Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

"Leader Skye, the final test will be held tomorrow. At this point, we still don't know if Mr. Cain will return; we don't even know if he's still alive. Should we really keep waiting?" Cain heard a voice echoing through the hall.

He paused slowly, stopping outside the door instead of entering directly.

Since becoming a psychic, his hearing, among other abilities, had sharpened considerably.

"Yes, Leader Skye, why not just become the leader yourself? After all, you've been the one guiding us," added another voice.

"Don't say nonsense." Cain still remembered Skye's voice—it was him who had said that.

Though Cain didn't know Skye's true intentions, at least at that moment, Skye hadn't betrayed him.

Skye was different from the others. Those under his command had joined because of Cain's reputation. However, after Cain showed a bit of his power in that test, he disappeared without a trace.

That moment had shocked them, but Cain had been gone for nearly two months, and no one knew if he was still alive.

Additionally, by now, any Pokémon in the hall was stronger than Cain back then. After all, two months had passed, and those who survived on the island had continuously improved their skills.

Presently, their fear of Cain had diminished, and they even began to forget about him.

But Skye remembered perfectly how Cain had faced the crowd led by Soros with a murderous resolve, and how he kept changing and growing each time he returned.

If Cain were dead, it would be a relief, but if he was still alive, how terrifying would his power be now, given his growth rate?

Skye didn't dare to imagine it, nor did he want to.

Since that test ended, he had suppressed any thoughts of betrayal.

In this final test, if Cain didn't return, Skye could take control of the faction without worry.

But if Cain returned, it would be best to remain his subordinate. That would be the wisest decision.

"Hmph, Skye! I didn't come here to see leadership tossed back and forth. Big boss Xander sent me to tell you that if you don't join us now, when he comes out, none of you will make it out alive." An odd, arrogant voice rang out.

"That Cain is the person big boss Xander hates most. Right now, he doesn't want to see anything related to him, so you'd better join us immediately, or else..."

"Leader Skye, the boss..."

"Leader Skye, should we..."

"Silence! You! If you don't want to die, get out now! Xander only leans on his brother. Cain destroyed one of his Ekans' eyes back then. If it weren't for Master Viper's intervention, Xander would have fallen too." Skye cut his subordinate off sharply as he tried to plead.

"You!" The person immediately fell silent. He only had Xander's backing, but if he truly fought Skye, he might not even know how he died.

Since Cain left, Xander had taken time to recover, but Cain's faction didn't collapse because Skye stood firm.

Skye consistently ranked in the top three in every test, and though Xander reclaimed the top spot, Skye remained among the top five.

Thus, Skye had become one of the strongest among the test participants.

The person's face turned red with anger, unsure of what to say, but he also thought about the consequences of not completing the task Xander had assigned him...

Since Xander was defeated by Cain and Ekans lost an eye, both he and his Pokémon had become more unpredictable. If someone went against his wishes, they were ruthlessly punished; in severe cases, they became food for Ekans.

Some had tried to eliminate Xander when he was weak, but they were defeated.

Since then, Xander contacted his brother, and with his help, quickly regained strength, returning to the top spot.

From that day on, he stopped thinking about surpassing his brother or becoming an official in Team Rocket. He had only one goal: to kill Cain!

Cain had become his inner demon.

Thinking about this, the person trembled in fear.

"Skye, you can only be arrogant for a while. When the test ends and we return to Team Rocket, with Xander's backing, finishing you off will be easy." As he said this, the person straightened again.

"No matter what you think, your subordinates likely aren't all on your side, are they?"

"You must understand who can keep you alive longer! Who should you follow for a more promising future? I'm offering you an opportunity now. If you join big boss Xander, even if you don't pass the test, you'll be guaranteed to leave the test island alive."

"Instructor Viper made it clear a few days ago that only the top five in the final test can take others off the test island. Plus, the higher the rank, the more people they can take. Skye, can you guarantee to take everyone?"

Hearing this, Cain fell silent.

What he said was true; only the top five could bring others not in the top fifty off the island. The top rank could take ten people, the second rank seven, the third five, the fourth three, and the fifth only two.

Now, there were twenty people in the hall. Though some might make the top fifty, others could die in tomorrow's test. Still, Skye couldn't guarantee taking everyone.

With his current strength, making the top five wouldn't be a problem, but the top three would be harder.

After a moment of silence, the first person behind Skye moved, slowly walking toward the one who had spoken.

Once the first person moved, others began to follow.

Most were those unsure of reaching the top fifty, but when one particular individual took the step, Skye's expression changed.

Staring at that person, Skye grew furious. "Matsuki! Are you also deciding to betray? We invested many resources in you these past months. Without that, how would you have made the top twenty?"

This Matsuki was someone Skye had placed great hope in, so he had invested many resources in him, hoping to turn him into a powerful fighter.

But he never expected that Matsuki would now choose to betray him, joining Xander's side.

With his movement, the people behind Skye began to stir, and those who were still hesitant finally made a decision.

(End of Chapter)