In the end, just as Silas had expected, Charmander and Squirtle knocked each other out at the same time. The battle ended in a draw, with no winner decided.
Seeing this, both Ash and Gary let out long sighs, looking frustrated. They wished they could jump onto the battlefield themselves and continue the fight, but unfortunately, neither of them had reached the minimum age required to become trainers.
"Clap clap clap!"
Professor Oak applauded the two of them, offering praise before taking out a piece of black technology he had developed not long ago, the Pokédex.
"I will leave the task of completing the Pokédex to you two."
"Leave it to me, Grandpa!"
Blue confidently brushed back his hair and took the Pokédex.
Red, who was not good with words, simply nodded and accepted his as well.
"Hm? That person is…"
By chance, Blue's gaze swept across the field and landed on Silas.
"Mr. Silas!!!"
In just a few quick steps, Blue rushed over to Silas, his expression filled with excitement. He had not expected to meet his idol on the very day he became a trainer.
What Silas did not know was just how influential he had become among the new generation of trainers. Many rookie trainers now regarded him as their role model.
Aside from the Kalos League's promotion, the rise of the internet had also played a huge role.
With multiple satellites successfully launched, people across different regions could now communicate freely.
If Silas were to open a personal account online, his follower count would surpass Diantha's in no time.
On the League's official website, all of his battle highlight videos had exceeded ten million views, and a few had even crossed the hundred million mark.
When Silas learned that some people had started calling him "The Invincible Silas," he was completely dumbfounded.
What?
When did I become the next unbeatable champion?
Spreading his hands helplessly, Silas could only laugh. He genuinely felt like he had not done anything special.
…
That afternoon, Red and Blue officially set off on their respective journeys as trainers.
Silas also prepared to leave for his next destination.
"You two behave yourselves, alright? Get along well with the other kids. I will come pick you up in two weeks."
"Got it, big brother!"
Serena waved cheerfully, not the least bit sad. The research institute was incredibly fun, and there were so many Pokémon around.
"Don't worry, big brother Silas. I will take good care of Serena."
Messing up the two girls' hair with both hands, Silas stood up and said his goodbyes to Professor Oak.
Mounting Dragonite, he gradually left Pallet Town behind, the bickering voices of Ash and Gary fading into the distance.
His next destination was Cinnabar Island, specifically the research laboratory located there.
A few days ago, while sorting through some old belongings, he had found something given to him long ago by Pyroar, a piece of amber containing Dragon-type energy.
He had asked Steven about it, and according to him, the genetic material within the amber was complete. There was a high probability that it could be used to revive a Dragon-type fossil Pokémon.
Since he was already sending Serena to summer camp, Silas had taken the opportunity to make an appointment at the Cinnabar Lab for fossil revival.
This research institute was no ordinary place. Porygon had been created here.
In terms of genetic technology, Cinnabar Lab stood at the very top within the League.
"Draa~"
Dragonite's cry pulled Silas back from his thoughts as his gaze fell upon the island below.
At the center of the island, the volcano continued to emit white smoke. The reddish-brown mountain contrasted sharply with the deep blue sea.
There were numerous hot springs scattered along the mountainside, and houses were neatly arranged at the base.
Dragonite landed steadily in front of the research institute, its silver-white walls gleaming. Their arrival immediately attracted the attention of several passersby.
Two researchers wearing thick glasses hurried out.
"Are you Mr. Silas?"
"That's me."
Taking out a few Pokéblocks, Silas fed Dragonite and also handed one to Cinccino on his shoulder.
"Mr. Steven has already informed us in advance. I am Seron, the acting director of Cinnabar Lab."
Silas handed over the mysterious amber. "I will leave it to you."
Seron adjusted his monocle, carefully examining the amber from different angles. A look of delight appeared on his face.
"No trouble at all. Trainers often bring fossils here, and we assist with their revival. Your amber is very well preserved. The chances of success are quite high."
Since fossil revival technology had only been developed in recent years, success was not guaranteed every time.
The lab was still collecting data in hopes of increasing the success rate to ninety nine percent.
Silas watched as the amber was placed into a cylindrical machine. A progress bar and estimated time immediately appeared on a nearby screen.
"Mr. Silas, it will take about six hours," Seron said before suggesting, "you could take a walk around Cinnabar Island, maybe enjoy the hot springs."
Six hours was far too long to wait around doing nothing. After thinking for a moment, Silas nodded.
Taking Cinccino along, he left the research institute. After walking south for about ten minutes, they reached the main street of Cinnabar Town.
The place was lively, filled with tourists from both Kanto and Johto. The hot springs of Cinnabar Island were widely loved.
Walking along the bustling street, Cinccino, shiny Torracat, and Dragonite attracted countless glances.
Cinccino was irresistibly cute, Torracat stood out due to its rare shiny coloration, and Dragonite, known as Lance's signature Pokémon, enjoyed immense popularity in Kanto.
"Let's pick this one."
Silas stopped in front of a place called the "Magby Inn." A sign outside advertised free hot spring access for guests.
"Cin~"
"Meow!"
"Draa~"
The three Pokémon had no objections, and they stepped inside together.
The innkeeper was an elderly man with thick hair and dark sunglasses.
"Looking for a room, young man? With a Dragonite, a medium room will be enough."
The owner greeted them warmly. When he noticed the shiny Torracat jumping onto the counter, he adjusted his glasses.
"A rare shiny Torracat. Would you be willing to leave a photo? I will give you a fifty percent discount."
He pointed toward a wall behind him. Turning to look, Silas saw it was covered entirely with photos, all featuring Fire-type Pokémon. Clearly, the innkeeper was a Fire-type enthusiast.
"Torracat, do you want to take a photo?"
Silas scratched under its chin, earning a content purring sound.
"Meow!"
With a new photo added to the wall, they received a fifty percent discount on their stay.
After putting down their belongings, Cinccino immediately tugged Silas, eager to go to the hot springs.
Dragonite grabbed a few towels and followed behind, while Torracat carried a little toy ball in its mouth, trotting happily along.
Hot springs in different places offered completely different experiences.
From Silas's perspective, the hot springs on the Nebel Plateau carried the crisp purity of melted snow, instantly refreshing the body and perfect for quick recovery.
The hot springs of Cinnabar Island, on the other hand, were infused with warmth from deep within the volcano, carrying a faint scent of sulfur that made one feel deeply relaxed.
Leaning against the edge of the spring, Silas wore a look of pure enjoyment.
"This feels amazing."
"Draa!" Dragonite echoed, wearing the same blissful expression.
On the other side of the pool, Cinccino and Torracat were splashing water at each other, playing noisily.
Silas reminded them to be careful before leaning back, closing his eyes and enjoying the moment in peace.
After an unknown amount of time, two fluffy little bodies moved closer beside him.
A little while later, the ground beneath the island trembled slightly.
Opening his eyes in confusion, Silas looked forward and saw that the volcano on Cinnabar Island had erupted again. A plume of crimson smoke rose into the sky, and within the glow of the flames, it seemed as though there was a Pokémon.
Rubbing his eyes, Silas widened his gaze, trying to see more clearly.
(End of Chapter)