According to the game's setting, the Dragon's Den was a cavern directly north of Blackthorn City, located in the same mountain range as the Ice Path.
At the center of the Dragon's Den stood a Dragon Shrine, where the Dragon Elder practiced.
Splash, splash, splash!
After entering the Dragon's Den, everything was pitch black inside. They could only hear the roaring sound of water.
Clair was about to release her Dratini, but Caster beat her to it, calling out, "Pichu, use Flash!"
"Pi~"
Pichu on Caster's shoulder nodded, and its body immediately emitted a soft glow that illuminated the pitch-black Dragon's Den.
Only then did Caster see clearly that there were actually many passages inside the cavern.
Every short distance, branching tunnels appeared, each extending in unknown directions.
Only someone like Clair, as the manager, knew the route by heart. Any outsider would definitely get lost.
"Roooar~"
After swimming forward for a while, Gyarados suddenly called out, sounding somewhat excited.
"You're saying there's a strange energy here that makes you feel very comfortable?"
Caster understood what Gyarados meant and quietly explained, "This should be Dragon-type energy."
The Dragon's Den was connected to the Dragon's Holy Land, and because the Dragon's Holy Land was influenced by the power of Dragon-type Pokémon.
Flowers in the sanctuary bloomed regardless of season. This showed just how abundant the energy was.
Although Gyarados didn't have the Dragon typing, it actually belonged to the Dragon Egg Group, so it contained Dragon bloodline to some degree.
Now that the Dragon bloodline was being influenced by the energy of the Dragon's Holy Land, it immediately reacted.
"Come to think of it, you still haven't mastered any Dragon-type moves."
Caster smiled and patted the slightly restless Gyarados. "Once we get into the Dragon's Holy Land, let's try to master a few."
"Huh? So your Gyarados hasn't even mastered Dragon-type moves?"
Hearing this, Ayu couldn't help but mock, "I knew it—all show and no substance!"
Caster glanced at Ayu but couldn't be bothered to respond.
As a member of the Dragon Tamer clan, Ayu's Gyarados had enjoyed unparalleled conditions for training Dragon-type moves. Naturally, Caster couldn't compare.
But in terms of total number of moves, Caster felt his Gyarados definitely wouldn't lose.
Besides, Gyarados didn't have Dragon typing.
Aside from a few moves like Dragon Dance and Outrage, Caster didn't really care for the others.
After all, Gyarados's foundation was ultimately Water-type moves!
"If you don't speak, no one will think you're mute!"
Clair glared at Ayu, who quickly shut his mouth obediently.
The group continued forward, passing through countless branching paths and traveling an unknowable distance.
At a certain moment, their view suddenly opened up.
Not far ahead, a small shrine stood in the center of the Dragon's Den's water flow.
It looked quite ancient, with several lanterns swaying gently inside.
"We've reached the Dragon Shrine. Let's go meet the Elder."
After stepping onto the shrine grounds, Clair was first to recall her Gyarados. Caster and Ayu quickly followed suit.
Led by Clair, the two entered the dim Dragon Shrine.
As soon as he entered, Caster saw an elderly figure with a robust build but completely white hair and beard, looking quite aged.
He wore armor-like clothing, and atop his hat was a lifelike Rayquaza. His eyes were covered by his hair, making it impossible to see his face completely.
But Caster was certain that this person was the Dragon Elder, because he looked exactly like in the special edition [referring to Pokémon Adventures manga].
"Greetings, Dragon Elder!"
Caster quickly bowed respectfully. Ayu went even further, prostrating himself on the ground, his manner extremely reverent.
Because the Dragon Elder was the highest leader of the Dragon Tamer clan.
"Rise, both of you!"
The Dragon Elder's voice rang out, aged but vigorous.
After Ayu stood up, the Dragon Elder's head tilted slightly toward him and asked, "To you, what kind of existence are Pokémon?"
Ayu's expression turned solemn, and he blurted out, "Pokémon are my most important partners!"
"Mm!"
The Dragon Elder nodded lightly, then turned toward Caster and asked leisurely, "What do you think is the key to victory in Pokémon battles?"
Hearing this question, Caster almost laughed out loud.
Because the Dragon Elder's questions were exactly the same as in the game.
And Caster naturally knew the answers: raising or tactics.
So Caster decided to combine the two answers and replied confidently, "Daily training, and tactical commands during battle."
"Well said!"
The Dragon Elder was clearly very satisfied with Caster's answer, though he didn't say much more. He then turned back to Ayu and asked, "What kind of trainer do you want to battle?"
Ayu puffed out his chest and declared righteously, "Powerful trainers, of course!"
The Dragon Elder responded noncommittally, "Is that so?"
"Of course!"
Ayu didn't seem to realize the Dragon Elder's disappointment and instead explained confidently.
"Because only by defeating powerful trainers one after another can I climb to the peak of trainers, becoming a regional Champion like my cousin Lance, or even surpass him to compete for the title of World Champion."
Turns out this kid has quite the ambition.
But the Dragon Elder shook his head disappointedly.
Only then did Ayu suddenly realize that his answer seemed to have greatly displeased the Elder.
But the problem was, he didn't think he'd answered anything wrong.
Wasn't that the path of a trainer?
Caster was laughing inside.
He knew that Ayu had answered incorrectly and had already lost points with the Elder.
Next, it was his turn to shine!
The Dragon Elder turned his head toward Caster again and asked, "What is most important in raising Pokémon?"
"Love and knowledge!"
Caster's gaze was firm. "Love can deepen the bond between trainer and Pokémon, maximizing the Pokémon's potential.
Knowledge allows me to be more efficient in training and battling, avoiding detours."
The Dragon Elder froze slightly, and Clair behind him couldn't help but be stunned. Clearly, neither had expected Caster's answer to be so perfect.
The Dragon Elder continued questioning, "Then what do you think is more important: strong Pokémon or weak Pokémon?"
Hearing this, Ayu immediately pricked up his ears, thinking to himself, "Could the answer be weak Pokémon? Because the weak need care, and caring for the weak is the duty of the strong?"
Caster raised his head with a serious expression. "Pokémon are my best partners.
Whether they're strong or weak doesn't matter to me. Or rather, whether they're strong or weak, they're all important to me."
"Excellent!"
The Dragon Elder clapped his hands, clearly moved by Caster's answer.
At this moment, even the Elder couldn't help but think more highly of Caster.
Because someone with this kind of mindset and awareness was destined for a limitless future.
"I heard from Clair that you want to learn our clan's Dragon Dance secret technique?"
The Dragon Elder's voice drifted over. "If that's the case, I'll grant your wish!"
"Thank you for your generosity, Elder!"
Caster quickly bowed respectfully again.
"What? The Dragon Dance secret technique?"
Hearing this, Ayu's expression changed dramatically.
The Dragon Tamer clan had quite a few secret techniques, but if you asked which one was the core technique, it was undoubtedly the Dragon Dance secret technique.
But now, the Elder was going to teach the clan's core secret to an outsider?
Ayu was completely dissatisfied and indignant!
But in front of the Dragon Elder, he didn't dare act out of line. He could only swallow his anger.
"Since this matter is concluded, you may all withdraw!"
The Dragon Elder waved his hand.
"Huh???"
The expectant smile on Caster's face froze, and his heart sank with disappointment. "What about my Extremespeed Dratini? That's it?"
Seeing this, Clair quickly pulled Caster out of the Dragon Shrine, then released her Gyarados again.
"Let's go. We're heading to the Dragon's Holy Land now."