He began to slowly explain to Ash the reason why this year's Quartz Conference was so intense: "Because the championship reward for this year's Quartz Conference is quite nice—you can choose any Pokémon on Dragon Island."
"Any Pokémon on Dragon Island?" Ash tilted his head, a thoughtful look in his eyes, but after thinking for a while, he couldn't figure out what Dragon Island actually was.
"The so-called Dragon Island is an island where Dragon-type Pokémon reside. The entire island is filled with Pokémon related to dragons, whether they have 'dragon' in their name, have dragon attributes, or are somehow connected to dragons. You can find them all on the island. You could say Dragon Island is the world's largest habitat for Dragon-type Pokémon." Lorelei softly explained to Ash.
Apart from Ash, Brock, Misty, and Gary were also completely unaware of the existence of Dragon Island. It wasn't until Lorelei's explanation that they realized such an island existed in the world.
"Going to Dragon Island to choose a Pokémon... this reward is indeed quite generous. Since that island is the world's largest habitat for Dragon-type Pokémon, it implies there should be pseudo-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon there. No wonder the competition in this year's Quartz Conference is so fierce." Brock touched the stubble on his chin, concluding with a contemplative look.
The rarity of pseudo-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon in the world goes without saying. There may be many pseudo-legendary Pokémon, but Dragon-type Pokémon are definitely among the more popular due to their acknowledged strength.
Among the same level, Dragons have overall stronger abilities, and there are not many attributes that can counter them. If it weren't for the unprecedented earthquake that erupted on Earth in recent years, awakening a brand-new attribute in many Pokémon during the quake—the Fairy Type—Dragon-type Pokémon could be said to have almost no opponents.
Originally, only Ice and Dragon-type Pokémon could counter Dragon-types, and the resistances of Dragon-type Pokémon could be said to be unmatched, basically ignoring these two weaknesses.
But with the emergence of the Fairy Type, it's different. This attribute not only counters Dragon-types but also can immunize against Dragon-type attacks, making it a nightmare for Dragon Pokémon.
The emergence of the Fairy Type has, to some extent, affected the dominant status of Dragon-type Pokémon, preventing them from leaving other attributes behind. But this only creates a certain balance. If given a choice, Dragon-type Pokémon are still a top preference.
After all, considering their overall capabilities, as long as they don't encounter their arch-nemesis, the Fairy Type, Dragon-type remains an extremely powerful attribute.
Thus, pseudo-legendary Dragons are still very appealing and revered.
Many trainers who have been traveling for ten or even twenty years may not have a single pseudo-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon, given their rarity is second only to Legendary Beasts.
Now, a small Quartz Conference champion can choose Pokémon on Dragon Island. While it doesn't guarantee selecting a pseudo-legendary, the chance is much higher than randomly wandering outside to encounter one.
"Brock is right, there are indeed pseudo-legendary Pokémon on Dragon Island, and quite a few of them. More importantly, Dragon Island is the territory of our Dragon Taming Race. The island is constantly enveloped by Dragon Taming Power, so the Dragon-types and those with hidden dragon attributes get boosted by this power."
"Over time, the innate talents of the Pokémon on Dragon Island and their offspring have become stronger and stronger. Even if you don't find a pseudo-legendary, capturing an ordinary Dragon-type is still a great gain."
Lance revealed another benefit of Dragon Island, which is the quality of the Pokémon.
Besides having pseudo-legendary Pokémon, the Pokémon on Dragon Island generally have much higher quality due to the Dragon Taming Power compared to the outside world. This alone makes visiting Dragon Island worthwhile.
Such immense benefits explain why this year's Quartz Conference attracted so many experienced trainers to compete.
"Why do I know nothing about this! Gary, did you know about this and not tell me?" Ash shouted towards Gary, who was peeking around the door.
Gary, looking annoyed, poked his head out and said, "I didn't know, okay? If I did, I would have told you long ago. This is something everyone will find out sooner or later, so why would I hide it from you? I was wondering why so many seasoned trainers are joining this rookie tournament, and it turns out it's because of Dragon Island."
Gary just found out about Dragon Island being the Quartz Conference's reward, just like Ash. He didn't even know what Dragon Island was, let alone the champion's rewards.
"Can only the champion set foot on Dragon Island?" Gary turned his head, frowning slightly as he inquired.
If only the champion could enter Dragon Island, then it would have nothing to do with him. No matter how blindly confident he is, he doesn't believe he can beat Ash.
After the New Island incident, Gary had a clearer understanding of the gap between them. At least for now, they are not at the same level. Defeating Ash seems as unlikely as defeating the Elite Four.
Unless Ash uses his second team, there might be a chance. But in such an important competition, unless the entire second team has gym-level strength, it's unlikely Ash would use only them. At least half of his main team would be involved.
And given his current strength, even just one of Ash's main team Pokémon could completely sweep his entire team!
Just that Charizard alone would be sufficient.
So, no matter how much Gary tries to self-encourage or hypnotize himself, he has to face reality: he's unlikely to snatch the Quartz Conference champion title.
But what if not only the champion can go to Dragon Island?
"It's not just the champion; the top three can qualify to set foot on Dragon Island. However, the first place receives a special map from our Dragon Taming Race, which can more accurately pinpoint the locations of pseudo-legendaries and high-quality Pokémon on the island. The second place's range is slightly reduced, while the third place must rely entirely on themselves."
Lance's words finally gave Gary a glimmer of hope. The top three can all go to Dragon Island!
He may not be able to win the championship, but aiming for second or third is worth a try!
As long as he doesn't encounter Ash before the semifinals, everything will be fine.
If he meets Ash in the semifinals, he can still play against the semifinalist who lost on the other side, but if he faces Ash before the semifinals, he really has no chance.
In summary, his opportunity to go to Dragon Island depends on the draw.
"So Ash, even though you don't currently have a Dragon-type Pokémon, as long as you set foot on Dragon Island, you can definitely capture a Dragon-type Pokémon that satisfies you. As for whether you can get one of the top three positions in the Quartz Conference... I actually have quite a bit of confidence in you. What about yourself?" Lance looked at Ash with appreciation and said.
He rarely praises a junior like this, but Ash is indeed different. His strength and talent even made Lance, a genius of the Dragon Taming Race, exclaim in admiration—genius!
This is a genius in his eyes, not in the same league as those labeled geniuses in the outside world. The number of trainers he considers geniuses can be counted on two hands, and the only one who makes him sincerely marvel at their talents is Ash.
Not even Leon, in his view, compares to Ash.
"Of course, I have confidence, not just for the top three; I'm determined to win this year's Quartz Conference!" Ash firmly responded. As his first major competition since his debut, he is determined to make a brilliant record!
He then glanced at the Dragon Fang in his hand, and finally, a hint of resolve flashed in his eyes. He then bowed to Lance: "Thank you, Mr. Lance, I'll accept this Dragon Fang."