"If you'd arrived any later, you wouldn't have been able to see me." Asher looked at the figure emerging from the jungle and smiled. Despite the years apart, their relationship remained close. "Ryan, it seems you and your Lucario have grown even stronger in these past three years."
Jacob observed the newcomer with curiosity, eager to see who commanded this Champion-level Lucario. The visitor wore a coarse cloth robe, was bare-chested, with a particularly eye-catching shiny bald head, and carried a wine gourd at his waist. This appearance left Jacob somewhat disappointed.
In his mind, the owner of a Champion-level Lucario should have resembled Steven or Cynthia.
"Old Four, it's been a long time." Ryan appeared ordinary—about 35 years old, with small eyes and monolids, and a slightly stocky build. He would be completely unnoticeable in a crowd. "I rushed over after receiving your message. Fortunately, I wasn't too late."
Jacob curiously studied Ryan, mentally searching through famous trainers in this world, but finding no matches. He was certain he'd never seen this man on news broadcasts or television, and none of the six Champions across China's six regions were named Ryan.
This seemed strange. A Champion-level Lucario should have attracted media attention—how could there be no news about its trainer?
The two masked figures on the other side eyed the suddenly appeared Lucario with unease, especially after witnessing how a single Aura Sphere had severely injured Excadrill. They could feel its overwhelming power.
King level or Champion level? Both guessed this Lucario was at least King-Level.
"Old Four, I'll catch up with you after I deal with these two."
After speaking, Ryan turned his attention to the masked pair. He and Lucario had already established telepathic communication, making verbal commands unnecessary. With a wave of his hand, the power of aura connected their minds as one.
Lucario launched upward, its movements erratic and unpredictable. Steel energy materialized around its left hand as it aimed a Bullet Punch at Hippowdon. Simultaneously, its right hand glowed with blue light, preparing an Ice Punch.
Jacob was astonished. What? Is that even possible?
Using Bullet Punch with your left and Ice Punch with your right for an attack without blind spots? Why not add a High Jump Kick from your feet and Iron Head from your skull to use four moves in a single turn?
Arceus, are Champion-level Pokémon this powerful?
"BOOM!"
What shocked Jacob even more was Lucario's incredible speed! He barely glimpsed a blue blur before Lucario appeared before Hippowdon, striking with its left fist. The Bullet Punch connected directly with Hippowdon's body, causing it to curl up and crash to the ground in pain. Lucario's right hand followed immediately, landing the Ice Punch in the same spot.
"ROAR!"
After suffering the consecutive blows, Hippowdon released an anguished roar as its massive body collapsed, instantly losing all fighting capability.
Two punches—just two punches. A single Bullet Punch and one Ice Punch were enough to incapacitate the Gym Leader level Hippowdon.
Was this the difference between Gym Leader and Champion levels? The battle was completely one-sided, though it was evident Lucario had merely defeated rather than killed Hippowdon.
After dispatching Hippowdon, Lucario continued without pause, condensing another Aura Sphere with incredible speed and hurling it directly at Excadrill.
"BOOM!"
The Aura Sphere moved with extreme velocity, tracing a perfect arc through the air before successfully striking Excadrill. The already seriously injured Pokémon was immediately knocked unconscious, instantly deciding the outcome. The battle concluded so quickly that Jacob hadn't mentally prepared for it.
If the Xia family possessed a Lucario of this caliber, they could dominate the entire Frosthollow Province.
The two masked men stood frozen with fear. They couldn't comprehend where this Lucario had come from or why it possessed such overwhelming power.
This Lucario couldn't possibly be merely King-level—it had to be at least near-Champion, or more likely full Champion-level. Nothing less could explain how easily it defeated their Pokémon.
The realization that a Champion-level trainer stood behind the Xia family sent chills through them. They must have been tired of living to provoke the Xia family.
"Go back and tell whoever's behind you to stop targeting the Xia family," Ryan shouted, his voice powerful and commanding.
The masked men hastily recalled their Pokémon, turned, and fled, disappearing into the jungle within moments.
"Lucario, it's been a long time." Asher waved at Lucario with a warm smile.
"Car."
Lucario acknowledged Asher's greeting. The two clearly shared a long history. Jacob wondered when his brother had acquired such a powerful ally.
"What have you been doing all these years?" Asher found a place to sit and questioned Ryan.
Jacob observed Ryan sitting cross-legged on the ground in a perfect meditation posture, with Lucario mirroring the same position. Standing nearby, Jacob grew increasingly curious about Ryan's identity. He resembled a martial artist.
"Same as always. My earthly attachments remain unresolved, so I continue accumulating good deeds to transcend this mortal realm. I've traveled across the country, crossed mountains and rivers, and witnessed this world's constant changes. When I see injustice, I draw my sword to right wrongs. When I see righteousness, I act boldly, regardless of consequences." Ryan spoke with clarity as he stood, singing with carefree expression. Growing excited, he removed the wine gourd from his waist and took a drink.
"Let me have a sip too." Asher grabbed the gourd without hesitation and drank. "So what are your plans now?"
"The world is my home. I will eradicate injustice wherever it exists and aid those who suffer. Come, Old Four. I'll accompany you back to Starlight City."
During their journey back to Starlight City, Asher reminisced with Ryan about their past, discussing adventures they'd shared as a group of four. Jacob listened attentively, growing more curious about his brother's experiences, but soon they arrived home.
"Since you're here, why not stay for a meal?" Asher tried persuading Ryan to join them.
Ryan shook his head in direct refusal. "No, I have other matters to attend to. Let's wait until Second and Third Brothers arrive before gathering properly."
With that, Ryan turned and departed without looking back. His posture exuded freedom as he left with a final message: "Fourth Brother, I'll visit each family that wronged you. After handling matters here, I'll seek justice from Dante on your behalf. If you encounter difficulties, send word. Second and Third Brothers are also supporting you. They'll return to Frosthollow Province when they can."
Then he and Lucario vanished into the night. Watching Ryan's retreating figure, Asher's expression grew complex, his eyes filled with emotion.