Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

The two League Researchers who had stayed behind barely reacted at this moment.

It turned out that the Pokémon that had suddenly appeared were there to help them.

Cain used telepathy to direct the Pokémon in battle.

The fight was already completely under control. After about ten minutes, it was completely over.

All the members of the poacher group, under the effect of Gengar's Hypnosis move, fell into a deep sleep.

It was then that Cain slowly emerged from the trees.

Seeing Cain's attire and the advanced-level researcher badge on his chest, the two researchers showed expressions of relief and joy.

They ran forward.

"Thank you for your support, sir," said the intermediate-level researcher.

Cain smiled and replied, "You're welcome. I was just passing by when I ran into two of your companions, who informed me that you were in danger. Besides, since this was an urgent League mission, I decided to come help."

Upon hearing this, the two researchers understood the situation.

Since this was poacher territory, there was a very strong signal interference device. That's why their communicators couldn't send messages. They had no choice but to send two people to seek help, hoping that someone would come to their rescue.

"It's all my fault. I underestimated the situation and thought it was just a small group of poachers. I didn't expect to face such an organized group."

"When we wanted to escape, it was already too late. We were discovered, so we decided that two would go seek help while we stayed behind to cover the retreat," said the intermediate-level researcher with a mix of regret and frustration.

Cain did not respond but smiled slightly.

In fact, what he was saying was true. After this mission, this researcher would probably receive some kind of sanction.

As the team leader, his lack of judgment could have been disastrous for the group. However, at least he showed responsibility by staying behind to cover the retreat.

The researcher who accompanied him, although still at the initial level, was also quite strong and would probably soon advance to the intermediate level.

After saying goodbye to the two researchers, Cain continued with his Pokémon training, leaving the handling of the captured poachers to the two researchers, who knew what to do.

Cain not only received their gratitude but also a considerable reward in points.

However, that was not the most important thing.

The most significant thing was that, through this battle, Cain was able to preliminarily assess the performance of the six Pokémon he had prepared for the Sinnoh Tournament.

Overall, Cain was quite satisfied.

The only drawback was that his Pokémon's levels were still somewhat low, and they needed a bit more to reach their peak.

If he wanted to achieve a good result, he would have to work even harder.

As they continued ascending, they reached the middle zone of the mountain. In this area, wild Pokémon could no longer be faced solely with Marshtomp and Poliwhirl.

Cain led his team further up.

...

Finally, two days later, on a pile of rocks in Mount Coronet.

Marshtomp, whose body had reached its peak in several aspects, faced an Onix with Cain's approval.

Pokémon: Onix (Green)

Gender: Male

Level: 39

Type: Rock/Ground

Ability: Sturdy

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Block, Defense Curl, Rock Climb

Basic Moves: Mud Sport, Tackle, Harden, Bind, Curse, Rock Throw, Rock Tomb, Rage, Stealth Rock, Rock Polish, Gyro Ball, Smack Down, Dragon Breath, Slam, Screech, Rock Slide, Sand Tomb

Learned Moves: Stomping Tantrum, Iron Tail, Iron Head, Snore

TM Moves: None

This opponent was personally chosen by Cain for Marshtomp. It was one of the few battles in which Cain actively intervened in Mount Coronet.

During these days of training, Marshtomp had not only reached level 35 but also had his physical stats at their highest.

Although the speed of his growth had caused some deficiencies in energy control and move execution, thanks to the use of specific Pokéblocks and a personalized training program since Marshtomp joined the team, there were no major flaws.

There were details to refine, but these could be corrected over time.

Now, Marshtomp was on the verge of evolution, and this battle would mark his transformation.

Although Onix had a higher level than Marshtomp, the type advantage was clear. With a quadruple weakness to Water-type moves and a double weakness to Ground-type moves, Onix was at a disadvantage.

Marshtomp would have to do it without Poliwhirl's help.

"Marshtomp, greet him with Water Pulse."

"Marshh!" he exclaimed confidently as he formed a blue energy sphere between his hands, launching it directly at the sunbathing Onix.

Boom!

"Rooooar!" Onix roared in pain as the Water-type move exploded upon him, waking him up instantly.

"I was just sunbathing! Why are they attacking me?"

Onix identified Marshtomp as the aggressor: a small Pokémon, but one that was looking at him seriously, ready for battle.

Without hesitation, Onix swung his tail, sending large rocks toward Marshtomp. At the same time, giant stones rose and began to fall onto Marshtomp from above.

"Marshtomp, dodge and use Scald."

Marshtomp agilely avoided the attacks, advancing toward Onix as his mouth filled with boiling water.

A jet of hot water hit Onix directly on the head, making him roar in pain.

Annoyed, Onix prepared his tail with a metallic gleam—Iron Tail.

"Marshtomp, use Protect! Then grab him and use Earthquake."

Marshtomp blocked the attack with the Protect move, taking advantage of the moment to latch onto Onix's tail and leap onto his back.

From there, he unleashed the effects of Earthquake, sending seismic waves directly into Onix's body.

"Final attack! Aqua Tail with all your strength."

Marshtomp gathered all his energy into his tail, knowing this would be his last attack in this form.

He struck with all his might!

(End of Chapter)