“So, you’re here for the World Championship too?”

Lu Ye brewed a cup of Miss Skirt’s Herbal Tea and placed it in front of Darkrai.

Darkrai, his gray hair drifting gently, had already returned to normal. After thanking him, he calmly sipped the tea.

“That’s right. To enter this tournament, Darkrai and I traveled across Sinnoh and Kalos. We finally assembled the strongest deck in my eyes.”

“Teacher Lu!” Darkrai’s eyes flashed, “I can’t wait to join tomorrow’s opening matches!”

They even had people who doubled as “card hunters” now…

Beware of Darkrai collecting Pokémon cards!

Lu Ye wiped his brow and said, “Good luck. I’ll be at the opening ceremony tomorrow as well.”

“By the way, were you the person in yesterday’s news?”

“You heard about it too…?”

“Yes, a club member forwarded it. I even saw the photo.”

After calming Garchomp, rescuing the boy who fell from the tower, and completing such heroic deeds,

Teacher Lu standing atop Prism Tower, looking over the city—

the photograph from that day was up for best news photo and caused quite a stir across Kalos!

Lu Ye glanced up at the ceiling.

It’s not for posing—I'm just afraid to move until Latias comes back to fetch me…

“I understand. You don’t chase fame, so you stayed on the tower.”

Darkrai spoke with respect, “But heroes must be praised. That’s what the club members and I all think.”

“Ha.” Lu Ye gave an awkward laugh. “It’s getting late. We’re closing. See you at the opening ceremony tomorrow!”

“Gengarrr~” Haunter nudged the hesitant Darkrai and pushed him out of the shop.

Late?

Darkrai looked up at the rising sun, rubbed his chin, and fell silent.

Suddenly he froze, spun around, and pounded on the shop door:

“Teacher Lu, my Poké Balls are still inside! Darkrai and Latios!”

**

Darkrai (younger) was sweating at his forehead, looking nervously at the imposing Darkrai, stammering:

“G-greetings, senior!”

The senior Darkrai coldly lifted his head, gave the unfamiliar junior a quick nod,

then picked up the feather duster again and floated to clean the seam by the ceiling with meticulous care.

Kala!

The sound of the worldview shattering into pieces.

The young Darkrai gaped, feeling as if ten thousand Tauros were thundering through his chest.

A senior with mountain-deity presence was doing housework?

Senior, if this shop owner is forcing you to do chores, blink once!

On the other side,

Latios was catching up with his sister.

“I see… Nurse Joy entrusted you to Mr. Lu?”

“I followed him of my own will!” Latias said. “After spending time together, he’s actually pretty nice~”

Latios felt conflicted.

On one hand, he wanted to warn his sister to be wary of humans.

On the other, he himself had been following Darkrai—he had no persuasive ground.

His gaze fell to his sister’s neck;

Latios suddenly froze: “Th-this is…”

“Pretty, right! The Heart Water Droplet—Teacher Lu gave it to me~” Latias beamed.

The Heart Water Droplet is a precious heirloom among the Eon Pokémon;

few Latios/Latias possess one.

If a wicked human touches the Heart Water Droplet, it becomes tainted and loses its power.

The gem’s translucent depth, like seawater, reflected the human’s pure kindness.

Latios fell silent.

Would it still be possible to fire Darkrai…

…

When the two red-and-white balls were retrieved,

Darkrai clearly sensed his two partners were a bit downcast.

They looked discouraged, as if struck by an immense gap between them and someone else, sinking into silence.

“Morale low… that’s troublesome…”

Darkrai frowned and snorted, “Pull yourselves together, Darkrai, Latios!”

The two hung their heads and hid behind Darkrai.

At the trainer’s encouragement, a faint light returned to their eyes as they looked up.

Darkrai held up two UR cards—[Darkrai] [Latios]—and shouted to them:

“Tomorrow, I expect your best performance. Do your best!”

Darkrai/Latios: “……”

Both are legendary or mythical Pokémon.

Why is the gap between me and senior/sister so huge……

……

September 4, Saturday.

The much-anticipated PTCG World Championship officially opened at Central Square in Miare City.

Boom, boom!

Fireworks bloomed in the sky and balloons drifted on streamers. Central Square’s radiating streets were filled with excited competitors.

“Did you see yesterday’s news? Teacher Lu saved Ash!”

“So cool—standing on the top of Prism Tower like a skyscraper hero!”

“He’s really my teacher. I studied under him at Celadon University.”

A student with flowing hair shook a UR card in his hand. “He gave me this card.”

Buzz, buzz!

Four or five scarlet stares snapped onto that student.

Whether Pokémon battles or card duels, fierce rivalries were unavoidable.

A red-haired reporter adjusted his camera and randomly interviewed a blue-haired man in a white uniform with an R on it.

“Sir, why are you competing in the PTCG World Championship?”

“Ha ha, because I like collecting. I heard there’s a participation prize for signing up.” James scratched his head and smiled.

“Where do you usually buy collectible cards?” Musashi asked.

“On the Pokémon Company’s official site, Rocket Delivery, or the same-model online stores—make sure to trust the Meowth old shop!”

Bang!

A red beam shot out of a Poké Ball, blocking the interview feed. Musashi and James’ faces paled as they lunged toward Wobbuffet.

“Sora~nassi!”

From the balcony on Prism Tower’s third floor, Olivia looked down at the crowd and asked on the phone:

“How long until the chairman arrives?”

“Half an hour. He’ll be coming by helicopter.”

“Recommend he leave early. The turnout is even more enthusiastic than expected!”

The Pokémon Company leased Prism Tower and Central Square for two days as the World Championship venues.

Curious citizens bought tickets, entered the park, and found food, performances, and tournaments in full supply—some bringing Pokémon along.

Central Square became even more lively—cosplayers among contestants and guests attracted attention.

“Cosplaying Gardevoir? Sis, I can do that!”

“What the heck, why is someone cosplaying Lady Machamp!?”

“Oh oh! It’s the same hat and cloak as the Dan Emperor!”

The Dan Emperor cosplayer pointed skyward with one hand, drawing countless spotlights.

Kids in Pikachu and Eevee mascot suits ran around Central Square playing;

Bonnie was among them.

Two sesame-eyed Slowpokes stood together while Kris did commentary, laughing:

“Now then, between these two, who is the Ditto?”

The crowd gasped.

“How would anyone know!?”

A boy with a cap carrying a cue raised his hand: “I know—the left one!”

“Correct! Congratulations, sir, you won a voucher to redeem at a nearby shop!”

“Amazing…” the audience murmured.

“Piece of cake,” A-Jin wiped his nose and boasted.

Backstage,

Silver looked at The Girl expressionlessly:

“So if A-Jin’s planted, he really won’t slip up?”

“Stop nagging. I’m going to make a killing today!” The Girl covered her mouth laughing.

“So many people…”

Ash shouldered Pikachu and stepped into Central Square, awed.

Clemont glanced at his watch, “Opening ceremony’s at ten. Teacher Lu should be here soon.”

A familiar figure passed by;

Ash widened his eyes. “Pikachu, I think I saw Darkrai!”

He hurried over, recognized Darkrai, and grinned: “Darkrai, are you competing at the Miare Conference too?”

“Miare Conference? What’s that.”

Darkrai’s expression was cold, his gaze sharp as he scanned the competitors.

Just a bunch of third-rate card players with fourth-rate decks.

“My battlefield is right now!” Darkrai said icily.

The crowd stirred.

A helicopter circled from the distance toward Prism Tower.

Players and passersby in Central Square looked up as it hovered, holding their breath.

When the helicopter landed,

Lu Ye stepped out and the crowd erupted into cheers!

After the customary opening remarks,

“It’s my honor to introduce the new feature of the Holographic Imaging Communicator.”

On stage, Lu Ye produced a wristwatch-like communicator. “By scanning Pokémon cards, the communicator can project realistic images.”

In Kalos, the Holographic Imaging Communicator’s popularity was comparable to the PokéNav in Hoenn.

Lu Ye scanned a card on the wrist device;

a blue beam formed a tangible image—a Togepi materialized at his side.

The audience erupted with gasps.

Clearly this collaboration would greatly enhance spectator appeal!

“Isn’t that what Flore showed at the press conference?” Kris asked, surprised.

“Yeah, holographic imaging.” The Girl marveled. “I didn’t expect it could be used for live selling!”

Silver: “……”

The Girl seemed oddly obsessed with merchandising.

If today’s goods flopped again, he could just buy them all for her…

A-Jin stroked his chin, “I wonder if it can be used to play billiards…”

The opening matches used a Point-Based Ladder. Each player started with one point;

defeat an opponent to gain a point. Players who reached three points advanced.

This was a preliminary elimination;

later rounds would use stricter formats.

After explaining the rules, Lu Ye smiled:

“Then, the ‘Togepi Cup’ PTCG World Championship—officially begins!!”

Boom! Boom!

As cannons fired behind Lu Ye,

the crowd dispersed toward battle areas.

Thanks to holographic imaging, non-trainer casual players could also enjoy simulated Pokémon battles!

“Hey, you who looks weak—dare to duel me!”

A crew-cut man named Takuta called to Darkrai and grinned.

Darkrai slowly turned, appraised Takuta, eyes narrowed:

“You didn’t run. You rushed straight at me… interesting.”

Takuta had already disliked this flashy-haired guy.

Remember, the XY expansion released in Kalos first.

Takuta had drawn [M Houndoom·EX]—a player wielding Mega Evolution.

In an environment where the majority of competitors had never seen Mega Evolution, Takuta had the strength to reach the finals!

“Battle start!”

Under curious onlookers, Darkrai and Takuta stood on opposite sides of a field equipped with projection devices.

“I’ll show you my strongest Pokémon.”

Takuta’s eyes hardened as he scanned with the Holographic Imaging Communicator;

an image appeared: “Come forth, Houndoom!”

“Attach a Fire Energy card, end my turn.”

PTCG rules require energy cards to be attached before using attacks, one per turn.

Houndoom’s image formed from interwoven blue light—two curved horns like a mythic hellhound, a ferocious snarl.

Under Fire Energy, flames surged from Houndoom’s maw and its eyes glowed red!

“They actually scanned successfully!” an onlooker marveled.

“I’ll send out the Basic Pokémon, Moon Eevee, and attach a Colorless Energy.” Darkrai said calmly. “End my turn.”

Moon Eevee’s image appeared, cool eyes fixed on Houndoom, refusing to yield.

“Watch closely—this is a powerful card you’ve never seen.” Takuta roared. “I play an Item card: [Houndoom·Mind Link]!”

A radiant light enveloped Houndoom.

Mega Houndoom’s horns sharpened, white bone-like chest armor formed, tail like a demonic trident.

Spectators gasped.

“Mega Evolution in Kalos?”

“An EX environment card!”

“I attach a second Fire Energy, now Houndoom’s attack can be used!”

Mega Houndoom charged like a hellhound pouring from the gate. With two Fire Energies, orange-red flames flared blue.

“M Houndoom·EX, Hellfire Fangs—shred Moon Eevee!” Takuta gestured.

Mega Houndoom lunged and, fangs aflame, with a crack tore Moon Eevee’s image to shreds!

A blast of air swept;

Darkrai’s cloak billowed.

Per rules, the player who defeats an opponent’s Pokémon draws a Prize card;

the first to have their Prize cards reduced to zero wins.

[Takuta Prize Cards: 6→5]

“One turn and Moon Eevee was finished!” the crowd exclaimed.

“This Mega Houndoom is unstoppable!”

“Mega Evolution…” Darkrai mused.

Half a year ago, Darkrai had seen the might of [M Haunter·EX] under Teacher Lu’s guidance.

Back then, the EX environment was unreachable for Darkrai.

Now, Darkrai had surpassed that power and, via an official survey, been granted access to the GX test environment!

“My turn—”

Darkrai’s expression was stern as he pinched the top card of his deck.

“Draw!”

His eyes landed on the card: a phantom-like Darkrai reaching out with claws.

A faint curve lifted the corner of Darkrai’s mouth.

He closed his eyes briefly and whispered:

“The shadow woven by the blood moon shapes nightmares;

gathered ripples become endless dread—”

He snapped his eyes open, gaze icy, and slapped the card down.

“Come forth, my soul—Darkrai-GX!”

A black radiance surged across the field;

from the shadows rose Darkrai, arms crossed, churned mist, eyes cold.

“N-no way!” Takuta’s face clouded. “A Pokémon of this type—how could it be summoned in one turn!”

“[Darkrai-GX] is a Basic Pokémon card and can be played directly.” Darkrai said icily. “As a cost, when it is knocked out, I must give up two Prize cards.”

“But,” Darkrai waved his hand, “that moment will never come.”

After several rounds, facing Takuta’s final Pokémon,

Darkrai unleashed a dark pillar of energy from his hand!

Takuta: “Damn it!!”

[Darkrai Prize Cards: 1→0]

……

The World Championship blazed on.

Darkrai cut through opponents and, relying on the environment-defying [Darkrai-GX], lifted the trophy that belonged to him.

In Prism Tower’s conference room, Lu Ye reclined on the sofa with one leg over the other and sighed softly:

“In the end, it was you who took the championship, Darkrai Boy…”

“I’ve waited for this day for a long time.”

Darkrai held his deck, coldly, “Battle me, Teacher Lu!”

“All right…”

Lu Ye rose. “Then I’ll show you my pure Eevee hero deck.”

Darkrai froze.

Eevee Hero? What kind of deck is that?

He’d never heard of it…

[Eevee Hero], S6a, Sword &

Shield series expansion.

[Darkrai-GX] belongs to the Sun &

Moon series.

A gulf spans those versions… the difference in power would make onlookers cry.

“Sylveon V, use V-Max evolution!!” Lu Ye shouted.

The virtual Sylveon blazed with radiant light;

pink ribbons whipped fairylike wind, head held high, dominating the field!

[Sylveon V→Sylveon VMAX]

Darkrai: ???

V Evolution—what the heck is that?

And the single-card strength of this—this is already over the top!

“As a cost, when Sylveon VMAX is knocked out, I must give you three Prize cards.”

Lu Ye said, “Of course, the one to fall first will be you, Darkrai.”

“Sylveon VMAX, crush his insignificant Pokémon!”

"Bu-bii!! ("〝▼皿▼")"

[Lu Ye Prize Cards: 2→0]

Defeated, Darkrai stood stunned, dazed.

Playing across an entire major environment with [Eevee Hero]?

Unforgivable, Teacher Lu!