Both Wallace and Daichi turned.
Standing near the edge of the field, coat draped neatly over his shoulders despite the damp air, was Steven Stone.
The Hoenn Champion.
Daichi blinked once.Then twice.
"…Champion."
Steven's gaze moved from Wallace to Daichi, calm. "Wallace," Steven said with a small nod, "your Kingdra maintained composure under immense pressure."
Wallace simply nodded in reply
Steven's eyes shifted fully to Daichi now.
"And you," he continued, "forced one of the most disciplined Water specialists in the region to abandon controlled tempo and commit to critical risk plays . Of course the team you fought wasn't his main team but the fact you forced him to abandon his pace shows alot"
Daichi frowned faintly. "With respect, Champion… I lost."
"Yes," Steven replied evenly. "You did."
The blunt confirmation made Daichi quiet again.
Daichi swallowed.
"Then I'm not sure why I'm being praised."
Steven stepped closer, stopping only a few feet away.
"Because you battled like someone who belongs at this level."
Daichi's brows drew together. "Belonging doesn't change results."
Steven's expression didn't change, but there was a slight warmth in his eyes.
"Results are moments. Potential is what I'm looking for ."
Wallace folded his arms lightly, watching the exchange with intrest.
Steven continued.
"When your Hippowdon fell earlier, you didn't panic . When Flygon traded into a double knockout you immediately changed your battle style . Though the final battle became rather brutish. Quiet unexpected seeing my elegant friend over here completely abandoning his elegance ", Steven chuckled looking at Wallace
"Tch , why am I catching a stray all of a sudden ", Wallace's eyes narrowed as he looked at him, he then looked at Daichi and said,"Though I must say for someone who is apparently 16 years old , you did rather well against me , take pride in yourself , you are strong."
"What do you mean 'you did rather well' he almost beat you " Steven said sarcastically "Anyways " he then turned back to look at Daichi
Daichi stared at him.
"You were always thinking three turns ahead weren't you ," Steven said. "Even while under pressure."
Daichi hesitated. "And that still wasn't enough."
"No," Steven agreed. "It wasn't."
Silence hung for a beat.Then Steven said something that made the Daichi stiffen.
"Which is why I would like to formally offer you a position in the Elite Four."
Daichi didn't react at all.He simply stared at Steven as if he'd misheard.
"…I'm sorry," Daichi said slowly. "What?"
Steven's tone didn't waver.
"The Hoenn League currently has an opening within the Elite Four. After observing your battles over the past months—including today—I believe you are qualified."
Daichi shook his head instinctively. "I just lost."
"Yes."
"To Wallace."
"Yes."
"In a title match."
"Yes."
"And you're offering me an Elite Four seat."
"Yes."
Each answer from Steven was steady. Certain.
Daichi ran a hand through his hair, visibly to process what was currently happening.
"That doesn't make sense," he muttered. "Elite Four are supposed to be the wall before the Champion. I couldn't even clear Wallace."
Wallace spoke this time." You lost to me simply because I was am too strong that is all."
"I'm sorry ... What " Daichi's mouth twitched ever so slightly
"What my friend means to say that , you already are on the same leagues as an elite four , the reason you lost was well... Though this guy may not seem like it, he is slightly weaker than me , that too a small margin , quite shocking right?"
Black lines appeared on Wallace's face "I'm not sure if that was a compliant but ," he said staring at Daichi "almost beat me a Champion level trainer at 16 nonetheless, that already speaks volumes about your talent as a trainer"
"Yes , yes whatever this guy said right here " Steven interrupted Wallace smiling at Daichi. "Elite Four members are not selected solely on win-loss records against the Champion. They are selected on consistency, adaptability, and battle intelligence."
Daichi's voice lowered his voice un- steady. "You're serious."
"I am," Steven replied.
The rainwater still pooled across the cracked battlefield, reflecting the stadium lights.Daichi looked at the ground.
"I trained to challenge the League," he said quietly. "To see how far I could go. I didn't train expecting…" He trailed off.
"Expecting to be stopped here?" Steven asked.
"…Yes."
Steven chuckled.
"Every strong trainer believes progression is linear. Gym. Elite Four. Champion. Victory."
Daichi looked up again.
"It isn't," Steven continued. "Sometimes the League recognizes strength before the final step is taken."
Wallace added gently, "And sometimes losing is the doesn't mean you failed ."
Daichi let out a slow breath.
…If I accept," he asked carefully, "what happens?"
Steven answered without hesitation.
"You undergo formal evaluation , identification , and then you assume the position at the bottom of the Elite Four rotation."
"And if I decline?" asked Daichi
Steven gave a wry smile.
"Then you continue training and challenge us again. The offer does not disappear, but I'd rather that you don't do that , we don't have much time to ourselves you know."
That got a small laughter from the trio Wallace then stepped closer, standing beside Steven now.
"You already fight like one of us," Wallace said quietly. "The title simply hasn't caught up yet."
Daichi's expression shifted, there was no frustration now, just disbelief.
"I came here trying to prove I was strong enough," he admitted.
Steven nodded. "You did."
"I didn't win."
"No, but you proved you could stand here. Come on just accept it already " steven said lightheartedly
He then turned serious"Understand this, Daichi. Elite Four is not a reward for perfection."
Daichi looked at the offered hand.
"It is a responsibility given to those who can endure defeat without breaking."
Daichi hesitated only a second more before shaking it.
His grip was firm, though his eyes were still bewildered.
Wallace gave a light chuckle.
"Well," he said, glancing at Daichi, "I suppose our next battle may be as colleagues."
Daichi managed a small, stunned laugh.
"I wasn't ready to hear that today."
Steven turned toward the exit tunnel.
"Prepare yourself," he said calmly. " Hoenn will be watching you ."
As Steven walked off, the weight of the moment finally settled fully.
Daichi looked down at the Poké Ball in his hand , it was Tyranitar's.
"We actually did it pal , we are one step towards our goal" he murmured as he stared down at the broken arena