Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

After Cain's new master had spent two hours talking to him about Pokémon knowledge, the door sounded again.

"It seems you're quite busy today," joked old Matsuda.

Now that he had accepted Cain as his apprentice, he felt relieved, as if he could already see the envious, jealous looks of his old friends.

Cain smiled and opened the door, finding Steven, dressed in a formal suit, standing straight at the threshold. His impeccable behavior made his education and refinement evident.

"Steven."

Hearing the door, Cain already knew who it was, so he didn't hesitate to invite him in.

When Steven saw the person sitting on the couch, his expression immediately turned solemn. He approached Cain's master and bowed respectfully. "Steven Stone greets Master Matsuda."

Old Matsuda, upon hearing the door open, already knew who it was. He smiled and waved his hand. "The kid from the Stone family, not bad, not bad."

Nodding in satisfaction, old Matsuda was delighted to see that his new disciple was getting along well with Steven. The heir of the Devon Corporation, with his talent and skills, needed no introduction.

They say like attracts like, and those who gather with geniuses tend to be geniuses themselves.

At old Matsuda's words, Steven smiled slightly and nodded humbly. Old Matsuda and his father were friends, and as a young man in the presence of an elder, he had to show due respect.

Besides, old Matsuda wasn't just a powerful Elite Four-level trainer but also a distinguished breeder—either title commanded respect.

"Well, it's best that you young people keep talking. I must be going; I still have experiments to finish," said old Matsuda, standing up.

"Cain, remember what I told you—your talent shouldn't be wasted," he added before leaving.

"Yes, Master," Cain replied respectfully.

Observing Cain's attitude, old Matsuda could only shake his head. Although Cain responded quickly, it was clear he didn't plan to follow his advice to the letter. Having been young once himself, he could understand and decided not to insist further, disappearing down the hallway.

Once he closed the door, Cain let out a sigh of relief, wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead. "Wow, what pressure."

Then he saw Steven looking at him with curiosity, walking around him as if he wanted to get to know him again.

"Cain, the 'older relative' you talked about, wouldn't happen to be Master Matsuda?" Steven asked with a sly smile.

Cain gave him a look that could only be understood but not explained, then shook his head, dropping onto the couch.

Seeing Cain's expression, Steven seemed to understand immediately. "It's him, isn't it?!"

"Of course, only Master Matsuda, one of the League's old timers, could have made that rare Pokéblock recipe. My father used to talk about him. However, a few years ago, he disappeared from the scene, and it turns out you found him here," Steven continued, convinced he'd uncovered the truth.

Cain maintained a discreet smile, saying nothing.

This was all Steven's assumption, right?

Then he pulled an elegantly designed box of Pokéblocks from his ring and pushed it to the edge of the table.

"Here are the Pokéblocks you requested, though there's a small difference from what you asked. They can't completely prevent Metang from gaining weight, but they minimize that gain as much as possible."

"Additionally, all the nutrients necessary for its growth are fully covered, and the effect might even be better."

Cain felt a bit pained. To make these Pokéblocks, he had to cut an eighth from a medium-sized energy crystal, about half the size of a fist, that he'd obtained from the unknown island.

How could the effect not be good?

Hearing this, Steven's eyes lit up immediately. He took out a Poké Ball and summoned his Metang.

Cain reflexively scanned the data of this Metang.

When he saw Metang's level, his eyes sparkled with surprise.

No wonder the rich were like this. In such a short time, Metang's level had gone from 30 to 35.

Steven truly had skills; Metang had leveled up so quickly and without side effects. Clearly, his move training hadn't been neglected.

Steven didn't hold back; he opened the box, took out a Pokéblock, and gave it to Metang.

Seeing Metang's satisfied expression, Steven grinned broadly and gave Cain a thumbs-up.

"Cain, you're amazing."

"Come on, tell me, how much do I owe you for this?"

Cain waved his hand, but before he could speak, Steven continued.

"Don't refuse; you know I'm not short on money. We're friends, but some things must be paid for."

Who wants to refuse? Didn't you see I was trying to speak, and you interrupted me? Do you think being a big benefactor is amazing?

Cain rolled his eyes and replied, "I wasn't trying to be polite. I was just saying that if we can avoid using money, it's even better. Besides, you also helped me sell the Pokéblock recipe, and I haven't even thanked you yet."

"No, no, no. I haven't sold your Pokéblock recipe yet. But you're right; talking about money could harm the friendship. So tell me, what do you want? If I have it, I'll give it to you."

"If possible, I'd like a High-Quality Dusk Stone, or a Sharp Claw in excellent condition, or a King's Rock. Well, the King's Rock is a bit pricey, so I can pay you the difference."

The Dusk Stone and Sharp Claw are easier to find; one is needed for Murkrow's evolution, and the other for Sneasel.

But the King's Rock is necessary for Slowpoke to evolve into Slowking.

Although Slowpoke hasn't yet decided its evolutionary path, as a Trainer, Cain wanted to let Slowpoke choose whether to become a Slowbro or a Slowking.

But regardless of the choice, it's always good to be prepared.

"Well, I can try to find a High-Quality Dusk Stone; that shouldn't be difficult. The Sharp Claw isn't a problem either, but the King's Rock is a bit more complicated," Steven mused.

"But I can keep an eye out and let you know when I get it. However, even the High-Quality Dusk Stone and Sharp Claw don't fully compensate for all the cost. Is there anything else you need? Let's leave out the King's Rock for now." Steven wasn't new to this and quickly calculated the value.

As the heir of the Devon Corporation, he was well aware of relative values.

Cain nodded, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "If possible, I'd like an Aron."

This benefactor offered; not accepting would be disrespectful.

(End of chapter)