After leaving the restaurant, Cain didn't head straight out of the black market. Instead, he decided to purchase some essential outdoor survival items, including large quantities of food and various potions.
Cain hadn't eaten a single bite of the food from the restaurant.
On the other hand, Regi and the others ate enthusiastically, as many of the ingredients at this place were Pokémon.
Slowpoke tail and Farfetch'd duck, in particular, were the restaurant's specialties.
However, Cain drew a clear line: he could eliminate Pokémon that posed a threat to him, but eating food made from Pokémon was something he couldn't accept.
The League had explicitly banned the use of Pokémon as food ingredients.
Nevertheless, as long as such foods weren't openly sold or displayed, the League simply turned a blind eye.
After all, many families had this inclination.
This time, Cain purchased a backpack with massive storage space in the black market and then filled it with plenty of clean water and sealed food that could last a long time.
Based on Cain's estimates, the mission would likely take place on Mythical Island, but he couldn't be entirely sure if Team Rocket had already discovered it at this point.
He was about 80% confident.
In addition to food, tools, and necessary potions, Cain made sure to replenish his supply of Pokéballs.
From the most common Pokéballs to the more expensive specialty ones, he acquired a variety.
He then switched all of his Pokémon's Pokéballs to the luxurious Luxury Balls, which were far more comfortable inside.
Since Larvitar and the other young ones probably wouldn't have much time to roam outside on the island, providing them with as comfortable a space as a Luxury Ball was ideal.
After swapping his Pokémon's Pokéballs, Cain, with Slowking's help, left the black market.
Back in his room at the Pokémon Center, Cain released his Pokémon and then sat on the couch, reviewing the information Regi had provided about the other participants and the island.
The first page displayed the ever-flashy photo of Regi.
However, the description below didn't impress Cain much.
Regi was a Pokémon Electric-type specialist and a direct subordinate of Lt. Surge, one of Team Rocket's three Senior Executives.
Was that really all?
After reading the data on Regi's Pokémon, Cain doubted the accuracy of the information.
At least two or three of his Pokémon weren't listed, or their true power hadn't been revealed.
After a cursory read, Cain skipped directly to the last pages.
According to Regi, he had ranked all the participants in order of power, from weakest to strongest, based on the information he had obtained.
The first page was about Regi, the second about Glacius, the third about Aurelia, and the fourth about Cain.
None of the four were described in detail, especially Cain.
Living in the Hoenn region, Cain was a mystery to Regi, who hadn't been able to gather much information about him.
Furthermore, since Cain was under Giovanni's strict supervision and in direct contact with Team Rocket's Shadow unit, many within the organization couldn't investigate him further.
Most of the data consisted of speculations about Cain's strength.
Fortunately, if even Regi had so little information about him, it was unlikely others could obtain more.
Upon reaching the final pages, Cain encountered dense lines of text and extremely detailed descriptions.
It was evident that, with his pride, Regi considered this person highly important.
The strongest participant in this mission was named Ren.
Just Ren—no last name.
His Pokémon were of the rare but powerful Dragon type.
A Team Rocket Officer specializing in Dragon-type Pokémon.
His strongest Pokémon was a Flygon at the peak of the advanced level, just one step away from becoming a quasi-elite Pokémon.
It was one of the few peak advanced-level Pokémon in this mission.
Moreover, Flygon's dual Dragon and Ground typing made Regi even more cautious of him.
As Cain flipped through the pages, he saw data on many other participants.
Some were described in considerable detail, while others were only briefly mentioned. It wasn't clear if this was because Regi hadn't obtained enough information or simply didn't consider those individuals important.
After half an hour, Cain finished reviewing the booklet and let out a long sigh.
In short, the participants were incredibly strong, and many of them weren't very old. They were trainers carefully selected by Team Rocket's top ranks for their strength and potential.
If the mission succeeded, some of them would likely reach the level of quasi-elite trainers.
However, Cain was relieved not to see one particular name: Xenon.
Xander's older brother, who had the power of a quasi-elite trainer and was also a Team Rocket Officer. But due to his power level, he wasn't participating in this mission.
With his ability, Xenon had surely set his sights on Cain the moment he discovered Xander hadn't survived Trial Island.
Regardless of whether Cain had killed Xander or not, Xenon would seek revenge.
Luckily, ever since Cain left Trial Island, he had gone straight to Hoenn, and with Giovanni's constant support, Xenon hadn't been able to act in secret.
This mission would have been the perfect opportunity since, without Team Rocket's supervision, any death on the island would be seen as normal.
However, the mission rules allowed only advanced-level trainers to participate, which led to Xenon's application being denied.
Even so, Cain knew that after this mission, Xenon would view him as an even greater threat, and when Xenon couldn't hold back anymore, he would act against Cain.
Because both he and Cain knew there was no reconciliation possible between them. Even if Xenon didn't seek trouble, Cain would, to ensure any future threats were eliminated.
"Let's see how long you can hold out," Cain murmured under his breath.
As soon as Cain reached the level of a quasi-elite trainer, he would no longer worry about Xenon.
Over time, as Cain realized his full potential, the gap between them would only grow wider.
Cain already knew that Xenon was a Poison-type specialist.
Furthermore, his Pokémon were the kind frequently seen in Team Rocket.
Arbok, Weezing, Golbat, Muk, Gloom... These relatively common Pokémon had been trained by him to an impressive level. There was no denying he had skill.
Unfortunately, his brother had created a mortal enemy.
And Cain, with extraordinary potential, was a growing threat to him.
(End of Chapter)