Sootopolis City is a coastal city near Lilycove City. At its harbor, a sailing ship slowly departed, heading straight for Ever Grande city.
With the advancement of technology to this day, it’s rare to see anyone crossing dangerous seas by sailboat. Whether considering speed or safety, sailboats are a poor choice.
But this ship was different, because its captain was Elite Four Drake.
Standing on the deck, Drake gazed at the distant waves, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his open coat, revealing his well-built, muscular abdomen.
Beneath his white captain’s hat was a stern face, his gray-white beard and hair showing his age.
“Master, have you really decided?”
“Yes. The moment Terrance defeated Norman, I understood, it’s time for me to leave that stage. But before I go, I’ll try to secure some benefits.”
Drake looked at his eldest disciple, Fitzwilliam, and said, “I originally planned to wait for the right moment to hand the Elite Four seat over to you. But there’s no time. Talents of the new generation are emerging one after another. The old generation must eventually step down.”
“It’s because I’m too incompetent…” Fitzwilliam lowered his head, dressed in a sailor’s uniform.
“You—you are very talented, with limitless potential. My retirement is unavoidable. Among the four major factions represented by the current Elite Four, only our faction is lacking in strength. If it weren’t for a few veteran Trainers holding things together, we would have long been pushed out of the League.”
Drake laughed, placing a hand on the ship’s helm. Decades ago, he had followed his elders across various seas, battling the ocean, the weather, and pirates. From those who made their living at sea, many powerful Trainers emerged, and Drake was one of them.
However, due to technological advancement, sailboats withdrew from the stage of the seas… and became more of a sporting event. The maritime faction Drake belonged to gradually declined. Although they managed to access some technology through a few powerful Trainers, their development lagged behind. Compared to the famous fleets of the Pokémon League, their strength was lacking; compared to well-known maritime trade companies, their economy was behind. Neither their strength nor economy was top-tier; the signs of decline were evident.
“The future may not be without a chance to turn things around. In your struggle against nature, have you forgotten what is most important? What I gain from this retirement will be enough for us to digest for a while. As long as you can grow, this won’t be a loss. After all, compared to technology, I believe that in this world, Pokémon and Trainers are the mainstream.” Drake said in a deep voice.
“Then…”
“If nothing unexpected happens, the Elite Four Challenge Competition will turn into a succession battle between Terrance and me. In this match, I will go all out. But the opponent is no ordinary person either. We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate. Let’s go… to Ever Grande City.”
As Drake finished speaking, his eldest disciple Fitzwilliam let out a heavy sigh.
……
……
“So, Senior Drake… really made this decision after all.”
At the same time, the other three Elite Four of Hoenn fell into thought after seeing Drake’s statement.
Especially Sidney. After thinking it over, he directly closed his computer and let out a bored yawn.
He had already guessed it: the high-pressure battle he had been preparing for so long seemed to be canceled.
“Ring…Ring.”
In a central room of the Hoenn League, Chairman Nakai ignored the constantly ringing phone. He didn’t need to think to know that representatives from various factions were calling to inquire about the situation…
Drake’s retirement was something he himself proposed. Rather than calling it voluntary retirement, it was more accurate to say that Drake, the Pokémon Contest faction, and the League had reached a consensus—a deal where none of the parties would come out at a loss.
“Scarlet, I’ll leave the succession battle to you. As for the timing… you can coordinate with Terrance or Drake’s opinions, but try to have everything arranged within a week. Don’t let it interfere with the normal proceedings of the Ever Grande Conference.”
“Yes, understood.” As Chairman Nakai finished speaking, his secretary quickly withdrew to handle the matter.
Not long after, the news that Terrance’s battle with Sidney had been canceled spread throughout Hoenn.
“Why can’t I continue the challenge?” Terrance, who had already arrived at Ever Grande City, asked Raoul Contesta in confusion.
“Logically, a Trainer who advances from the regular season can battle each member of the Elite Four. But this time the situation is special; it’s a decision made from above. Canceling this match is also for the sake of the upcoming succession battle. Even if you’re confident in defeating Sidney, for safety’s sake, it’s best to eliminate any variables.”
“By doing this, we’re also under a lot of pressure. But it’s all to ensure that you can successfully take a seat among the Elite Four.”
“Of course, if you want to challenge the other three Elite Four, you can do so after you successfully become one.” Raoul Contesta said, “In short, the higher-ups’ intention is that you shouldn’t let a match with Sidney affect your battle with Elite Four Drake. You must do your best to win that match. Even though Drake has already announced his retirement, appearances still have to be maintained.”
Terrance hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back, and in the end gave up on his original plan. Drake’s sudden retirement announcement had truly caught him off guard.
“Forget it. I will win this battle beautifully. No need to worry about me. But more than that, I hope the matter I entrusted you with can be handled smoothly.”
“No problem. As long as you successfully become an Elite Four, that matter is practically guaranteed.”
Somewhere in Ever Grande City, Terrance and Raoul Contesta reached a certain agreement.
Although he no longer had to face Elite Four Sidney, an even more serious battle awaited Terrance, one he absolutely could not afford to lose. He immediately seized the time to train, making full use of these precious few days.
With the cancellation of the Elite Four Challenge Competition, the succession battle between Terrance—almost certain to become an Elite Four—and Drake was heavily promoted.
Compared to the Elite Four Challenge Competition, this Elite Four succession battle was even more eye-catching. Even ordinary people in the Hoenn region who didn’t follow Trainers or Pokémon battles turned their attention to it.
At this moment, inside an independent training facility in Ever Grande City, Terrance looked at Arcanine, Gardevoir, Ninetales, Diancie, Gallade, and Altaria, and seriously instructed them:
“This is a battle we absolutely cannot lose. Precisely because it’s already certain that I’ll become an Elite Four member, we cannot lose.”
Seeing Terrance so serious, the six Pokémon all nodded earnestly. However, what troubled Terrance at the moment was…
“Looks like Beautifly won’t be able to take the stage again for the time being…”
Notice: Hey guys, ill be busy with my brother’s wedding from 10-12. So ill be posting 2 chapters daily for the four days.
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