His expression shifted from grim to cheerful in an instant, showing a very friendly smile. He turned to that person and said, "Oh, it's nothing, I just discovered someone quite dangerous."
Upon hearing this, the person's expression changed slightly. "Someone? Do you know him?"
It's worth noting that finding someone on this vast trial island is no easy task. Even if participants enter the forest, most return the same day. Being this far from the base means it's not a one-day round trip.
Therefore, if someone can survive alone in the wild, they're definitely not to be underestimated.
Additionally, according to what Soros said, this person is dangerous, which means he likely knows him.
Soros gradually stopped smiling and nodded seriously. "Yes, he's the first place in the trial; who wouldn't know him?"
The person he was speaking to also became serious. Although his impression of Cain was based solely on that calm expression after taking first place, he felt a slight apprehension toward someone who could surpass Xander.
Soros's expression turned solemn, very different from the smile he showed others. With the person in front of him, there was no reason to hide anything.
As someone who had grown up with Soros, this person knew him well. Even back at the base, Soros managed to create a small yet influential force thanks to his help.
Thus, as the one who knew him best, upon seeing Soros's expression, his face changed drastically. "Don't tell me you plan to attack him, right? And how can you be sure it's him?"
After all, everyone knew this guy wasn't afraid to challenge Xander, someone clearly different from the rest, probably with connections in Team Rocket.
And yet, this same guy was beaten by Cain, coming in second, and all he did was throw a few empty threats.
There was no reason to hide it. With the corner of his eye, Soros glanced at the group chatting amongst themselves, nodded, and said, "Skye, don't you find it surprising that a commoner like him could surpass Xander? He must have had some kind of fortuitous encounter, or his Pokémon has extremely high potential."
Soros looked at Skye and continued, "I watched him before he left, saw him go in this direction. Do you think I chose this mission at random?"
With a dark face, Skye couldn't help feeling a slight twitch in his eye. Although Soros had valid reasons, Skye knew the real motivation was that Cain had ignored Soros's invitation last time, hurting his pride.
However, Skye was smart enough not to say it out loud, and he had to admit Soros was right: if they could uncover Cain's secret, he, too, might achieve a position in the top ten.
Skye's eyes gleamed, reflecting his inner turmoil.
If it hadn't been for his bad luck in receiving a low-potential Pokémon, he wouldn't have had to help Soros climb the ranks, depending on him to have any influence at the base.
To be honest, apart from Soros's dazzling smile and his fairly strong Koffing, Skye considered himself superior in every other aspect. However, circumstances forced him to lean on Soros if he wanted to stand out in the trials.
He had to admit that the Pokémon distribution by Team Rocket, except for Xander, was entirely random. Whether one received a high-potential Pokémon or not depended solely on luck.
Soros didn't notice Skye's hidden thoughts, busy fantasizing that if he discovered Cain's secret, he could become first in the trials and secure a prominent position in Team Rocket, standing above everyone else.
"But we're not sure we can beat him," Skye commented with respect for the first place. After all, he himself was only in the twenties in the ranking—a big difference.
"Don't worry; we won't know how strong he is until we try. And if we can't beat him, we'll still have others covering our backs," Soros replied, glancing toward the group of five people accompanying them.
Shortly after, the two exchanged looks and made the decision to test Cain's abilities.
He quickly changed expressions, putting on his characteristic smile, and turned to the five behind him.
Those discussing Pokémon stopped talking and looked at Soros when he turned toward them. There was no denying Soros knew how to present himself effectively.
Pleased to have everyone's attention, Soros smiled and said, "I just discovered a great opportunity. If we seize it, we can all pass the trial without any issues."
Upon hearing this, the eyes of the five lit up immediately. Although they were relatively strong, securing their place in the trial was a bit uncertain. If there was a chance to guarantee it, they had to seize it.
Although they didn't doubt Soros's words, someone still wanted to be sure. "Really, Brother Soros?"
Soros looked at the one who asked, smiling and nodding. "That's right. I just confirmed it with his brother, Skye."
Everyone turned their gaze to Skye, who looked at them one by one and nodded to confirm.
With confirmation from both leaders, the five were encouraged.
The fifty spots in the Team Rocket final trial had always weighed on their minds. If they could pass with their own ability, they wouldn't need to rely on anyone else. After all, living in someone's shadow wasn't easy.
Seeing the confidence in the others' eyes, Soros and Skye smiled internally.
"When the time comes, follow my orders without any hesitation or delay. If I see anything, we won't include you again, and you'll have to fend for yourselves," Skye warned, taking on the role of the "bad cop" in the group.
The others felt a slight fear in their hearts. No one wanted to lose an ally, as it would make life much harder at the base.
They quickly nodded, indicating they understood.
"If you have any doubts, wait until everything is over to ask. Don't make everyone suffer," Skye continued warning.
If they knew their opponent was the first place, Cain, they might desert at the last minute, so Skye made sure to prepare them.
Everyone nodded again.
At that moment, Soros stepped forward and smiled. "Don't worry, I'll handle everything. If we face danger, I'll stay behind to cover the retreat."
His smile and confidence reassured the five a bit. After all, they trusted Soros's actions thus far.
However, when they weren't looking, a cold expression crossed Skye's eyes. He knew Soros's true intentions well.
"Alright, let's go as soon as possible. The warmth of the ashes suggests he's not far. If we hurry, we'll catch up to him," Skye said, hiding his displeasure behind a smile.
Soros didn't suspect a thing, nodded, and raised his hand for everyone to quickly move in the indicated direction.
Elsewhere, Cain walked at a steady pace through the forest, unaware that someone had ill intentions toward him, nor that the ashes he'd left behind had revealed his location.
In reality, even if Cain knew, he wouldn't worry.
Had this happened before capturing Slowpoke, he might have avoided confrontation due to the number of opponents. But now that he had Slowpoke, he could challenge any participant from the base.
"Slowpoke, use Confusion to control Meowth. Murkrow, use Screech and then finish it off with Wing Attack," Cain ordered calmly, watching as a wild Meowth fell under the combined attacks of Murkrow and Slowpoke, lying on the ground like a corpse.
That level 20 orange-quality Meowth had tried to take advantage of its speed to attack Cain, who appeared vulnerable. But before it could approach within three meters, it was stopped by Slowpoke's Confusion move.
When it tried to escape, it was caught by Confusion again, and Murkrow used Screech to lower its defense before finishing it with a Wing Attack.
This was the battle method Murkrow and Slowpoke had perfected: Slowpoke would use its powerful Confusion to immobilize the opponent, while Murkrow would weaken and finish them off. Few Pokémon could withstand this type of combined attack.
The Meowth on the ground was just one of many Pokémon they had defeated along the way.
"Murkrow, Slowpoke, good job," Cain praised his Pokémon without holding back on compliments.
That said, he took a mid-level Pokéblock from his belt and gave it to Murkrow to restore its energy. Slowpoke, on the other hand, still only ate yellow berry Pokéblocks, so it didn't receive one.
Luckily, Slowpoke mainly consumed psychic energy, so with a little use of the Calm Mind move, it could quickly recover.
The training goal Cain set for Slowpoke was to be able to restore its psychic energy through Calm Mind while walking, just as Murkrow maintained its Tailwind state at all times.
"Yadon~," suddenly, Slowpoke tugged on Cain's pant leg and made a sound.
"Craw~," Murkrow also flew toward Cain and cawed softly.
"Hmm?" Seeing his two Pokémon's reaction, Cain felt slight concern. With the help of Slowpoke and Murkrow, Cain finally understood what they meant.
"Are you saying someone is following us?" Cain narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharpening.
Through Murkrow and Slowpoke's gestures, Cain realized it wasn't just one person following him.
In this forest, apart from participants, there shouldn't be any other humans.
(End of Chapter)