"A friend gave it to me."
Hearing Dylan's response, Wallace pondered for a moment.
"Does your friend have any other Eevee?"
Wallace was quite interested in this uniquely special Eevee—he wanted one too.
"Professor Oak only had this one special Eevee. If Mr. Wallace is interested, I can help you ask."
Dylan was very polite.
"Professor Oak, huh? Then never mind." Wallace nodded. No wonder it was so special—it came from Professor Oak.
"Rotom, could you analyze it for me?"
Cynthia looked at the energetic Partner Eevee, curious about the moves it had just used.
"Of course, Roto~!" Rotom Pokédex liked polite people.
'Beep~ Partner Eevee, Normal-type, Evolution Pokémon
Ability: Adaptability
Moves: Veevee Volley, Bouncy Bubble, Buzzy Buzz, Sizzly Slide, Glitzy Glow, Baddy Bad, Sappy Seed, Freezy Frost, Sparkly Swirl…
Description: Due to its unstable genes, it has a wide variety of possible evolutions, but its population is extremely rare.'
Huh???
Even though Cynthia and Steven had prepared themselves mentally, they were still shocked by the analysis.
What were those moves?Did Eevee actually have so many hidden exclusive techniques?
"Dylan… this is incredible."
Steven was stunned. He had quickly counted—the Partner Eevee had a total of nine unique moves!Nine!!Have you ever seen a Pokémon with nine exclusive techniques?
"Normal, Water, Electric, Fire, Psychic, Dark, Grass, Ice, Fairy—it perfectly corresponds to Eevee's eight evolution types. This is astonishing."
Cynthia's beautiful eyes sparkled as she carefully examined the properties and effects of these nine moves in the Rotom Pokédex.
Except for the Normal-type Veevee Volley, the other eight moves were not only powerful but also had exceptional additional effects.
For example, the Buzzy Buzz that Partner Eevee just used had power comparable to Thunderbolt, but its paralysis chance was far higher than Thunderbolt.
Too strong!
"My brother once said that because Partner Eevee is a very special Eevee, it is born unable to evolve. But in return, its potential far surpasses other Eevee."
Lillie explained to the two of them. Yes, just like Partner Pikachu, Partner Eevee was naturally unable to evolve, but it had much greater potential and strength than an ordinary Pikachu or Eevee.
"These moves were also personally taught to Partner Eevee by my brother, one by one."
Well, actually, they were learned in the Growth Simulator.Dylan had discovered a mentor in Kanto who specialized in teaching Partner Moves from Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee.
"If I were to challenge Dylan, I would definitely not want to face his Normal-type team."
Steven stroked his chin, feeling certain about this. Even though Dylan had only revealed three of his main Pokémon, just that Smeargle alone was enough of a headache.
Challenging Dylan was a meaningful experience—after all, Dylan was undeniably powerful. Fighting against strong opponents was the best way to improve oneself.
He would definitely challenge Dylan in the future when he had the chance. But for now, he should thank Wallace—he had taken the hit first.
"Mr. Wallace has no chance of winning."
Cynthia nodded as she watched Partner Eevee and Milotic still engaged in battle.
Milotic was now paralyzed. Though the Marvel Scale ability had activated, raising its defense, it was meaningless.
Compared to the defensive boost, paralysis had too severe an impact on Milotic.Not only did it slow Milotic's movements, but the worst part was the occasional full-body paralysis.
Partner Eevee was already strong, and now that Milotic's threat level had plummeted due to paralysis, the battle was as good as over.
Sure enough, Milotic was soon defeated by Partner Eevee.
Then came the Ludicolo, still asleep. One Pompom Break from Partner Eevee, and Ludicolo was GG.
"Challenger Wallace has lost all five of his Pokémon. This challenge ends in failure."
Cynthia officially announced the battle's result. The onlookers gasped in shock.
The Hoenn Champion Wallace had just lost a Gym Challenge…
And in a 5v5 battle, he had only defeated one of the Gym Leader's Pokémon. If this news spread, all of Hoenn would be shaken!
Especially those who disliked Wallace—they would absolutely seize this opportunity to criticize him online.
"Dylan, you're amazing~ I'm not even close."
After the battle, Wallace recalled his fainted Ludicolo and looked at Dylan with a complicated expression.
He had hoped to use this Gym Challenge to show Dylan the power of his Water-type team, but instead, he was completely destroyed.
His Water-type team didn't even get a chance to shine, but Dylan had perfectly demonstrated the strength of the Normal-type Rota Gym.
"Mr. Wallace is very strong as well. I learned a lot."
Dylan remained humble.
Wallace's mouth twitched. Learned a lot from what?!
"We should leave now… my reputation is ruined~!"
Wallace glanced around and noticed the large crowd of spectators. He pressed his fingers against his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
He didn't even need to check—by now, the internet was definitely flooded with headlines about how he got destroyed by a Kanto Gym Leader.
The group quickly left the battlefield and returned to the Hoenn League building, heading to Wallace's Champion's office.
Steven had also brought May along.
Dylan took a few extra glances at the cheerful and energetic girl.
She wore a tight-fitting tank top that accentuated her slender waist and graceful curves, paired with white shorts and an adorable hair accessory atop her head.
Without a doubt, this was May, the protagonist of the Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire series.In the anime, her name was May, while in the Pokémon Adventures manga, she was Sapphire.
Dylan could never forget watching Pokémon Evolutions: The Wish in his previous life—where Zinnia summoned Rayquaza, only for May to engage in a capture battle.
In the end, Mega Swampert landed an Ice Punch and one-shot Rayquaza, catching it effortlessly.Absolutely insane!
"This is May, daughter of Norman, the Gym Leader of Petalburg City."
Inside the office, Steven introduced May to the others. He had met her earlier when she delivered a package for Mr. Stone.
Seeing this talented and lively girl, Steven had taken a liking to her and kept an eye out for her growth.
"Hello, seniors~!"
May bowed politely, her voice crisp and sweet.
"May is a rookie Trainer who started her journey this year, but she's exceptionally talented. I think she'll be the champion of this year's Grand Festival."
Steven had high praise for May, seeing her as the future of Hoenn.
"Hehe~"
Hearing Steven's praise, May scratched the back of her head shyly but still puffed up her chest with pride.
"A promising talent."
Dylan agreed—May's potential was undeniable.
"I knew it. I'm trending."
Wallace checked his phone and, sure enough, saw himself on the hot searches.
Damn.
In just half an hour, several articles had dominated the Hoenn League's trending news.
In the comments, Wallace's haters and fans were fighting, while bystanders were watching the drama unfold.
There was no doubt about it—Wallace had gone viral.
"We should have picked a more private location for the battle," Dylan said, feeling a little awkward. Though, in all honesty, he had gone easy on Wallace.
"Maybe… but…" Wallace fell into deep thought.
Looking at the flood of headlines, he stole a glance at Steven. He suddenly felt like this was a golden opportunity.
Yes, later, he would go find President Goodshow and 'resign due to disgrace'. After all, as Hoenn's Champion, he had just been utterly defeated in public by a Gym Leader from Kanto.
That was basically an embarrassment to the entire Hoenn region!
How could he continue being Champion after such a disaster?
Perfect.
Wallace's mood instantly brightened. As for losing to Dylan so badly? He didn't even care.
Who was Dylan, after all?
That was the guy who could go head-to-head with Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre. Losing to him was completely reasonable.
Surely, everyone would understand eventually.
"Oh, right, Mr. Wallace—please accept this," Dylan suddenly remembered something and handed Wallace an ornate box.
"What's this?" Wallace asked curiously, taking the box and opening it.
Inside was a green badge, set with a finely crafted gray-white gemstone representing the Normal-type symbol.
It was the Rota Badge.
"So pretty~!"
May peeked over, eyes sparkling as she caught sight of the badge.
"A Normal-type Rota Badge. You wouldn't refuse, would you, Mr. Wallace?"
Dylan smiled. Wallace may have lost pretty badly, but honestly, it wasn't his fault.
Aside from Slaking, both Smeargle and Partner Eevee were absolute nightmares for first-time opponents.
With so many unpredictable, overwhelmingly strong moves, even an experienced Trainer would have no idea how to counter them.
"Ohhh~ It really is the Rota Badge! So elegant! Dylan, I love it!"
Wallace had no intention of refusing. He held up the exquisite badge, eyes shining.
He had already done his research on Dylan and the Rota Gym—this badge was extremely valuable!
The real reason he had challenged Dylan? He wanted one of these badges!
Ahem… Though the outcome wasn't exactly what he had expected, he still got the badge in the end.
Besides, it wasn't like he begged Dylan for it—Dylan gave it to him willingly. So, no shame in accepting it, right?
Not to mention, after this battle, his reputation was in tatters. Getting this badge at least helped heal his wounded pride a little.
"Tsk~ It suits me perfectly! What do you all think? Doesn't it look amazing?"
Wallace pinned the Rota Badge to the left side of his chest, the shimmering gemstone gleaming brightly.
"This is a Rota Badge that I worked very hard to earn!"
He turned to Steven and the others with a proud expression.
???
Worked hard? You got completely destroyed!
Steven nearly facepalmed, his mind screaming in protest.
"The badge is beautiful. No wonder it's worth over 10 million Pokédollars each."
Despite his inner complaints, Steven still complimented the badge's craftsmanship. As the heir to Devon Corporation, he wasn't exactly lacking in money—10 million wasn't a huge deal to him.
But the significance of the Rota Badge was different.
This was a badge personally awarded by Dylan!
"Wait—10 million?!" May was shocked.
Cynthia also looked surprised. She knew that Dylan's Rota Badges were extremely rare and that he had only given out a few.
But this expensive?!
Cynthia came from a well-off family—her grandmother was the head of the Celestic Town Historical Research Institute and a Pokémon Professor.
She had never struggled financially, but spending 10 million Pokédollars on a single badge?
That was just… ridiculous.
"That's right. Each of Dylan's Rota Badges costs over 10 million. And apparently, the most exclusive Legendary Rota Badge is worth 20–30 million!" Wallace grinned.
"Hissss~" May sucked in a breath. Holy crap.
"Come to think of it, Dylan—what's your family background?" Steven asked, curious. Dylan was way too rich—not to mention, shockingly generous.
"The Silph Co.'s largest shareholder is my father," Dylan answered with a humble smile.
Ah. That explains it.
Steven and the others instantly understood.
Wallace, meanwhile, sighed. Another filthy-rich second-generation heir.
"Dylan, can I challenge you too?!" May suddenly asked, voice bright and eager.
She had already collected all eight Hoenn Gym Badges and was preparing to enter the Grand Festival.
That's why she was currently in Slateport—she had been training in the area.
"Of course you can." Dylan smiled.
Just then, the office door swung open.
"Wallace!"
President Goodshow stormed in, his eyes locked onto Wallace.
"President?"
"Wallace, the public is in an uproar!"
Goodshow looked exasperated. He had just received reports of Wallace's battle with Dylan—he understood that Wallace wasn't strong enough to beat Dylan.
After all, he was well aware of Dylan's ridiculous strength.
But the problem was, Wallace had been utterly crushed in public.
As Hoenn's Champion, he had been annihilated by a Normal-type team.
Now, the situation was spiraling out of control.
Wallace's position as Champion had always been controversial. He had never officially defeated Steven to claim the title—many people in Hoenn had never truly accepted him.
And now, this scandal had exploded.
The Hoenn League Forums were in chaos.
"No need to panic, President."
Wallace elegantly lifted his tea cup, taking a slow sip. His voice was calm, steady, and graceful.
"You have a solution?" Goodshow and the others leaned in, intrigued.
Right now, Wallace's reputation was tanking hard.
As Hoenn's Champion, he was supposed to represent the League's strength. His humiliating defeat had put the entire region in a bad light.
"It's quite simple."
Wallace's handsome, porcelain-like face curled into a charming smile.
Then, his eyes landed on his dear friend.
Steven's heart sank—a bad feeling creeping up his spine.
This bastard is going to throw me under the bus.
"Just have Steven return as Champion," Wallace said, beaming.
Steven's vision went black.
He had just suffered through the grief of his father's passing, and now Wallace—this heartless bastard—wanted to rob him of his freedom!
Son of a—!
Goodshow's eyes lit up. This was a great idea!!
And then…
"Dylan! You're a legend! You just forced Hoenn's Champion into retirement!!"
(End of Chapter)