"Groaarr!"
The leader Salamence also nodded its head.
However, it looked curiously at the statue of Rayquaza, feeling that something had changed—though it couldn't tell exactly what was strange about it.
Because after Cain took the fragment of the Sky Plate, he placed another stone of identical shape and size, painted blue, which looked exactly the same at first glance.
So, when Salamence looked at the statue of Rayquaza, it didn't notice any difference.
"He said that Shelgon hasn't finished absorbing yet, and with the progress it's made so far, it'll need at least two more days. If you've got nothing else to do, you can go out and take a walk," said Drake.
Hearing that, Cain looked at Shelgon, which was still motionless with its eyes closed, nodded, and left together with Drake.
"Master, I want to go explore," said Cain.
"You can go on your own, but remember that dragon-type Pokémon are belligerent; sometimes they'll seek out battles on their own. If you feel the power gap is too large, you may refuse, but be careful not to cause any bloodshed."
"Salamence already informed all the tribes when you entered this space that he vouches for you, so your personal safety won't be an issue."
"Also—!"
"The most important thing: the Dragon's Tomb at the tail of the mountain... don't go in!" Drake warned.
Cain nodded.
He wouldn't enter... but getting a little closer to take a look should be fine.
He was simply curious about the layout of this space, wondering who had created such a peculiar cycle here.
Leaving the valley, on the path toward the peak, he could see many dragon-type Pokémon fighting. However, most of their battles were pure hand-to-hand combat—no tactics or special moves.
In short, they fought in the most primitive, instinctive way a Pokémon could.
Still, dragon-type Pokémon truly possessed formidable physical strength.
In this area, which was Salamence's territory, there were many Salamence, Shelgon, and Bagon.
Considering that dragon-types had extremely low reproductive rates, having so many of their kind here showed just how long they had lived in this place.
Without the pressure of survival and with long lifespans, they had managed to accumulate in such numbers.
In the outside world, without human intervention, a wild Salamence group would have a high chance of natural extinction.
Just like Cain's Shelgon—its parents disappeared shortly after giving birth. Had it not met Cain, that frail little Bagon, without enough food and surrounded by powerful enemies, would hardly have survived.
There were countless examples like that.
That the Dragon Valley had developed to such a scale was something truly remarkable.
As Cain left the valley, he encountered other wild Pokémon for the first time.
They weren't all dragon-types, though some were—just weaker ones.
Cain summoned Tyranitar and Gardevoir.
The mere presence of Tyranitar was enough to intimidate; any Pokémon that considered approaching immediately backed off at the sight of him.
Meanwhile, Gardevoir was marking psychic coordinates along the path, while Cain continued ascending toward the peak—the dragon's head.
Up in the sky, flying around, were mostly dragon-type Pokémon: Altaria, Flygon, Salamence, Dragonite, and others.
But there were also Pokémon with draconic blood, such as Charizard and Tropius.
After an hour of climbing, he reached the top of the dragon's head, from where the entire space could be seen. It truly felt like a dragon's paradise.
But at that altitude, the belligerent dragon-type Pokémon began to leap forward to challenge Tyranitar.
As proud creatures, how could they tolerate so many of their kin bowing before Tyranitar's power?
And those dragon-types who dared to challenge him became the perfect opponents for Tyranitar's warm-up.
Without using Sandstorm or Mega Evolution, the challengers were still mighty, muscular dragon-types—yet none could withstand more than two punches from Tyranitar.
Weren't dragon-type Pokémon supposed to pride themselves on their physical strength?
Well, Tyranitar gave them a solid lesson on what true power really meant.
Even though the strongest challengers were only at the Advanced Elite level, Tyranitar's effortless victories quickly drew a crowd of spectators.
"Tyran!"
Roaring excitedly, Tyranitar declared his dominance.
Since Cain had promised to let him fight to his heart's content, he would show no fear.
So what if they were dragon-types?
So what if they were pseudo-legendaries?
Wasn't he also a pseudo-legendary?
Today, he would show them the meaning of pure strength.
He didn't even need to use the techniques and combat methods he'd learned from Vigoroth.
One by one, more and more dragon-type Pokémon fell at Tyranitar's feet, including several pseudo-legendaries.
But the difference in power was just too great—none could hold their ground.
Tyranitar, who had "grown up eating diamonds," possessed strength, defense, and attack power that were among the finest of his kind.
At 3.2 meters tall, those dragon-types looked like children before him.
However, his overwhelming presence eventually attracted a formidable opponent—one who, at first glance, looked equally strong.
Boom... boom...
Accompanied by heavy footsteps, a massive figure pushed aside the Pokémon in its way with ease, stepping firmly into the natural battle circle that had formed around them.
Now, inside the circle, only Tyranitar remained, silently awaiting his new challenger.
When he saw who it was, Tyranitar grew even more excited, rubbing his fists in anticipation.
Cain narrowed his eyes as he observed.
Even by appearance alone, one could feel the sheer power emanating from it.
It was a Garchomp, standing 2.5 meters tall.
Though still smaller than Tyranitar, compared to the other dragon-types present, it was clearly an exceptional specimen.
On its shark-like head, in addition to its species' characteristic crest, were three scars slashing across its left eye.
As it advanced, the surrounding Pokémon stepped aside, as if in the presence of a warrior worthy of respect.
They left an open path for Garchomp to approach Tyranitar.
"Graarchhh!"
Garchomp let out a low growl, its eyes burning with fighting spirit.
Tyranitar's gaze held the same fiery resolve.
With just one look, they both understood—they were the same kind: born fighters, destined to battle.
And moreover, both were pseudo-legendaries of the Sandstorm.
To call this a duel between pseudo-legendaries of the sand would not be an exaggeration.
(End of chapter)