I, Gary, Want to Become a Pokemon Master

"Ah, so troublesome..."

Zinnia had thought she could directly participate in the World Coronation Series, but she hadn't expected there would be so many requirements.

"The World Coronation Series has rules for a reason," Steven explained calmly. "Otherwise, anyone could enter, and the battles would lose meaning."

Zinnia nodded thoughtfully.

If the World Coronation Series allowed anyone to compete without restrictions, it would turn into chaos. But Gary didn't seem concerned.

Anyway, the structure would soon change.

In the new format, any Trainer could register, but their progress would be graded.

New Trainers would start in the Normal Class, only allowed to challenge others within that tier. Once they reached the Top 1,000, they'd be promoted to Great Class. From there, the Top 100 would move into Ultra Class, and the final Top 8 would ascend to the prestigious Master Class.

The Master Class competition would be held once a year, featuring the top 8 Trainers battling for the championship and the coveted title of the World's Mightiest.

"Then Mr. Steven, you must have participated in the World Coronation Series?" Zinnia asked curiously.

"Yes, I have," Steven replied.

"Then what's your ranking, Mr. Steven?"

Gary rubbed his forehead, sighing inwardly.

Zinnia really didn't grasp how sensitive that kind of question was.

Although Steven would eventually rank third in the world, that was still in the future. For now, Steven's current ranking was already impressive—likely around fifth.

"I'm currently ranked fifth," Steven answered calmly.

"So amazing! Mr. Steven is actually the fifth-strongest Trainer in the world!" Zinnia exclaimed in awe.

Until now, she hadn't fully grasped Steven's strength. But now, knowing his ranking, she turned to Gary with wide eyes full of disbelief.

Gary had just defeated Steven. Did that mean Gary was also ranked fifth?

"What are you thinking?" Gary said, snapping her back to reality. "It was just a standard one-on-one match, and I used Mega Evolution. I wouldn't be Steven's rival otherwise."

Although he had won, Gary didn't believe he was stronger. Mega Evolution had given him a temporary edge.

"Ohh… that's right! You used Mega Evolution. That's not fair." Zinnia nodded in agreement.

"Let's go treat our Pokémon." Steven changed the subject and led them to the Pokémon Center.

Later, Steven and Zinnia discussed the matter of Meteor Village. To show his sincerity, Steven refrained from asking Zinnia to bring anything back, avoiding the risk of triggering suspicion among the Draconid elders.

After lunch at the Devon Corporation, Gary and Zinnia departed from the rooftop, riding their Pokémon toward Meteor Falls.

With Latios's invisibility ability, Gary didn't have to worry about being seen by passersby.

Within minutes, they reached Meteor Falls. Guided by Zinnia, they took a secret path and quickly arrived at Meteor Village.

The villagers were surprised to see Zinnia return. She had been gone for three months, and everyone had missed her dearly.

"Zinnia, have you completed your trial? You're back so soon?" asked Simon, one of the village elders.

It wasn't uncommon for inheritors to leave for their trials—but they usually took a year or two. Zinnia returning after just three months was unheard of.

"Of course… I've completed it!" Zinnia replied with confidence.

Though she had technically completed the trial, the process was far from graceful. If it hadn't been for Gary, she wouldn't have succeeded in sending the Rainbow Meteorite to Rayquaza. She might've even had to return and ask the village for help.

"But that's really fast," said Aunt Simone.

"Well, Aunt Simone, the outside world has changed a lot. Humans have invented all sorts of tools—cars, boats, even flying machines. Traveling is so much easier now," Zinnia explained cheerfully.

"Is that so? Well, your grandmother is waiting at the altar. You should go see her," Aunt Simone said kindly.

"Alright, I'll go now."

Zinnia didn't linger with the villagers and headed straight for the altar, taking Gary along.

Her grandmother was already there. Strangely, she didn't seem surprised to see Zinnia return so quickly.

"Grandma!"

Zinnia ran over and hugged her tightly, full of emotion.

"Zinnia, has the Rainbow Meteorite been delivered to the Dragon God?" her grandmother asked calmly.

"Yes… yes, it has. But, um… there was a small accident," Zinnia replied nervously.

"What accident?" her grandmother asked, her tone shifting slightly.

"Uh… Gary, can you explain it for me?" Zinnia said, looking sheepish.

She could face the world—but not her grandmother's stern eyes.

"I'll handle it," Gary offered with a nod.

Zinnia's grandmother turned to him, puzzled about what kind of 'accident' required a stranger's explanation.

"Very well, go ahead."

So, Gary calmly recounted the events at the Aether Marine Platform, including how Steven got involved and what the implications were. He also conveyed Steven's message about forming diplomatic contact.

"That's the situation. The Draconid Tribe's existence has been exposed. The Hoenn League is still open to contact, but if you're not willing, you can refuse. However…" Gary paused.

"I suggest you consider it. After all, the Rainbow Meteorite is hidden here in Meteor Village. Right now, companies like Grand Aether Corporation are researching both Meteorite energy and Mega Evolution."

"If they discover Meteor Village's existence… it won't remain safe for long."

Zinnia's grandmother remained quiet. Her face revealed nothing of what she was thinking.

Sensing hesitation, Gary added, "Grandma, you may not know this, but there's a Tower of Mastery in Shalour City, in the Kalos Region. The man who guards it—Gurkinn—he might also be a descendant of the Draconid Tribe."

"He cooperates openly with the Kalos League. No one has ever tried to steal the Mega Stones housed there."

"He's a Draconid descendant?" Zinnia asked, shocked. "And they have so many Mega Stones?"

"It must be from that group who left the village a hundred years ago," Grandma murmured.

"Grandma, you know about them?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Five hundred years ago, there was division within the tribe. A group wished to explore the outside world. They left Meteor Village with fragments of the Rainbow Meteorite."

"So… the people who left are living well in Kalos. Why don't we also try cooperating with the League?" Zinnia asked cautiously.