Actually, the method Cain mentioned for temporarily modifying Metang's ability is to have a Pokémon that knows both the moves Role Play and Skill Swap.
Additionally, a Pokémon with the Light Metal ability is needed to make this work.
The move Role Play allows your Pokémon to copy another Pokémon's ability, while the move Skill Swap swaps your Pokémon's ability with that of another.
Thus, with a Pokémon that has the Light Metal ability and another that knows both moves, you can make Metang temporarily acquire the Light Metal ability.
However, having a Pokémon that knows both Role Play and Skill Swap is very difficult, as these moves are not available through TMs, meaning they can only be learned through tutoring or as egg moves.
This is a type of move combination, and Cain doesn't know how many people in this world are aware of this combination, as, from his past life until now, he has never seen anyone use it.
"So, let's exchange contact information. I need to discuss it with my master," Cain said, inventing a fictional master.
However, this was necessary to conceal that he could produce high-level Pokéblocks and also to make a good amount of money.
Since Cain said this, Steven gladly agreed, took out his phone, and they exchanged contacts.
After all, Pokéblock production isn't something that can be completed in a day or two, especially high-level custom Pokéblocks, which require extensive adjustment and testing before they're ready to use.
"I can provide all the materials, and I'll cover all research costs during the process. Once the Pokéblocks are made and meet my requirements, I'll pay you according to the standard market rate," Steven said with a smile.
These are the basic conditions when seeking a breeder capable of producing high-level Pokéblocks. All materials and research costs are covered by the client, and the manufactured Pokéblocks are bought at a premium price.
Of course, those who can afford to commission high-level Pokéblocks usually aren't strapped for cash.
"Alright, though given the time, the amount of Pokéblocks I can produce each time won't be large. But don't worry, it will be enough for a single Metang," Cain said, nodding.
The normal amount a Metang consumes, at his production rate, won't disrupt his usual schedule.
He was worried that Steven, with his vast wealth, would place a bulk order like Whitney's clan did, requesting tens or hundreds of thousands of Pokéblocks. That would be a real problem.
High-level Pokéblocks are different from mid-level ones; if it came to that, he'd have no time to do anything other than make high-level Pokéblocks.
That wasn't what he wanted; his primary goal was to raise Pokémon. Selling some Pokéblocks was merely a way to get more resources for training his Pokémon.
Hearing Cain's words, Steven hesitated for a moment before nodding and saying:
"Alright, no problem."
His main Pokémon aren't just Metang; he also has others like Aron, but his current focus is Metang, and Aron and the others can continue consuming the Pokéblocks provided by his family.
"I'll contact you when I have some progress in the research."
"Alright."
Thus, Cain managed to establish contact with Steven, a powerful ally. If they keep in regular contact in the future, even if they don't become friends, Cain's provision of high-level Pokéblocks might lead Steven to accept some minor requests.
For instance, he could ask Steven for help finding a Dusk Stone to evolve Murkrow.
Of course, it would need to be high-quality, and Cain would pay the full price.
But that's better than searching blindly, right?
For now, Cain and Steven only know each other and have a verbal transaction agreement, so Cain won't ask Steven for help immediately, especially for a high-quality Dusk Stone, as Cain couldn't afford it yet.
Thinking about this, Cain felt somewhat frustrated. Looking at his Pokémon, he thought about each of their evolution requirements.
Murkrow needs a high-quality Dusk Stone, which isn't cheap.
Sneasel needs a Razor Claw, which isn't easy to obtain either.
And for Slowpoke, if he wants to evolve into Slowbro, that's fine, but if he wants to evolve into Slowking, the rare item "King's Rock" would be a headache for Cain.
So, to evolve his Pokémon, he needs to prepare a lot of money.
In comparison, evolving Gastly and Skorupi seems a bit easier.
...
After this, the two began a smooth conversation, primarily about Pokémon breeding.
Though Steven isn't a breeder, his excellent family upbringing has given him good knowledge about Pokémon, especially Steel-types, so he could be called a "specialist."
Cain, with his past experiences and the system's knowledge, could talk about any topic and express his own opinions.
This made Steven, someone from a powerful family, see Cain, a commoner, differently.
Time passed quickly as they chatted, and soon the magnetic train arrived at the Saffron City station.
During this trip, Cain once again forgot to enjoy the Mt. Silver scenery, but unlike the previous time with Whitney, this was a much more pleasant conversation, where Cain wasn't just listening.
Steven, having things to do, said goodbye to Cain after getting off the train and quickly left the station.
He went straight to Saffron City's airport to catch the next flight back to the Hoenn region.
Cain, on the other hand, took a taxi directly to Saffron City's Pokémon Center.
He still doesn't know how to find Umbra to complete his mission.
However, Cain believes that since he's using the ID card Umbra gave him, with Umbra and Team Rocket's influence in Saffron City, they'll surely know he's arrived.
So he doesn't need to search actively; if Umbra didn't give him a contact method, they'll surely send someone to find him.
All Cain needs to do is show himself publicly with his League identity and wait calmly.
And the Pokémon Center is the most suitable place for that.
Cain isn't worried that Team Rocket won't be able to enter the Pokémon Center.
He's only a reserve member of the shadow unit; within Team Rocket, his rank is quite low. If he can have an official League identity, why couldn't others?
There's no need to overthink it.
Team Rocket's infiltration of the League is something probably only Giovanni and a few of the high-ups truly know.
Even the League can't imagine the extent of its own internal corruption, right?
(End of chapter)