The Mysterious Light Curtain
The world buzzed with activity as a mysterious light curtain illuminated the skies. Messages, known as "barrages," flowed across the screen, allowing only Elite Trainers and Champions to communicate. The unexpected feature quickly became a chaotic yet entertaining exchange among the Pokémon world's strongest.
Bruno chuckled as he noticed a familiar name on the screen.
"Hey, isn't that Ash? Long time no see! Didn't expect you to have reached the Elite level."
Lorelei rolled her eyes. "Bruno, I'm shocked someone like you can even comprehend what the light curtain says."
Bruno snapped back, "Listen here! Just because you're an old maid who can't get married doesn't mean you can insult me! Imagining sentences in your head isn't rocket science!"
"Do you have a death wish, Bruno?" Lorelei growled.
Leon, the charismatic Champion of Galar, couldn't help but laugh. "Hahaha, this is gold! Who knew the Ice Elite Lorelei and Fighting Elite Bruno had such a fiery dynamic?"
Lance, the Dragon Master of Kanto, sighed. "Leon, don't get involved. Once these two start, it's impossible to stop them."
"Everyone, please settle down," Professor Oak chimed in. "Let's keep this civil."
Lorelei huffed but fell silent.
Cynthia, observing the chaos, shared her thoughts. "It seems the light curtain only lets Trainers of significant strength send messages. This feels more like an Elite and Champion communication group."
Caitlin, the elegant Psychic user, joined in. "Cynthia~ Long time no see! Let's catch up soon."
"Of course, Caitlin. It's been far too long," Cynthia replied warmly.
Lucian added a word of caution. "Champion Cynthia, I advise you to be careful. This light curtain is nothing like anything we've encountered before."
---
Celestic Town, Sinnoh
In a quiet café in Celestic Town, Cynthia sipped her coffee, her piercing eyes fixed on the radiant light curtain above.
The mystical aura surrounding the phenomenon stirred her curiosity. Was this the work of Arceus, Dialga, or another godlike Pokémon?
Cynthia, known for her commanding presence, usually drew attention wherever she went. Today, however, the light curtain stole the spotlight, leaving her to quietly observe.
She noted one peculiar detail: only the strongest Trainers could interact with the curtain. But one question lingered—
"Why Ash?"
---
Meanwhile, in Pallet Town
Ash stared wide-eyed at the light curtain as barrages scrolled past. Seeing a familiar name, he jumped into the conversation.
"Professor Oak! Are you here? How are you sending messages? Aren't you a scientist?"
Professor Oak chuckled. "Haha, Ash, don't underestimate me. I earned this privilege with my strength. In my youth, I was quite the Trainer, you know."
"Really? I don't believe it!" Ash exclaimed.
Gary, as smug as ever, couldn't resist chiming in. "Typical Ash. My grandfather only became a professor because he couldn't find a Rival strong enough!"
"Don't be rude, Gary!" Misty scolded. "Professor Oak is a legendary figure! And those people you see talking? They're the world's strongest Champions and Elites!"
"Huh? They're that strong?" Ash asked, dumbfounded.
Gary scoffed. "Ha! You really are clueless, Ash."
Drayden smiled. "Youth is truly remarkable."
---
Hoenn Region
In Hoenn, Steven Stone, the composed Champion, studied the light curtain as barrages filled the air. His expression darkened with concern.
Even the Champions and Elites—masters of their craft—couldn't identify the source of this phenomenon. Steven's mind raced.
Could it be Team Aqua or Team Magma? No, their goals revolved around controlling land or sea, not global communication.
Team Rocket? Still unlikely. Not even Giovanni could pull off something this sophisticated.
Could it be the work of an unknown Legendary Pokémon? That seemed more plausible. Steven absentmindedly turned a rainbow-hued shard of meteorite in his hands, pondering the possibilities.
---
The Announcement
Suddenly, the light curtain's steady hum turned into a booming voice, capturing the world's attention.
"Opening of the First Legendary Inventory! Inventory of the Legendary Boy's Rise to the Strongest Champion – The Beginning!"
The declaration sent waves of excitement rippling through the global audience.
For the Elites and Champions, it was a tantalizing challenge. Each believed they were destined for greatness, but the curtain's words promised to showcase someone who had truly reached the pinnacle of glory.
Barrages lit up the screen in an instant.
Flint, the fiery Elite from Sinnoh, grinned. "Finally, the light curtain recognizes my greatness! The strongest Elite from the very beginning!"
Bertha, his senior, chuckled. "Calm down, Flint. You're just an Elite, not even a Champion."
Lance interrupted. "Enough! Clearly, I am the strongest Champion."
Lorelei smirked. "Lance, stop embarrassing yourself. You couldn't even beat me."
Bruno roared with laughter. "Haha! Lance, with Lorelei around, you're never getting that title."
Raihan joined in from Galar. "My vote is for Leon. No one can top him!"
At this point, Leon was still a rising star, known only in Galar. His fame hadn't yet reached the legendary heights it would in the future.
Flint scoffed. "Leon? Can he even hold a candle to Cynthia, Sinnoh's Champion?"
Caitlin declared, "Absolutely not! Cynthia is the strongest Champion in the world!"
Alder, from Unova, cleared his throat. "Ahem, excuse me. I am Unova's Champion, thank you very much."
Caitlin dismissed him. "Doesn't matter! Cynthia is still the best!"
Diantha, Kalos's Champion, pouted. "Caitlin, didn't you say I was your favorite? How quickly you forget..."
Wallace, Hoenn's previous Champion, chimed in confidently. "Steven is undoubtedly the strongest Champion. There's no contest."
---
The Curtain Reveals
As the debate raged on, the light curtain began to glow brighter, silencing the crowd.
A vivid image materialized—a scene from years ago.
A young boy with messy black hair stood excitedly beside his mother.
"Mom, I want to attend Professor Oak's Pokémon summer camp!"
"Of course, sweetheart," his mother replied with a warm smile, gently ruffling his hair.
This was the beginning of the legend.