Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Under the effect of Slowking's move Teleport, they managed to escape the ruins and appear in a place in the middle of the desert.

Because the distance to the exit was too great, Slowking couldn't take them directly outside in a single use of Teleport. However, with a few additional jumps, that wouldn't be a problem.

"So this is really a Mega Stone... I wonder which Pokémon this particular Mega Stone belongs to," Cain murmured as he observed the peculiar rock in his hand, which emitted an unusual glow.

He had been lucky to accidentally bump into the jar on the table before leaving the ruins; otherwise, he never would have imagined that it contained a Mega Stone.

Finding a Mega Stone in such ancient ruins was unexpected—and far more exciting than he had anticipated. If it also turned out to be a Mega Stone compatible with one of his own Pokémon, even better.

The last Mega Stone he had found belonged to Aggron, but his Aron had only recently evolved into Lairon. It would still be a long journey before Lairon could evolve again.

And, of course, even when a Pokémon evolves, it doesn't mean it can use a Mega Stone immediately. The bond between trainer and Pokémon is a crucial factor to unleash that power.

"Yadon!"

While Cain was still deep in thought, Slowking let out a warning cry, a serious expression on its face.

Shortly after, using telepathy, it conveyed what it had detected.

"Oh? Someone's following your teleportation path?"

Understanding Slowking's message, Cain reacted immediately. The first possibility that came to mind was that it was a Team Magma member with a Psychic-type Pokémon.

While trapped, he had used Slowking's Teleport to escape, which was likely detected by the enemy's Psychic-type Pokémon.

Still, while Pokémon of similar levels could detect the move, without proper preparation or if they were too far away, they wouldn't be able to stop Slowking's Teleport.

The fact that they could trace their position meant the enemy's Pokémon had outstanding talent in space-related moves.

Cain pulled out Altaria's Pokéball. If the Team Magma leader had joined the pursuit, he'd need to be ready to flee. However, if it was just a subordinate, there was no need to worry too much.

Shortly after, a ripple in space announced the arrival of a trainer and his Pokémon. Before Cain appeared a man accompanied by a Xatu.

Seeing that no one else was with them, Cain calmly returned Altaria's Pokéball to his belt.

He narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched the Team Magma member approach with a smile on his face. Beside him stood Xatu, radiating confidence.

Among the Pokémon of the world, Xatu, Alakazam, and Gardevoir are the most skilled in using the move Teleport. This is because the move is deeply rooted in their blood, and as soon as they reach a sufficient level, they master it naturally.

This explained how Xatu had been able to trace Slowking's Teleport.

Cain decided to analyze Xatu using his system:

Pokémon: Xatu (Dark Blue)

Gender: Male

Level: 57

Type: Psychic + Flying

Ability: Synchronize

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Quick Attack, Feather Dance, Refresh, Roost

Basic Moves: Air Slash, Tailwind, Teleport, Peck, Leer, Night Shade, Lucky Chant, Stored Power, Ominous Wind, Confuse Ray, Wish, Psychic, Miracle Eye, Psycho Shift, Future Sight, Power Swap, Guard Swap, Me First

Learned Moves: Pain Split, Telekinesis, Laser Focus, Clear Smog

TM Moves: Protect, Psyshock, Light Screen, Shadow Ball, Dream Eater, Trick Room

A level 57 Xatu. No wonder it was able to trace Slowking. However, Cain knew that although its level was high, it didn't reach elite level. Therefore, he didn't need to rely on his strongest Pokémon, like Mismagius, to face it.

Xatu seemed unable to detect Mismagius's presence, since Mismagius had perfected the ability to conceal its energy. Had the Team Magma member's Pokémon sensed its presence, it probably would have fled immediately.

Cain decided to take the opportunity for his Pokémon to get some practice. He threw a Pokéball and released Weavile, whose current level was 53.

Although the level difference was notable, Weavile's Dark/Ice-type moves were a huge advantage against a Psychic/Flying-type like Xatu.

The Team Magma member, named Bartim, maintained a confident smile as he advanced.

"A thief who teleports... You probably got something valuable from that mysterious room. If I defeat you here, everything will be mine," said Bartim with a mix of arrogance and greed.

As he spoke, he dropped a small device into the sand without Cain noticing, letting it become partially buried.

"I don't care who you are. Give me what you got in that room, and I'll spare your life," he declared with contempt.

Cain smiled slightly. "Is this what you're looking for?" he asked, holding the Mega Stone in front of Bartim and waving it lightly.

Bartim's eyes sparkled upon seeing it, though he kept a facade of calm. "Xatu, use Miracle Eye!" he ordered, intending to nullify Weavile's type advantage.

"Interesting," Cain murmured. "Weavile, respond with Shadow Ball and then use Agility."

The battle was about to begin. Cain, calm as ever, was ready to face whatever threat might come his way.

(End of chapter)