The World Coronation Series, according to the official explanation, was a "tournament to determine the strongest trainer in the world."
During the World Coronation Series, a ranking system would be used. In other words, a system where the strong move up and the weak move down would determine the final Masters Eight tournament.
There was no doubt that this was a very cruel competition format.
But at the same time, it was also a very fair format. This was because as long as you had the strength, you could rely on your own raw power to climb the ranks.
During the World Coronation Series period, you could challenge higher-ranked trainers as much as you wanted to improve your own standing.
As long as you could keep your rank in the top eight when the World Coronation Series drew to a close, you would be one of the "Masters Eight"!
"The World Coronation Series, huh? It's a very good project."
Chairman Rose thought for a moment. Then, he gave a low laugh and expressed his approval. That was right. He very much supported the creation of this event.
After all, the connection between the different regions was not actually very deep right now. Especially regarding the League Champions of each region. Although they were all Champions, they didn't really have much contact or interaction with one another.
This also resulted in many trainers and citizens in various regions having no clear idea of the actual difference in strength between Champions.
For example, fans of Wallace or Diantha followed their idols with respect and admiration. Naturally, these fans would believe that Wallace or Diantha were the most excellent and strongest Champions.
But what was the reality? Those who knew the truth understood.
This was due to the lack of "communication" between regions. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, no fan wanted to see their "fan filter" shattered. They didn't want to see their idol get beaten badly by a Champion from another region.
However, it was also a bad thing. For the regions that possessed truly powerful Champions, who wouldn't want their Champion to become world-famous and boost the region's popularity?
And Rose was clearly part of the latter group!
Rose really wanted to make the Galar region famous in the world. He loved the Galar region deeply. This was his ideal and his goal.
The World Coronation Series was definitely a good thing for Rose.
There was no other reason than the fact that Leon was extremely strong!
This was something Rose was certain of.
Furthermore, Galar did not only have Leon. It also had Raihan, Mustard, and even Peony.
It was true that Mustard was not currently working for the League. Peony also did not want to be associated with the Galar League due to personal reasons.
But so what? They were always Galar trainers. That point alone was enough.
Although Rose knew that the Galar region could not yet compare to the Kanto region, Kanto was the headquarters of the Pokémon League. Wasn't its strength to be expected?
But even if they couldn't beat Kanto, beating other regions would be as easy as reaching out and taking something. The title of "Second Best Region" was actually quite good, right?
At the very least, this could greatly increase Galar's fame.
"So, Damian, are you telling me this because you want me to push this project forward?"
Rose's finger tapped his thigh lightly in a rhythmic way. All sorts of ideas flashed through his mind as he asked Damian.
"Exactly. If the World Coronation Series is to have credibility, it cannot do without the support of the League. This is a must."
Damian nodded. At the end of the day, the authority of the Pokémon League was currently the highest in this world.
If they wanted the World Coronation Series project to have credibility, the League had to stand up and support it.
Otherwise, for the vast majority of the public, this would just be some random competition that popped up out of nowhere.
"I understand. I am very happy to support this." The corners of Rose's lips curled up slightly.
"I will send this project proposal over to the Kanto side. An event of such a large scale also needs time to be prepared in advance. What do you think, Damian?"
Rose thought for a moment and spoke to Damian.
"I think so too."
This was exactly why Damian had contacted Rose. An event like the World Coronation Series, which included the whole world, was definitely not something that could be started easily.
The early preparation work alone was already a massive amount.
"Good. I will handle this matter as soon as I return to Wyndon. Speaking of which, the Champions Cup will also start next month. Damian, do you want to come and watch the matches?"
Rose sent an invitation to Damian.
"Personally, I am very interested. However, there is a conflict in timing. My girlfriend is in Alola to participate in the Manalo Conference, so I won't be able to go watch the Champions Cup."
"I see. That really is a pity. But I didn't expect you to have a girlfriend, Damian."
Rose became a little interested. This was indeed the first time he had heard of this.
According to his information, Damian was always surrounded by beautiful women. He had quite a bit of romantic luck. Especially Caitlin, who was basically inseparable from Damian.
Rose had thought that Damian and Caitlin were a couple. So, they weren't?
After all, Damian had said that his girlfriend was currently in the Alola region.
"Yes... we haven't seen each other for a very, very long time. But I think you will hear her name very soon, Mr. Rose."
Damian replied with a sigh of emotion. He sounded very confident.
"Oh? Then I shall look forward to it."
After chatting with Rose for a few more minutes, Damian hung up the phone.
Over the next few days, Damian accompanied Caitlin and the others to play around various places in the Galar region.
Rose had faced quite a bit of public backlash lately. Because he had already announced the events of Hammerlocke, the fact that he had "raised" the Darkest Day naturally made many people in Galar feel terrified.
However, Rose's attitude was sincere. Moreover, although Hammerlocke was destroyed, Rose was willing to provide compensation. His commitment to fully funding the reconstruction of Hammerlocke was also considered enough sincerity.
Rose's status in the Galar region was unquestionable. Very quickly, the matter quieted down.
However, the fact that Damian had summoned the legendary heroes Zacian and Zamazenta to defeat the Darkest Day again, which Rose mentioned, caused a huge stir.
The fact that the legendary heroes were two Pokémon undoubtedly shattered the "legend" that had been passed down for generations.
The descendants of the Galar royal family immediately reacted. They loudly and publicly claimed that Rose was lying. Furthermore, they demanded that Rose and Sonia, who published the research paper, come out and apologize.
It was worth mentioning that these two descendants of the Galar royal family actually went to threaten Sonia. Fortunately, Damian had sent Team Rocket subordinates to protect his newly joined Team Rocket researcher. Sonia's safety was not a problem.
But without a doubt, this matter angered Damian and Rose, who both knew the truth of the event.
Under the joint wanted notice of Team Rocket and the Galar League, well, these two descendants of the Galar royal family were quickly caught.
And with Rose's silent permission, Damian had people take them away and sent them to work in the mines.
One could only say that they truly made fools of themselves.
...
At the airport in Wyndon.
"Goodbye, Serena. You must do your best at the Lumiose Conference!"
Platinum hugged Serena with some sadness and sent her blessings to her sister.
That's right, Serena was going back to the Kalos region.
"Mhm! You too. Good luck at the Lily of the Valley Conference! Let's become Champions together!" Serena's eyes were bright. She also blessed Platinum in advance.
"When the conferences are over, let's celebrate together!"
"Okay!"
Platinum also felt her fighting spirit rise.
"By the way, there is one more thing." Serena glanced at Damian and Caitlin. She leaned into Platinum's ear.
"You have to hurry up, Platinum. Don't make Akari wait too long."
"Serena, what are you saying!"
Platinum's pretty face immediately turned red. She replied in a shy, low voice.
"Oh, you!" Serena spoke with a tone of frustration, as if she were looking at someone who refused to act.
"Your future with Damian is already obvious. Getting it settled as soon as possible is the real priority. What if some other girl who wants him gets ahead of you?"
As Serena spoke, her expression was a bit strange, and her gaze was a little wandering.
"Ugh..." Platinum bit her soft lip. Her delicate little face looked quite conflicted.
"In short, gather your courage, okay baby? You are so beautiful, and Damian actually likes you too. What is there to be embarrassed about?"
Serena's tone was quite complicated now.
"If I were you, Akari would already be growing in my belly by now!"
These words were really not nonsense. Serena's personality was serious and she acted efficiently. Her daughter had already traveled back from the future; this predestined marriage was already laid out right in front of them.
And Damian was so excellent. It wasn't like Platinum didn't like him. What was there to hesitate about?
If she didn't make a move now and waited for other girls to take the lead, would she end up behind them?
"I... I know..."
The blush on Platinum's cheeks grew deeper. She replied softly and obediently.
Serena gave her good sister one last hug. Anyway, she had already given her advice. If Platinum still couldn't gather her courage later, she couldn't blame Serena.
Well, at least she had said the hard truth first.
Then, Serena looked toward Damian. Damian was currently looking at her with a gentle smile.
"Remember to send a message after you get to Kalos. Good luck at the Lumiose Conference. I'll wait for your good news."
Damian spoke in a warm voice with a smile.
He did not think Serena would lose to Diantha. He believed Serena would definitely win!
"Mhm!" Serena nodded heavily. Her eyes also held a bit of the sadness of parting.
Although the time she had traveled with Damian was actually not very long, Serena felt that this period of time was the most unforgettable time of her life.
"I will definitely become the Kalos Champion! Damian, please watch me."
Taking a deep breath, Serena gave Damian her serious promise.
She absolutely did not want to let Damian down!
And... she felt that she should also gather her courage.
"Of course. I have always believed in you, because you are Serena."
Damian let out a chuckle. His tone wasn't heavy, but that attitude of complete belief made a sincere look of joy appear on Serena's face.
"Damian."
"Mhm, what is it?"
"...Can I have a hug?"
After hesitating for less than a second, Serena gathered her courage and spoke to Damian.
Hearing this, Platinum, who was still lost in a mental storm on the side, was stunned. She looked at Serena in shock.
Serena's face was still clear and fair. There was no shyness or blushing. It was only that in those beautiful, bright eyes, there was a moving light.
It was so moving that even Platinum was a bit dazed.
Caitlin's elegant eyebrows furrowed slightly, but that was all. She didn't seem surprised.
"Of course you can." Damian was only stunned for a moment. He then proactively stepped forward and opened his arms to hug Serena.
Serena also opened her arms. She wrapped them around Damian's waist and gently pressed her face against his chest.
Thump... Thump... Thump...
Serena closed her eyes. At this moment, she could clearly hear his heartbeat. She could clearly feel the warmth of his chest.
There was also the pleasant scent on him.
Without noticing it herself, the corners of Serena's lips curled up gently. This was the first time, the very first time, she had been so close to him.
This feeling of holding him so tightly made her feel warm all over.
But...
"???"
Platinum's eyes widened. Her head was a bit frozen as she watched Damian and Serena hugging tightly.
Seriously sister, do you remember what you just said to me?
You just called me "baby," and now you're hugging the father of my future child right in front of my face??
And you're holding him so tight! I saw it!