In his previous life, Cain had also witnessed Lance in direct combat during the confrontation between Team Rocket and the League.
At that time, Lance was already a member of the Elite Four in the Kanto region, specializing in Dragon-type Pokémon. His power was so overwhelming that it instilled fear in all who faced him, solidifying his reputation as one of the most formidable members of the Elite Four.
In recent decades, the League's influence and control over the regions had drastically declined. Therefore, they began to heavily promote select members, such as Lance, who is one of the leaders of this new generation driven by the League.
This promotion effort is not just to spotlight Lance but also to pave the way for his future.
The decline in the League's control did not go unnoticed by its top officials, who decided to lift restrictions for ordinary trainers.
As the League's control weakened, the only way to maintain dominance was to increase the number of loyal trainers. By controlling these trainers, they could retain control over the entire region.
In the early days of the League's creation, since it was an alliance formed by various factions, the Pokémon trainer profession was reserved only for the elite, and civilians neither had the right nor the resources to become trainers.
However, as peace settled and battles diminished, the factions accumulated more power, which weakened the League's control.
With the opening of the trainer profession to everyone, the League established gyms and Pokémon Centers everywhere, initially investing necessary resources to assist civilian development. After several generations, the elite members of the League multiplied.
At the same time, they managed to curb the growth of independent factions and stabilize society.
Of course, for civilians, becoming a successful trainer was much more difficult than for elite members, as they had to strictly follow the rules and regulations set by the League.
But do elite members always remain in a superior position?
Not necessarily. Although trainers are divided into elite members and non-members, this distinction is not immutable.
Non-members are those who, upon registering as trainers with the League, manage to obtain their first Pokémon through various means and, by meeting the League's requirements, eventually become legitimate trainers. These trainers are usually of civilian origin.
The identity that Umbra granted Cain was precisely that of a non-member trainer.
On the other hand, elite members are different. Upon reaching a certain age, they receive a high-quality starter Pokémon, assigned by the League, along with a Pokédex that represents their status, as well as benefits such as free treatment at Pokémon Centers and complimentary lodging, among others.
In general, the distinction between elite and non-elite is determined at birth, but non-members still have the opportunity to become elite members.
If a non-member trainer makes significant contributions to the League and passes the specific tests designed by it, they can be promoted to an elite member, and their descendants will also be born with this status.
However, meeting these requirements is extremely difficult; only true geniuses manage to stand out among the multitude of non-members and change their status to become elite.
Nevertheless, not only exceptional trainers can achieve this change in status. Anyone who makes enough contributions in any field can do so.
For example, those who engage in study and become brilliant Pokémon Professors, or those who certify as intermediate-level or higher Breeders, will automatically receive elite member status within the League.
In summary, only a small portion of people manage to change their destiny. The majority are trapped in the difficult path of raising Pokémon and never break free from that cycle.
This is precisely why so many choose to join Team Rocket. For many, it is a way to bet everything for a chance at success, even if it means risking everything.
"Attention, passengers. The bus bound for Saffron City is about to depart. Those who have not boarded yet, please head to Gate A3 for check-in."
Cain, who had been reading the newspaper, was interrupted by this announcement. He hadn't realized how quickly time had passed.
He put away the newspaper, headed to the boarding gate, scanned his identification, and boarded the bus bound for Saffron City.
Since there were not many passengers, there were no seating restrictions, and Cain chose a spot by the window.
As the bus began to move, he watched as the urban landscape slowly receded.
"Pokémon world, I'm back," Cain murmured to himself, resting his head on his hand.
...
Perhaps due to the presence of Pokémon, which makes traveling very easy, the development of transportation in the Pokémon world is not as advanced.
After almost three hours of travel, Cain finally arrived in Saffron City, the most developed city in the Kanto region.
Saffron City is the busiest city in Kanto, located between Cerulean City, Celadon City, Vermilion City, and Lavender Town.
It is the largest and most active city in Kanto and is also well-known in other regions.
The massive Silph Co. headquarters tower stands in the center of the city, while two gyms share the northeast corner.
Besides being Kanto's commercial hub, Saffron City also hosts the most important infrastructures in the region, including the magnetic levitation train station that connects Kanto with Johto, and the airport offering flights to other regions.
Undoubtedly, as Kanto's most central city, the League places great importance on it.
But at the same time, due to its abundant resources, not only does the Pokémon League have a strong presence here, but so do several other factions, with Team Rocket being the most notable.
After all, Saffron City is the base of the Psychic Queen, Sabrina, one of the three chief commanders of Team Rocket, trusted by Giovanni.
And due to the city's development, trainers from all regions gather here, along with Pokémon from various parts of the world.
Trainers from Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and other regions give this city a vibrant and diverse atmosphere.
Where there are trainers, there are battles. Therefore, Saffron City is also the city of the fiercest battles in Kanto. In any designated battle area within the city, it is common to see trainers facing off with their Pokémon in heated fights.
The residents of Saffron City are accustomed to witnessing these exciting Pokémon battles daily and are not surprised to see Pokémon species from other regions, something that has become normal for them.
However, where there is light, there are also shadows. The underground coliseums and battlefields in Saffron City are also highly developed.
Some people fight in these underground arenas to earn money, while others, wealthier ones, simply enjoy watching brutal battles to relieve their own frustrations and desires.
Thus, Saffron City is also known as the City of Combat.
Although the League has increased the number of security agents in Saffron City, it is still not enough.
The large number of gray and dark areas allows Pokémon hunters, mercenaries, assassins, and others to risk their lives in search of resources and money.
It is a city full of desires, and Cain prefers to call it the City of Desire.
(End of chapter)