The wind and waves gradually calmed.
The restless seagulls above the pier returned to their perches.
Dark clouds scattered, and sunlight poured down through white skies, illuminating the quiet coastline once more.
In the distance, a blurry figure slowly approached the shore.
A gentle, melodic cry drifted across the sea.
Lapras.
As the silhouette became clearer, Ash, Misty, and Brock finally smiled in relief.
---
Home
"I'm already on the train. Don't worry. I'll be fine."
"And you don't need to worry about me anymore… I've grown up."
"Just wait for good news."
Sam ended the call and let out a quiet yawn.
Since arriving in this world, he had deliberately avoided too much contact with the original owner's parents. He feared they might sense something different.
But avoidance wasn't a solution.
So after leaving the island, he returned home.
Fortunately, his parents noticed nothing unusual. They simply believed their child had matured.
An unexpected blessing.
After spending several days at home, Sam said goodbye once more—and boarded the train heading toward Indigo Plateau.
The Indigo Plateau Conference was about to begin.
---
Indigo Plateau
When Sam had first arrived in this world, he had been excited about the regional conference.
Now?
After traveling, battling, and understanding what the League truly represented—
His expectations were calmer.
The Indigo Plateau Conference was prestigious, yes.
But it was still a regional event organized by the Pokémon League to discover rising talent.
Winning it did not make someone a true regional Champion.
The real proving ground—
Was the Masters Tournament.
Each year, outstanding performers at Indigo Plateau could receive invitations to the Masters. Only those who achieved results there could truly challenge for positions like the Elite Four.
And this year—
The stakes were higher than ever.
Two longtime Elite Four members—Lorelei and Agatha—had announced their retirement.
That meant open seats.
For ambitious Trainers, this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Even veteran Trainers who had never qualified for Masters were gathering at Indigo Plateau, hoping to seize this chance.
This year's competition would be fierce.
A battle of dragons and tigers.
But Sam didn't dwell on it.
If he aimed to become Champion—
Then the Indigo Plateau Conference was merely the first gate.
If he couldn't clear this,
There would be no point dreaming further.
---
Arrival
The train slowed.
Indigo Plateau North Station.
Sam stepped off into the city regarded as sacred ground by Kanto Trainers.
He hummed softly as he walked.
"In fire, in water, in grass, in forest…"
The city buzzed with energy.
Banners hung from buildings.
Trainers walked proudly with their Pokémon.
Excitement filled the air.
Sam opened the city map.
And immediately frowned.
"…Why is this layout so complicated?"
After a moment, he sighed.
"Forget it. Hotel first."
The Pokémon Centers were already fully booked. Expecting free accommodation during League season was unrealistic.
He chose a high-end hotel not too far from Quartz Stadium.
Comfort mattered.
The Indigo Plateau Conference would last nearly half a month. Mental condition was just as important as battle strength.
The price?
Painful.
With League season demand added on, it felt like daylight robbery.
But Sam paid anyway.
After checking in, he didn't rush to register immediately.
Instead, he opened the room's computer.
Time to gather information.
---
Research
The official Indigo Plateau forum was chaotic.
Bragging posts.
Gossip.
Pokémon showcases.
Wild speculation about potential champions.
After scrolling for a while, Sam lost interest.
He navigated to the official League website and reviewed the rules.
Simple.
Two stages:
Qualifiers and Main Tournament.
All participants must pass four battle arenas:
Water Field
Rock Field
Grass Field
Ice Field
Only after clearing all four could they enter the main bracket.
Battle format:
1v1
Three Pokémon per side.
Standard League rules.
Nothing unexpected.
Sam leaned back in his chair and began planning his lineup.
---
Current Team
The Pokémon he intended to register:
Dratini — Elite Beginner
Lapras — Gym Beginner
Charizard — Gym Intermediate
Clefable — Gym Intermediate
Venusaur — Gym Advanced
Aerodactyl — Gym Intermediate
By historical standards, this lineup was more than enough to win.
But this year was different.
Veteran Trainers.
Masters hopefuls.
Ambitious challengers eyeing Elite Four seats.
Carelessness was unacceptable.
If he encountered truly powerful opponents—
He would need to make precise choices about which Pokémon to deploy.
Sam closed the webpage and stood up, walking toward the window.
In the distance, he could see the towering structure of Quartz Stadium.
The stage where countless Trainers had made their names.
He smiled faintly.
"Let's see," he murmured.
"How far I can go."
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