All of Kainan and Robert's Pokémon were defeated by Cain.
Both of them were completely stunned, unable to accept it.
Sometimes you can foresee something happening, but when it actually does, it always catches you off guard.
That's exactly how Kainan and Robert felt now.
In reality, this didn't happen because of Cain's sudden appearance, but rather from the moment the true leader of Team Void disappeared. Even then, they could already predict something like this might occur.
However, they held onto a false hope and thought that, once they completely took control of Team Void, they would reorganize and develop it to reach a higher level.
The end result was that no one was willing to submit to another. Everyone competed to the end, obsessed with the struggle for power and benefits, forgetting how to fight or train their Pokémon.
They forgot what it really takes to be a member of a territorial force.
Power!
That's the true core of everything.
If, after the disappearance of Team Void's leader, someone had seriously dedicated themselves to training their Pokémon and invested all the resources they collected into training, resisting the temptations of luxury, then it wouldn't matter how much the others fought for power.
Even if they eventually chose a "leader," in the face of absolute power, all others would be made a mockery.
Unfortunately, no one understood that. Or perhaps some did, but chose not to act.
Outside the Team Void building, rushed footsteps could be heard. Four people entered through the main door: Skye and the other three, who had hurried over along with all official members of Team Heaven after receiving Cain's message.
This clearly meant they were preparing for all-out war.
However, the four who entered at the end seemed a little surprised.
Had Cain really crushed such a powerful force as Team Void all by himself?
Although Team Void's leader had vanished, there were still several quasi-elite level experts remaining.
When they saw Kainan and Robert standing there with blank expressions, and noticed the Pokémon scattered disorderly across the floor—some still breathing, some not—they couldn't help but be shocked.
All of these Pokémon were genuine quasi-elite level. Even if they were weak, their foundations were still impressive.
"Capture that one over there and finish off the weaker one," Cain ordered when he saw the four enter, still wearing his mask and outfit.
But upon hearing Cain's voice, the four immediately recognized it.
"Yes!" Alec replied respectfully.
Since Kainan had deduced part of Cain's identity, it was better to eliminate him to avoid trouble. However, Robert could still be useful, especially regarding information about the missing leader of Team Void.
The rest was not something Cain needed to worry about.
"Skye, Miyamoto, you two will be in charge of taking over all of Team Void's territories and establishing a base there," Cain instructed the two.
"Understood!" they both replied respectfully.
"Oh, and remember: you can recruit people, but the selection standards remain the same as before. Quality over quantity!" Cain added as a reminder.
"Understood!"
After speaking, Cain pulled out several Poké Balls from his pocket. These contained the Pokémon that still had battle potential after his sweep, including some that belonged to the high-ranking members of Team Void.
They were quasi-elite level Pokémon.
Although they were lacking vitality, with some training, they could recover their basic strength.
For Team Heaven to quickly absorb such a powerful force like Team Void, Skye and the others' current combat capabilities weren't enough. With these Pokémon, at least they'd be able to defend themselves.
Finally, Cain didn't assign Karen any specific task, leaving her a bit disoriented.
"Let's go. You'll come with me to meet the leaders of the other forces in Mauville City," Cain said calmly as he headed toward the door.
Karen followed him.
Before leaving, Cain recalled Slowking and Drapion, leaving only Honchkrow, Weavile, and Gengar behind.
These three Pokémon wouldn't reveal his identity.
Outside the Team Void building, many members from other forces were already waiting.
When Cain entered, the spies from those forces could no longer follow him, but they had predicted what would happen.
So, they immediately notified their superiors, who then relayed the report to the leaders of each force.
Team Void, as one of the six great powers of Mauville City, had attracted the attention of the other five leaders at that moment.
There were five of them, all barely considered Elite-level, at the lowest end of the spectrum.
Mauville City, being one of the major cities in the Hoenn region, was under the supervision of one of the current Elite Four, Wattson. Yet it still housed six underground forces, whose leaders were all Elite-level. This showed just how poorly Wattson was managing his position.
It was no wonder Juan wanted to replace him in the Elite Four.
It's worth noting that the Elite level title does not automatically reflect one's true power.
When a Pokémon reaches level 60, it is officially considered to have entered the Elite-level range, but that is just the beginning—known as Initial Elite level.
Pokémon like Cain's Mismagius and Altaria were in this category.
When a Pokémon reaches level 64, it is considered to be Intermediate Elite level, within the elite trainer tier.
At level 66, this rises to Advanced Elite level, and upon reaching level 69, it is classified as Maximum Elite level.
If a Pokémon reaches level 70, its trainer is considered to have entered the Elite Four level, a distinguished group that includes top talents like Cain's master, Matsuda Takashi.
(The Elite Four level is a subcategory within the Elite-level range. While the Elite rank spans levels 60–79, trainers who reach level 70 or higher are seen as the elite among the elite.)
Finally, upon reaching level 76, a Pokémon enters the Advanced Elite Four level. At this stage, each level represents a significant difference, and reaching this point requires a combination of talent, effective training methods, and vast resources.
The five leaders of the other forces in Mauville City were all Initial Elite-level trainers, which didn't concern Cain.
Standing in front of the Team Void building, the five leaders and their direct followers waited patiently for the victor.
They had planned to take over Team Void for a long time but never acted due to two main reasons:
First, they weren't sure if Team Void's leader had disappeared or was just in hiding.
Second, they constantly watched one another, afraid that any move would give another force the upper hand.
That's why no one had taken the initiative.
However, Cain had taken over Team Void first, leaving the five leaders wearing grim expressions.
Dressed in a black robe and white mask, Cain walked toward them with Karen by his side.
His first words were: "From today onward, everything that belonged to Team Void will be absorbed by Team Heaven—including their spot in the Battle Coliseum!"
Even in front of five Elite-level leaders, Cain showed no fear.
(End of chapter)