As Ethan Cross began to unravel the origins of Mewtwo, the room fell into a captivated silence. "Mewtwo is unlike any other creature," Ethan explained, his voice steady and deliberate. "Its consciousness formed before its body, and its ability to learn is extraordinary. Our tests show its intelligence surpasses even that of Alakazam and Metagross."
He continued, "Right from birth, it possessed the powers of an elite Pokémon and destroyed the lab. What's more astounding is that within a month, it had mastered dozens of skills, escalating its strength to near-legendary status. Even the strongest pseudo-legendaries could not challenge it."
Ethan paused for a moment before adding, "To control this power, Giovanni equipped it with a specially designed armor. After that, I left Team Rocket and became the leader of the Summit Gym in Westvale. Giovanni let me go on the condition that I keep his identity, and the secret of Mewtwo, confidential."
The others were left speechless, their minds racing with the implications of Ethan's story. The idea of a Pokémon born with such innate strength and intelligence was staggering. If not for its limitations, it might have already ascended to the status of a legendary Pokémon.
Someone whispered, "At this rate, could it become a second or even first-tier legend in a few years?"
Lance, who had been listening intently, asked seriously, "Is our main objective here to capture or release Mewtwo?"
The response from Ethan was unexpected, "There's no need."
"Why?" asked another.
"Because Mewtwo has already escaped," Ethan's revelation left everyone stunned.
The Elite Four exchanged glances, realizing that the artificial legend had become a wild Pokémon. The question now was, where in the world was it?
Ethan confirmed, "I verified Mewtwo's escape with Professor Oak. We first sought out Ethan to confirm Mewtwo's existence and then found Giovanni's ruined base in the northern forests of Fairfield."
Lorelei asked curiously, "How did you get this information?"
"It was provided by Cynthia," Ethan replied directly.
Lorelei was surprised, "You mentioned inviting her for help, but she's been absent."
"I had her handle a situation in Westvale concerning Sabrina, which turned out to be a diversion by Giovanni," Ethan explained.
The group now understood that Ethan's actions were to protect Carl. But it seemed Carl had already handled things on his own.
Lorelei adjusted her glasses, a thought crossing her mind, "You said Cynthia witnessed Mewtwo's escape, but she's still in Westvale and won't arrive here until later today."
Everyone looked to Ethan for clarification.
"She did," Ethan affirmed, "You can call her and ask if you don't believe me."
Mentioning a call caused Lance's expression to shift awkwardly. Professor Oak teased, "Lance, haven't you and Cynthia blocked each other?"
Lance turned away, his embarrassment drawing laughter from everyone, including the elder Agatha.
Ethan looked puzzled, "What's so funny about Cynthia and Lance blocking each other?"
Agatha asked with a smirk, "You don't know Lance's nickname?"
"The Dragon Master? Kanto's strongest Elite? Or perhaps the unofficial champion of Johto?" Ethan counted on his fingers.
Lance's face turned a shade of red.
Professor Oak struggled to contain his amusement, "Ethan, you really don't know his 'special' nickname?"
Ethan thought for a moment, then it dawned on him, "The Flying Master?"
Laughter erupted again, while Lance's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable.
"Isn't that common knowledge?" Ethan asked earnestly, "Is it really worth blocking someone over?"
Agatha was surprised by Ethan's bluntness.
Reflecting on it, it did seem trivial. Lance's team did include Dragonite and Salamence, both possessing dragon attributes, but Gyarados and Aerodactyl were dragon in name only. Charizard only gained Dragon attributes upon Mega Evolution, and Hydreigon was a later addition.
Lorelei added with a chuckle, "At the last league meeting, someone joked about it, and Cynthia kindly suggested Lance use the champion title to avoid the issue."
"That sounds reasonable," Ethan nodded in agreement.
Lance's team comprised a variety of types: Dragon, Fire, Water, Rock, and Ground. He was truly a master of diverse attributes. His Dragon and Evergreen powers affected all his Pokémon, making them formidable allies.
But Lance was reluctant to admit it. Lorelei glanced at him and said with a smile, "Some people prefer the title of Dragon Master over the Johto champion for a reason."
Ethan quickly realized, "Lance thinks Cynthia was mocking him?"
Everyone nodded.
"Then Cynthia must have said something provocative," Ethan speculated confidently.
As one of the Elite Four champions, Cynthia was not only a standout among female trainers but also a prominent figure from the Temple Clan, with a background and strength rivaling that of the Dragon Clan. No one would be naive enough to think she was easily bullied.
"Exactly," Lorelei nodded slightly, her gaze returning to Lance.
Lance closed his eyes, looking resigned.
Lorelei continued with a grin, "Cynthia gave him the nickname 'Dodo!'"
"What bird?" Ethan asked, thinking he misheard.
"Dodo," Lorelei repeated.
"Dodo what?"
"Dodo."
"What Dodo?"
"Stop it!" Lance interrupted, his voice tinged with embarrassment.
Although it was a misunderstanding at first, the nickname 'Dodo' was incredibly humiliating for him.
Cynthia, I won't forget this!
Meanwhile, Carl was standing by a shimmering pond in his backyard.
"What?" He looked at Caitlin in surprise, "You say Cynthia gave Lance what nickname?"
"Dodo," Caitlin replied, elegantly covering her mouth as she laughed.
Carl couldn't help but chuckle, giving Cynthia a thumbs-up.
The nickname was brilliant, aligning perfectly with online jokes.
However, to call Lance that in front of so many Elite Four members and champions, it required a level of psychological warfare that was truly impressive.
"Remarkable," Carl sincerely praised.
Cynthia waved off the compliment modestly, though her eyes gleamed with a hint of pride.
After all, isn't it normal for a woman to hold grudges?
Returning to the matter at hand, Cynthia steered the conversation back, "What about the other two dragon Pokémon? Do you need help with them? I assume the stronger, the better?"
Her tone was confident.
It was an easy deduction. In her position, possessing a treasure like the Dragon's Pond, she would certainly keep it a closely guarded secret, only exchanging resources with top-level entities.
Places like the Dragon's Den were open secrets from the beginning.
And for them, including the recently acquainted Serena and Lillie with their so-called distant connections, they weren't supposed to know this secret.