After scanning all the information in the system, regardless of its accuracy, it was extremely valuable for Cain, who knew nothing.
In two days, Team Rocket's ship would set sail, leaving Cain with just under a day and a half.
Gathering his Pokémon, Cain headed straight to the training and battle grounds behind the Pokémon Center. Many League trainers were there, as both training and battles were always popular, albeit with varying levels of intensity.
Cain arrived in the afternoon, right when the excitement was at its peak.
Upon arrival, Cain sent out his Gengar to accompany him.
Gengar was a rare Pokémon. While Gastly and Haunter were more common, due to Gengar's special evolution, it wasn't easy to encounter one.
Normally, Gengar could only be seen in major League events or high-level competitions, typically under the command of powerful trainers.
Walking alongside Gengar, Cain quickly drew the attention of many trainers.
Cain's purpose in not hiding was simple: he wanted to attract attention. Gengar didn't have much time to adapt to its new body.
With the ship departing in two days, Gengar needed high-intensity battles to better familiarize itself with its body.
Cain headed straight to a large battle arena and took a position at one end.
Renting a battlefield at the Pokémon Center wasn't expensive for a League member like Cain, and it even included a competent referee.
Cain pulled out a wad of 200,000 Pokédollars—cash he had withdrawn from the black market.
"Here's 200,000 Pokédollars in cash. Anyone who can face me and win gets to keep it. There's no limit to the number of Pokémon. It's a one-on-one battle, but consecutive battles are allowed."
"There's no entry fee! Anyone who wants to participate can register with the referee," Cain announced loudly, displaying the thick wad of money.
Those who had been watching Cain since his arrival were stunned at what they heard.
It wasn't 200 Pokédollars—it was 200,000 Pokédollars!
For an average family, earning that amount in a year without spending anything was already an achievement, but Cain was offering that sum for a single battle.
The most important part was that anyone could participate, with no limit on the number of Pokémon. While it was one-on-one, after battling five or six Pokémon, even the strongest would feel the pressure.
The first trainer, the fastest to react, was already standing in front of Cain on the field.
Gengar automatically positioned itself in front of Cain, knowing this battle had been arranged specifically for it.
Gengar felt a bit embarrassed for not yet fully adapting to its new body after evolving.
During playtime with the other Pokémon in the room, Gengar had clearly felt uncomfortable, but fortunately, its companions understood and supported it.
The first opponent wasn't weak, but for Cain's Gengar, which had already reached the advanced level, it wasn't much of a challenge.
However, Cain didn't allow Gengar to use its strongest moves to quickly defeat its opponent. Instead, he controlled the pace so Gengar could better utilize its body before emerging victorious.
Although that was Cain's plan, the spectators thought Gengar wasn't particularly strong, as it had taken almost ten minutes to defeat the first opponent.
The trainers waiting for their turn, convinced they were stronger than the first opponent, eagerly prepared to face Cain's Gengar and win the 200,000 Pokédollars.
Meanwhile, some less confident trainers moved to the back of the line. If Gengar defeated several opponents and wore itself out, they might have a chance to take advantage of the situation.
To Cain, 200,000 Pokédollars wasn't much, but for these trainers, it was an enormous temptation.
If any Team Rocket members had been present, they likely would have tried something riskier, rules be damned. For them, as long as the reward was sufficient, they were willing to do anything.
After defeating the first opponent, the second quickly stepped up to face Cain.
Just like in the previous battle, Cain managed the fight so that Gengar appeared to be giving its all to defeat its opponent. In the end, however, the results were the same.
The same happened with the third opponent. After Gengar's "hard-fought" victory, Cain fed it some Pokéblocks.
The spectators, seeing Gengar maintain its pace, began to wonder if this was all a scam. But when they saw Cain feeding Gengar, they felt relieved.
Finally, it's getting tired!
Trainers continued stepping onto the field, but with each battle, Gengar grew more skilled with its body, and Cain adjusted the pace, allowing it to defeat opponents more quickly.
The trainers' hopes of exhausting Gengar faded, and instead, they themselves ended up worn out.
Eventually, some trainers, seeing that Gengar seemed fatigued, began doubting whether to keep trying.
Cain observed their expressions and decided it was enough for today. However, there was still another day, and it wasn't just Gengar that needed training—the other Pokémon could benefit too.
"That's all for today," Cain announced loudly.
"Tomorrow morning, at this same place, the prize will be 400,000 Pokédollars! I invite all of you to participate, and even bring your friends or family. I'll be here all day waiting!" he added before heading back to the Pokémon Center with Gengar.
(End of Chapter)