After finishing the emergency meeting, Cain returned to his temporary tent.
Because of his special status, he was allowed to have a tent all to himself; nearby were Steven and the others.
However, this time, he didn't go to exchange experiences with them — he went straight back alone.
Steven and the rest didn't bother him. They simply assumed that, after such an exhausting day of nonstop battles, he must have been tired.
But in truth, upon returning, Cain used his psychic powers to erect a soundproof barrier and dialed Rose's communication number — she was currently at the Team Heaven base in Mauville City.
The connection was established.
"Sir." Rose's respectful voice came through.
"How are things lately?" Cain asked calmly.
"Following your orders, we haven't gotten involved in what those underground forces are calling the 'Grand Festival.' We've just been honestly carrying out our usual duties.
"The League, after a period of observation, seems to have calmed down toward us; they haven't taken any specific action against us. We're preparing to reopen the black market — we've suffered considerable losses during this time." Rose gave a concise report.
Hearing her, Cain felt satisfied with how Rose and the others were handling things and following orders.
Those underground forces were secondary — it was best to leave them in the hands of someone trustworthy.
"The black market can reopen. The League won't be focusing its attention on us. But during this period, double the prices of all materials and Pokémon we sell — even more if possible. Take the chance to buy up rare materials others sell cheaply.
"Pay special attention to the movements of Team Magma and Team Aqua members. Anything they liquidate at low prices, buy it all. Preferably through barter — push their prices down and raise ours," Cain instructed.
Upon hearing that, Rose understood immediately.
It was clear that Team Magma and Team Aqua were preparing for a war of attrition with the League. For Team Heaven, that was the perfect opportunity to profit from the war.
At this moment, essential materials and trained Pokémon were worth a fortune.
Overpricing made perfect sense.
Before, she might have feared that selling to them at such high prices would provoke retaliation from Team Magma or Team Aqua — but now they were in trouble themselves. How could they have time to bother with Team Heaven?
"Understood!" Rose replied enthusiastically.
"Also, keep an eye on the League's movements. They'll likely go after smaller factions first. Be ready to absorb whatever's left of them.
"I have only one requirement: better little but high quality," Cain emphasized.
"Yes, you can rest assured." Rose knew exactly what to do.
Watching Team Heaven steadily grow stronger — and with her serving in a role similar to chief administrator — her own position would continue to rise as well.
If Team Magma and Team Aqua were crushed by the League, it wasn't unreasonable to think that Team Heaven might emerge as a genuine power.
"That's all. If anything special happens, report it to me immediately," Cain said, and ended the call.
With the directive set, the previously quiet Team Heaven began to move swiftly.
Rose's orders were relayed one after another, and the medium-sized machine that was Team Heaven began to operate.
If it could absorb enough "nutrients," it might truly transform into a colossal monster.
...
After hanging up, Cain dispelled the psychic barrier and sat down on his bed.
This situation — for him, Steven, and the others — was an opportunity.
Training alone wasn't enough to raise Pokémon.
After so many battles that day, it was clear that his Pokémon had refined their techniques and improved their mastery of moves.
What would take three days of training could be achieved in a single battle.
Pokémon, after all, were creatures meant to grow through combat. The trainer's role was to accelerate that growth and guide it in the right direction.
Trainer and Pokémon — a pair that grew stronger together.
That was why, as long as there were battles, Cain fully agreed to keep fighting.
Though deep down, there was still some conflict within him.
He knew exactly what Team Magma and Team Aqua were looking for.
And he also knew what would happen if they actually found it.
On one hand, he wanted to witness the legendary Groudon and Kyogre — to see the true extent of their power.
On the other, he feared things might spiral completely out of control.
In the original timeline, Team Magma and Team Aqua didn't find the Blue Orb and Red Orb so soon.
But now, the "butterfly effect" caused by his interference had changed too much.
What confused Cain the most was the appearance of that so-called "Sacred Church."
It was the first time he truly felt that the events to come were beyond his knowledge.
But thinking it over, the situation had long since slipped from his control.
He was merely a slightly larger fish in the river of time, carried along by the current.
...
In the days that followed, the League and the Teams Magma and Aqua began a war of attrition.
The League constantly maintained the offensive, while Team Magma and Team Aqua were forced into defense.
Both sides suffered losses.
But within the League, the names Cain, Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace grew louder and louder.
Even the squads of Team Magma and Team Aqua, upon encountering them, had to think twice before acting.
Especially when it came to Cain. His real combat experience made him grow and stand out far faster than Steven and the others.
When facing Steven, Phoebe, or Wallace, enemies could assess the importance of their missions and decide whether to advance or retreat.
But if Cain appeared — members were ordered to retreat unconditionally; and if their mission failed because of it, they wouldn't be punished.
So this Cain was the infamous Scourge of Battle...
Cain the Scourge of Battle?!?!
That was the title Cain had earned through his own fights.
As for Steven and the others, though powerful as well, they lacked his same sharpness in real combat.
Cain, however, forced enemies not only to fight with their Pokémon but also to be wary for their own physical safety.
That was the essence of his fighting style.
And far from opposing or questioning him, Drake and the League's higher-ups saw him as a battle-born talent whose growth rate was extraordinary.
Within the League, the calls for Cain to become the newest member of the Elite Four grew stronger by the day.
Not only because of the ferocity and precision of his fighting style, but also because he had saved countless people.
Almost everyone in the camp had received his help at one point, and whenever they saw him, they greeted him with respect.
By this point, aside from Drake and Glacia, Cain's personal reputation had reached its peak.
A true powerhouse who had earned everything through his own strength — anyone would respect that.
And on top of that, Cain wasn't just a fighter, but also a breeder; with Florges and other strong supporters, he could fight on the front lines and sustain the rear at the same time.
How could anyone not respect him?
(End of Chapter)