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Liam felt Professor Oak's gaze fall on him. Without realizing it, he took a step forward and lifted his head to meet the professor's eyes from afar, a bit puzzled—why would Professor Oak be here at this time? And with the Elite Four, no less...
As Liam let his imagination run wild, Professor Oak placed a hand on the Dragonite beside him. A faint smile played on his lips, and with the other hand, he pulled out an earpiece and placed it on.
The device seemed to be connected to the main stadium's audio system, and soon, his voice echoed through the venue's loudspeakers.
"Today, I'm here to share a few important announcements," Prof. Oak said to the excited crowd.
"First of all! Congratulations to all of you. Your outstanding performance in this tournament has not gone unnoticed, and your achievements are truly remarkable. Therefore, for this tournament, all eight finalists, except for the champion, Liam, will each have an opportunity to challenge a member of the Kanto Elite Four. Of course... you only get one chance so choose wisely!"
As Professor Oak's voice fell, the entire venue—no, the entire Kanto region—erupted in shock!
This was the closing ceremony of the Indigo League. Numerous television stations were broadcasting it live.
The earlier appearance of the Elite Four and the Champion had already captured the attention of audiences across Kanto and even other regions. And now, Professor Oak's bombshell announcement stunned everyone watching.
"W-What?! The top eight from the League can actually challenge the Elite Four? What if someone actually wins?!"
"There's no way they'd win! The Kanto Elite Four are incredibly powerful!"
"Uhh... yeah, true. Haha, I was just kidding, don't take it seriously..."
"Exactly!"
Professor Oak, hearing the chatter in the stadium, lightly pressed his hand down to quiet the crowd. The venue immediately fell into silence. Satisfied, Professor Oak continued speaking.
"Each finalist can send a formal challenge letter to the Elite Four member they wish to face. You only get one letter, meaning one chance. Use it wisely. Losing isn't a big deal. But—if you manage to defeat an Elite Four member, you'll have a decision to make... whether or not to take their place and become a new member of the Elite Four!"
The stadium, which had just quieted, exploded again with thunderous gasps. Everyone was stunned—including Liam.
"Silence!"
Professor Oak's voice came through the broadcast again, deep and commanding. The crowd immediately fell silent, all eyes now locked on the big screen, curious what other shocking news the professor might reveal.
"After the League tournament ends, official messengers will deliver the challenge invitations to the eight finalists. The challenge will be valid for six months. During that time, you may consider carefully who to challenge. Think hard—do not waste this golden opportunity."
"Now, one more thing. Liam!"
"Yes, Professor!"
The sudden shout of his name startled Liam, who reflexively called out in response.
"Hehe, first off, congratulations on becoming the Indigo League Champion..."
Seeing Liam's reaction, Professor Oak's expression softened, a kind smile spreading across his face. His tone grew gentler as he continued.
"Hehe..."
Liam scratched his head sheepishly, unsure what to say with so many watching.
"But don't get cocky. You've still got a long road ahead, and many obstacles to overcome."
"And right now, you're facing one such challenge. You should remember your vow—you once said you'd become the Champion, or you wouldn't be able to fulfill your promise. So..."
"Come and challenge me, Liam! I'm giving you that chance! A proper, official battle—one-on-one!"
"I'll have someone inform you of the time and place later. Use this period to prepare yourself. I'll also use it to regain my full strength."
"I won't hold back—because that's my duty as a Champion! Even if I've stepped down, that responsibility remains!"
"I want this to be a battle that no one will forget! Do you understand? Will you accept it, Liam?"
This time... the entire stadium fell into silence. Everyone turned their eyes away from the screen and toward Liam, who stood on the winner's podium. The entire venue was dead silent. No one even dared breathe too loudly. All waited quietly for Liam's response.
"Heh… Hahaha!"
"It would be an honor, Professor—no, Champion!"
"I will accept your challenge! I'll give it my all and win this battle... and become the next Champion!!"
Upon hearing Oak's words, Liam was silent for a long while. Then, a faint smile curved on his lips, followed by a chuckle and then laughter. But this wasn't disrespectful laughter.
Many could tell that within Liam's voice were layers of gratitude, sincerity, excitement, and even anticipation... but absolutely no arrogance.
"Good!! Remember what you said today. I'll be waiting for our battle. For now, we take our leave. I hope everyone continues catching more Pokémon! See you!"
Liam's answer clearly pleased Professor Oak, who smiled and nodded. He then leaped back onto Dragonite's back. After saying goodbye to everyone, he removed his earpiece.
Dragonite gave a low roar, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky, vanishing in an instant.
"Well, let's go too... we'll probably have our hands full over the next six months. Really wish someone would take over our jobs soon..."
Erika of the Elite Four stretched lazily and hugged her Exeggutor. The Exeggutor's six eyes gleamed with blue psychic light, lifting both itself and Erika into the sky.
"Hmph. Later."
Elite Four-Norman gave a cold snort and turned, leaping off the big screen. The Ditto on his shoulder swiftly morphed into a glider, which he flew away on at high speed.
"I'm heading off too. Honestly, I hope a challenger comes for me soon—would make things less boring. See ya."
Elite Four-Bronson waved briefly to Agatha, then jumped down. The Gliscor behind him spread its wings, and Bronson glided gently to the ground before disappearing into the shadows.
"They all ran off real quick. Guess I won't stay long either. Let's go home, Gengar."
"Chaa-hee-hee-hee!"
With eerie laughter, Gengar dissolved into a thick mist, engulfing Agatha. In a flash, the two were gone.
Only after all four members of the Elite Four and the Champion had left did the main stadium erupt again with a deafening roar.
"Oh my god! A Champion challenge! So that means... that means...!"
"Means your face! It means if Liam wins, he becomes the new Champion!!"
"This... isn't that too hasty? Liam's still so young!"
"What does age have to do with it?! We all saw Liam's strength—who dares say he's not strong enough?!"
"Exactly!!"
Liam stood quietly at the edge of the podium, eyes fixed on the big screen above, now blank and still.
He was silent for a long time before a smile slowly formed on his face. He placed a hand over his chest and murmured softly but firmly:
"Heh... my heart's beating a little fast."
....
Sorry guys, I made a small mistake while typing the previous chapter and mentioned Elite-Bronson twice, though that's been fixed. The Normal-type Elite-Four member is 'Norman' not 'Bronson'. Bronson is the Ground-type Elite Four member.