"
Hearing those words, Green froze for a moment. She suddenly realized—oh, that's true. In the Pokémon League's statistics for the ranking system, would they even include Lucas?
Lucas's strength was beyond all doubt. He was definitely a solid contender for the number one spot.
Currently, the strongest Champion publicly acknowledged in the world was Lance.
Yet, in Celadon, Lance had been defeated by Lucas. Even if one didn't call it a direct defeat, he had still been completely suppressed.
There was no way the Pokémon League wouldn't be aware of this matter.
But would they really include Lucas in the rankings?
If he were an ordinary trainer, then of course the League would count him in. After all, even though Lance had suffered setbacks against Lucas, Lucas was still technically a trainer from their region.
But the damn problem was—Lucas was a Team Rocket executive!
To put a Rocket executive in the number one spot? Did the Pokémon League want to lose its mind?
Wouldn't that basically be admitting that none of their official Champions could compare to a Rocket executive?
If Lucas were willing to abandon the darkness and return to the light, then of course the League would be absolutely delighted. But as things stood right now…
"Who knows?" Lucas chuckled lightly, showing little concern.
In truth, anyone who thought deeply enough about it would know that the League would be extremely unwilling to do so, even though this kind of ranking had to be fair and impartial.
Because the trainers on the ranking list could actually challenge one another…
If it were unfair, and the challenger easily defeated the one who was ranked higher, wouldn't that directly prove that the initial ranking was flawed?
At the very least, as long as fairness was preserved, the trainers on the list would have no problem with their own foundations being recognized.
But having a Rocket executive sitting at the very top of the world rankings—that kind of influence was no joke.
Because this was not just a local list. This was a worldwide trainer ranking.
"Most likely, many trainers won't even appear on the list at first. The initial rankings should only record those trainers currently known to the public."
Lucas mused with interest. From what he knew, the one who truly deserved to be ranked number one without question was none other than Pryce!
Even though he himself now possessed Eternatus, Reshiram, and Rayquaza, Lucas honestly had no confidence that he could defeat Pryce.
As for the second spot—that would, without a doubt, belong to him. Following him would be top-level trainers like Lance, Giovanni, Leon, and the like.
Then there were others—trainers who were rapidly growing at incredible speed, such as Blue, Red, N, and Zinnia. But obviously, in the very first version of the rankings, people like Red and Blue were unlikely to be placed too high.
Unless, of course, the ranking system's first update came next year.
Because by the end of the year, with the Indigo Plateau Conference, Red and Blue were bound to make a stunning introduction, stepping into the public spotlight in full force.
Zinnia, as a high-tier dragon-type Champion, also possessed outstanding strength—her power even surpassed that of Wallace.
And then there was N. He himself already stood at the level of a mid-tier Champion. But what mattered most was…
N had the terrifying cheat known as Zekrom!
Although N's own skill level made it impossible for him to fully unleash Zekrom's complete power, the Black Dragon by itself was practically equivalent to a top-tier Champion.
If N were to actually use Zekrom, then aside from a select few, there would hardly be anyone in the world who could stand against him.
"Perhaps I should have N and Zinnia participate in this ranking system."
A crimson glint flickered faintly within Lucas's eyes. A new idea had just occurred to him—one that could also serve as a future stepping stone for the Johto League.
But if that were to happen, then first, N and Zinnia needed to build up some reputation.
"The Indigo Conference should be a good stage. It could allow those two to enter the League's field of view, and then…"
As countless thoughts surged in his mind, Lucas's lips curved faintly upward. After all, N had once been the King of Team Plasma, while Zinnia had previously opposed the Hoenn League.
It was very likely that both of them already had records in the League's archives.
But if the League needed capable people, would they really care about such minor past stains?
Not to mention, during the Hoenn incident involving the clash of land, sea, and sky, N's performance had been outstanding. Both Steven, Wallace, and even Cynthia could vouch for that fact.
"If Lance and the other three truly do betray the Indigo League one day, then Red, Blue, N, and Zinnia could conveniently step in to fill the vacancies left behind by those four. At that time, the Indigo League would no longer care about their past records in the slightest."
Lucas carefully considered the potential candidates at his disposal. N had already promised him that as long as something did not violate his personal principles, he would follow Lucas's instructions.
As for Zinnia, she was already his subordinate. Arranging for her to enter the League would be no problem at all.
If things developed this way, then managing the Johto League in the future would become far more convenient.
"It's certainly worth trying." Lucas muttered in contemplation. If the entire Johto Elite Four ended up being his people, then the Johto League would essentially become territory belonging to the Blackthorn Clan!
While Lucas was lost in thought, the match on the field had already concluded, with the victor decided, and the award ceremony about to begin.
Priestess Maya presented the championship prize to the winner, then raised high the Sea Spirit Staff. The crystalline Sea Soul Gem embedded in its head gleamed with a mysterious radiance.
"The Hero of the Sea shall obtain the power to connect their heart with Water-type Pokémon."
Maya's melodious and gentle voice rang out as the Sea Soul Gem's glow grew brighter and brighter, until it nearly illuminated the entirety of the ancient arena.
"What in the world is that?"
Green stared in astonishment at the mysterious azure gem. When its glow touched her body, she felt an inexplicable sense of comfort and gentleness—it was a warmth that seemed to come directly from the depths of the heart.
This was just too eerie.
"That is the Sea Soul Gem, a miraculous treasure imbued with the power of the ocean. According to Maya, it has been passed down for generations among the priestly line."
Ilene offered a brief explanation. However, even she hadn't been given many details by Maya at the time, so she herself wasn't exactly sure what the Sea Soul Gem truly was.
"If I had to guess, it should be a treasure left behind by Lugia for the Whirl Islands, something that would have an extremely small chance of naturally forming."
Lucas cast a glance at the gem, immediately sensing the incredibly dense Water energy within it.
Although Lugia was praised as the Guardian of the Seas by its worshippers, in truth, Lugia was not actually a Water-type Pokémon.
Its typing was Psychic and Flying. Yet, Lugia did indeed dwell deep within the ocean's depths, and it absolutely did have the ability to control storms and rainfall.
To simply flap its wings and summon a storm lasting three days and three nights—such a feat was hardly something that could be dismissed.
If Kyogre was called the Ruler of the Seas and the Creator of the Ocean, then Lugia, judging purely by its abilities, would be more accurately described as the God of Storms rather than the God of the Sea.
In fact, the title "Sea God" was more of a cultural epithet given to Lugia by the people of Shamouti Island, for since ancient times, countless sailors who had been rescued from shipwrecks claimed that Lugia had saved them. Added to this were the island's own legendary tales of Lugia, passed down through generations.
But truth be told, the title "Sea God" did not fully capture the nature of Lugia's powers.
Of course, that wasn't to say Lugia's title as Sea God was undeserved. It was simply that, based on a closer analysis of its actual abilities, Lugia's true essence was more nuanced. Gods, in the eyes of mortals, had always been seen as symbols of might and benevolence. Yet when comparing "God of the Sea," the one who actually fit that description best was the massive blue whale, Kyogre…
Emmm… but with Kyogre, you'd be lucky if it didn't flood the world, let alone expect it to save people. So much so that Kyogre even carried the so-called "honorary" nickname of the Sea Demon.
That being said, Lugia truly could command the rain, so its association with water was very real.
If a treasure were born of the sea itself and then personally blessed by Lugia, it would indeed be possible for something like the Sea Soul Gem to exist.
The Sea Soul Gem was certainly miraculous, but if one really examined it carefully, it wasn't that extraordinary.
Granting someone the ability to communicate deeply with Water-type Pokémon was powerful and unique, yes—but still, its effects were rather limited in scope.
"These lineages that have carried on ancient traditions really are extraordinary."
Marnie couldn't help but sigh softly as she gazed at the elegant, almost divine figure of Maya. Only recently in Hoenn had they encountered the Draconid people who were so closely tied to Rayquaza, and now here they were with an ancient priestess connected to Lugia. Not to mention the Damos's Clan of Sinnoh with their ties to Arceus… each was more mysterious than the last.
It truly showed just how vast the world really was. Having once lived her entire life confined to Spikemuth, Marnie realized just how narrow her perspective had been.
"Even so, they too are ultimately fading away with the passage of time. The present era belongs to the Pokémon League and the trainers."
Lucas chuckled lightly. These ancient clans with their lineages and legacies were indeed special, but in the end—what use did that specialness hold?
None. They would still be slowly ground down into obscurity by the relentless gears of time.
This was the era of trainers. Only the strongest trainers were the true protagonists of this age.
The Whirl Islands Cup gradually drew to a close, and the once lively ancient arena slowly grew quiet again.
"You've worked hard, Goddess Maya."
Back in the temple, Ilene teased as she watched Maya rubbing her sore shoulder.
During the final award ceremony, bathed in the light of the Sea Soul Gem, Maya had truly looked like a goddess.
Speaking of which, one had to admit—the image of Maya was far too similar to a certain goddess from a small-cosmos series… her aura, her appearance, everything about her was uncannily alike.
"Oh, stop teasing me. I really am exhausted. The Sea Spirit Scepter is far too heavy."
Maya gave Ilene a helpless smile, her voice tinged with weary complaint.
For her, wielding that staff was no small burden.
"Priestess Maya, may I ask… where did the Sea Spirit Scepter originally come from?"
Green asked curiously.
Although Lucas had already offered his own analysis, it had only been speculation.
"There's no need to be so formal—you may simply call me Maya."
Maya replied with a gentle smile at the address.
"As for the origin of the Sea Spirit Scepter, well… it has been so very long since those days that I don't know the precise story myself. But according to what has been passed down in our priestly line, it should have been bestowed upon our people by the guardian of the Whirl Islands—Lugia."
Maya paused for a moment, then shook her head slightly.
After all, it had been countless years. The Whirl Islands themselves had suffered many tribulations, and much of their history had been lost during those times.
"I see…"
Green let out a soft sigh and pursed her lips. Once again, Lucas's guess had been correct.
"I myself have studied the history of the Whirl Islands. After the great war of long ago, Lugia disappeared into the depths beyond the great waterfall. So, Maya—since you are the priestess here, do you perhaps know of any news concerning Lugia?"
Lucas suddenly spoke up, his crimson eyes fixed on her pale, delicate face. The primary reason he had come to the Whirl Islands was indeed Lugia.
And the one most likely to have knowledge of Lugia on these islands was naturally Priestess Maya herself.
"Lugia… news about Lugia?"
Maya froze for a moment at his words. Her refined brows furrowed faintly, her beautiful eyes flickIleneg ever so slightly.
So, this man's true goal… was Lugia.
(End of Chapter)
TN: I'll put here a Trainer and Pokémon Levels. I'll add an auxiliary chapter later. They have the same rankings but they're not equal Pokémon levels is above by one over trainer levels.
Disclaimer. This might change as we go further on the chapters.
A top-tier Champion could stalemate with wild high-level Legendary Pokémon. But a Master-tier trainer like Pryce could easily defeat even top-tier Legendaries like Ho-Oh or Lugia.
Top-tier legendaries could take on entire champion teams, while mid-tier ones matched elite four level trainers. But lower-tier ones, like the Legendary Birds and Beasts, varied wildly in strength.
Trainer Levels
Master-tier
Top-tier Champion – only equal to high tier legendary
High-tier Champion– advanced
mid-tier Champion
Bottom-tier Champion
Elite Four level
Pokémon Levels
Master-tier
Top-tier Legendary Pokémon
High-tier Legendary Pokémon – advanced
mid-tier Legendary
bottom-tier
----------------------------------------------
A top-tier Champion could stalemate with wild high-level Legendary Pokémon. But a Master-tier trainer like Pryce could easily defeat even top-tier Legendaries like Ho-Oh or Lugia.
Top-tier legendaries could take on entire champion teams, while mid-tier ones matched elite four level trainers. But lower-tier ones, like the Legendary Birds and Beasts, varied wildly in strength.
Legendaries Tiers
top-tier Legendaries – Zacian, Eternatus, Calyrex, dialga, lugia, ho-oh, Rayquaza, Kyurem, Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre
High-tier Legendaries – Reshiram, Zekrom
bottom – Moltres