Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

This time, it was truly astonishing.

Pokémon: Pupitar (Purple)

Gender: Male

Level: 34

Type: Rock + Ground

Ability: Shed Skin

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Dragon Dance, Outrage, Ancient Power, Stealth Rock

Basic Moves: Bite, Leer, Sandstorm, Screech, Chip Away, Rock Slide, Scary Face, Thrash, Dark Pulse

Learned Moves: Snore, Earth Power, Precipice Blades (imperfect version)

TM Moves: Protect

The changes after Pupitar's evolution were simply astounding, both in appearance and internal development. His level shot up from 29 to 34—a five-level jump, something that rarely happens.

Moreover, his potential took a dramatic turn. Although the use of the quality enhancement potion was crucial, it wouldn't have been enough to transform Larvitar's Dark Blue potential into a Purple potential after evolution.

Something else had definitely contributed to this drastic change in Pupitar.

And then there was the move that left Cain astonished: Precipice Blades. Even though it was an imperfect version, it was still Precipice Blades.

This move was exclusive to Groudon, the legendary Pokémon, and had never been seen on any other. The fact that Pupitar learned it defied common logic.

The question that arose was: just how powerful could this imperfect version of Precipice Blades be?

Analyzing Pupitar's changes after evolution, Cain came to a conclusion. The key element had been Groudon's energy.

That violent consciousness which had tried to invade Larvitar's mind before the evolution was likely a fragment of Groudon's thoughts, obtained by ancient humans and turned into a destructive essence due to their inability to control it.

This, combined with the energy previously absorbed from the Fragment of Groudon's armor, completed the process. With both, it wasn't surprising that Pupitar could learn Precipice Blades and enhance his capabilities.

The system's analysis confirmed that all of Groudon's latent energy in Larvitar had been fully assimilated during evolution. That explained the massive level increase and potential improvement.

"Pupitar, how do you feel?" Cain asked.

"Puppp~!" Pupitar replied softly, showing that aside from the discomfort of having no limbs, everything else was in perfect shape.

A surge of energy flowed from Pupitar, causing the ground beneath him to rise, forming a column of earth and sand that lifted him into the air. With this move, he also retrieved a small red backpack containing several diamonds.

With a greedy glint in his eyes, Pupitar couldn't help but lick his lips.

Cain sighed, knowing that while his form had changed, his personality remained the same. Smiling, he pulled a few diamonds from the backpack and handed them over.

"For now, I'll hold on to your backpack. When you can manage it better, I'll give it back."

Although Pupitar showed a displeased expression as Cain stored the backpack in his inventory space, he didn't protest. Still, he seemed a little down knowing he no longer had a place to stash his precious diamonds.

Outside the lab, the sounds of battle grew increasingly intense, and it was clear that the two Claydol Cain had left guarding the entrance wouldn't hold out much longer.

With a swift motion, Cain used a Poké Ball to capture the Groudon-like Golurk. Although it appeared to be drained of energy, Cain knew this Pokémon could be useful if he managed to install a new energy core.

"Slowking, get ready to teleport us," Cain ordered.

As Slowking began scanning coordinates for teleportation, Cain moved to pick up Pupitar, who was exhausted from the side effects of the quality enhancement potion—though his fatigue would be lessened thanks to his recent evolution.

Before leaving, Cain turned to the inscriptions on the laboratory walls. With a simple hand gesture, he slashed a cross-shaped cut using spatial energy, destroying the most crucial parts of the texts.

This would ensure that Team Magma, even if they recovered part of the information, couldn't complete their experiments. Giving them something to stay busy with was better than having them constantly tracking Cain.

Just before leaving, a vial on the table fell and shattered, revealing its contents.

"Is this... a Mega Stone?"

Cain didn't waste any time. Using his psychic power, he picked up the Mega Stone and vanished along with Slowking and Mismagius in a flash of light.

...

Outside, the Team Magma leader known as Ryuto was leading the battle against the two Claydol. Though the clash appeared fierce, he didn't feel like he was facing a real challenge.

Just then, a Team Magma member came running up, accompanied by a Xatu.

"Mr. Ryuto, my Xatu has detected a spatial distortion. It looks like someone is using Teleport in... that room!"

Ryuto's eyes narrowed, a mix of surprise and anger on his face.

"So, just as we suspected, someone got here before us."

With a cold tone that made the messenger tremble, Ryuto gave clear orders.

"Bartim, use your Xatu to follow that distortion and capture the intruder. If you fail, don't bother returning to Team Magma."

"Yes, sir!"

Bartim obeyed without hesitation, disappearing with his Xatu in a flash.

"Butler," Ryuto called.

A young man of about twenty stepped forward respectfully.

"Sir."

"You're coming with me. I want to know what's in that room."

"Understood!"

Butler, an expert in Groudon-related research, felt a mix of excitement and pressure. This was his chance to stand out in the organization, but he also knew that one mistake could cost him dearly.

(End of Chapter)

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(Apparently, they didn't kill Butler.)