Cain stored Porygon in its Poké Ball.
The system felt different from the last time it entered an inactive state. This time, it didn't shut down completely but went into a standby mode, keeping only its scanning ability active while the rest of its functions remained suspended.
Even Porygon, recently linked to the system, also fell into a state of rest.
Cain didn't know how long this update would take.
He slowly stood up, shaking his head. There was no immediate rush, but he hoped the system would complete the upgrade as soon as possible. As for what changes this update might bring, he had no idea, as it was the first time the system had gone through something like this.
Leaving the alternate space, he restored the control room to its original state. Initially, he had thought about extracting information from the central computer after capturing Porygon, hoping to find valuable data, but now that seemed impossible.
After exiting the control room, he took an elevator to the lowest level and left the Jubilife TV building. It was unlikely that anyone would suspect that not just one person, but several, had managed to infiltrate the place.
If not for Team Galactic's interference, Cain would have completed this operation without complications. The system update was an unexpected turn of events.
After leaving Jubilife TV, he looked for a secluded spot to change his clothes completely. Then he navigated through several alleyways in Jubilife City, ensuring no one was following him before finally leaving the city.
Mounted on Flygon's back, Cain flew back toward Hearthome City.
The operation had taken less time than expected.
While flying on Flygon, he reflected on how to maximize Porygon's potential. Although using it as an extension of himself had its advantages, Cain felt that would be underestimating this Pokémon's capabilities.
Porygon had the unique ability to move freely through electronic devices and digital networks, something that complemented the system's limitations. This would allow him to access vast amounts of data much more efficiently.
Cain hadn't forgotten that Team Rocket was conducting research on Mew's genes. If he could obtain information on those experiments, the benefits would be immeasurable.
Additionally, even as an extension of himself, Porygon would facilitate access to valuable resources, like that mysterious island he had accidentally discovered during a maritime journey.
...
A day later, Cain arrived in Hearthome City and returned to the mansion where he was staying with Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace.
In the backyard, Steven and the others were diligently training alongside their Pokémon. Cain landed smoothly with Flygon, drawing everyone's attention.
His absence had been noticeable to his companions, but they didn't truly realize it until lunchtime when no food had been prepared. Ever since Cain revealed his cooking skills, he had become the primary chef.
Seeing him return, his three companions were genuinely relieved. They were sick of Steven's indescribable "recipes," to the point where Wallace and Phoebe preferred eating leaves over taking another bite of his cooking.
Without questioning the details of his departure, they assumed Cain had used the break between Sinnoh Tournament rounds to train in secret. After all, the next day, the schedule for the second round would be announced.
At Phoebe's request, Cain prepared lunch, watching with a mix of incredulity and amusement as the three devoured their meals as if they hadn't eaten in days.
Afterward, he headed to the backyard to release all his Pokémon and begin training. During this mission, most had remained in their Poké Balls, except for Honchkrow and Weavile, who had participated in minor battles.
Cain was particularly satisfied with Poliwhirl. Since the tournament began, the unstable energy flow inside it had stabilized, and its physical condition had improved significantly.
Based on Cain's calculations, if it continued following the training plan, it would meet the necessary standards in one or two days.
Cain had high expectations for Poliwhirl. He planned to use a King's Rock combined with a quality-enhancing potion to promote its evolution. However, what intrigued him the most was whether other Pokémon that evolved with a King's Rock would acquire the Leadership trait or if Slowking had been an exception.
The system update complicated things. During its normal operation, Cain hadn't realized how much he depended on it. Now, with its temporary suspension, that dependence became evident.
The situation made him reflect: although the system was a powerful tool, it was still an external resource. If it ever disappeared, what would he do?
The clearest example was Pokéblock preparation. Without the system, Cain couldn't even create a mid-level Pokéblock. This was unacceptable.
Aware of this weakness, Cain decided that even if the system became operational again, he would reduce his dependence on it, viewing it as a complementary tool rather than an essential part of his ability.
True growth lay in strengthening both his Pokémon and himself. In the Pokémon world, humans who dedicated time to physical training could, to some extent, compete with ordinary Pokémon. Although they couldn't face them directly, at least they wouldn't be completely vulnerable.
Thus, Cain began actively participating in physical training alongside his Pokémon, improving both his endurance and reflexes. His mastery of psychic power, though basic, was also progressing with the help of the Unown, advancing toward the intermediate level.
If he could capture more Unown, not only would he enhance the secret ability of the Unown, but he would also accelerate the development of his psychic power.
Although Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace knew about his powers, they accepted them without issue. Wallace, after a brief moment of surprise, understood that it was only natural for someone like Cain, one of the so-called "Hoenn Twins."
However, Wallace couldn't help but feel inferior. Unlike his companions, he had no special powers. Steven had the power of money, Phoebe possessed supernatural abilities, and Cain stood out for both his talent and leadership.
"Arceus surely envies how handsome I am; that's why he didn't give me any special gift," Wallace murmured, adjusting his hair as he let out a deep sigh.
(End of chapter)