"Raikou loses the ability to fight! Lugia wins! Trainer Magnus Valestrum has no Pokemon remaining, therefore the final victor is Trainer John!"
The referee's voice boomed through the live broadcast equipment, officially announcing the duel's conclusion and declaring that the championship battle had reached its decisive end.
"You are incredibly strong. I accept this defeat completely," Magnus Valestrum said as he approached John with genuine respect. "Congratulations, you'll become Draconia's newest champion, and also our youngest champion in history."
As a former champion, he maintained the dignity expected of his station, though the weight of defeat was clearly visible in his expression. There was honor in losing to such overwhelming skill, but it still stung.
"Thank you for the excellent match. You're formidable as well, this was a truly an incredible battle," John replied respectfully. He had genuinely learned valuable techniques from the legendary trainer, particularly that devastating Z-Move combination.
In the distance, seeing the battle concluded, the three Elite Four members began approaching.
"I still have urgent matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first," Magnus Valestrum said with a slight nod toward John. He released his Salamence and departed swiftly, clearly hoping to avoid the inevitable post-battle discussions with his former colleagues.
"What's gotten into that boy, leaving without so much as a proper goodbye?" Victor muttered around his ever-present pipe, watching Magnus's retreating form.
"He mentioned having urgent business," John replied diplomatically.
"Urgent business, my foot! He's just avoiding our inevitable ribbing, the poor kid."
"Congratulations, young John! I have to admit, I didn't expect you to actually defeat our prodigy and claim Draconia's championship!"
"Indeed, congratulations! You'll be our direct superior now," Victor and Riley offered their praise in turn.
Only Damian asked an unexpectedly pointed question, "John, what percentage of your full strength did you use to defeat Magnus?"
"My strength level?" John paused, genuinely puzzled by the sudden inquiry but taking time to consider it seriously.
"Probably... around fifty percent."
His ace Pokemon Greninja had never even appeared, nor had Gardevoir with its mastery of Spacial Rend. While Garchomp had participated, it hadn't unleashed its devastating signature technique. Strictly speaking, he might not have even reached fifty percent of his true capabilities.
Fifty percent.
The three Elite Four members fell into stunned silence.
It was an undeniable assessment, after all, John hadn't lost a single Pokemon throughout the entire championship challenge, and his most iconic partners, Greninja and Gardevoir, had never even taken the field.
It was almost embarrassing. What they had anticipated as an evenly matched contest had turned out to be essentially a one-sided demonstration, with John operating at half capacity.
Champions truly were terrifying creatures!
Considering John's age made it even more unsettling. All three Elite Four members simultaneously thought, "I'm never challenging this monster again."
"Let's head back. Our mentor has prepared a celebration banquet, and there should be an official coronation ceremony this afternoon," Damian announced.
"Excellent."
The four turned and began their flight back toward the capital.
John didn't bother recalling Lugia, instead choosing to ride atop the legendary Pokemon as they soared toward the city.
The completely black Lugia spread its massive wings, cutting through the sky like a living storm cloud. Countless people looked up in wonder wherever they passed, some pointing in recognition, others simply staring in awe.
During John's triumphant return to the capital, the internet exploded worldwide.
Draconian netizens enthusiastically discussed their new champion's performance in the championship clash, rehashing his now-familiar but still incredible resume repeatedly.
From youngest Gym Leader in Draconi's history to youngest Elite Four member, and now youngest Champion, John had completed a triple advancement in the trainer hierarchy in just two years.
Some were already speculating about a potential fourth leap.
The World Pokemon Tournament was approaching rapidly. If John could defeat the globe's top competitors, he could claim the ultimate title of "Pokemon Master."
Online discussions weren't limited to John's age, however.
What foreigners found most unsettling were his Dark Lugia and Shiny Zeraora, two legendary Pokemon of immense power and rarity.
Some individuals had even posted astronomical bounties in the underground trainer networks.
"Hunt down John and capture Zeraora and Lugia," the postings read.
However, no one had dared accept these hunting contracts yet.
Were they insane? John was Draconia's champion! Anyone foolish enough to hunt a a champion would face the collective wrath of every trainer in a nation.
More importantly, was there any trainer in the world confident enough to claim they could defeat John?
Meanwhile, across the ocean...
The United Dominion,Alliance Council Chamber
Rain pattered steadily against the windows as tension filled the congressional meeting hall.
"Why can't we capture legendary Pokemon like that?" demanded one of the assembled leaders.
"I hope that in the coming days, all council members will research local legends and folklore within their territories extensively, attempting to locate and capture legendary Pokemon wherever possible."
"Two legendary Pokemon... To defeat such a rival, we may need to deploy our ultimate trainer assets."
The World Pokemon Tournament wasn't merely a stage for competing among the world's strongest trainers, it was a negotiating table where global power dynamics were established. Nations with higher-ranked trainers enjoyed greater international influence and resource distribution rights.
The congressional chamber buzzed like a marketplace, every elite and state-level representative voicing opinions while harboring private agendas. Reaching unified conclusions seemed impossible.
The strongest combat representatives of Western nations held the title of "Elder" within their Alliance structure. Now all elders had gathered for this emergency session, presided over by their leader, The Great Elder, named Colt.
"I propose a national initiative to hunt legendary Pokemon in preparation for the World Pokemon Tournament," announced one elder.
The Elite Four members and state-level powerhouses immediately erupted in discussion.
"Everyone must have witnessed the Draconia's championship battle."
"It doesn't matter, I'll handle this personally! The Pokemon Master title can only belong to me!"
Suddenly, one figure stood from his seat and strode out of the congress chamber in full view of everyone.
"With the World Pokemon Tournament approaching and such a formidable trainer emerging from Draconia, how should we respond?" The session moderator raised the day's most crucial question.
The congressional atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
"The World Pokemon Tournament is imminent. Facing such powerful opponents, we must unite our efforts," urged another voice.