At this time.
The meeting room inside the Trainer Guild.
President Camilla was solemnly explaining the process of the entire event, as well as the lessons and shortcomings that the Trainer Guild should take note of.
The last Zapdos incident.
This wild Pokémon rampage incident.
Both happened because the Trainer Guild failed to fully understand and investigate the matters, let alone resolve them.
However, fortunately.
The Zapdos incident only occurred in the slums, had little impact, and was quickly suppressed.
This time, although the incident was significant, it was contained because Agatha and Celestial King Liu Bo were present and tackled the source immediately, preventing further deterioration.
But undeniably, the Trainer Guild must bear the responsibility for this.
"I will write a report as soon as possible to clarify my dereliction of duty, and I will accept any punishment the Alliance imposes," Camilla said.
Regardless of the reason or outcome, someone has to take the blame.
As the president of the Goldenrod City Trainer Guild, she cannot shirk this responsibility.
"However, I still want to express gratitude on behalf of all the residents of Goldenrod City to Elite Four Agatha and Celestial King Liu Bo...."
As Camilla was speaking, someone bent over and ran over to Azir, who was looking serious.
Whispered, "Vice President Azir, that Natsuhiko has exchanged items and left."
As he spoke, he handed over a list.
Azir nodded calmly.
"Got it."
"You'd best take a look at the items he requested...."
Azir frowned.
It's already impolite for a staff member to come in during such an important meeting.
But he still glanced down roughly.
However, when he noticed the densely packed list, he couldn't move his eyes away.
The items on this list could easily be worth two intermediate quality Evolution Stones, or even more.
"In addition to the two Elite Four, I think those who made outstanding contributions to Goldenrod City in this incident should also be recognized and rewarded...." Camilla continued.
Azir's mouth twitched.
Whispered, "I understand, the extra, consider them his reward."
Regardless of whether Natsuhiko is truly Agatha's disciple, just the relationship is worth their investment.
Bear in mind, it's Liu Bo who will step down, not Agatha.
"Mr. Azir, do you have something to say?" Camilla asked with a calm face.
Usually, it would be fine, but today both Elite Fours are present.
Azir stood up and cast an apologetic glance at Agatha and Liu Bo, then said, "I think young Trainer Natsuhiko, registered in Goldenrod City, performed most outstandingly, and we should...."
...
...
Johto, Yanmo City.
Dragon Cave.
Lance, in tattered clothes, dirty and covered with ice flakes, finally emerged from the Frozen Cave, the third cave inside Dragon Cave.
Though he looked disheveled, Lance's eyes had never been brighter.
At the same time.
Under his feet was a Pokémon that many had never seen before.
Enormous wings, gray and white all over, with a few spikes on its back. Its mouth was full of sharp teeth, and the strong tail ended in a triangular structure for flight balance.
Aerodactyl!
This was a Pokémon Lance accidentally awakened when Charizard's flames melted the ice inside the Frozen Cave.
It was incredibly strong.
At first, Lance only had the ability to escape from it.
But as time passed, and with continuous development of its abilities, Lance finally managed to defeat this Aerodactyl and capture it.
Yet another Dragon added to the Dragon-type Elite's Pokémon!
Any creature with "Dragon" in its name is also a Dragon!
Reflecting on Lance's current Pokémon, Dragonair, Charizard, Gyarados, and the recently captured Aerodactyl, they are all "Dragons."
Perfect!
"Cousin!"
Standing atop Aerodactyl, feeling the warm breeze and his cape fluttering freely behind him, Lance suddenly heard someone call him from below.
Light blue hair, a face both exquisite and slightly assertive, wearing light blue gloves, a dragon-taming whip at her waist, with an imposing demeanor.
Young in age, yet with a figure accentuated by form-fitting clothes outlining perfect curves.
"Xiaochun." Lance's eyes lit up.
Xiaochun, whose full name is Dragon Master Tsubaki, like Lance, is one of the young generation of the Dragon Taming Clan, and a potential candidate for the future "Dragon's Messenger."
A member heavily cultivated by the Dragon Taming Clan, receiving even more investment than Lance.
Indicating Aerodactyl to fly down.
Dust stirred upon landing as Aerodactyl set Lance down and silently stood by with a stern face.
Xiaochun scanned the majestic Aerodactyl up and down, her eyes brightening.
"Aerodactyl! Just captured, right?"
Lance smiled and patted Aerodactyl's folded wings.
"Yes."
Then asked in return, "What brings you here?"
A slight blush crept onto Xiaochun's fair face.
She wouldn't admit she comes every few days.
"Nothing... have you heard?" Xiaochun turned her head, avoiding Lance's eyes.
"I just came out." Lance awkwardly smiled.
The Aerodactyl beside them glanced at Lance disdainfully, snorting two jets of white smoke from its nostrils.
So foolish.
"Oh, yes, last night in Goldenrod City, Kanto Region, something significant happened," Xiaochun lowered her head, looking at her toes as she spoke.
"Goldenrod City?" Lance frowned. He had a particular interest in Goldenrod City and said deeply, "Tom Rokicki?"
"No, I heard there was an Aerodactyl in Goldenrod City last night, but it was defeated by Celestial King Liu Bo. However, the main focus wasn't the Aerodactyl, but a Shining Charizard," Xiaochun quickly said.
Upon hearing that the "Aerodactyl" was defeated, Lance's Aerodactyl showed contempt in its eyes.
"Shining Charizard?"
"Yes! It had a fierce battle with Elite Four Agatha, and when Celestial King Liu Bo arrived, it managed to escape." Xiaochun knew that anything involving Goldenrod City or Charizard-type Pokémon would interest Lance.
"To escape from under the hands of two Elite Fours..."
Lance was somewhat surprised.
"Goldenrod City has been plagued by rampaging wild Pokémon recently. Elite Four Agatha and Celestial King Liu Bo used the guise of an exhibition match to investigate these events."
Usually cold and reticent, Xiaochun suddenly became talkative when in front of Lance.
If other young members of the Dragon Taming Clan saw this, they would be amazed.
Xiaochun moved closer to Lance and whispered, "I heard from the old folks at home that someone is recklessly stealing Pokémon's life energy to accelerate the growth of that Charizard, causing the rampage..."
"Now it's all over the internet, said to be the handiwork of a group."
On the internet...
Lance took out his phone.
Without a signal in the Dragon Cave, he turned off his phone upon entering.
Upon turning it on, messages and missed calls flooded in.
But one particular missed call immediately caught Lance's attention.
"This is... Natsuhiko?!" Lance's heart trembled.
"Xiaochun, wait for me a moment."
He stepped aside after speaking and dialed Natsuhiko's number.
Ring—— Ring—— Ring——
Sounds rang repeatedly.
Seeing her cousin Lance placing so much importance on this call, Xiaochun cautiously moved closer, listening attentively.
Just when Lance was about to give up.
The call finally connected.
There was some noise on the other end, the commotion could be felt even from Lance's side of the line.
But soon, the noises quieted down, as the other side seemed to have moved to a relatively quieter place.
"Is that you, Natsuhiko?" Lance's voice had a hint of hesitation, some disbelief, but also filled with strong expectation.
"It's me, it's a bit chaotic here."
The familiar voice came through, allowing Lance's long-suspended heart to finally relax.
In fact, Lance had always felt guilty, believing it was his fault that led to Natsuhiko's disappearance, or even death.
Which is why with great determination, he re-entered the Dragon Cave to capture Tom Rokicki and avenge Natsuhiko.
But now, knowing Natsuhiko is alive, the psychological pressure instantly eased a lot.
Unable to resist, a smile appeared as he asked, "What are you doing? In such a mess?"
"Running."
Lance: "??? "