Everyone present had long grown used to John's habit of bragging about his grandson. Ever since Julian registered as an official Trainer, John's favorite phrase had been, "My grandson has the makings of a Champion."
At first, everyone thought he was just boasting. But then, damn it, Julian actually did become a Champion—and not just any Champion, but the youngest one in the entire world.
Such an achievement only fueled John's relentless bragging about his grandson. It seemed that he was always either showing off his grandson or on his way to doing so.
Even now, with the First-class Legendary Groudon already within Drakoria's sea territory and the entire nation in crisis, John still hadn't forgotten to brag about his grandson.
However, there was truth in what he said—his lifespan really was longer than the other five Champions'.
If Julian truly couldn't defeat Groudon, then John, by summoning Rayquaza, would be able to sustain it the longest.
If it was someone like Duke instead, even if he managed to summon Rayquaza, the moment Rayquaza used one or two moves, Duke's lifespan would probably be drained completely.
Faced with John's volunteering offer, his elder brother, James, though annoyed at his eagerness, did not stop him.
As long as the nation needed them, the Walker family from James and John to Julian, any of them would be willing to risk their lives—just as their ancestors once did.
"John, please head to the Sky Altar now and be ready at all times," the Grand Elder said after a moment of contemplation.
John nodded and immediately stood up to leave.
"How are the citizens holding up?" the Grand Elder asked a staff member beside him.
The staff member quickly replied, "They are in a state of panic."
Most humans admired First-class Legendaries, but when a First-class Legendary actually appeared before them, that admiration instantly turned into terror.
The power of a First-class Legendary was beyond the mortals. Humanity's strongest weapons, nuclear arms, or even its most powerful trainers—the Champions—were like helpless infants in the face of a First-class Legendary.
Only another First-class Legendary could contend with another.
If a First-class Legendary wished to destroy a city, a single move would suffice.
Moreover, their presence, along with the power of their inherent rules, would affect the surrounding area.
For instance, Groudon now stood upon the ocean's surface, yet the temperature within a radius of several hundred kilometers was steadily rising. The immediate vicinity around Groudon had already reached scorching temperatures.
If Groudon were to appear in any country, the sheer heat it radiated alone would be enough to cause severe droughts and extreme weather—without it having to lift a finger.
"Direct the satellites toward Julian. Let the entire world see how Julian repels Groudon," the Grand Elder said solemnly.
This incident had already drawn the attention of every nation worldwide. Nearly every satellite in space was locked onto Groudon.
Even if Drakoria didn't broadcast it live, other countries would.
"The military must be also prepared," the Grand Elder continued.
The two Champions from the military nodded in unison.
During such a crisis, the spies and pawns lurking within Drakoria would surely take the chance to stir up chaos.
---
[Live Broadcast Comments]
> Groudon is in the waters near Victoria.
> So this is Groudon? It doesn't look that impressive...
> I'm so unlucky! I ran into Kyogre in Haitian City, and now I come to Victoria as a tourist and run into Groudon. I'm currently taking shelter.
> Why did Groudon appear? Can any expert explain?
> Who cares why—I just want to know how our country's going to deal with it.
> What's there to be afraid of? My husband King Julian is there. He'll definitely defeat Groudon!
> You brain-dead fan, do you even know what a First-class Legendary is?
> So what if it's a First-class Legendary? My husband is the strongest in the world!
> If Julian really defeats Groudon, I'll eat shit standing on my head.
> Hahaha, good thing I already took citizenship in Celestria.
> Where did this stray dog come from? Get lost.
> Wait—the footage changed! Someone's flying toward Groudon!
> That looks like Champion Walker!
> It's my husband! He's so handsome!
---
In the live footage, Julian was riding on Moltres, his face cold and stern as he stared straight ahead. He held Jirachi in his arms, while Celebi perched on his head.
Julian glanced at the 90 Mewtwo fragments he possessed—enough to summon Mewtwo nine times, with each summon lasting five minutes.
Last time, Mewtwo had pummeled Kyogre in just five minutes. Since Groudon was about as strong as Kyogre, one summon should be enough. If not… well, he could always use two.
But doing so would delay his progress toward summoning Mewtwo permanently.
'Dammit, it's all that bast**d Eric's fault! Why did he have to activate the Red Orb?'
'And this disgrace of a First-class Legendary Groudon too—can't even fly, yet it ran all the way here. Aren't your legs tired, old man?'
---
At home, Tina turned pale when she saw her son flying straight toward Groudon. She immediately grabbed her phone, intending to call Julian back.
But Jake stopped her, gripping her hand.
"Jake, what are you doing?!!"
Tina roared, glaring at him like an enraged lioness.
"Julian is a Champion," Jake said quietly. "This is his duty."
Jake's expression remained calm, but the hand holding Tina's trembled slightly.
Just moments ago, he had received a message from his father. The message said that he was already at the Sky Altar—and that if anything were to happen to Julian or himself, then no matter what, Henry and Alice must have a son to continue the Walker family line.
As for why it couldn't be him and Tina having another child—it was because if Julian truly fell in battle, this family would undoubtedly fall apart.
The thought of possibly losing both his son and his father in a single day gripped Jake's heart like a tight fist.
He regretted it.
He regretted ever choosing to "lie flat." If only he had worked harder and become a Champion, perhaps he could have taken the place of Julian or his father.
"What Champion? All I know is that he's my son!"
With her other hand, Tina slapped Jake across the face.
"Dee!"
Love paid no mind to any of this. It snatched the phone directly from Tina's hand.
This was its own cub. As a Pokémon, it had no concept of nations or countries. As long as its child was safe, even if the world ended, it meant nothing to it.
"Love!!" Jake roared when he saw Love about to make the call.
"Dee!!"
Love was equally furious, and a powerful aura erupted from its body—mid-stage Pseudo-Champion!!
Jake was stunned.
When had Love reached the Pseudo-Champion level? Hadn't it always been at the Early-stage Elite?
This was, of course, Julian's doing. Love had raised him since he was a child and was one of the people closest to him. Now that he had the ability, he naturally helped it improve its strength.
Normally, Love never showed it—after all, at home, it just cooked, cleaned, and took care of the family. There was never any need for it to fight.
And if there really was a need, it wouldn't be Love's turn to act—Jake's Pokémon were all in the backyard.
*****
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