Pokémon: Beedrill (dark green)
Gender: Female
Level: 11
Type: Bug + Poison
Ability: Sniper
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Bug Bite, Focus Energy
Basic Moves: Twineedle, Fury Attack
Learned Moves: Laser Focus
TM Moves: Protect, Toxic, Hidden Power (Fire)
Upon seeing the data sheet of this Beedrill, Cain was truly surprised, not only by its growth speed but also by its quality.
Originally, the Beedrill should have been of green quality, but now it had reached dark green, just a step away from light blue quality.
Umbra truly lived up to being an elite-level trainer and one of the faction leaders within Team Rocket, with countless resources at his disposal, managing to raise Beedrill's quality by one grade.
Although this small advancement may seem insignificant, if developed properly, its combat power could increase by at least one level in the future.
In addition to Umbra's intensive training, with all the moves he had taught it, even a blue-quality Pokémon could have a chance of being defeated.
What also surprised Cain was Beedrill's ability. Generally, Beedrill has the ability Swarm, which increases the power of Bug-type moves when its health is low, a decent ability.
However, Beedrill also has a hidden ability, Sniper, which increases the power of critical hits.
Normally, critical hit power is increased by 1.5x, but for a Pokémon with the Sniper ability, the increase is 2.25x.
This is a 0.75x power boost, which could result in an instant defeat if a critical hit is achieved.
So, Sniper is really powerful. If Cain had known from the start that Beedrill had this ability, he probably would have decided to keep it.
However, the chance of a hidden ability appearing is extremely low, so Umbra was incredibly lucky to hatch a Beedrill with the Sniper ability.
Perhaps that's why he decided to invest so many resources to raise its quality by a grade.
After overcoming his surprise, Cain quickly suppressed any expression on his face. Although this Beedrill was very impressive, he didn't regret his decision.
Umbra observed the changes in Cain's expression, noting that aside from his initial surprise, he didn't show any other emotion, silently nodding.
"This trial is quite special, so you should no longer hide your power; strive to show all your talent. I can't tell you exactly why this trial is special, but I can assure you that showing your talent won't put you in the crosshairs of people with ill intentions."
Umbra's eyes became serious, and immediately, the imposing presence of an elite-level trainer emanated from him invisibly.
Team Rocket, as a dark organization, had eliminated many talents before, and Umbra knew well what Cain was concerned about, but this trial was different.
Hearing Umbra, Cain's eyes widened in surprise.
This trial is special? Why didn't I feel that way in my past life?
"Haven't you noticed? The quality of the participants in this trial is quite good, and most importantly, many of them received high-quality Pokémon. Do you think they all have a brother like Xander who gives them decent Pokémon?"
Hearing this, Cain's eyes narrowed sharply; he was just now realizing it.
It's true, why would they give green-quality Pokémon to participants if they were meant to be mere pawns? Wouldn't it be a huge waste if they died in the trial?
Why didn't I notice this in my past life? Was it because my results were so poor that I wasn't entitled to notice?
"I know your Murkrow has good quality, and that you carried extra weight during the last trial. Although hiding your power isn't a bad strategy, I want to tell you that if you really want to rise within Team Rocket, this trial is a great opportunity. This time... it's different."
Umbra said the last words almost one by one, without revealing why this trial was different, but Cain could sense the seriousness in his tone.
Cain became thoughtful. If Umbra said so, then this trial must be truly special.
Of course, he wouldn't be naive enough to think that simply standing out in the trial would guarantee him a high rank in the future within Team Rocket.
If he really did what Umbra said and didn't hide his power during the trial, it might facilitate his future development, but it would be like dancing on a razor's edge, without any disguise.
He couldn't take Umbra's words at face value, but they definitely changed his future plans.
Next, Umbra said something that almost made Cain jump out of his chair.
"The little one in your shadow is also a Pokémon with great talent; you're really lucky."
Saying this, Umbra gave Cain a meaningful look at the shadow behind him.
Suddenly, cold sweat began to break out as he instinctively reached for the Team Rocket belt, seeing that there was nothing in the shadow. But the problem was, there wasn't just one Pokémon in his shadow.
Facing Umbra, who was one step ahead, might be pointless, but Cain was still prepared to fight.
Seeing Cain's alert attitude, Umbra smiled and waved his hand.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to take advantage of someone like you. Your Pokémon belong to you; I'm not going to steal them. If I wanted to attack you, why would I have chatted with you for so long? Besides, even if you release another Pokémon, what good would it do?"
This was the pride and confidence of an elite-level trainer. Umbra didn't believe that someone like Cain could escape his hands, even if Cain's Pokémon were of high quality.
Umbra interpreted Cain's exaggerated reaction as fear of having his Pokémon stolen, which was common in Team Rocket.
Letting go of the belt, Cain knew his reaction had been excessive.
But one thing was certain: with his current power, even if he released all three of his Pokémon, he wouldn't stand a chance against Umbra.
Even the Gengar he had brought couldn't be handled by Murkrow and the others.
Seeing Cain gradually relax, Umbra let Beedrill go play, resting both hands on the table and leaning slightly forward.
"In short, make sure to give your best in this trial. If you manage to meet my expectations, I might allow you to temporarily leave the Trial Island. After all... you have no rivals here anymore."
Umbra said something else that surprised Cain.
If he could really leave the Trial Island early, the benefits to him would be immense.
Looking at Umbra with a serious expression, Cain wrestled internally, but in the end, he couldn't resist the temptation of leaving early and nodded.
"I understand, Lord Umbra."
Hearing Cain's affirmative response, Umbra slowly leaned back and smiled.
"Of course, only if you satisfy me."
(End of chapter)