Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Cain stood on his Flygon, flying ahead while Altaria closely followed, launching constant attacks to harass Xenon.

At this moment, the differences between a quasi-Elite level wild Pokémon and one trained by an experienced trainer became evident.

On Mythical Island, this Altaria could have easily defeated a quasi-Elite level Pidgeot in just a few moves. Even when facing a Crobat of the same level, it wouldn't have had too much trouble.

However, now it was fighting against Xenon's Pidgeot and Crobat, and its attacks failed to make a significant impact.

Additionally, Xenon's team included an Exeggutor, a Psychic-type Pokémon with overwhelming power at level 58. It continuously helped its teammates harass Altaria with precise attacks, taking every opportunity to cause disruptions. If their strategies worked correctly, they could even deal considerable damage to Altaria.

Meanwhile, on the ocean surface, the battle was also intense. Every time Cain's Flygon descended slightly in altitude, Xenon's Gyarados took advantage of the opportunity to launch attacks.

A single direct hit from Gyarados would be enough to incapacitate Flygon and prevent it from continuing to fly.

Despite the pressure, Cain found some relief in seeing how his Flygon handled the situation. Over time, it had developed greater confidence and was no longer so easily intimidated, even against multiple quasi-Elite level Pokémon.

This was progress.

However, Cain knew this situation couldn't drag on indefinitely.

He activated his telepathy ability to communicate directly with Altaria.

"Altaria, this can't continue. Listen to my orders from now on."

Although somewhat reluctant, Altaria had to admit that it wasn't achieving results by fighting at its own pace. Facing Xenon's well-coordinated strategies, it had even taken a few hits.

Nodding slightly, Altaria agreed to follow Cain's instructions.

Although she had never participated in Cain's training sessions, she had observed how he trained her two children, the two young Swablu, and was somewhat familiar with his style. Therefore, even though their synchronization wasn't perfect, they managed to coordinate at a basic level.

Even so, the initial coordination didn't allow Altaria to unleash its full potential.

After all, as a Pokémon that had lived in the wild for a long time, Altaria had its own combat rhythm. Adapting to someone else's instructions was a challenge.

However, under Cain's guidance, Altaria gradually began to understand its trainer's rhythm. Its movements became more precise, and while it still couldn't deal significant damage to Xenon's Pokémon, it managed to avoid taking combined attacks.

Xenon's strategies began to crumble.

Despite this, as Xenon observed the clumsy cooperation between Cain and Altaria, he became even more convinced that this Pokémon must have been specially assigned by the League's higher-ups. To him, the lack of fluidity in their movements was evidence that they were just starting to work together.

However, thanks to its innate ability and outstanding talent, Altaria quickly adapted to Cain's rhythm. Little by little, its actions became more efficient, demonstrating considerable combat capability.

The battle dragged on for almost an hour. Although Xenon couldn't defeat Cain, Altaria, facing three quasi-Elite level Pokémon alone, began to show signs of exhaustion.

Unlike systematically trained Pokémon, this Altaria had grown by accumulating energy naturally. Its body and abilities weren't fully developed, and many of its capabilities remained untapped.

The reason it could surpass other Pokémon at the highest end of the quasi-Elite level was partly due to its pure Dragon-type lineage and its exceptional dark blue quality.

However, these advantages were more evident when facing other untrained wild Pokémon.

As Cain and Xenon continued their chase over the ocean, a small island appeared on the horizon. Cain guided his Flygon toward it.

Noticing this, Xenon relaxed a little.

"It looks like Cain is reaching his limit. He knows that if this continues, he'll end up exhausted. He's probably planning to face me on this island."

Xenon evaluated Altaria's remaining strength. Considering its current condition, he knew it wouldn't take long to defeat it.

With Altaria out of the fight, Cain would have almost no chance of winning.

Xenon was sure of his victory.

Once he eliminated Cain, he could focus entirely on his own growth, reach the Elite level, and enter the ranks of Team Rocket's top executives.

A high-ranking position didn't just mean authority—it also meant the ability to lead operations across multiple regions, becoming an influential figure within the organization.

However, just when Xenon thought everything was under control, Cain directed Flygon toward a landing on the island.

The small island had a mountain at its center, tall enough that its peak was covered in snow. Cain had Flygon stop at the mountain's base.

Altaria, visibly tired, descended alongside Cain.

Although Altaria hesitated, it knew it could carry Cain on its back and easily escape from Xenon's Pidgeot. However, as a proud dragon, there were limits to what it was willing to do.

Moreover, its relationship with Cain was more of a partnership than absolute loyalty. It was only fighting alongside him because it trusted Cain and because he had cared for its two children.

Meanwhile, from Altaria's perspective, Flygon didn't even deserve to be considered a real dragon.

But Cain showed no signs of worry. Even during his time on the previous island, he hadn't seemed nervous. Now that he had arrived on this island, he looked even calmer.

The trap was already set.

The hunter and the prey were about to switch roles.

After all, he had always preferred to be the hunter.

(End of Chapter)