Beneath Gravetower
The ancient staircase descended endlessly into darkness.
The air grew heavier with every step.
Ahead walked
Zeff
And the members of
The Eclipse Rebellion.
Behind them followed
Elior,
Mira,
and
Morrigan.
Nobody spoke.
Everyone could feel it.
Something ancient was waiting below.
Suddenly—
One of Zeff's followers stepped forward.
A tall man wearing a silver mask.
Unlike the others, his cloak carried a second symbol beside the Eclipse emblem.
A crimson star.
Zeff stopped.
"...Hold them here."
The masked man nodded.
"As you wish."
As Zeff continued downward with the rest of the Eclipse Rebellion, the masked man remained behind.
He slowly removed his cloak.
His presence immediately changed the atmosphere.
Morrigan's eyes widened slightly.
"...So it's you."
The man smirked.
"It's been a long time."
Mira looked confused.
"...Who is he?"
Morrigan answered quietly.
"The strongest member of the Eclipse Rebellion."
"Zeff's right hand."
"Kael"
Kael looked directly at Elior.
"...The bridge."
His gaze shifted toward Lunashade.
"...Interesting."
Then he smiled.
"...But not my opponent."
Everyone froze.
Kael pointed toward Elior's belt.
Specifically—
Toward Riolu's Poké Ball.
"I've heard about your Riolu."
"Let's see if the stories are true."
Elior blinked.
"...You want to battle Riolu?"
Kael nodded.
"One battle."
"Winner continues."
Elior smiled.
"...Then let's do it."
"Riolu, I choose you!"
Riolu appeared in a flash of light.
Its eyes burned with determination.
Kael calmly threw a Poké Ball.
A dark-red Pokémon emerged.
Its body resembled an armored wolf.
Black energy flowed from the cracks in its armor.
Dreadfang
The moment it appeared—
Riolu immediately entered a battle stance.
Battle Start
"Force Palm!"
Riolu charged first.
Fast.
Aggressive.
BOOM!
Dreadfang blocked the attack head-on.
The shockwave shook the chamber.
Kael Smiles
"...Good."
"...Very good."
"Dreadfang, Shadow Rush."
The wolf vanished.
"What?!"
Mira shouted.
A second later—
Dreadfang appeared behind Riolu.
CRASH!
Riolu was launched across the floor.
Elior remained calm.
"...Close your eyes."
Riolu obeyed instantly.
Its Aura Sense expanded outward.
The world became silent.
Then—
Riolu smiled.
"There!"
Riolu spun around.
BOOOOM!
A perfect Force Palm landed directly on Dreadfang.
The dark-type Pokémon skidded backward.
For the first time—
Kael's expression changed.
The two Pokémon stared at one another.
Both breathing heavily.
Both smiling.
Warriors recognizing warriors.
Far below the battlefield...
Deep within the chamber of chains...
Zeff finally reached the golden throne.
The chained figure slowly lifted its head.
Its golden eye locked onto Zeff.
And it spoke.
"You seek the truth..."
"Then tell me..."
"Why have you come, child of the Eclipse?"
TO BE CONTINUED...