Cain watched as Skye collected all the Pokémon from the eight people lying on the ground.
During these two months, as a temporary leader, it was impossible for Skye not to know the Pokémon of these people and their skill levels.
Therefore, he distributed these Pokémon directly.
Regarding the distribution per Cain's instructions, he followed them strictly. Because of this, some were not very happy after receiving their Pokémon. But with Cain present, they didn't dare to say anything, assuming that due to their lack of skill and low contribution, they were assigned weaker Pokémon.
When Cain left Challenge Island, there were still between 120 and 130 people in the trial, but upon returning, there were already fewer than a hundred.
If the Pokémon of those who disappeared hadn't been taken, Cain wouldn't believe it.
The fastest way to increase strength on Challenge Island is by seizing well-trained Pokémon from others.
Moreover, some rankings are inaccurate, as in the trials, most people only showed one Pokémon. As trainers obtained more Pokémon, who could guarantee that the Pokémon used in the trial was the strongest?
Surely, many people are hiding their true strength!
After finishing the distribution, Skye ordered that the bodies be removed and the others return to get familiar with their Pokémon, leaving only Cain, Fox, and Kai.
"They might think this is just the final trial, but in reality, there are many secrets behind this trial." When everyone else had left, Cain began to reveal some hidden details.
It was likely that this final trial would take place on Challenge Island, so it would benefit his subordinates to know something beforehand to increase their chances of survival, as finding loyal subordinates wasn't easy.
The three knew Cain had something important to tell them, so they listened closely.
Cain didn't reveal too much information; he only mentioned that some important figures were involved in a bet, and that likely even stronger people would participate. If they didn't want to die quickly, it was best to stick together and trust no one.
Also, if they encountered unknown people in battle, they should flee as quickly as possible; they wouldn't be able to match them.
Cain didn't know exactly what the final trial would be like, either.
The current situation was already completely different from his past life, in which there hadn't even been a final trial, perhaps because his strength wasn't enough to get involved.
In short, this little butterfly had already started to flap its wings.
The three listened without fully understanding, but Cain emphasized the importance of his words, so they took note.
They didn't know if they would have the chance to participate in the final trial.
"I now have the rank of a Captain in Team Rocket and the freedom to recruit personnel. When you leave Challenge Island, I can recruit you directly, so don't turn down the offer. Viper should agree."
"It's possible that after this trial, I might become an Officer, and if you work hard, becoming Captains shouldn't be a problem."
When they heard that Cain was about to become an Officer, the three could only imagine the level of power Cain had reached.
Even a Team Rocket Captain could easily crush them, but now Cain had the strength of an Officer. How could there be such a big difference?
Cain wasn't exaggerating; with the Pokémon he possessed today, a single Murkrow could defeat them all.
Now, they could only win if they used numerical advantage against Skorupi.
The three felt excited; knowing Cain's strength, they stopped worrying about people like Xander.
Also, whoever could get Cain off Challenge Island wouldn't be an ordinary person.
No one else, not even those with connections, seemed able to leave.
This showed that the person behind Cain must have high status, and following him loyally would be the fastest way to grow.
"Have the rules for the final trial been released? What will the exact format be?" Cain asked.
The three shook their heads. Then, Skye stepped forward and said, "The exact rules and format haven't been released, but Viper mentioned after the last trial that they should be announced after midnight tonight, as the trial will begin at eight in the morning tomorrow."
Cain was surprised. "After midnight?"
If they were announced after midnight, there would be very little time to prepare. Was it really Viper...? No, maybe it was the officers who applied the pressure.
After all, we've been on Challenge Island much longer than their subordinates.
"Let's wait until after midnight. Get familiar with your Pokémon here. If you have any questions, I can help." Cain rested his chin on his hand, leaning back in the chair.
This chair wasn't comfortable at all, aside from being a bit high.
Sitting like this felt somewhat awkward.
Cain watched as they brought out two Grimers and a Gloom. Instantly, the room filled with various unpleasant smells.
It seemed like their noses weren't working, as they didn't seem to notice.
If Cain hadn't been used to being around Grimer, he would have left already.
He took a beast skin from his ring and placed it on the chair, then put on a small mask, feeling much more comfortable.
Murkrow, perched on the back of the chair, looked at Cain with a puzzled expression.
As if to say, "What about me?"
Cain pretended not to see him; in this environment, Murkrow also needed to adapt—who knows if there would be such an adverse environment tomorrow!
The two Grimers had already been captured by Cain, so Skye and Kai had no trouble getting them, and now they were familiarizing themselves with the Grimers' abilities.
After all, they had only heard of them but had never seen a Grimer before.
As for Fox's Gloom, he had coveted it for a long time, but as it had been a teammate's Pokémon, he hadn't been able to do anything. Now that he had it, he was well acquainted with all its moves.
However, this Gloom had witnessed its trainer's death and was somewhat reluctant to obey Fox's orders.
When Cain had Murkrow help Fox, the frightened Gloom quickly realized that if it wanted to survive, it had to obey its new trainer; otherwise, it would end up like that Golbat beside it.
Under Cain's guidance, the three quickly improved their familiarity with these Pokémon.
Although they didn't manage to fully master them immediately, they did achieve a great breakthrough in their Pokémon's skill execution and understanding.
Finally, at midnight, the rules and format for the final trial that Viper had ordered were announced.
(End of chapter)