Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

"Mr. Cain, congratulations on achieving first place in this final trial. According to the trial rules, you may choose one of three starter Pokémon as your reward," the employee said with a smile.

Cain didn't pay much attention to how they determined points or rankings; he was simply informed directly. However, as a psychic power user, he noticed a very fine psychic energy line connecting to the employee's head before they spoke.

Telepathy!

It seemed that a psychic or a Pokémon with psychic abilities was communicating with them. No wonder they didn't need computers or scanners to determine points and rankings.

After saying this, Cain noticed the psychic line behind the employee's head vibrate again, and their expression suddenly changed.

"Excuse me! Excuse me! Mr. Cain, please wait a moment. I have something urgent to attend to. I ask for your patience," they said, quickly opening the back door and rushing out.

After they left, a shadow began to slowly materialize where they had been.

Umbra!

Cain saw the approaching figure and tried to speak, but Umbra stopped him with a gesture. Then, a Gengar emerged from the shadow, suddenly releasing ghost-type energy that enveloped both Cain and Umbra.

"Well, those psychics and their Pokémon are convenient, but when they're watching you all the time, there's no privacy," Umbra said, letting out a relieved sigh.

No surprise, being a friend of Sabrina, the most powerful psychic.

"Mr. Umbra," Cain said respectfully.

"You did well this time—not only did you achieve first place, but your score was more than double the second-place score. Of course, that's partly because Regi and the others weren't interested in competing," Umbra continued.

"I promised you that if you earned first place in the final trial, we'd upgrade your previous reward. This time, the starter Pokémon you'll be able to choose will have even greater potential; you'll select it shortly," Umbra explained.

Cain nodded, feeling satisfied.

Umbra went on, "First place in the final trial also comes with an item reward. You may request an item worth up to one million. However, I've arranged a special exception for you, and you can select something worth up to three million. Pick whatever you want."

Hearing this, Cain realized he hadn't known about this additional reward for first place. Since something was better than nothing, he began to consider his options.

After a moment of thought, Cain replied, "Could it be a King's Rock?"

Umbra looked surprised and asked curiously, "You want a King's Rock?"

"Yes, why? Does it exceed three million in value?" Cain asked.

"Eh, no, the King's Rock has a market value of around five million, and it's often more expensive due to its rarity. But within Team Rocket, we have some in stock. I can make an exception and get one for you, but are you sure that's what you want?" Umbra insisted.

Cain felt a bit uneasy under Umbra's gaze, but the idea of obtaining a King's Rock was too tempting.

"Yes, I want the King's Rock," Cain confirmed.

"Very well, it will be sent along with your starter Pokémon," Umbra said.

Since Cain was resolute and Umbra had given his word, he would honor the promise.

"Did you visit Gastly's Cave?" Umbra asked, his expression serious.

Cain tensed, as though his heart had stopped. Had they detected Mismagius's existence?

Fortunately, in the past two days, Cain had done everything he could to convince Mismagius to control her energy. As a result, while inside her Pokéball, no other Pokémon could detect her.

"Yes, I did. There was a map fragment there, so I went to retrieve it," Cain replied honestly.

"Did you see anything strange? Or notice any unusual Pokémon? Did you investigate that black stone pillar again?" Umbra asked three consecutive questions, showing how important the matter was.

"Something strange? The only odd thing was that black stone pillar. I went in to investigate, but I didn't see any unusual Pokémon. My Haunter absorbed some ghost energy, which increased its level and power," Cain said, summoning Haunter from his shadow.

As a trainer of a Gengar, Umbra was very familiar with Haunter.

"Your Haunter is quite good; if you train it well, it could become an Elite-level Pokémon," Umbra said after observing it.

Although he still had doubts, it seemed unlikely that Cain could have escaped from an Elite-level Pokémon. Umbra assumed he was simply being paranoid.

"Yes," Cain replied.

"Alright. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask me. The final trial is over, and you should at least be officially named a Captain of Team Rocket," Umbra said.

(Note: Cain, as a member of the Shadow Unit, already held a position equivalent to a Captain but wasn't officially a Team Rocket Captain.)

Not wanting to be reckless, Cain asked, "About Regi and Vexor..."

"Regi, yes. His identity isn't simple; avoid conflicts with him if possible. The other two also have some backing, but not as much as Regi."

"As for Vexor, I assume you're the one who eliminated him, correct?"

"Don't deny it. While Vexor may appear to have a similar status to the other three, he's actually far beneath them. His backer, Lucius, is the same one behind the Elite Officer who sent those officers to test you last time, as you suspected," Umbra said.

"If you eliminated him, so be it. Lucius isn't a problem—just a cunning type. Don't worry; many in Team Rocket are watching you now, including the Leader. He won't dare make a move," Umbra assured.

Cain didn't say anything, but Umbra was confident that Cain had eliminated Vexor.

Anyone with common sense would understand that if Cain hadn't eliminated Vexor, would Regi be so relaxed?

Sometimes, it's better not to say what you already know.

Seeing beyond without saying it.

(End of Chapter)