Galar Region.
At present, what the Galar Region is most renowned for is its competitive culture—among all the regions, Galar undoubtedly holds competitive battling in the highest regard.
Galar's Gym Battles are fully open to the public and immensely popular.
While other regions also allow spectators at Gym Battles, it's on a completely different level in Galar. Here, battles are held in massive stadiums—and thanks to the region's enthusiasm for competition, nearly every battle draws a full crowd.
Wyndon City.
The largest metropolis in Galar, established under the guidance of Chairman Rose as part of his expansive development plans.
To get around the city, tourists can take advantage of Wyndon's Flying Taxis or its efficient monorail network.
Dylan, Leaf, and Lillie stepped out of Wyndon Airport and were immediately met with the awe-inspiring view of the towering metropolis. At the center stood the most prominent landmark: Rose Tower.
The skyscraper, crowned with a dome, dominated the skyline. It was the headquarters of Macro Cosmos, the corporate empire founded by Chairman Rose—and named after the man himself.
"Are you Champion Dylan?"
A tall brunette woman approached them, her tone cool and professional.
"Secretary Oleana?"
Dylan gave her a quick glance. Dressed in red and black, she was Rose's personal assistant and vice president of Macro Cosmos—a woman of remarkable poise and strength.
Her story with Rose was well-known. Once a nameless researcher, she had been discovered by Rose and went on to develop the Dynamax Band, enabling trainers to utilize Dynamax energy at power spots.
Since then, she had loyally supported Rose. Though she admired him deeply, Rose had always seemed more focused on Galar's future than his personal life.
"The Chairman asked me to receive you."
Oleana bowed slightly. Her expression remained cold, as usual—but those who knew her understood she was actually a deeply emotional person, especially when angered (at which point she could become downright terrifying).
"An honor. I didn't expect you personally."
Dylan smiled.
"Chairman Rose originally intended to come himself, but he's currently attending to some pressing matters and couldn't make it."
"This way, please."
Oleana gestured toward a nearby Flying Taxi.
"Is that a Corviknight? What a cool bird!" Leaf marveled.
"Yes. In Galar, Flying Taxis are powered by Corviknight," Oleana nodded.
Corviknight's large build and superb flying skills made it ideal for transport. It was even the foundation of the "Galar Taxi Co.," a company that ferried passengers between towns.
"In Paldea, they use Squawkabilly instead," Dylan added. "That's because Tinkaton is Corviknight's natural predator. They hurl rocks with their hammers, making air travel with Corviknight too dangerous there."
The group observed the black-armored bird perched atop the carriage, its steel-like feathers gleaming. Corviknight was undeniably majestic.
Dylan noted to himself that when he eventually built a Flying-type team, he'd have to consider training one.
Soon, they arrived at Rose Tower.
Inside, Oleana led them to Rose's office—but the chairman himself wasn't there.
"Please wait a moment. The Champion Cup is wrapping up today, so the Chairman will return shortly."
She served them tea.
"Secretary Oleana, are there any promising new trainers in this year's Champion Cup?" Dylan asked with interest.
"There are," she replied after a moment.
"Leon's recommended trainers, Gloria and her brother Hop, have both made it through to the Champion Cup. So has Marnie, younger sister of Gym Leader Piers. All three are exceptional talents."
The Galar Champion Cup was unique among regional leagues. While the Grass, Water, and Fire Gyms eased in new trainers, the rest of the Gyms rarely held back.
In fact, the later Gym Leaders—like Piers and Raihan—were considered to rival even the Elite Four of other regions.
For three such rookies to make it to the Champion Cup? That said a lot.
"Gloria, huh..." Dylan raised an eyebrow. She was the protagonist of Sword and Shield.
Hop and Marnie were her key rivals—Leon's younger brother, and Piers' sister, respectively.
"There was also Bede," Oleana added, her voice dipping slightly. "But he went astray. A shame, given how much trust the Chairman placed in him."
Dylan chuckled.
He remembered Bede well—a prideful and abrasive boy raised in an orphanage, whose life was changed when Chairman Rose gifted him a Pokémon.
Gifted but arrogant, Bede was sharp-tongued, especially toward those he saw as weaker.
Hop, for example, had once been crushed by Bede—and fell into a deep funk afterward.
But after destroying a historical monument in pursuit of Wishing Stars, Bede's Gym Challenge was revoked.
Still, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Piers' replacement, Opal, saw potential in him and took him under her wing.
Eventually, Bede became the new Fairy-type Gym Leader—and gained a new obsession with all things "pink."
"He caused today's delay by crashing the stadium," Oleana added, clearly annoyed. "Wanted one final battle with Gloria."
Dylan nodded. He recalled that plot point. Bede had never managed to beat Gloria—and it became his driving motivation.
That final battle helped him let go of his bitterness and grow.
All in all, Galar was brimming with young talent. Hop, Marnie, Bede—each of them a future powerhouse.
After half an hour, the door opened and a tall man in a silver-gray suit entered the room.
His hair was impeccably styled, a lock sweeping across his brow. His calm smile and world-weary eyes made him exude mature charm.
"Dylan, thank you for waiting. My sincerest apologies."
Chairman Rose approached, hand extended.
"It's no trouble at all. Did everything go well?" Dylan asked, rising to shake his hand.
"Perfectly," Rose smiled. "That boy is finally on the right path."
He had just witnessed Bede's battle with Gloria. Though Bede had lost, Rose was deeply pleased with how far he'd come.
With a few more words exchanged, Rose invited the trio to dine at Wyndon's finest restaurant.
"Dylan, how does the day after tomorrow sound for your battle with Leon?"
"Whatever works best for you. I've got a few days off anyway," Dylan replied.
"Excellent. Leon is thrilled about the match—he's already preparing."
Rose then handed Dylan a box.
"Inside are three Dynamax Bands. While you can't use Dynamax in other regions, here in Galar, at power spots, you'll be able to experience it fully."
"It's a unique aspect of battles here."
"Thank you very much."
"You're welcome. I, for one, can't wait to see your battle with Leon."
Rose knew Leon well. Even when faced with the likes of Lance—who was considered 'invincible'—he wouldn't be outclassed.
And Dylan? Younger, but rumored to command Legendary Pokémon.
Still, Legendaries weren't invincible. Rose had faith in Leon.
And if Leon did lose? That would only confirm Dylan's strength and reassure Rose that the Champion of Kanto was truly worthy.
"I look forward to seeing Leon's power firsthand," Dylan replied. "I'll treat this match seriously."
After all, this wasn't just any battle—it was Kanto vs. Galar.
"Got any plans for tomorrow?" Rose asked. "The Champion Cup finals are being held—interested in watching from the stands?"
"I'd love to, but I've already arranged to meet with an elder in the Crown Tundra."
Rose's brow lifted. "From Hoenn—Mr. Briney, was it?"
"No, Mr. Looker. He's found the ruins of Regieleki and Regidrago."
"I see... The Crown Tundra is full of mysteries. There've been sightings of the Galarian Legendary Birds as well."
Dylan nodded. "Hopefully we'll find something interesting."
"If you need more time, we can postpone the match."
"No need. One day's more than enough."
"In that case, I'll make the announcement. This battle... it might draw as much attention as the Champion Cup itself."
Rose smiled, already envisioning the headlines.
A clash between two Champions—what more could the world ask for?
"Good," Dylan smirked. Just what he wanted.
After dinner, they strolled through Wyndon before heading to a villa Rose had arranged for them.
Tomorrow, they'd venture into the Crown Tundra.
Maybe they'd get lucky.
Who knew? Perhaps... they'd find the King of Bountiful Harvests.