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"D-Did I… win?"
Even though Liam knew full well how powerful Garchomp had become after its evolution, and knew that this battle wasn't really a challenge for it anymore, when President Charles Goodshow finally announced that Garchomp had won, Liam still felt a moment of disbelief rising in his chest.
He couldn't believe he had actually defeated Professor Oak. He couldn't believe he was truly about to become the Champion… In fact, in that instant, Liam couldn't even believe that all of this was real.
But that feeling vanished quickly. In the blink of an eye, a dazzling smile spread across Liam's face. He burst out laughing and ran straight toward Garchomp, unable to contain his excitement.
"Roar!~"
Seeing Liam rushing over, Garchomp turned with a soft roar to greet him. Its mighty face was filled with joy as well—its eyes squinting into cheerful slits, tail swaying back and forth as it caught Liam in its arms with ease.
Professor Oak stood stunned, staring at the Dragonite collapsed on the ground, completely unable to battle. He looked at the ecstatic Liam and Garchomp with a distant gaze, then finally smiled faintly, stepping forward quickly to approach his fallen partner.
"Heh… You did great today, Dragonite. Truly worthy of being my strongest partner. I'm proud of you… The battle's over. Come back and get a good rest. You've earned it."
Professor Oak knelt beside Dragonite, gently stroking its head. Then, he took out its PokeBall and recalled it back inside.
Rising to his feet, he turned and nodded lightly to President Charles Goodshow and the remaining Elite Four.
Seeing this signal, the four of them stepped out from behind the rocks they'd been hiding behind.
Just then—
While Liam was still celebrating joyfully with Garchomp, a soft golden light shimmered over Garchomp's body. Then, it suddenly reverted back to its original form as a regular Garchomp!
"Huh?! What happened?! Why did it change back?! Didn't it already evolve?!"
The Elite Four members who had just started walking over froze in place the moment they saw the transformation. All four stared at Garchomp in shock.
It was safe to say that today, the Elite Four had experienced more shock and surprise than they had in their entire careers combined. At this point, they had no idea what to expect next from Liam and his Garchomp.
"I hereby announce the result!" President Charles Goodshow declared. "All three of Champion Oak's Pokémon have lost their ability to battle, while challenger Liam still has Pokémon capable of fighting. The outcome is clear—the victor of this Championship match is challenger Liam! I will report this to the League immediately. Once the procedures are complete and with confirmation from you four, news of our new reigning Champion in Kanto will spread far and wide. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. You can handle the rest…"
With those words, President Charles Goodshow officially concluded the battle. He mounted his Arcanine in one smooth motion. Just as Arcanine was about to sprint off, the Chairman suddenly stopped it, turning to glance at Professor Oak. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke in a low voice:
"Oak, you saw that Garchomp's mysterious evolution earlier, right? Powerful and enigmatic… If possible, I hope you can find out some valuable information about it."
Professor Oak didn't immediately answer. Instead, he turned and looked at Liam and Garchomp, still lost in celebration, then turned back with a smile and said, "I can't promise anything, but I'll try to ask. I just can't guarantee what I'll get."
"That's enough. No matter what, he'll be our Kanto Champion. We won't make things hard for him… That's it, then. I'm off. Arcanine!"
President Charles Goodshow gave his Arcanine a pat, and the great beast let out a low growl before leaping forward. Within moments, they disappeared from the platform.
"Well then, I suppose we'll be leaving too," said Elite Four member Bronson, his gaze serious. "Honestly, that alternate shiny Garchomp really piqued my curiosity. If you do learn anything, Professor Oak, please let me know. I'll owe you one… Until next time."
With that, Bronson mounted his Rhyhorn and thundered away.
"Haha, I pretty much feel the same. Let me know if you need anything from me." Elite Four member Norman chuckled before boarding a glider crafted by a Ditto and soaring off into the distance.
Erika said nothing, casting a glance at Agatha, who remained impassive. With a small snort, she leapt onto her two Jumpluff and floated down the mountainside.
Professor Oak, seeing that Agatha had no intention of leaving, cleared his throat, then turned and walked toward Liam.
"Ugh!! Why does being Champion come with so many responsibilities?!"
A while later, a cry of frustration echoed from the platform. Liam stood there, mouth wide open, face full of anguish as he stared at Professor Oak in utter dismay.
"Haha, didn't you know?" Oak said with a grin. "As Kanto's Champion, your first duty is to protect the dignity and safety of the League—fight evil forces to the end! That's why Champions must be strong."
"Also, as the Kanto League's face and representative, you'll need to attend League events, give speeches, learn etiquette and protocol… Honestly, all those etiquette lessons nearly killed me."
"There's more, but someone will brief you later. In short... I really ought to thank you, Liam. Now that you're taking over, I can finally focus on my research again! Oh hohoho~"
Professor Oak looked utterly relaxed, as if he had just unloaded years of stress and burden onto Liam.
"Uh… Professor Oak, is it still too late for me to say I don't want to be Champion anymore?" Liam asked with a pained expression.
"Haha, what do you think? President Charles Goodshow and the Elite Four have already left. News of your victory will spread across Kanto—and maybe even beyond—before long. Congratulations, Liam! You're going to be a celebrity now! Don't be surprised if people start asking for your autograph everywhere you go…"
"But, there's one thing to be thankful for: although news of your win will get out, the League won't release your photo just yet. So as long as you keep a low profile, things shouldn't get too bad."
Oak rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he said this.
Liam: "...."
Liam was on the verge of a breakdown. His performance during the Championship battle, and Oak's public challenge at the closing ceremony—these were both public events known to the entire world. Now that his name was out there, anyone with half a brain could guess he was the new Champion.
The thought of needing to wear a disguise just to leave the house filled Liam with a profound and crushing sense of helplessness.