Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

When Cain left Mauville City, there were fifteen days left before the start of the Sinnoh Tournament.

His immediate goal was to visit the underground markets of various cities to gather the necessary materials to craft high-quality enhancement potions, search for a Superior or Supreme-quality Shiny Stone, and, in the process, acquire some moves that could strengthen his Pokémon in the remaining time.

However, he wasn't sure if the money he had would be enough. Although he had looted many resources from the Void organization, this was his first time buying materials for this type of potion, and he didn't know the prices of some ingredients whose names he didn't even recognize.

He left Mauville City and headed for Slateport City.

Both Mauville City and Slateport City are major urban centers in the Hoenn region, but since Slateport City is near the sea, it has a higher concentration of Water-type Pokémon.

Cain thought he might find the materials he needed there for Water-type Pokémon.

It wasn't his first visit to Slateport City. During his last visit, he had even had a symbolic battle with the local Gym Leader. That man, who seemed very kind, handed him the badge with a smile upon learning who Cain was.

This time, however, Cain remained unnoticed. With a discreet disguise, it was difficult for anyone to recognize him. Dressed in a modest black jacket that concealed his face, he easily found the entrance to Slateport City's black market and began exploring.

His first objective was to find materials for the high-quality enhancement potions for Marshtomp and Poliwhirl.

He was also looking for a Superior or Supreme-quality Shiny Stone, moves for his Pokémon, and new ingredients for Pokéblock recipes, although the latter were relatively easy to obtain.

As a coastal city, Slateport City had a large number of useful materials for Water-type Pokémon. After extensive inquiries, Cain found several ingredients whose names he had never heard before. Despite the high prices, everything was going fairly well.

Cain purchased two moves for Floette: Energy Ball and Grass Knot, Grass-type moves that complemented its expertise in this type.

After becoming a Grass-type Pokémon, Floette needed more moves to diversify its combat style, so Cain planned to use it as his Grass-type Pokémon in the Sinnoh Tournament.

Additionally, Cain acquired the move Protect for all the Pokémon in his second combat lineup, as this move could be crucial in tough situations.

Marshtomp and Poliwhirl, the only ones from the second lineup with a chance of participating in the tournament, received special attention.

Cain bought them additional moves: for Marshtomp, Earthquake and Scald, strengthening both its offensive capability and endurance in prolonged battles; for Poliwhirl, Scald and Double Team, enhancing its evasion ability and battle sustainability.

Despite everything, Cain couldn't find a crucial ingredient for the high-quality enhancement potions for Marshtomp and Poliwhirl.

This material, called "Ocean Soul," was unavailable throughout Slateport City's underground market. Not even the most experienced vendors had heard of it.

With no other options, Cain decided to leave the city and head for Pacifidlog Town, an island settlement. Perhaps someone there would know what the "Ocean Soul" was.

As for the money... Cain would have to figure out a solution once he found the material.

On the coast of Slateport City, he took a deep breath of the salty air and summoned Flygon, his Dragon-type Pokémon. Although its level was still 49, Cain had begun training it seriously. Flygon now had access to exclusive Pokéblocks, a privilege reserved only for Pokémon Cain considered essential.

Flygon seemed happier than ever. Finally, it no longer suffered through punishing training sessions, something that had wounded its pride as a Dragon-type Pokémon.

Cain mounted Flygon and, with his handheld computer, flew toward the ocean.

However, he failed to notice that someone was watching him from the beach.

A man with a radiant smile, basking in the sun, stood up and looked in the direction where Cain had departed, forming a strange grin.

As he flew, Cain felt an inexplicable unease.

It was a feeling of restlessness, as if something was about to happen. Although Cain used to ignore things like this in the past, ever since awakening his psychic powers, he had learned to pay attention to these gut feelings, as they were never wrong.

Cain pressed his lips together and tried to calm his mind, but the feeling wouldn't fade. Flygon, sensing its trainer's mood, accelerated without needing instructions.

It seemed that something important was about to happen.

(End of Chapter)