Logan rubbed his thumb lightly against the Poké Ball in his hand, then suddenly tossed it forward. From within, a dragon appeared—its eyes unable to see anything, stumbling around like a clumsy little pup.
No one would have guessed that this silly, almost laughable dragon would one day evolve into a fearsome beast with three heads.
The freshly released Deino hopped around the room a few times before quickly running back to Logan, latching onto his leg and letting out an excited cry.
Logan possessed the Primal Dragon Force—a natural aura that made Dragon Pokémon instinctively drawn to him.
This sight stirred a flicker of envy in Cynthia. No matter how much effort she had spent on this Deino before, it never paid her any attention.
Logan bent down and gently lifted the little dragon, placing it onto the sofa beside him. Eevee leapt from his shoulder, landing beside Deino, the two Pokémon immediately tumbling into playful interaction.
Cynthia observed them with a small smile. "It's almost impossible to find such a rare Pokémon in Unova. Especially one like this, with such a strong, resilient nature. This Deino is perfect for raising—it has the makings of a great Pokémon."
Even without being told, Logan could easily imagine the hardships Caitlin had endured to capture this rare dragon.
"That's why, Champion… don't forget to thank Caitlin when you have the chance. To give you this gift, she risked her life delving deep into Unova's Victory Road."
Cynthia's tone softened. Though she couldn't understand why Caitlin would take such risks for Logan, she still felt compelled to defend her closest friend.
Logan's gaze deepened. "You don't even need to remind me. If it weren't for pressing issues here in Kanto, I'd have gone to Unova myself—just to thank her in person."
Seeing his sincere attitude, Cynthia gave a light nod. She had worried that the Kanto Champion might be arrogant or difficult to deal with. In fact, before coming to Professor Oak's lab, she had even prepared countless ways to handle someone unpleasant. But now, she realized those preparations had been unnecessary.
"As a guest from afar, since this is your first time in Kanto, Cynthia, if you're not in a rush to return to Sinnoh… allow me to be your guide and host."
Logan spoke warmly. He had no ulterior motives toward her—only the natural courtesy expected of a well-mannered Champion.
Cynthia thought for a moment, then her lips curved into a graceful smile. "Very well. The Sinnoh League has nothing pressing for me to return to immediately. Since I'm already here in Kanto, I'll stay for a few days. I'll be in your care, Champion."
"No need for such formality. I might not be the best teacher, but I can certainly manage as a tour guide," Logan chuckled. "Though, I should warn you—if it's myths and ancient ruins you're after, Kanto has little to offer. Most of its ruins have been studied thoroughly. But Johto… now, that region still has mysteries left untouched. If time allows, I recommend visiting there."
As he spoke, Logan poured water from the teapot on the table, filling a glass for Cynthia and another for himself.
"Thank you." Cynthia lifted her glass, sipping lightly before laughing softly. "You know me well, Champion… to even know of my interest in mythology and history."
At her words, Logan suddenly noticed Professor Oak and Daisy Oak exchanging looks with raised brows, suspicion in their eyes.
"Ahem…" Logan coughed into his fist. "Why are you both looking at me like that? As the Kanto Champion, of course I'm expected to understand other regional Champions. The League keeps such records, and I'm authorized to access them."
The truth, however, was far simpler. As a transmigrator, there was no way he wouldn't know about Cynthia. He had naturally researched her thoroughly before.
"Then… you must know a lot about the Hoenn and Unova Champions as well?" Cynthia's voice carried a teasing note, as though she were trying to help him out of the moment.
"Erm… somewhat," Logan answered vaguely.
In truth, he had little interest in male Champions, especially those who held no direct relevance to him. Digging into their hobbies or lives was a waste of time. Now, if it were Kalos's Champion—that might be worth a look.
Fortunately, it seemed Kanto's tabloid gossip hadn't spread outside the region. Logan exhaled in relief.
After the Saffron City incident and his victory at the Indigo League, his fame had skyrocketed, branding him a hero. But with fame came exposure. Countless tabloids had dug up all manner of scandals about him, painting him as a man with far too many rumored girlfriends.
Logan even suspected that Sabrina and Erika themselves had deliberately leaked some of those rumors. Both were cunning women, more than capable of stirring trouble if it suited them.
As long as that gossip stayed confined to Kanto, he didn't care. Judging from Cynthia's demeanor, she held no prejudice against him.
"In that case, Cynthia, why don't you stay here at my lab for now?" Professor Oak interjected with his booming voice. "There are plenty of rooms, pick whichever you like. After all, your grandmother and I are old acquaintances. If I don't take good care of you, she'll never forgive me!"
"That would be far too kind, Professor Oak. Please don't trouble yourself. But if there's any way I can help you while I'm here, don't hesitate to ask." Cynthia stood and bowed respectfully.
"No, no, no," Oak waved his hands. "I must take care of you! Otherwise, if your grandmother hears I've been neglectful, I'll never hear the end of it!"
Cynthia laughed behind her hand. She hadn't expected the great Professor Oak, the world's most renowned Pokémon researcher, to be so intimidated by her grandmother.
"Then, Logan, I'll leave the rest to you," Oak continued. "Be her guide. Show Cynthia around Pallet Town and Viridian City. Then maybe take her farther to see more of Kanto's scenery."
"Leave it to me, Professor!" Logan replied with a confident pat to his chest.
Oak nodded. "Good. And soon, one of my old classmates from Celadon University will be coming over from Sinnoh as well. I'll introduce him to you then. Cynthia, you should know him, yes?"
"You mean Professor Rowan—the authority on Pokémon evolution in Sinnoh?" Cynthia asked thoughtfully.
"That's right. Rowan!" Oak confirmed.
Logan exhaled. "Seems like quite a few people from Sinnoh are visiting Kanto lately."
He glanced toward Cynthia again—only to find her gaze already on him. Their eyes met, and she smiled gently, nodding to him.
Logan's heart skipped.
A sudden thought struck him:
This Champion of Sinnoh… might just make a perfect ally.
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