Silence descended.
Not a single cheer rang out—no applause, no exclamations. Even the air itself seemed frozen.
Every soul present was trapped in shock before that incomparable, terrifying power, staring—whether in fear or in reverence—at the lone figure standing amid the ruins, and the Pokémon that obeyed him.
"…It's over."
Logan withdrew his Poké Balls, recalling Mewtwo and Garchomp, then raised his hand slightly toward the edge of the field—toward the judge and medical staff who were still collapsed on the ground, trembling in terror.
The referee scrambled to his feet, ignoring the dust coating his clothes. He picked up his microphone, tested it shakily, then announced in a rushed voice:
"…The match has ended. Champion Alder's Vanilluxe has lost its ability to battle. According to the rules, the winner is the Kanto Champion—Logan!"
He tried to sound excited.
But the hoarseness of his voice, the tremor that warped every word, betrayed how far from calm he truly was.
"Clap… clap…"
Scattered applause began.
Slowly, it grew louder—but within the thunderous clapping was an eerie emptiness. Most people were applauding out of reflex alone. Faces in the stands were blank, lifeless, like puppets whose strings had been cut.
They still hadn't recovered from Mewtwo's earth-shattering strike.
The medical team abandoned Iris at once and rushed toward Alder. Every medic who passed Logan unconsciously slowed their steps, as if afraid that even the sound of their footsteps might displease the Kanto Champion.
Among the Trainers who witnessed the battle, reactions varied—some burned with admiration, some trembled in fear, others wore bitter expressions.
In less than a year and a half, the next Indigo League Conference and Champion Challenge would arrive.
Many Trainers had once brimmed with ambition, dreaming of dethroning the current Kanto Champion.
But after today—aside from a rare few—most had quietly abandoned that dream.
They feared that one misstep in battle might cost them their lives.
Some thought Logan's methods were too cruel.
But none dared to speak.
At most, they grumbled silently in their hearts.
Logan flicked his Champion's cloak and walked calmly across the ruined battlefield, descending from the arena.
The protective light barriers around the field dissipated, parting to make way for him. In truth, the barriers on the side Mewtwo had faced had already been obliterated by Psychic Break. Even coordinated psychic defenses were meaningless before the world's strongest psychic being.
For the first time, people truly understood—
Even battle safeguards were not absolute.
"W–Wait!"
As Logan passed Iris and prepared to leave through the competitors' tunnel, she stared at his back for a long time before hesitantly raising her hand.
Logan halted and glanced sideways.
"…What is it, little girl?"
Iris didn't argue with the nickname anymore.
She climbed to her feet, her expression shifting again and again, lips parting—but no words coming out.
"If you've got something to say, say it quickly. My time is valuable."
Logan's patience thinned when she still didn't speak.
"Th–Thank you…"
Iris lowered her head, as if trying to hide her embarrassment, her voice stumbling.
She probably didn't realize that with her skin tone, blushing wouldn't be visible anyway.
"Huh?" Logan raised a brow. "What, little girl? You into pain or something? Got beaten senseless and now you're thanking me because it excited you?"
He sighed theatrically.
Iris hurriedly shook her head.
"N–No! That's not it! I'm thanking you, Master, for your guidance! Those three lessons you taught—I'll never forget them. Not in life, not in battle!"
"Master?" Logan paused, then burst out laughing. "That's a new one."
Champion. Logan. Monster. Weapon.
But Master?
That was a first.
It amused him—almost sounded like Jedi Master.
Well, as long as she wasn't calling him a monk.
"I don't know you," Logan said calmly. "And I don't care what kind of life you live after this. I didn't do any of this to teach you. I just talk when I feel like it."
"Whether you actually understood something, whether you learned anything—that's your talent. Has nothing to do with me."
The moment the words left his mouth, he realized they sounded oddly tsundere.
Unwilling to explain further, he turned and walked into the competitors' tunnel.
Iris stared after him.
Then, after hesitating, she ran after him.
Beyond the tunnel lay the competitors' lounge—a luxurious space common to both League stadiums and Gym arenas. Staff waited attentively throughout.
The moment Logan entered, everyone straightened in reverence.
Some bowed respectfully.
Others were so afraid they lowered their heads, not daring to look at him.
To many, Logan had become nothing less than a walking human catastrophe.
"Where are Cynthia and Erika?" Logan asked, scanning the room.
"The Sinnoh Champion and the Celadon Gym Leader are in the second-floor viewing lounge," a staff member replied immediately.
The competitors' lounge spanned multiple floors. The upper level served as a VIP viewing area overlooking the arena.
Logan nodded and headed upstairs.
People parted instinctively before him.
Soon, he found Cynthia and Erika in one of the viewing suites.
The room resembled a luxurious bedroom. One wall was entirely transparent glass, chairs and a table placed before it for food and viewing.
Cynthia and Erika sat side by side, chatting softly—as if they hadn't nearly fought to the death not long ago.
They looked up when Logan entered.
"Looks like you stole the spotlight again, Logan," Erika said with a smile, clearly familiar enough to tease him.
Cynthia smiled gently. "You worked hard. At least now Alder won't have time to bother me anymore."
She blinked playfully.
Neither woman blamed Logan for being too harsh.
They were gentle by nature—but not naïve.
"Haha, yeah. I just got annoyed seeing Alder pestering you, Cynthia, so I hit a little harder than planned," Logan said casually. "He'll be fine after a few days in the hospital. As for the brain damage—that part was just to scare him."
The moment the words left his mouth, he realized the problem.
Fine when Cynthia was alone.
Less so with Erika present.
He hurriedly added, "…And Erika too. That guy tried to get handsy with you on day one. Seriously rude old man."
Logan frowned indignantly.
Inside, he sighed.
Sorry, Alder… for the sake of keeping the ladies happy, you'll have to take one for the team.
--------------------
T/N:
Check out my Patreon
[email protected]/FictionalRealms784 - (Replace '@' with 'a')
for 5 Advanced Chapters absolutely FREE—or unlock 35 Advanced Chapters
--------------------