If an ordinary person were to arrive in Vermilion City, the first thing they'd notice is that it seems especially peaceful.
Vermilion City is an apparently tranquil place that hosts the largest Pokémon Association in the Kanto region, so it's hard to imagine that one of the major bases of Kanto's largest criminal organization, Team Rocket, is hidden here.
This situation is largely due to Lieutenant Surge's presence, keeping Team Rocket's members in check. Although Team Rocket's influence is strong in this area, the city remains notably calm.
In his previous life as a Team Rocket member, Cain had visited Vermilion City on multiple occasions, so he was well-acquainted with the surroundings.
In this place, as long as one doesn't cause trouble, there won't be any issues.
However, the mission Umbra gave Cain in Mahogany Town, located in the Johto region, was much more complicated.
The Gym Leader of Mahogany Town is an Elite-level trainer, known as Pryce, the "Winter Ice." His skill with Ice-type Pokémon surpasses that of most elite trainers.
If not for his temperament, he would undoubtedly hold a place among the Elite Four of the League and might even have a chance at becoming Champion.
Although Pryce wouldn't pay attention to someone like Cain, his presence in Mahogany Town shows how seriously the League takes this place.
Thus, this mission is full of uncertainties and potential dangers.
...
Half an hour later, the ship finally arrived at Vermilion City's port.
Watching the various vessels in the harbor, the freighter returning from the Trial Island blended in perfectly, showing no signs of unusual activity.
A young man disembarked from the ship, with a common appearance, wearing an ordinary trainer's outfit and accompanied by a pale pink Slowpoke.
This was Cain, fully disguised. Using a human-skin mask and dressed as a League trainer, his cold demeanor from the Trial Island had completely vanished.
Breathing in the salt-laden sea breeze and feeling the firm ground beneath his feet, Cain had finally arrived in Vermilion City in the Kanto region.
Vermilion City, located in southern Kanto, is the region's largest port city. The whole city revolves around maritime trade, and it's filled not only with cargo ships.
The most famous port in Vermilion City is Vermilion Port, the largest in Kanto, where massive ocean liners like the S.S. Anne, the S.S. Aqua, and the Seagallop Ferry dock regularly.
Although it's not the most developed city in Kanto, it's right behind Saffron City. Taxes generated from maritime traffic allow for rapid urban development.
Team Rocket, which controls Vermilion City, reaps immense benefits from this situation.
Lieutenant Surge is stationed here for a reason.
When Cain left the harbor and entered the city, the sun was already beginning to set.
The streets were full of busy people, yet despite their haste, their faces showed satisfaction.
Clearly, Vermilion City's peaceful environment is appreciated by its residents.
Due to it being a port city, the arrival of an unknown person like Cain didn't attract much attention. People like him arrive every day in large numbers.
This was exactly what Cain wanted; he didn't want to stand out like an animal in a zoo.
Though he had left the Trial Island, he still carried a trace of its wild atmosphere. However, with his past experience, he concealed this aura well, making people perceive him as a trainer who had spent considerable time in the wilderness.
Those who can survive long periods in nature are usually respected.
With a Pokéball on his waist and a Slowpoke at his side, Cain made it clear he was a trainer, so no one tried to provoke him.
But now Cain faced a problem.
As the saying goes, "a hero without a penny can't accomplish much." Cain was completely out of money and was experiencing what it meant to be penniless.
The first thing he needed to do was get some money.
Following some signs on the street, Cain reached a Pokémon goods store in Vermilion City. Given his situation, he sold a few non-essential items and managed to get some money.
Since he couldn't sell the truly valuable items he had, he only managed to get 5,000 Pokédollars.
It should be mentioned that the League ID card Umbra provided was very secure. Another function of this card is that it acts as a bank card. Cain immediately deposited the money he had just obtained.
Finally, Cain's bank account went from zero to 5,000 Pokédollars.
After exchanging the money, Cain quickly left the Pokémon goods store and followed signs to the Pokémon Center.
The Vermilion City Pokémon Center is located in the city center. As a hospital specialized in treating Pokémon, it occupies a huge area, almost the size of two football fields, and stands five or six stories high.
Dressed in his League trainer outfit, Cain didn't attract attention from the Pokémon Center guards. After showing his League ID card, he entered without issue.
In his previous life, Cain hadn't visited Pokémon Centers much. When he was weak and had no legal status, he had no right to enter these League-controlled places. Later, when he grew stronger, he no longer needed them, so his visits were rare.
This was Cain's first time entering a Pokémon Center since his reincarnation, but he was familiar with the facilities.
Inside the Pokémon Center, there was not only a Nurse Joy but also numerous medical assistants and several Chansey. Due to the high number of trainers coming to treat their Pokémon, the staff was very busy.
It's no wonder Pokémon Centers are one of the League's most important places. Although busy, everything was well organized, and League trainers maintained a high level of conduct. Except in emergencies, everyone queued up to wait for their turn.
Besides being a treatment center, Pokémon Centers also offer lodging. One of Cain's main goals in coming here was to spend the night.
Of course, he also had another objective: to perform a complete check-up on his Pokémon to ensure they had no hidden injuries he couldn't detect.
With his experience as a breeder, Cain knew how dangerous hidden injuries could be.
Although they may not show at first, if they accumulate, they can become serious problems, affecting the Pokémon's performance and even reducing its potential or leading to its death.
Although Cain hadn't detected any hidden injuries, and his system hadn't registered anything unusual, his system's database on hidden injuries wasn't very extensive. So, to be completely sure, he preferred to rely on League technology and perform a thorough check-up on his Pokémon.
(End of chapter)