The chamber beneath of Dragon Shrine
was silent. The Second Key was gone. Zeff and the Eclipse Rebellion had already disappeared into the mountains. Only the aftermath remained. And for the first time in a long time... Elior felt truly defeated.
A few hours later, inside the shrine's healing chamber— Infernyx slowly opened its eyes. Immediately— Elior smiled.
"You're awake."
Infernyx tried to stand. But its injuries forced it back down. Even now, it wanted to continue fighting.
That night, Elior sat alone outside the shrine. The stars shone above Wang Tang. Yet his thoughts remained trapped in the battle.
"What could I have done differently?How do I catch up to someone like Zeff?"
No answer came.Only silence. Then— A shadow appeared behind him. A powerful presence.
Calm.
Ancient.
Unshakable.
Elior turned. Standing there was a tall man wearing a long dragon-scale cloak.
His eyes resembled those of a Dragon Pokémon.
Master Longwei final Gym Leader of the Luminara Region.
Longwei looked toward the mountains.
"So.You fought Zeff."
Elior blinked.
"How do you know that?"
Longwei smiled faintly.
"The mountains talk.And dragons listen."
Longwei sat beside Elior. Neither spoke for several moments. Finally—Longwei pointed toward a waterfall.
"A massive Dragon Pokémon stood beneath the falling water. Perfectly still. Despite the crushing pressure. Strengt Do you know why trainers lose?" Longwei asked.
Elior thought about it.
"Because they're weak?"
Longwei shook his head.
"No, Weakness is merely the result."
The Gym Leader's gaze became serious.
"Most trainers lose because they only see the battle in front of them. They never see the battle beyond it."
Elior remembered Zeff's words.
"You're still chasing badges."
The sentence echoed in his mind.
Longwei stood.
"You came here for a Gym Badge. But after what happened beneath the shrine...Do you still want it?"
The question stunned Elior.
For several moments—He said nothing. Then he stood.His eyes filled with determination.
"Yes."
Longwei raised an eyebrow.
"Even after losing to Zeff?"
Elior nodded.
"Especially after losing to Zeff."
For the first time—Longwei smiled. A genuine smile.
"Good. Then perhaps you are finally ready."
Longwei turned and began walking away.
Before disappearing into the darkness, he spoke one final sentence.
"Three days from now. Come to the Dragon Gym. Bring your entire team. And show me the strength that defeat has given you."
High above Wang Tang... A storm gathered around the mountain peaks. Lightning flashed across the sky.
Inside a hidden fortress far away— Zeff placed the Second Key beside the First Key. The two keys began resonating.
Golden and dark energy intertwined. A distant voice echoed through the chamber.
"One remains..."
Zeff slowly smiled.And for the first time His expression carried anticipation.
"Then we'll take the third."
The chamber shook violently. And deep within the darkness... A pair of ancient eyes opened.
TO BE CONTINUED...