Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 531 - 530: Steven’s Departure

Steven and Cain completed the first annual economic development plan for Leafy Town as quickly as possible.

Both, somewhat tired, returned to their respective rooms.

That day, after descending Mt. Chimney, they participated in the first battle of Torchic and its companions in the forest at the mountain's base.

After returning to Leafy Town, they interacted with the residents and finalized the official opening ceremony of the gym.

Later, they discussed the construction of the Breeders' Guild branch with old Matsuda.

That was how Steven and Cain finished Leafy Town's economic development plan.

Although not physically exhausted, they had used their minds extensively.

Steven retired to rest, but Cain couldn't relax yet. Shortly after their conversation ended, a slight buzz came from the communicator hidden in the inner pocket of his clothing.

It was a message from Team Rocket, specifically from Umbra.

The message instructed Cain to contact him as soon as he was done with what he was doing.

Back in his room, Cain asked Slowking to erect a psychic barrier before video-calling Umbra.

"Mr. Umbra," Cain said respectfully as a silhouette appeared on the screen.

"You've performed quite well this time. Even the boss has heard that you and that boy from the Stone family defeated a quasi-elite Pokémon together. Your strength now aligns with the position of a Rocket Team Officer," Umbra said in a hoarse voice.

Aside from a faint glow and Umbra's blurry silhouette on the screen, nothing else could be discerned.

His location remained unclear.

Cain kept his head lowered respectfully and said nothing.

But Umbra didn't need a response from Cain and continued:

"The Leafy Town gym should be opening soon, correct? As one of the few gym leaders within Team Rocket, the boss has decided to extend you more support."

"If you have any specific needs, state them now; otherwise, we'll provide supplies as planned."

Cain pondered briefly and then said:

"I'd like information on Gengar, including its evolution method. If possible, I'd also like data on improving Pokémon quality. An electronic file will suffice."

The evolution method for Gengar had always concerned Cain.

Cain recalled that Umbra owned a Gengar but didn't know how it had evolved. If he could access Team Rocket's vast database on Gengar, it would bring Cain countless benefits.

However, what truly mattered was the information on improving Pokémon quality, as that would affect all his Pokémon, not just Haunter.

Cain's bold request even took Umbra by surprise.

You certainly have the nerve to ask.

It wasn't clear if Umbra was shocked by Cain's audacity or if he was consulting the boss, Giovanni, about the request.

After half a minute of silence, Cain's face remained impassive, and Umbra's voice echoed again.

"We'll provide the information on Gengar and also give you data on improving Pokémon quality, but it won't be complete information. You'll receive a file tailored to the Pokémon you currently own, but I can't guarantee how comprehensive it will be. Even so, it's a significant concession."

"If not for the boss's approval, your request would have been entirely unacceptable," Umbra said, his tone laced with envy.

He was genuinely envious. Even with his position in Team Rocket, Umbra wouldn't have dared to make such a bold request.

Yet the boss's generosity toward his subordinates continued to astonish Umbra.

He had no fear that Cain, after receiving these files, would ignore Team Rocket or betray his loyalty.

This level of trust, of not doubting one's allies, was what kept Umbra loyal to Giovanni to this day.

Cain's face couldn't hide his joy, and the weight in his heart finally lifted.

This time, he had tested Team Rocket's and Giovanni's loyalty.

He wanted to know whether Giovanni would still trust him after he became a gym leader and a valuable new member of the league.

Judging by the response, it had been highly beneficial, and Giovanni remained the charismatic leader he had always been.

If Cain hadn't been reincarnated once and maintained a deeply self-centered mindset, he might have been swayed by Giovanni's charisma and become a devoted follower.

Fortunately, Cain hadn't succumbed. He remained loyal to Giovanni only to the extent that his safety was guaranteed and his growth was unhindered.

Giovanni deserved support, but Cain always came first.

After ending the video call, Cain received a massive file on his private communicator.

The file was so large that even Team Rocket's advanced communication system took the entire night to download it fully, hinting at its scale.

...

The next day, when Cain woke up, the file transfer was complete, and he immediately instructed his system to process it.

Despite the system's speed, it took a full twenty minutes to transfer all the data.

"System, sort and organize the received data, then prioritize information on Haunter's evolution into Gengar," Cain ordered right after waking up.

"Beep! Task created, processing, please wait," the system replied as it began handling the new data.

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After breakfast with Steven, the latter prepared to return to Rustboro City.

Both his Metang had evolved into Metagross, and he had also obtained two ancient Pokémon fossils. He needed to return to find a specialist to help investigate how to revive them.

Cain didn't object.

In the end, they both had their own paths to follow. Steven, the future Champion of the Hoenn region, already had sufficient confidence and potential. He had crossed the final barrier, and now it was just a matter of waiting for him to soar.

If Cain didn't want to fall behind, he would have to work even harder.

At the entrance of the Leafy Town gym, Steven, dressed in his usual elegant suit, bid farewell to Cain.

"Cain, you've got to keep up. Don't fall too far behind because I'm going to overtake Lance first," Steven said with a smile.

Cain smiled back and replied, "You'd better hurry, or I might catch up and reach the top before you."

Steven only smiled wider and said nothing more.

He turned and began walking toward the outskirts of Leafy Town, raising a hand to wave goodbye to Cain.

He felt the pressure from Cain and knew he had to push himself; he couldn't afford to be left behind.

(End of Chapter)