Upon returning to Vermilion City, Cain felt that everything was completely different.
The last time, he had left Challenge Island accompanied by Umbra, burdened with a considerable mission, and hadn't yet left the killing environment on the island. Every time he saw someone, there was a latent coldness in his heart.
But this time, Cain no longer felt so much pressure.
When one possesses a certain level of strength, their perspective changes. Although Cain's strength still doesn't compare to Umbra's, to someone with such power, Cain isn't much different from an ordinary person.
Now, Cain has five main battle Pokémon, one for support, and one for utility. His strength has grown tremendously since leaving Challenge Island.
Not only has the number of Pokémon increased, but their strength has also improved.
For example, Murkrow and Slowpoke are now much stronger than before leaving the island.
Although their levels haven't significantly increased, their mastery of moves is incomparable to back then, and both their awareness and combat techniques have improved remarkably.
The one who has changed the most is Gastly. Not only has he improved considerably, but he's also started developing his poison-type attribute.
Gastly is now at level 24, and only needs an opportunity to evolve into Haunter with the next level increase, which will bring his combat power to a new level.
Every time he absorbs poisonous gas, Gastly experiences some improvement, even leveling up faster!
Cain took a taxi directly to the largest port in the Kanto region, Vermilion Port.
Since he had decided to travel by ship to the Hoenn region, Cain hoped to board a luxury cruise ship, like the S.S. Aqua or the S.S. Anne. These ships are like small floating cities, often rented by millionaires to host events and competitions with prizes.
If a cruise of this caliber set sail in the next few days, Cain wouldn't mind spending a bit more.
Thanks to the driver's effort, Cain arrived at Vermilion Port an hour later.
It was Cain's first time visiting this port; when he returned from Challenge Island, he traveled on a cargo ship that docked at the freight port.
Looking at the luxurious cruise ships lined up at the dock, Cain couldn't help but be amazed. Having money really changes everything! A ship this large could probably be traded for several pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
This world is full of millionaires.
What delighted Cain the most was seeing an imposing and luxurious cruise ship that stood out among the rest, with the name S.S. Anne in large letters.
At the ticket counter, Cain learned that the S.S. Anne would set sail in two days for Sunyshore City in the Sinnoh region, but would make a stop in Slateport City in the Hoenn region.
However, due to the S.S. Anne's fame, basic tickets were already sold out. If Cain wanted to board, he could only purchase a luxury ticket.
Of course, the price would be considerably lower if he disembarked in Slateport City.
Upon learning that the ticket price was 100,000 Pokédollars, Cain was shocked. Even for a luxury pass, did it have to be so expensive?
100,000 Pokédollars is roughly the annual income of an average family.
But there was no other option. The next cruise to Slateport City would arrive in three days and set sail a week later. Moreover, it wouldn't be as luxurious or large as the S.S. Anne.
According to the seller, the luxury pass included a private suite with a spacious, comfortable room, and even a training area for trainers.
Finally, Cain paid the 100,000 Pokédollars with his card and bought a luxury pass.
Earning 100,000 Pokédollars wasn't a problem for Cain, who could make it back at any time.
Traveling comfortably and having a training area on board during several days of sailing is essential to keep his Pokémon from relaxing too much.
After buying the ticket, Cain headed to the Pokémon Center.
Vermilion City is a port city imbued with a subtle scent of the sea. The entire city was built around the coast, with the economic center near the sea, and the Vermilion City Gym also located by the water.
The Pokémon Center, therefore, wasn't far from the port. Cain and Slowpoke walked for about twenty minutes to get there.
Using his League ID card, Cain entered and sat in the public phone area with video calls.
First, he called Whitney, who had been pressuring him every few days. Her Miltank ranch was too large, and the Pokéblocks Cain made barely covered the demand.
Cain had considered selling the Pokéblock recipe to Whitney's family, but he knew he wouldn't get a fair price with his current position.
Pokéblock recipes, especially those with special effects, aren't something that can be bought simply with money.
Moreover, Whitney's grandfather seemed to be a shrewd negotiator, and given the disparity of power and position between him and Cain, a fair deal wasn't possible. However, with someone like Steven, the story would be different.
Cain reassured Whitney and sent her all the Pokéblocks he had made recently.
Now even Miltank was using advanced Pokéblocks. Cain decided to send the entire stock along with the new ones, totaling around 300,000 Pokédollars, a rather modest amount for Whitney's family. They often mixed these Pokéblocks with others to extend their use, sacrificing some effectiveness but ensuring enough supply.
Shortly after, Cain received a message confirming that the money had been transferred.
Cain had already decided that if he managed to connect with Steven, he would ask him to help sell the intermediate-level Pokéblock recipe. Although making them was simple, it took time, and now more than ever, Cain needed money.
He had to do everything possible to strengthen his Pokémon before the final trial on Challenge Island.
After ending the call with Whitney, Cain dialed Steven's number from his mobile phone.
After waiting for a moment, when Cain thought Steven wouldn't answer and was about to hang up, the video call connected.
"Hello, Cain! What brings you to call me? Have you made any progress with the recipe?" Steven said, receiving a towel from a servant and wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Millionaire!
Cain looked at Steven in his comfort and couldn't help but silently curse.
However, his face remained impassive as he smiled and said:
"The recipe is almost ready. My mentor is working hard on it. Although there are still a few details, you can start preparing."
Upon hearing Cain, Steven's eyes lit up immediately.
"That fast? It's no surprise that an advanced breeder capable of teaching a genius like you has achieved it. Most would've told me they'd need at least half a year of research, without guaranteeing success, and at exorbitant prices."
(End of chapter)