After defeating the Kingdra, Ace recalled Lapras.
Basically, after defeating one Dragon-type Pokémon, he wouldn't encounter another one for at least a short while. These creatures were very territorial. Unless he was unlucky enough to run into a challenger coming for the previous territory owner, Ace would have to fight two battles in quick succession.
He continued deeper into Dragon's Den, but this time, before he went too far, a clanging sound reached Ace's ears. The sound was extremely harsh, but Ace knew clearly that it was a Dragon-type Pokémon warning him not to approach further, or else its attack would greet him!
"It should be Kommo-o," Ace thought to himself. He had some impression of Pokémon that would warn you before engaging in battle.
A Poké Ball slid from his sleeve into Ace's hand, and his muscles tensed. The next moment, Ace suddenly leapt backward, just as a massive figure burst out from the distance, then spun around, a thick tail lashing out towards Ace!
Ace flung the chilling Poké Ball from his hand. Gengar punched towards the opponent's Dragon Tail. As the already formed Ice Punch made contact with the Dragon Tail, Gengar was instantly sent flying backward like a kite with a broken string.
"Very strong."
This was Ace's first impression of this Kommo-o. But then, Gengar shimmered over, its hands gathering energy, and a Shadow Ball shot towards Kommo-o.
"Roar!"
With a battle cry, Kommo-o suddenly charged forward, its right fist engulfed in roaring flames, striking fiercely towards the Shadow Ball!
"Boom!"
A violent explosion erupted, then Gengar vanished into the air. When it reappeared, it had already lunged in front of Kommo-o. With a push of its hands, Hypnosis quickly shot towards Kommo-o.
Instantly, Kommo-o suddenly twisted its body in a bizarre way, dodging the Hypnosis attack, and simultaneously began to dance. As Kommo-o danced, its scales rattled.
Ace and his Pokémon wouldn't let Kommo-o continue its dance. Gengar revealed a sinister grin, then a look of pain. A black shadow surged from Gengar, almost instantly merging into Kommo-o's body.
"Then... let's see whose life is longer!"
Ace's eyes were sharp. The next moment, the damage from Curse interrupted Kommo-o's dance. But quickly, Kommo-o sprang forward, its hands igniting with blazing flames, fiercely clawing at Gengar.
Gengar let out a wicked chuckle and instantly vanished from its spot. Kommo-o lunged at empty air. Gengar reappeared at its side, its tongue extended, licking Kommo-o's face. The irritating liquid seeped into Kommo-o's eyes, and the intense paralysis made it unable to open its eyes. It instinctively swung its arms towards Gengar's original position.
"It's stable now."
Seeing Kommo-o afflicted by both Curse and Paralysis, Ace knew the battle was pretty much secured. However, he also had to guard against Kommo-o's last-ditch counterattack. Ace gestured to Gengar, and Gengar instantly understood, beginning to retreat. There was no need to continue tangling with Kommo-o.
But just as Gengar was retreating, Kommo-o suddenly raised an arm, and several scales shot out, directly hitting the retreating Gengar.
"Damn it!"
Gengar was hit, instantly providing Kommo-o with its location. At this moment, Kommo-o suddenly charged forward. Dragon Claw energy gathered, its two claws crossed, and two Dragon Claw attacks fiercely tore towards Gengar!
"Can't avoid it..."
Ace felt a bit helpless. This Kommo-o was too experienced in battle; even like this, it could turn the tables. The Dragon Claw ripped across Gengar's body. Gengar endured the pain and pointed at Kommo-o.
The next moment, Gengar was knocked out, and Kommo-o was also simultaneously knocked out.
"Destiny Bond..."
Ace sighed, recalling Gengar. The effect of the Healing Aura continuously treated Gengar, and in a while, Gengar would recover.
Ace raised his hand and checked his watch; it was already past 11:20 PM.
"Never mind, this is far enough for today."
Ace glanced at Kommo-o and said, "I'll challenge this Kommo-o again tomorrow."
With that, Ace turned and walked out of Dragon's Den. He knew very well that Kommo-o and Gengar had fought to a mutual KO. When he came back tomorrow, Kommo-o would still not let him pass. Only by defeating them head-on and honorably would these Dragon-type Pokémon acknowledge their defeat to Ace. Then, the next time Ace came, they wouldn't intercept him but let him pass smoothly through their territory.
Soon, Ace was nearing the exit of Dragon's Den. The Hakamo-o this time did not pounce on Ace, but it still blocked Ace's path.
"Sigh..."
Ace was speechless at this Hakamo-o. He opened a Poké Ball, and Victreebel appeared. A single Vine Whip pierced directly into Hakamo-o's shoulder, injecting Sleep Powder. Hakamo-o collapsed to the ground with a thump, then fell into a drowsy sleep.
Only then did Ace finally walk out of Dragon's Den and return to its outer perimeter. Seeing the already resting Dragon-type Pokémon, Ace casually found a Salamence, leaned against it, and wrapped himself in a blanket.
Salamence felt the movement, opened its eyes to glance at Ace. The next moment, it closed its eyes and thoughtfully draped a wing over Ace, covering him.
"Thanks."
Ace was accustomed to being acknowledged by these Dragon-type Pokémon. With his head resting on Salamence's belly, he simply fell asleep. To be able to calmly sleep, resting his head on a Dragon-type Pokémon, while surrounded by a group of them, would be impossible for anyone else. But Ace did it, and these Dragon-type Pokémon were exceptionally intelligent. After spending time with Ace, they wouldn't harm him.
The night deepened, and Ace was already fast asleep, his gentle snores filling the air. A figure suddenly appeared beside Ace. A closer look revealed it was Elder Johtsu. The Elder looked at the sleeping Ace, a thoughtful expression appearing on her usually cold face.
"It's only been a week, and this young man has already gained the recognition of the outer Dragon-type Pokémon. It seems I wasn't mistaken; this guy truly has talent."
The Elder seemed to think of something, a slight smile forming on her lips, "Keep going, young one. If you can truly reach the depths of Dragon's Den, then you will be qualified to attempt to inherit the mantle of the Successor..."
The Elder said no more about what remained, but a new hope would be placed before all of the Lorekeepers. Once Ace could inherit the mantle of the Successor, then the Lorekeepers of the Dragon's Den would rekindle their hope!