Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

In the afternoon.

Above Route 110, the road from Slateport City to Mauville City.

A Tropius and a Skarmory flew openly in the sky.

They were Cain and Steven, who had agreed to go to Mauville City together.

Originally, Steven had planned to ride on Cain's Tropius.

After all, until now, Steven had never ridden a Tropius.

Although Tropius is a Pokémon from the Hoenn region, it's not common and is only found in coastal areas.

But Steven, a rock lover, often ventured into mountains and forests, so he rarely saw a Tropius.

Even when he did, he had no interest in capturing it since his true love was Steel-type Pokémon.

This time, however, he was curious to try it, and Cain agreed.

But when they reached Tropius, it was adamant about not letting Steven ride it; even when Cain promised it an extra meal, Tropius still refused.

As a minor dragon-type Pokémon, it had its dignity. It agreed to be Cain's flying Pokémon because Cain had defeated it in battle.

But to Tropius, Steven was a stranger, and the way Steven looked at it made it uncomfortable.

So, in the end, Steven had to use his Skarmory.

Not that Skarmory was bad or slow.

But seeing Cain comfortably seated on Tropius's back, with plenty of space, while he had to scrunch up on Skarmory's back...

Skarmory's shell was a bit rough.

Why did he feel so petty?

On the other hand, when Cain saw Steven's Skarmory, he was glad he hadn't agreed to battle him.

Pokémon: Skarmory (Blue)

Gender: Male

Level: 38

Type: Steel + Flying

Ability: Keen Eye

Held Item: Metal Coat

Egg Moves: Drill Peck, Stealth Rock, Endure, Whirlwind

Basic Moves: Leer, Peck, Sand Attack, Metal Claw, Air Cutter, Fury Attack, Feint, Swift, Spikes, Agility, Steel Wing

Learned Moves: Snore, Sky Attack, Tailwind, Iron Defense

TM Moves: Protect, Substitute, Hidden Power (Water), Toxic, Roost, Aerial Ace, Swords Dance

What was this?

A blatant display of wealth?

Let's not even talk about other things; just one TM for Swords Dance costs a lot of money.

He knew that this Skarmory was one of Steven's main Pokémon, but not his strongest.

Even so, this Skarmory was a match for any of Cain's Pokémon.

Even in terms of moves, it far surpassed Cain's Pokémon.

Could you be a bit more human, please?

Is this the potential of a future Champion?

It's terrifying!

While Cain was amazed by Steven's Pokémon, Steven looked at Tropius with a sad expression.

But Tropius really didn't want to pay him any mind and flew proudly.

The day was sunny, so its speed wasn't bad.

However, seeing Skarmory's relaxed expression made it clear that it wasn't using its full strength.

Skarmory, with all the weight of its armor, could still fly freely, proving that its daily training was no joke.

Plus, it was carrying a Metal Coat as a held item, making it even heavier.

Cain was already regretting mentioning that he wanted to battle Steven next time they met.

Wouldn't it be a massacre?

It seemed that if he really wanted to have an equal conversation with Steven in terms of power, he couldn't avoid training his Pokémon.

At the same time, Cain already had a plan to improve his Pokémon's moves.

When he was on the Unknown Island, he had the system analyze how to use the medium-sized energy crystals he had obtained more efficiently and without side effects. Before reaching Slateport City, he already had the results.

But he hadn't had a chance to apply them yet, since he'd been away this whole time.

Once in Mauville City, Cain would begin testing ways to improve his Pokémon's moves.

In addition, the method for improving Miltank's quality had already been negotiated with the Miltank Ranch; all that was left was to finalize the deal in person.

Now, improving Miltank's quality didn't significantly impact her overall battle ability.

After all, Miltank was designed to be a healer and support Pokémon.

Cain and Steven, each riding on their Pokémon, chatted as they flew toward Mauville City.

Steven admired Cain's knowledge. Although his strength wasn't much, he was younger than him and didn't have the same resources.

So Steven considered Cain truly strong—not in terms of power, but in knowledge.

Cain, on the other hand, admired Steven's wealth, that ever-present yet subtle wealth.

Although Steven was refined, with the attitude of a noble, and had no intention of showing off, each of his words carried an air of wealth.

For instance, when Cain asked, "What materials do you use to feed your Pokémon?"

Cain referred to things like poisonous gas for Haunter, not counting Pokéblocks.

Steven responded without hesitation with high-cost ingredients, and though he knew they were expensive, he would say "very expensive" so calmly it made Cain want to punch him.

Unintended boasting is the deadliest!

In fact, only with Cain did Steven speak this way. Normally, he was very polite with others.

Seemingly friendly, but actually keeping them at a distance.

Steven was a proud person, whether it was due to his lineage, his combat skill, or his personal talent. His pride wasn't outward but rather an inner pride.

He had an innate presence of leadership.

But with Cain, Steven truly considered him a friend, so he spoke without reserve.

In his view, as a disciple of Master Matsuda, a prodigious Pokémon breeder, with advanced knowledge of Pokémon, even if his combat skills were a bit weak, Cain was young, which was understandable.

Therefore, Steven believed that Cain had the skill and the right to be his friend, which is why he spoke openly with him.

As the saying goes, "like attracts like."

Only geniuses have the right to be friends with other geniuses.

Otherwise, if you don't understand what the other person is talking about, how could you be friends?

Stop dreaming!

As they conversed, it was clear they were growing closer and closer.

Although Cain initially approached Steven with a specific purpose and a slight intention to take advantage, he couldn't deny that he now considered Steven a friend.

That type of friendship where, even if they became enemies, it would always be a true friendship.

A friendship where, if they were on the same team, they could become true friends.

However, time flew by, and the outline of Mauville City began to appear on the horizon for both of them.

(End of chapter)