Pokemon: Gym Leader

Eternatus—an ancient Pokémon that came to this world via a meteorite 20,000 years ago.

And then, 3,000 years ago…

In an attempt to preserve its own life force, Eternatus began absorbing the energy of the Galar region, triggering what became known as the Darkest Day.

That phenomenon caused countless Pokémon to Dynamax or Gigantamax uncontrollably and fall into violent frenzies.

As a result, Galar was nearly destroyed.

It was only thanks to the arrival of the Sword King Zacian and the Shield King Zamazenta, who joined forces and defeated Eternatus, that the region was saved.

Even then, the remnants of Eternatus's shattered body still radiated immense energy, eventually forming what came to be known as Wishing Stars and Wishing Pieces, scattered across Galar.

Some fragments became the foundation for modern energy dens.

Now, three millennia later, the still-dormant Eternatus had been discovered by Chairman Rose and brought to the Power Plant.

Dylan had always known Rose was secretly containing Eternatus—but he hadn't expected to be brought here directly.

"It looks… terrifying."

Lillie clutched the sleeve of Dylan's coat, gazing at the slumbering Eternatus with visible unease.

Its appearance truly wasn't beautiful. In Lillie's eyes, it was even more unsettling than Kyurem.

Like a massive skeletal dragon, it glowed with ominous red light, its body encased in deep purple, bone-like structures.

Just the sight of it gave off an intense aura of malice and dread.

Beep—Eternatus. Poison/Dragon-type. Gigantic Pokémon.

Ability: Pressure

Known moves: Eternabeam, Dynamax Cannon, Flamethrower, Dragon Dance, Dragon Pulse, Recover.

Entry: It draws in energy from Galar through its chest core to maintain its vitality.

The Rotom Dex displayed Eternatus's data.

Lillie frowned at the entry. Nothing about it screamed "good guy."

Energy to maintain vitality?

Wasn't that exactly like Necrozma, who needed light to survive?

"Eternatus…" Dylan licked his lips. "Chairman, this Pokémon clearly isn't benevolent."

He was intrigued.

After all, he already had two Necrozmas, Kyurem, Rayquaza, Reshiram, and both Miraidon and Koraidon in his arsenal of legendary dragons.

But really—who would ever say no to one more?

Especially this one. Eternatus's Eternamax form in the games boasted a base stat total of 1125.

Granted, real-world battles weren't as simple as game stats.

Still—Eternamax Eternatus was undoubtedly top-tier among even the highest-ranking legendaries.

"Indeed," Rose nodded. "But I believe if you were the one to capture it, there'd be no danger."

That caught both Leaf and Lillie off guard.

They stared at Rose, stunned.

"You want Dylan to catch Eternatus??"

"Eternatus isn't just any Pokémon, Chairman. You're really giving it to me?" Dylan asked, raising a brow. He didn't buy the idea of Rose being this generous.

"Yes," Rose confirmed with a solemn nod.

Then he sighed. "I won't hide it—I had originally hoped Leon would be the one to capture it."

Rose wasn't lying.

From the beginning, everything he'd done was for Galar's development and prosperity.

Even secretly keeping Eternatus—the very being behind the Darkest Day—he considered it a necessary evil.

His plan had always been for Leon to tame the beast.

But Dylan shook his head.

"Leon won't be able to control it."

Eternatus was the source of Dynamax energy. Against it, Leon's Gigantamax abilities would be useless.

In the games, Leon may have "pushed it to its limits," but that was only its base form.

If pushed too far, Eternatus could absorb all of Galar's energy and enter its Eternamax state.

"Exactly," Rose agreed. "Leon's sense of justice wouldn't allow him to use something so dangerous."

And that was the truth. Rose had worked with Leon for years and knew him well.

Leon was selfless, just, kind, enthusiastic.

He'd do anything for others, but not if it meant risking countless lives.

Eternatus had a history—it was a walking natural disaster.

"But you, Dylan—you can do it, can't you?"

Rose looked Dylan in the eye.

"Someone of your ability… capturing Eternatus should be no problem."

"Oh, I can catch it," Dylan admitted. "But tell me why. What's the real reason you're offering this?"

"Because it's about to wake up," Rose said quietly, looking at Eternatus with complicated emotion.

"My team's reported that its vitals are rising. It won't be long before it fully awakens."

"And when it does… it'll have to be dealt with," he sighed.

Leaf suddenly frowned.

"But Chairman, if you knew how dangerous Eternatus is, why did you bring it here, right under Stow-on-Side?"

This was a major city, home to many residents and tourists. It seemed reckless.

Rose fell silent for a moment… then let out a low laugh.

"Do you know why Galar is so prosperous today? It's thanks to our energy systems."

He turned, facing the three of them with a serious expression.

"I've run the numbers. In about 1,000 years, Galar's current energy supply will be completely depleted."

"Our society cannot survive without energy.

Without it, this land—so beautiful, so radiant—will cease to exist."

"And when that day comes, Galar's people will face extinction."

Lillie and Leaf's jaws dropped.

"One thousand years from now?!"

"You don't understand, do you? Or maybe you think I'm crazy—worrying about something a thousand years away."

Rose chuckled at their stunned faces.

"But that's my dream—and my duty as Chairman.

I want to see Galar flourish—forever."

"That's why I began researching Galar's history, and discovered Eternatus.

If we can tame it… we'll have access to limitless Dynamax energy."

Rose's voice became fervent. His calm demeanor gave way to passion.

Leaf's expression twitched.

Suddenly, this formerly composed, gentlemanly chairman seemed… unhinged.

Was this guy serious? Worrying about energy a millennium in the future?

Was he a genius… or just insane?

"Impressive, Chairman," Dylan murmured.

"You understand?" Rose asked, eyes lighting up.

"I do."

It wasn't hard to grasp.

After all, Wishing Stars—the energy source used across Galar—were the result of Eternatus's shattered body.

Dynamax energy was basically Eternatus energy.

Rose's theory wasn't wrong: tame Eternatus, and you essentially have an infinite power source.

But…

That was easier said than done.

Eternatus wasn't about to sit there and become a glorified battery.

"We're nearly at the final step," Rose said. "Capturing Eternatus is crucial."

"Dylan, if you're willing, I will entrust it to you. Will you become Galar's new Champion?"

Dylan blinked.

"If you say yes," Rose continued, "all of Galar's resources will be at your disposal.

I'll even transfer full ownership of the Macro Cosmos Group to you."

Leaf and Lillie both gasped.

Macro Cosmos was one of the world's most powerful corporations—perhaps even surpassing Silph Co.

It dominated Galar's entire economy, controlling virtually every industry.

And it was solely owned by Rose.

"Very generous," Dylan said with a smirk. "But I'm afraid I'll have to decline."

He wasn't interested in switching regions.

Money and status? Meaningless.

To someone like him, wealth was just a number. Changing that number meant nothing.

"…I see. That's a shame."

Rose sighed, though he'd expected the answer.

"Very well, Dylan. Go ahead and capture Eternatus.

We'll discuss the rest after."

One way or another, Eternatus couldn't stay here.

If it woke up, the consequences would be catastrophic.

After seeing today's battle, Rose understood clearly:

If even Leon couldn't handle those legendary dragons, there was no way he could stop Eternatus alone.

"In the game," Dylan thought,

"Rose only dared release Eternatus because he believed Leon could stop it."

But this wasn't the game.

After Leon's complete loss today, Rose had lost that confidence.

"Eternatus isn't awake yet," Dylan observed.

"It will be, soon," Rose replied calmly.

"All we need to do is inject Wishing Star energy into it."

That was what Rose had discovered.

Wishing Star energy would instantly wake Eternatus.

"In that case, let's not waste time," Dylan said, eyes narrowing.

He was already thinking ahead.

Once Eternatus awakened, the commotion would be huge.

Would it draw out the twin kings of the Slumbering Weald?

If Eternatus Eternamaxed… Zacian and Zamazenta would respond.

They might even come charging in to slice it down again.

Dylan smiled.

To be honest, he liked Zacian. Something about the way it held that sword in its mouth was just… cool.

(End of Chapter)