Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

This is the only way to explain why the alliance of the three groups has barely managed to resist.

Xander's strength alone is probably enough to face the union of second and third place.

It's clear that the difference between a near-Officer-level Captain and other Captains is quite significant.

However, Cain already has a clear idea of Xander's strength. If Xander doesn't have more tricks up his sleeve, facing him now would be much easier than last time.

To be honest, Cain no longer considers Xander a rival.

In fact, it could be said that there's no one on Trial Island that Cain views as a worthy opponent.

Aside from the subordinates of the four Executives and a few of the Elite Officers, Cain doesn't see the other participants as a major threat.

Cain tossed the light green-quality Gloom Pokéball to Fox and asked, "With three Pokémon, do you think you can make it into the top 10?"

Fox caught the Gloom Pokéball, surprised and unable to hide his astonishment.

Everyone knew Matsuki's Gloom. Although it had a low level for a high-quality Pokémon, it was still a very valuable Pokémon on Trial Island.

Matsuki had reached the top 20 thanks to this Gloom. Now that Fox had it, he might have a chance to make it into the top 10.

Determined, Fox replied, "You can count on me, sir! I'll try my best. I can't guarantee it, but we'll see if the current number 10 can beat me or not."

Although Gloom had belonged to another trainer, the trainers on Trial Island were used to exchanging Pokémon, so there shouldn't be major difficulties in getting accustomed to it, though some combat techniques might not be well-coordinated at first.

To one side, Kai looked at Fox with envy. He truly envied him; before, Fox had been nothing more than a nobody.

His rise in everyone's eyes began when Cain named and rewarded him.

Now, Cain had decided to reward him again, with Fox being the first to receive a reward.

Cain did this to show everyone that he didn't hesitate to reward those who were loyal to him.

While Kai envied Fox, Skye, standing beside him, harbored no resentment. He knew that if Fox had received such a valuable reward, he, as the strongest and most loyal to Cain, would also receive a significant reward.

Not making him wait long, Cain took out another Pokéball and threw it to Skye.

"It's a high-quality Grimer (green) that I captured off the island. It should be stronger than your Golbat. I hope you secure a spot in the top 3," Cain said.

This Grimer, which Cain had captured in Diglett Cave, had its skills and attributes improved to reach a green-quality level. Although it hadn't seen much combat experience, its potential was impressive.

If Skye managed to train it properly, it would be a formidable opponent.

Receiving the Pokéball, Skye couldn't hide his disbelief. A high-quality Pokémon?

This kind of Pokémon could rival Xander's Arbok. If he trained it well, it might even surpass it.

Cain now seemed beyond valuing Pokémon of such quality.

"Thank you, sir!" Skye said gratefully.

"This Pokémon is at a rather high level, but I haven't used it in combat. Use the night to familiarize yourself with it. I expect you to use it tomorrow."

Kai's eyes grew even more envious. A high-quality Pokémon? And Cain handed it over without hesitation! He began to regret not following Cain sooner. With a Pokémon like that, he could easily aim for the top 5, if not higher.

Others also looked at Skye and Fox with envy. These two, who had followed Cain from the beginning, were now the most rewarded.

After a brief thought, Cain took out another Pokéball from his pocket.

Everyone present focused on this Pokéball, eagerly hoping that Cain would give it to them.

Without hesitation, Cain threw the Pokéball to Kai, who caught it in disbelief.

"When there is merit, there are rewards. And when there are mistakes, there are punishments. Those on the ground received the punishment they deserved. However, I, Cain, am not stingy with those who show their loyalty."

"This is an initial high-quality Grimer (light green). Although it's not as strong as Skye's, it's at a decent level. Make good use of it in tomorrow's trial," Cain said, looking at everyone.

Kai, who had been standing by Skye, challenging Matsuki, couldn't help but feel emotional.

Those who had doubted him earlier now lowered their heads, while those who had always been loyal to Cain showed a look of fervor and loyalty.

They did not fear combat or death, but that their leader might not see their efforts and fail to reward them adequately.

But Cain had shown them that he was worthy of their loyalty.

"Yes! I'll fight for a spot in the top 10!" Kai exclaimed excitedly.

Unlike Fox, this was the first time Cain rewarded him, and the excitement of receiving such a valuable Pokémon was indescribable.

Cain gestured with his hand and said, "Do your best. The top spots aren't that important. Your power will grow over time, and as long as you don't betray me, quality Pokémon will keep coming."

As he spoke, Cain took out more Pokéballs from his pocket, showing some to the crowd before putting them away again.

These Pokémon were even more valuable than those he had handed out.

"I'll overlook what you've done in the past or what you might have tried. But if in the future I find out about anything, I won't leave even your bodies intact!" Cain warned.

"Yes!" the group responded in unison, with the eight corpses on the ground as a clear example.

"Skye, collect and distribute the Pokémon from these corpses as appropriate," Cain ordered.

Skye looked at Cain, and by his expression, he knew that although Cain had said he would forgive past mistakes, he wouldn't really.

A chill ran down his spine.

(End of Chapter)