After a hard-won victory, Adrian had a much clearer grasp of Gyarados's strength.
Wille might not be Champion-level, but he was easily top-eight material, and Flygon was one of his aces.
Round it up and Gyarodos should be comparable to a top-four ace in a regional tournament.
"If that's the case, as long as I keep landing more catches, standing on the regional podium in my first year of travel isn't impossible!"
Adrian's eyes sparkled, heart swelling with delight.
Winning a regional crown depends on strength—and sometimes on luck.
Some years the Champion's ace is little more than a boot-wearing Meowth.
Other years the Champion's whole team is legendary.
So luck matters too.
While Adrian day-dreamed, the Dragon Elder's words snapped him back to reality.
"Young man, would you like a Dratini?"
The Dragon Elder's eyes bored into Adrian.
"Huh???"
Adrian's mind went blank.
His biggest regret on this Chengdu trip had been failing to catch a pokémon he truly wanted.
He'd already decided that on returning to Kanto his first stop would be Fuchsia City's Safari Zone to fish for Dratini and Dragonair.
If possible he'd catch and train one.
Pseudo-legendary Dragonite was undeniably powerful!
And Dragonite could mega-evolve—its strength could climb even higher.
"Yes!"
Seeing the elder's serious face, Adrian answered at once, "I want it desperately!"
I dream about it!"
"Good. I can give you a Dratini."
The Dragon Elder patted Adrian's hand kindly. "Marry a daughter of the Dragon Master Family and the Dratini will be her dowry."
He glanced sideways at Clair and chuckled, "Young man, what do you think of Clair?"
"Huh????"
Now Adrian was really stunned.
Elder, I respect you as a senior—yet you want me to call you Grandpa?
Still… a wife and a free Dratini, plus an alliance with the Dragon Master Family—
"A deal this sweet exists?"
Adrian's heart raced: "If that's the price, I'd gladly chase Lugia and Kyogre!"
Just as he flushed with excitement, he felt a killing intent behind him.
He didn't need to turn; only Clair could radiate that aura.
Remembering her Dragon Whip, Adrian shook his head like a rattle. "Elder, the ancients said: establish a career before a family. I've been a trainer half a year—without a career how can I have a family? Let's discuss marriage after I become Champion!"
Of course it was only an excuse.
Under Clair's murderous glare he'd sobered up.
With a cheat ability he could rely on strength; why settle for a soft meal?
Besides, so many cute girls were still waiting out there!
So he left the word "Champion" conveniently vague.
If the time was right it could mean Champion of a fishing contest.
If not, it meant World Championships Champion.
Either way, Adrian held final Right of interpretation.
"You wish to become Champion?"
The Dragon Elder nodded, seeming to understand perfectly.
In his own youth he'd chased power; only in old age did he grasp his true heart.
Now his grandchildren were the same.
For gifted young trainers it was only natural.
"Sigh—"
With a sigh the elder dropped the subject—yet astonishingly declared that even without marriage he would still gift Adrian a Dratini.
But the matter was too weighty for one man; the Council of Elders must approve, so he asked Adrian to stay in the Dragon Sanctuary a few more days.
Overjoyed, Adrian readily agreed.
Clair voiced no objection; only Wille showed a wry smile.
With Adrian receiving a Dratini, one fewer remained for the family.
Wille's own turn would be pushed back.
Yet considering Adrian's strength and talent, Wille accepted it wholeheartedly.
Investing in a future powerhouse while he was still weak benefited the whole family—and was tradition.
Besides, he and Adrian got along well; he had no wish to block it.
Had Adrian been willing to discuss marriage, Wille would have introduced his own little sister.
With Clair escorting him, the Dragon Elder left.
Adrian changed plans and decided to stay a few more days.
He craved progress—and that Dratini.
When Clair returned she carried a small box and thrust it at him: "Your delivery."
"Mine?"
—
Adrian's heart leapt; he recalled President Guo Yong's promise half a month ago. "Must be bait. But for which pokémon?"
He eagerly tore the box open. Besides a large bag of blue powder of unknown composition, there was a photo of President Guo Yong landing a vicious Gyarados.
"Gyarados-specific bait!"
Adrian knew at once.
Otherwise the president wouldn't include his trophy photo.
As expected, on the back were mixing instructions: simply add equal parts water and knead.
"Gyarados—great! Gotta catch 'em!"
Adrian beamed, delighted.
Wherever you go, Gyarados is above-average in power.
If he could mass-catch them the rewards would dwarf those from Seaking and Chinchou—maybe even surpass his gains in the Dragon Sanctuary.
Eyes blazing, he looked toward the sanctuary lake: "There should be Gyarados in here, right?"
Gyarados was a favorite among many Dragon Master Family trainers.
This lake couldn't be without them!
"Let's fish!"
Grinning, he ripped the bag open and began mixing bait with lake water.