"Dylan, are you free right now?"
"What's up, Chairman?"
"Come to Indigo Plateau. There's something important I need to discuss with you."
"Got it."
After hanging up, Dylan still found it strange—Chairman Goodshow's voice had sounded unusually grim.
Something serious must have happened.
Dylan had his sister watch over the gym, then flew toward Indigo Plateau on his white dragon.
The journey from Route Lota to Indigo Plateau wasn't far—about half an hour.
He was greeted by the same secretary as usual, but this time, the secretary's face was pale.
"Gym Leader Dylan, this way please. Chairman has been waiting for you."
She quickly led him inside the building.
Indigo Plateau—the most sacred site of the Kanto League. The League's main offices were located here.
But today, a heavy gloom hung over the place.
Inside the chairman's office sat Goodshow, Officer Jenny's Chief Commander, Nurse Joy's Chief, and three remaining council members—each of them somber.
The atmosphere was suffocating.
A knock on the door broke the silence. Goodshow snapped back to reality, his mind still replaying the earlier meeting.
Lance, Champion of Kanto, the revered Dragon Master idolized by all Kanto Trainers—had stood in a pool of blood, his cold, shadowed expression terrifying to behold.
"For a pure, blue tomorrow!"
That sentence still echoed in Goodshow's ears.
But… was that really the right way?
He closed his eyes tightly. The Kanto League had once had nine council members—now only three remained.
The other six… had all died under Lance's Dragonite's claws, their blood staining the meeting room.
Goodshow understood Lance's motive—eradicate evil completely—but in doing so, Lance himself had become the "evil" in the eyes of others.
"Chairman."
Dylan entered the room, quickly taking in the tense expressions before settling his gaze on Goodshow.
He was startled.
The chairman, normally energetic and optimistic despite his age, looked years older—drained and lifeless.
"Dylan… sit down."
Goodshow forced a smile, gesturing to the seat beside him.
Dylan raised a brow, glancing at Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy's leaders, and then at the remaining council members.
"I assume you're wondering why we called you so suddenly," Goodshow said, rising from his chair to sit beside Dylan, rubbing his forehead with weariness.
"Please speak openly, Chairman."
"I won't hide it from you. We've handled this matter strictly and won't let it leak—but the impact is unavoidable."
Goodshow's voice was heavy.
"Lance has left the Kanto League."
"…?"
Dylan blinked in shock.
Did Lance run off?
"And not just that—he went on a rampage in the meeting room. He killed six council members, including Fujii, before leaving… and…"
Goodshow sighed again.
"Agatha and the others went with him."
Dylan immediately understood—Lance had taken the entire Kanto Elite Four and gone rogue.
No, "gone rogue" wasn't quite right—they'd basically seceded from the League.
And true to his reputation, Lance didn't leave quietly—he massacred half the council on his way out.
"This is…"
Dylan furrowed his brow.
"Hmph, they got what they deserved. If they weren't so corrupt, Lance wouldn't have killed them," Councilman Sawamura scoffed angrily.
He didn't believe Lance had done wrong. Those rotten bureaucrats who abused their power—good riddance.
"Sawamura, mind your words," another councilman cautioned.
"Why should I?" Sawamura snapped. "I warned you what Fujii and the others were up to. Lance left because of people like them."
"And now look at us—Kanto doesn't even have an Elite Four anymore!"
His words plunged the room into silence again.
Kanto—the heart of the Pokémon League and headquarters of the global system—now had no Elite Four at all.
They had once considered splitting off Johto as its own league… but now? With what?
More than half the council had been wiped out. The League could barely function.
"We can't go on without an Elite Four. It's essential to Kanto's prestige," Goodshow said gravely. "Do any of you have candidates in mind?"
The League needed new strength. In the long run, Lance's purge might be a blessing—but for now, they were in deep trouble.
"The boys Red and Blue aren't bad. Their performance during the Saffron City incident was excellent," said the Jenny Commander.
"They're Oak's students, right? Promising indeed," Goodshow nodded.
Just one year into their journeys, they were already Champion-level—undeniable proof of talent.
But that was only two people.
They continued brainstorming. Trainers at Elite Four level did exist—like Sabrina of Saffron Gym.
But with legends like Lance and Agatha before them, replacements had to be truly strong.
"Isn't the right person already sitting here?" Councilman Sawamura suddenly asked, looking straight at Dylan.
"Gym Leader Dylan—and Gym Leader Giovanni of Viridian—they're both more than qualified. Dylan could easily be Champion."
Dylan glanced at him, amused. You sure know how to pick people.
"Dylan, what do you think?"
Goodshow knew Dylan was qualified—but also that he wasn't very interested in titles like Champion or Elite Four.
"Chairman, if Kanto needs me, I won't refuse. But you know my nature," Dylan said, a bit helpless.
He was happy to help fight evil for the League—but as Champion?
"I know this puts you in a tough spot. But Dylan, Kanto really needs you right now," Goodshow said with a heavy sigh.
All the Elite Four gone in a flash—Kanto's current situation was truly dire.
"You've always treated me with sincerity, Chairman. Of course I'll return the favor."
Dylan understood the weight of the request.
Goodshow had always treated him with honesty—refusing now would be too heartless.
And the League really was in a bind.
"If you don't mind, how about making you acting Champion?" suggested the Joy Commander. "Just until we fill the Elite Four and find a suitable permanent Champion. You wouldn't need to handle day-to-day duties."
They could all tell Dylan wasn't interested in the role itself.
But to gain the people's trust, and restore confidence, Kanto needed someone strong and respected.
Dylan had the highest reputation of any Gym Leader in the region. He was the perfect fit.
"…Fine."
Dylan looked at Goodshow's hopeful eyes and finally nodded.
Alright, alright—looks like he couldn't dodge this "Champion Trial Experience."
"Ha ha~!"
Goodshow finally relaxed. As long as they had Dylan, Kanto was still invincible!
Yes—Dylan alone could defeat the entire previous Elite Four!
"Now we just need two more."
"We already mentioned Giovanni," Dylan chuckled.
"Dylan—no, Champion Dylan—Giovanni is like you. He's never shown much interest in becoming an Elite Four," said the Jenny Commander.
Before Dylan came along, Giovanni had been Kanto's strongest Gym Leader.
During the Saffron City conflict, Giovanni had fought alongside Steven and Wallace to repel Zinnia, showing Champion-level power.
He'd been eligible to join the Elite Four for a long time—but never cared to.
"I know Giovanni well. Let me talk to him."
Dylan grinned.
Taking Giovanni along to challenge the now-rogue Lance and his former Elite Four? That would be… quite the sight.
"That just leaves one more."
"Why not Dylan's apprentice, Selene? I hear even Lorelei wasn't her match," said the Joy Commander.
"Selene is very strong," Dylan nodded. "But she's still a bit green—needs more polish."
"I do have a Champion-level friend I could ask. Not sure if she'd be interested, but I'll check."
He was thinking of Leaf—already Champion-tier, showcasing the prestige of her title.
Though carefree by nature, who knew if she'd want the job?
And if not, it was fine. Like him, she could be a temporary stand-in. By next year, Selene, Yellow, and Silver would be ready.
Then they could "retire gracefully."
"Perfect!" Goodshow beamed. All Champions! And Dylan as Champion himself?
Kanto would remain invincible!
"I'll have someone prep your official portrait. Dylan, what type should I list for your Champion profile—multi-type?"
Normally, a new Champion had to defeat all four Elite Four in a row. But with them all gone, the process was skipped.
Champion profiles on the League site included a preferred type. Dylan's was obviously multi-type, right?
"Type, huh?"
Dylan thought for a moment—then smiled.
"I'm Lance's successor, aren't I? Since I've taken his position, I'll inherit his type too."
"Mark me down as Dragon-type Champion."
(End of Chapter)