The castle on the New Island felt lifeless.
Dark.
Damp.
Silent.
That was Sam's first impression.
It resembled a dieval fortress from his previous world. There were no electric lights—only flickering candles mounted along the stone walls. The weak glow made the atmosphere even gloomier.
If wtwo weren't here, this place would have long since beco a paradise for Ghost-type Pokémon.
In fact, Gengar inside Sam's Poké Ball was already extrely excited. If not for the terrifying presence of wtwo, Gengar would probably have stayed behind just to scare the next group of Trainers entering the castle.
Sam followed Nurse Joy in silence.
Drip.
Drip.
Only the sound of water echoing through stone corridors accompanied their footsteps.
After walking for what felt like ages, they finally reached the center of the castle.
The banquet hall.
---
A "Banquet"
Sam had to admit—he was disappointed.
For a gathering hosted by the self-proclaid strongest Trainer, he had expected sothing grand.
Instead, the hall contained nothing more than a simple stone table and a few matching stone chairs.
No music.
No wine.
No decorations.
Just fruit placed neatly on a plate.
wtwo clearly preferred minimalism.
Sam sighed and sat down. He picked up an apple and took a bite while waiting for the other invitees.
---
anwhile — The Dock
Back at the pier, Ash, Misty, and Brock stared at the raging sea.
Every other Trainer had already begun attempting the crossing.
If they hesitated any longer, they would be left behind.
But they had no Pokémon capable of crossing safely.
Ash clenched his fists in frustration.
Just when they were running out of hope, a wooden boat approached.
"You look troubled. Need help?" a woman wearing a golden helt asked.
"We can take you to the New Island—for free."
"Really?!" Ash jumped aboard imdiately without thinking.
Misty and Brock exchanged uneasy looks. They weren't confident the small boat could survive the storm—but they couldn't let Ash go alone.
They followed.
Seagulls shrieked.
The wind roared.
Waves crashed violently.
Countless Trainers braved the sea, chasing the title of "strongest."
---
Back in the Castle
Sam had lost count of how many apples he'd eaten.
His stomach was full, and his nerves had finally settled.
More than half an hour had passed since he arrived.
Others should be arriving soon.
Nurse Joy, who had been standing motionless in the center of the hall, suddenly moved.
She picked up a lantern and walked out chanically.
Sam smiled faintly.
Another guest had arrived.
Soon, three Trainers entered the hall—two n and one woman, all roughly his age.
"What? I thought there'd be a grand banquet waiting for us," the woman complained.
"I ca to et the strongest Trainer," one of the n replied. "I don't care about food."
They sat down without greeting Sam. His composed, distant aura made him seem difficult to approach.
Silence returned.
---
A Presence
After so ti, Sam, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.
The shift in his aura made the three others instinctively tense.
Realizing it, Sam offered them a brief apologetic nod and sat back down.
But his attention was elsewhere.
That presence.
Familiar.
Yet different.
Similar to wtwo—but gentler.
If wtwo's power felt fierce and overwhelming, this one felt warm and playful.
"w…"
It had arrived.
The true master of this island's past.
The party was about to begin.
---
Ash Arrives
After an exhausting journey, Ash and the others finally reached the New Island.
"So we made it!" Ash shouted excitedly, soaked from head to toe. "The strongest Trainer, here we co!"
"I just hope there are dry clothes inside," Misty muttered while wringing water from her hair and holding Togepi close.
"Let's get inside first," Brock said calmly. "If the banquet has already started, all that effort will be wasted."
"Right!"
Ash sprinted toward the castle.
Misty and Brock hurried after him.
"I hope this banquet is worth risking our lives for," Misty muttered as they approached the looming gates.
Inside the castle—
The storm outside intensified.
And the true gathering of legends was about to begin.
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