"Attention everyone! We're about to enter combat. Call out your main Pokémon immediately—I don't want anyone becoming a burden later on." The group leader gave the order firmly.
Facing off against the opposing team's base patrols wasn't something he considered worthy of his personal intervention. After all, he had brought all these subordinates precisely to handle such trivialities.
However, when he received no response from his men, his expression darkened immediately. Just as he was about to demand an explanation, a familiar voice came from behind him—his closest subordinate. But before the sentence could be finished, the voice was abruptly cut off.
"Sir... Gi... Gibson, it seems like... something's not right..."
The man named Gibson, a high-ranking officer of Team Void, turned around with a frown, only to witness a scene that left him stunned. His subordinate was vanishing before his eyes, swallowed by a spatial rift that was closing rapidly.
Next to that rift stood a hooded figure wearing a white mask shaped like a weeping face, staring directly at him. Surrounding this figure were three Pokémon: a shadowy, winged creature; a sleek, agile one; and a third floating with a sinister grin.
He looked around in growing desperation. All his subordinates, who had been there just minutes earlier, were gone without a trace.
This couldn't be real. Just five minutes ago, he had personally confirmed that no one had strayed from the group. Now, the only explanation was that this masked figure had managed to eliminate them all in that brief span.
Gibson's expression turned grim, but he didn't lose his composure. As a veteran of the underworld, he knew that giving in to panic was not an option.
With a swift motion, he slid three Poké Balls from his sleeve, expanding them to full size before tossing them to the ground. A fourth Pokémon, a Swalot, was already by his side.
Cain's analysis system activated instantly, providing data on the Pokémon before him. It came as no surprise that all four were in the quasi-elite level, though their individual levels weren't particularly high.
The Swalot, at level 52, was the strongest of the group, followed by another Pokémon at level 51, and two more at level 50. Additional system data revealed that these Pokémon had been poorly trained, limiting their future growth potential.
Cain quickly assessed the situation. This guy, Gibson, had clearly neglected his Pokémon's training, relying on his rank and basic strength that was barely enough to intimidate weaker opponents.
Now, facing someone with meticulous strategy and well-trained Pokémon, he was doomed to lose.
"Who are you?" Gibson demanded, trying to sound intimidating.
Cain didn't respond immediately. Behind his mask, a cold smile formed on his face. His opponent's arrogance and mediocrity were obvious.
"Weren't you the one who came looking for me? And now you ask who I am..." Cain's voice was calm, almost mocking. He had no intention of dragging out this conversation unnecessarily.
"So you're the leader of that so-called Team Heaven?" Gibson tried to buy time while analyzing the situation.
Cain didn't answer. Instead, he issued a mental command to his Pokémon. Honchkrow, Weavile, and Gengar moved in unison, vanishing into the shadows. Their speed and coordination were impressive, and even with his recent lack of combat experience, Gibson immediately realized he was in serious trouble.
Honchkrow soared through the night air with an elegant but deadly motion. Weavile darted between the trees with feline agility, while Gengar sank into the ground, leaving only a mocking laugh in the air. The tension was palpable.
Gibson began to sweat. Though he hadn't participated in serious battles for a while, he could still recognize the power of enemy Pokémon. His own, while impressive in appearance, weren't up to the task.
Desperate, he decided to take the initiative. He ordered his Swalot and another of his Pokémon to attack Cain directly, while keeping the remaining two close for protection. His strategy was simple: if he could eliminate the trainer, the Pokémon would lose direction.
But Cain was no easy target. Before Gibson's Pokémon could get close, Honchkrow and Weavile intercepted with precise moves.
Honchkrow's first strike, a flawlessly executed Sky Attack, sent one of the Pokémon flying. Weavile, with Ice Punch, neutralized the other.
Gibson tried to react, but Gengar appeared beside him, forcing him to step back. The ghost-type's grin was a clear warning: there was no escape.
The battle was brief but decisive. Gibson's Pokémon fell one after another, unable to withstand the coordinated assault of Cain and his allies. In the end, Gibson tried to flee, but Gengar stopped him with ease.
Cain watched him indifferently as he stripped him of his Poké Balls and equipment. Without wasting time, he cast him into the same dimension where he had sent his subordinates.
With the threat eliminated, Cain turned toward Mauville City. It was time to end the rival organization once and for all. He sent a message to his allies, ordering them to advance toward the city.
That night, Cain had a clear objective: to eradicate Team Void and seize total control.
(End of chapter)