Ten days passed in a flash.
It had already been seven days since Raihan arrived in Paldea with his full support crew.
"My goodness! Even Larry—the Elite Four member everyone was counting on—got toppled by Raihan after a momentary lapse in focus!"
"If I recall correctly, he's now won seven straight matches against Paldea's Gym Leaders… What a terrifying man…"
"Galar's Dynamax really is something! No wonder their Champion Leon won the Master Tournament. Gotta admit—they've got real skill."
"With such a fearsome opponent, who can possibly stop him now?"
"Don't worry, bro—we've got someone! Tomorrow's final match features Paldea's strictest teacher: Teacher Azure himself!"
"As long as Teacher Azure goes all out, everything will be fine!"
At the center of a massive open-air battlefield hastily constructed just outside Mesagoza, a fierce battle came to an abrupt end as the last of one side's three Pokémon fell.
"Tch… even Larry lost?" Grusha, seated beside Aiden in the VIP stands, clicked his tongue in dismay.
"It's understandable," Aiden replied calmly. "His typing was completely countered."
Given the 3–2 result, Aiden actually thought Larry had performed admirably.
After all, whether as Gym Leader or Elite Four, Larry relied heavily on Normal- and Flying-types—both of which struggled mightily against Duraludon.
With little skill gap between them, compounded by unfavorable typing and the fact that Terastalization offered far less of a power boost compared to Dynamax…
Even Larry—the master of working under pressure—couldn't fully compensate for all these disadvantages.
"If Braiary hadn't tanked so well, enduring Gigantamax Duraludon's onslaught, stalling long enough to even severely wound Gigalith with sheer will power, the match might've been even more one-sided."
"And Larry's signature Facade strategy was completely unusable—indirectly crippling his offense."
"More surprisingly, Dynamax actually works outside Galar! All it takes is a special device and sufficient Dynamax energy… Has Galar's energy tech made another breakthrough?"
Picking up where Grusha left off, Aiden offered a few rational observations—then finally snapped out of his intense spectator mode.
And that's when his expression suddenly turned grim.
Because he'd just realized something horrifying.
"Wait a minute… Weren't we supposed to have an 8v1 advantage? How did it end up being just me left?!"
Eight against one—and seven got swept? That's terrifying, man!
At this, Grusha fell instantly silent, guiltily averting his eyes and even leaning back in his seat, trying to shrink into invisibility.
After all, he'd already lost to Raihan yesterday—getting steamrolled by Gigantamax Duraludon in a brutal 1v3 sweep. He had zero credibility to speak from.
While Duraludon's immunity to Ice-type moves certainly contributed, the truth was simpler: he'd just been outplayed. Grusha couldn't deny it.
The other Gym Leaders sitting behind Aiden shared similar shame.
"Well… it's not my fault! Our opponent is the Raihan—ranked #10 globally!"
Iono's usual energetic tone was noticeably subdued.
"In any case… it's all on you now, kōhai!" she suddenly stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to Aiden.
"Please, please win! If we all lose to someone from Galar, I can't even imagine the terrifying look on President Geeta's face!"
"I swear I'll train harder after this… waaah…"
Iono was now trembling with fear.
Geeta had, of course, personally informed each of them about Raihan's "Gym Challenge." Otherwise, they wouldn't all be sitting here together.
They also understood the match's purpose: using "Terastallization vs. Dynamax" as a spectacle to boost both regions' profiles.
But viewers only care about winners—the classic "winner takes all."
And if Paldea got swept…
President Geeta would surely transform into a demon and devour them all!
Watching Iono nearly prostrate himself, Aiden could only sigh and shake his head.
He'd interacted with Geeta several times—she always seemed kind and approachable. Why was Iono so terrified of her?
Must be my imagination.
"I've got a rough idea of my chances now," Aiden said after watching Larry's match. "At least somewhat."
As if on cue, Larry—just finished with his battle—strode over with a stern face, meeting the varied expressions of his fellow Gym Leaders.
"…I lost."
He felt oddly like he was being publicly executed.
Shaking off the thought, Larry walked straight to Aiden.
"Your guess was correct, Aiden."
"Dynamax lasts exactly three minutes. By the end, Raihan was clearly panicking—unleashing everything he had to finish the match before time ran out."
"Indeed… even the strongest battle mechanic has its flaws."
Larry sighed.
He didn't know how Aiden had figured this out—but his battle intuition was clearly razor-sharp.
Even without personally facing a Dynamaxed Pokémon, Aiden could deduce critical weaknesses just from observation and replays.
The more Larry saw of him, the more he understood why Geeta placed such faith in this young man.
Even though he'd been the one to recommend Aiden to Geeta, he never expected him to surpass his already high expectations.
Still…
Knowing this key detail didn't mean Raihan would be easy to beat.
After all, though labeled a "Gym Leader," he functionally matched Elite Four—or even Champion-level—strength.
"In any case… good luck, Aiden."
The dependable middle-aged man patted Aiden's shoulder—then added quietly:
"If you beat Raihan, I'd appreciate it if you could visit Medali afterward. It's… Geeta's arrangement."
"Understood."
Aiden nodded solemnly—then suddenly realized something.
For some reason, standing before Larry—whose face screamed "overworked salaryman"—he'd unconsciously started speaking like a corporate drone himself.
But being summoned to Medali…
That must relate to Area Zero.
Aiden instantly grasped the implication.
Since exploring Area Zero was already in his future plans, gathering intel early fit perfectly.
"Then… I'll take my leave."
Larry offered a tired smile and exited the lounge.
Apparently, Galar's new Dynamax-enabling device had limited capacity—enough for only one battle per day outside Galar.
Hence the "one match per day" format.
With Larry's battle over, it was now Aiden's turn.
He soon followed Larry out.
Before tomorrow's match, he still had time for final adjustments.
…
April 21st, Tuesday.
Though hastily built for this "uninvited guest," the battlefield was packed with spectators.
After all, Dynamax—a phenomenon never before seen in Paldea—held irresistible allure for most Trainers.
Especially when framed as a clash between Paldea's Gym Leaders and Galar's strongest, the crowd's excitement had reached fever pitch.
"Go Teacher Azure! Don't lose to those Galar bumpkins!"
"As long as Teacher Azure fights, everything will be okay!"
"Dynamax? Pfft! We can easily overcome that!"
Despite the lack of official commentators, the atmosphere was electric.
"Aiden must be under so much pressure today…"
Tulip, seated among the other Gym Leaders (all except Aiden), voiced her concern.
"He's still just a kid… yet we're pinning all our hopes on him to redeem our failures. It feels… strangely shameful."
"…"
Her words sent the group into solemn silence.
"But it's okay! Little Aiden is amazing—he did win an Attribute Master Tournament, after all."
"And if he loses, I'm sure President Geeta won't say much."
Tulip, the Gym Leader of Alfornada—broke the quiet with gentle reassurance.
"…Even so, losing to a Gym Leader from another region is embarrassing enough."
Kofu of Cascarrafa—rarely without a smile—now scratched his nearly bald head in awkward discomfort.
"I've decided! Starting today, I'll resume my journey as a Trainer!"
"Come to think of it… ever since becoming a Gym Leader, I've grown complacent. At this rate, I'll never improve! I must reflect deeply!"
Kofu's words struck like a hammer in every Gym Leader's heart.
Because it was true—and applied to most of them.
In Paldea, Geeta and the Elite Four shouldered the region's toughest duties, leaving Gym Leaders with little pressure beyond accepting student challenges.
In that comfort, they'd gradually neglected their core identity as Trainers…
Especially this year, when Aiden's influence had raised student standards dramatically, making their jobs even easier.
Most students were now so strong they needed no screening.
If not for Raihan's sudden arrival, this complacency might have continued indefinitely.
This can't go on. We must reignite our passion as Trainers!
Each came to the same conclusion.
"…"
Quietly observing his peers' resolve, Larry smiled with quiet satisfaction.
Everything was unfolding exactly as Geeta planned.
Placing Aiden last wasn't random—it was calculated.
Ideally, Aiden would defeat Raihan. But Geeta didn't suppress others' chances.
If another Gym Leader won, great. If not, no real loss—instead, it would jolt them into self-reflection.
Now, with Raihan's challenge serving as a wake-up call, the goal was achieved.
All that remained was Aiden's performance.
And now, as the final Gym Leader, Aiden silently entered the battlefield—expanded several times over its usual size.
No wonder they built an outdoor arena. Mesagoza's layout couldn't possibly fit this…
As he mentally measured the field, his gaze met his opponent's.
Across the way stood a muscular, dark-skinned man in a red headband, focused and soon offering a polite wave.
Aiden nodded in return.
Though they'd met by chance in-game long ago, this was their first real meeting.
Memories from online research flooded in unbidden:
In Galar, Raihan was viewed like Nacrene City's Lenora in Unova—a fashion-forward icon…
Though in terms of followers, Lenora was the one "cosplaying" Raihan, who was a genuine mega-influencer with millions of fans. Compared to him, Aiden was just a rookie streamer.
So Galar folks are into this aesthetic?
Maybe if I'd copied Lenora's business model, I could've revitalized my Gym too…
They met at center field. Raihan flashed a bright grin and spoke first:
"Finally meeting you in person, Teacher Azure!"
"To be honest, this match was the main reason I came to Paldea! Leon said you're strong—battling top-tier opponents is what makes it fun!"
"So let's go all out!"
Faced with Raihan's fiery enthusiasm, Aiden smiled calmly.
"Understood."
"Then… please steel yourself for defeat."
"I will use Paldea's Terastalization to defeat Galar's prized Dynamax—head-on."
Hearing such arrogant words delivered with serene confidence, Raihan blinked—then grinned wider.
A battle without confidence would be boring, after all.
"Then let's hope so!"
They retreated to opposite ends.
The cross-regional Gym Leader battle used 3v3 rules, otherwise following Master Tournament standards.
Though unofficial, every prior match—including Raihan's—had been full-intensity.
As the referee prepared to blow the whistle, Raihan pulled a Poké Ball from his pocket, thinking:
In real life, Aiden's team is predictable—unlike online's randomness.
Scouting opponents pre-battle was basic etiquette—and a sign of respect.
Raihan knew Aiden had likely dissected his entire strategy, especially Dynamax's weaknesses.
But he'd done the same.
Aiden's confirmed roster—Sylveon, Lucario, and Ogerpon—would likely appear today.
They were his most familiar cores—and all had advantages against a Dragon-type specialist.
…Or so Raihan thought before learning Aiden knew this.
To fulfill President Rose's mission, Raihan had adjusted his tactics.
Beat Aiden, and the mission succeeds!
As he fondly rubbed his Poké Ball, the starting whistle finally sounded.
Both sides instantly threw their first Pokémon.
"Torkoal—go!"
Raihan's lead was a stout turtle, white smoke puffing from its nostrils and shell.
"Torkoal?!?"
Iono, mid-cheer for Aiden, froze in shock.
In all seven of Raihan's prior wins, he'd used a Sandstorm team led by Gigalith.
Changing strategy on the final day? He must have a hidden trump card!
"Makes sense," Grusha countered calmly—he'd done his homework. "Though a Dragon-type Gym Leader, Raihan actually specializes in switching between Sandstorm and Sunny Day."
"Given Aiden's style, he probably anticipated this…"
"He led with Sylveon."
All eyes turned to Aiden's side—where a pink, ribbon-tailed beauty floated gently.
Even Grusha's expression softened.
"Leading with Lucario would counter Sandstorm well—but if Raihan switches, that advantage flips to a liability."
"Ogerpon is likely his ace against Gigantamax Duraludon—too valuable to reveal early."
"So Sylveon is indeed the safest choice."
"Indeed!"
Tulip nodded, now regarding Aiden with admiration—and worry.
"But… can Sylveon really withstand Sunny Day's firepower?"
"Of course it can!" Iono bounced back, waving his sleeve-covered hands earnestly.
"Just now I forgot—kōhai is a weather master too!"
Noticing Aiden's confident smile, Iono's conviction solidified.
Did you really just bring a Sunny Day team against Teacher Azure?
Do you even know who you're messing with?
"Predictable—switching to Sunny Day at the last minute," Aiden murmured, unfazed.
Weather Child—truly lives up to the name!
But he'd prepared for weather lockdown. Sunny or Sandstorm—it made no difference.
"Sylveon—Calm Mind."
Aiden's first command launched the battle.
Sylveon's exceptional Special Defense let it safely boost against Raihan's special-attack-heavy Sunny Day core.
But Aiden had another reason for this play:
Under Sunny Day, Sylveon's Moonlight would restore even more HP.
Meaning…
Against Sunny Day, Sylveon was an impenetrable wall!
And if Raihan had stuck with Sandstorm? Aiden had counters for that too.
"Calm Mind to boost staying power?" Raihan instantly grasped Aiden's intent.
If Sylveon kept boosting, even type-advantaged Gigantamax Duraludon might not KO it within Dynamax's time limit.
Must eliminate it first.
"Torkoal, use Eruption!"
Raihan didn't hesitate.
Uninterrupted, Torkoal unleashed its stored heat—a blast rivaling a volcanic eruption!
Even Sylveon couldn't survive this!
"Sylveon!"
At Raihan's command, Sylveon—mid-meditation—snapped its eyes open.
Its former "Anticipation" ability still lingered in instinct. Sensing danger, its back arched defensively.
Thump—thump, thump!
That familiar heartbeat echoed—filling Aiden with nostalgia.
Yes! That's the sound!
Though Sylveon usually dominated weaker foes, against true threats, its "King Engine" still activated.
And Aiden's plan hinged on this very reaction.
"Now, Sylveon!"
"Sylvee…on!"
Before Torkoal's fiery energy erupted, Sylveon—fighting fear—slipped a berry from its ribbons.
"??? It can hide berries like that?!"
Even Raihan was stunned.
The berry's pattern matched the obscure Apicot Berry.
Normally, it activates only in "dire situations" to boost Special Defense…
But Sylveon hadn't taken any damage yet! Eating it should do nothing!
Unless…
Raihan's eyes widened.
That ominous heartbeat… was Sylveon's perception of crisis?
Trainers define "crisis" as low HP—but Pokémon define it themselves.
So theoretically… it's valid!
Already boosted by Calm Mind, Apicot Berry would double Sylveon's bulk instantly.
Teacher Azure… that's just mean!
As Raihan's expression soured, Torkoal—slow as ever—finally unleashed its attack.
BOOM—!
True to its name, Eruption exploded like a volcano.
Uninterrupted, its power was catastrophic.
Flames rained down without mercy, blanketing Aiden's half in fire.
"Syl?!"
Sylveon dodged frantically—but found no safe ground, soon cornered.
Yet…
As heat washed over it and Sylveon squeezed its eyes shut…
The expected devastation never came.
Just… warmth.
"Sylveon…?"
Huh? Doesn't hurt?
Sylveon peeked open one eye—then the other.
No serious damage. Not even its fur was singed.
The opponent's attack… feels like tickling!
Realizing Torkoal's "ultimate move" barely scratched it, Sylveon straightened up, eyes sharp.
All that fuss… just a bluff!
Time for my turn!
Noticing the King Engine's heartbeat fading, Aiden grinned.
Perfect!
Once Sylveon believed the threat was low, Raihan became the one in danger!
After all—Sylveon could heal endlessly with Moonlight. In a war of attrition, Torkoal would lose.
And the simplest way to ensure that?
When you're too scared of pain… just max out defense!
Calm Mind + Apicot Berry—Sylveon was now harder than Torkoal itself!
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