When they heard Cain's words, the five people in front of him couldn't help but lose their composure.
Did someone really expect to swallow up the entire territory of Team Void, the result of their long-standing schemes, and allow an outsider to intervene in Mauville City?
A piece of meat was originally meant for six people. Although none would starve, who wouldn't want a little more to be fully satisfied?
Wouldn't it be better to turn six portions into five?
After all, the eliminated party could also be part of the feast.
However, now, instead of dividing the eliminated one among themselves, someone had taken the opportunity to devour it in one bite—and even dared to propose sharing the meat with them.
This was no longer just a slap in the face.
The five leaders of the other factions observed Honchkrow, Weavile, and Gengar who stood beside Cain.
The energy they emitted was impressive, and their combat ability didn't seem weak either.
But no matter how strong they were, they were still quasi-elite-level Pokémon.
They knew well that they themselves possessed genuine elite-level Pokémon. Even if they had just reached that level, they were still elite-level Pokémon.
That was not something lower-tier Pokémon could easily challenge.
Moreover, those who reached the elite level weren't just any trainers—they were individuals with talent and clear goals. Unlike the members of Team Void, who barely trained and indulged in leisure, these trainers never neglected combat or preparation.
With a quick exchange of glances, the five quickly agreed on a plan.
They would not allow outside intervention.
First, eliminate the intruders; then decide how to divide the spoils among themselves.
One by one, they drew out their Poké Balls and summoned their Pokémon.
In total, five elite-level Pokémon appeared.
Five elite Pokémon combining their energy, radiating powerful presence.
Cain looked at the five trainers and their Pokémon, and used his system to record the information.
On the far left, a man with gold-rimmed glasses who looked scholarly summoned a Cacturne with Blue-tier quality at level 62.
Second from the left, a woman in a red cloak with exaggerated makeup released a Seviper with Blue-tier quality at level 62.
In the center, a bulky man with bulging muscles all over his body—though his expression didn't suggest he was just a brainless brute—seemed to be leading the group. He had a Hitmonlee with Blue-tier quality at level 63, slightly stronger than the others.
Second from the right, a burly man with multiple rings on each finger and a cigar in his mouth revealed a Rhydon with Blue-tier quality at level 62.
Finally, on the far right, dressed in a black robe similar to Cain's, a man with cold eyes under his hood summoned a Dusclops with Blue-tier quality at level 62.
Five people, five elite-level Pokémon. Clearly, these were their main weapons.
To Cain, their Blue-tier quality was entirely logical and expected.
Only Pokémon with Light Blue-tier quality had a real chance of reaching elite level. And those with Blue-tier had a significantly higher probability than those with Light Blue.
If a major organization's leader didn't even have a Blue-tier Pokémon, that would be truly strange.
The message was clear: they planned to crush Cain with brute force and turn his team into another feast.
But Cain was already prepared. If he planned to take on Team Void and secure a place on Mauville City's battlefield, displaying power was an essential part of the plan.
Calmly, he drew a Poké Ball from his pocket and tossed it into the air.
Altaria appeared!
The Pokémon spread its wings and let out a clear, resonant cry.
Its energy was fully unleashed.
It was Altaria, who had recently ascended to the elite level.
As a Dragon- and Flying-type Pokémon, its level 60 wasn't at a disadvantage against these opponents.
In fact, Altaria's quality was even more outstanding than theirs.
When the five trainers felt its presence, their expressions darkened.
An elite-level Pokémon.
The moment Altaria appeared, it was clear it had reached that level.
"Do you think summoning a newly elite Altaria is enough to devour all of Team Void and also take over the battlefield spot?" asked the burly man in the center.
With his words, the other four began to regain their composure.
Of course!
A single newly elite Pokémon wasn't enough to intimidate them or make them give up such a juicy opportunity.
The man in the center was sizing Cain up carefully.
In his experience, enemies who hid in the shadows were far more dangerous than those who showed themselves openly.
When Cain saw they still intended to fight, he shook his head and smiled.
"Heh... What if I add one more Pokémon to the equation?"
From Cain's shadow, a dark figure floated up to his side, revealing itself to the five.
It was Mismagius!
An elite-level Mismagius.
Since beginning to train under Cain, Mismagius had fully regained its strength, reaching a level similar to Altaria's, though its aura was far more intimidating.
The appearance of Mismagius froze the expressions of the five trainers.
Even their Pokémon began to show unease.
Altaria had already made them nervous, but Mismagius added overwhelming pressure.
The Dusclops in particular looked almost paralyzed in the face of Mismagius's presence.
Cain knew that both Altaria and Mismagius were his strongest cards in this operation.
Even if they couldn't unleash their full potential, sometimes simply showing up was enough to make a difference.
The five trainers hesitated. Cain could focus his attack on one of them, and the others probably wouldn't help—in fact, they might take the opportunity to gain something.
Gradually, their expressions changed. They no longer thought of fighting, but of how to maximize their benefits under Cain's new rules.
Seeing this, the man in the center sighed.
Without another word, Cain stepped aside and introduced his companion.
"For now, everything related to Mauville City's battlefield will be managed by her."
(End of chapter)