Finally, under the pressure of Cain, Slowpoke, and Haunter, Gyarados chose to surrender. It's unclear if this was due to Cain's threat to cut off its tail, but the fact remains that in the end, Gyarados obeyed and allowed Cain to stand on its head.
Additionally, Cain had Slowpoke use its psychic power to sense Gyarados's inner state and discovered that, aside from fear and terror, there was no intention of rebelling.
After temporarily subduing Gyarados, Cain returned with his Pokémon to the Pokémon Center and headed to his room to rest. They would set sail the next day.
That night, Slowpoke and Haunter went over the experiences and techniques they had learned in battles against various Gyarados. Other Pokémon followed their usual training routines before going to sleep.
...
The next morning, after completing his morning training and having a quick breakfast at the Pokémon Center, Cain headed to Vermilion City's port.
Although the departure time was set for 10 o'clock, the S.S. Anne allowed boarding from 7 a.m. With a large number of passengers, many of whom were traveling as families, time was needed to stow luggage and find rooms.
When Cain arrived at the port, people were already boarding the ship. With his ticket for a luxury suite, Cain was treated as a distinguished guest, and although he didn't carry many belongings, several attendants respectfully escorted him to his room.
Though the S.S. Anne is known for its high prices, few can afford a luxury suite, which costs hundreds of thousands.
Once he dismissed the attendants, Cain toured the entire room.
Yes, he toured it.
The room was extremely spacious, with a total area of 300 square meters, including a large bedroom and living room, and the remaining space was dedicated to an indoor training field.
This training field was made of special materials capable of withstanding moderately strong attacks. However, as a precaution, there was a monitoring device that would trigger a red light if the power of attacks reached 70% of the allowed limit.
Although breaking the field wouldn't cause the ship to sink, any damage would result in exorbitant compensation, beyond the reach of most people.
After inspecting all the facilities, Cain was quite satisfied with the room. Although the price was high, it matched the value of what it offered.
As a precaution, he asked Haunter to check the room for possible dangers. Although it was unlikely that a prestigious ship like the S.S. Anne would risk damaging its reputation, Cain preferred to be safe.
After thoroughly inspecting every corner and wall, Haunter confirmed that the room was free of issues.
Satisfied, Cain summoned all his Pokémon.
Of course, he didn't release Pokémon like Muk or Gyarados in the room. Muk could make the room uninhabitable, and although the room was large enough for Gyarados, it would only be able to lie down without moving, which was less comfortable than staying in its Poké Ball.
Additionally, these Pokémon weren't considered Cain's companions but rather useful tools.
Cain sank into the living room sofa, feeling his body sink into the softness of the furniture.
He watched his Pokémon playing and showed a relaxed smile.
"It's been a month and a half since I returned to this world, and now I have six main Pokémon, all with great potential."
Cain watched Skorupi and Sneasel, who were playing together, and noted that these two were the highest quality among his current Pokémon. Although Haunter had evolved and its quality was close to Light Blue, it still needed to absorb the remaining poison gas to stabilize.
When that happened, Cain would have three Light Blue quality Pokémon, which would greatly enhance his future power.
Additionally, though Slowpoke had a Dark Green quality, its talent in psychic powers was exceptional. Cain remembered how Sabrina had tried to take Slowpoke, claiming that he couldn't unlock its true potential, but she could.
This suggested that Slowpoke had hidden potential that Cain had yet to unlock.
Lastly, Murkrow, though of Green quality, wouldn't be discarded as in his past life. Cain knew that a Pokémon's quality could improve, and when Murkrow evolved with the right Dusk Stone, its quality could rival the others.
Acquiring a Superior quality Dusk Stone wouldn't be easy, but it wasn't impossible either.
Cain planned to approach Steven Stone, the young heir of the Devon Corporation, to help him find a Superior quality Dusk Stone. The Devon Corporation, a giant that even the League respects, could be a crucial key for Cain.
Additionally, Steven, an avid stone collector, might have the Dusk Stone that Cain needed.
With his knowledge and resources, Cain was confident he could obtain it.
Cain also had another advantage: knowledge about mega evolution. Although he didn't plan to share it for now, he could eventually use this information to negotiate with Steven.
After all, Metagross can also mega evolve.
However, Cain preferred not to use this resource until he had collected some mega stones himself.
(End of chapter)