Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Honchkrow took down Mightyena with a single blow.

With its superior level, the power buildup from its Moxie ability, and its powerful Sky Attack move, it was no challenge for Honchkrow to defeat an ordinary Mightyena.

Under Cain's watchful eye, Sneasel leveled up, reaching level 32.

Sneasel had already accumulated enough experience, and after defeating a Seviper six levels higher, as well as assisting Honchkrow in taking down the other three Pokémon, the experience gained was sufficient to raise its level again.

Cain slowly approached, watching the pale face of Black Snake, who stared in shock at the four defeated Pokémon on the ground. He knew he was finished.

Even if he managed to survive, at his age, it would be nearly impossible to regain the power he once had.

However, he preferred life over death. A dark glint flashed in his eyes, but he quickly hid it as he raised his head and forced a smile.

Just as he was about to speak, Honchkrow's sharp claws appeared in front of him, finishing him off instantly.

In his final moments, Black Snake clutched at his throat as if trying to say something, but no words came out. He collapsed in a pool of blood, his face frozen in disbelief.

Behind him, Green Snake and Viper stared at the scene in shock.

Green Snake's eyes widened as she tried to scream, but as soon as she attempted to move her throat, she felt the blade of the dagger against her neck and froze.

With effort, she concealed her terror and adopted a vulnerable expression, casting a pleading look at Cain.

But Cain, hidden beneath his dark cloak, paid her no attention. He stepped over Black Snake's corpse and, without hesitation, grabbed Viper's hand—the one holding the dagger—and pushed it.

Green Snake slowly fell to the ground.

Viper, stunned for a moment, quickly knelt down and exclaimed, "Sir! Black Snake had powerful allies and complex connections. I was the one who managed all of that for him! I am willing to serve you!"

Cain, who initially planned to eliminate him as well, paused.

He looked at Viper, who remained kneeling with his head nearly touching the ground, and spoke indifferently, "Talk."

After that, Cain found a chair free of bloodstains and sat down.

Outside, the sounds of battle were beginning to die down. Miyamoto's men were overwhelming their enemies with sheer power.

Even if their opponents had similar power levels, those who hadn't endured the same survival trials and death matches as them were no match.

That's why it's said that below the level of a Captain, even twice the number of Alliance soldiers couldn't always contend with Team Rocket members of equivalent skill.

The same applied to the gangs of Leafy Town, who lived lives of comfort and idleness.

Soon, the screams outside ceased, and six men dressed in black, their clothes soaked in blood, entered.

Seeing Cain seated, they greeted him respectfully.

Viper, still kneeling, caught the scent of blood wafting in from outside, which made him even more nervous. After gathering his thoughts, he raised his head.

"The... the reason Black Snake was able to consolidate power in Leafy Town was because he secretly allied with the mayor's son. Together, they exploited the town's resources—one in the open, the other in the shadows."

"That's why the Alliance never took decisive action against Black Snake's gang. The rumors about conflicts between the mayor's son and Black Snake were just a ruse to deceive people," Viper explained nervously.

"I'd already deduced that. If you have nothing more important to say, you can leave," Cain replied, resting his head on one hand.

He looked at the men behind Viper and said, "Have Grimer clean up outside. I don't want the smell of blood spreading and causing unnecessary panic."

Fortunately, while Leafy Town wasn't large, it didn't have a high population either, and Black Snake's headquarters was in a fairly isolated area—much like Cain's base.

The nighttime screams didn't cause much of a disturbance.

"Understood!" Skye and Fox, who had Grimer assigned to them, went out to carry out the orders.

Viper, still kneeling, quickly nodded and said, "I have more information—much more important!"

"Do you know the battle coliseum in Mauville City?" Viper asked as he wiped sweat from his forehead.

"Speak."

"Yes, sir!" Viper, who was accustomed to drawing out suspense before revealing anything, realized Cain had no patience for it.

"The Mauville City battle coliseum is a money-making machine run by six groups working together. One of these groups is an underground organization called Void."

"It's said that their leader is a trainer of near-elite level, very close to elite tier. Black Snake earned most of his profits thanks to a member of the Void group."

"Of all the revenue he collected monthly, he handed 70% to this member, which allowed him to maintain his dominance in Leafy Town. From the remaining 30%, 20% went to the mayor's son, leaving him with just 10% for himself."

"Over time, he managed to save enough to buy two Pokémon with decent potential, but after dividing the leftovers among his subordinates, barely anything remained. That's why Black Snake's gang was so deteriorated," Viper explained hastily.

"So that's how Black Snake, a small-town boss, had two Pokémon with light-blue potential," Cain thought.

This also explained why Black Snake's two Pokémon were so weak; clearly, they hadn't been properly trained.

"Void..." Cain murmured.

He hadn't heard of that organization before. Though he had spent time in Mauville City, he'd been so focused on training his Pokémon that he hadn't paid attention to underground groups.

Since Leafy Town was near Mauville City, what Viper said made sense.

Cain had always suspected that, while Leafy Town was small and poor, someone like Black Snake shouldn't have been able to dominate it alone.

In the end, it turned out he was just a pawn working for someone else. Even the mayor's son, who received 20% of the revenue, showed how insignificant Black Snake was.

"Yes, Void! I personally delivered the resources each month," Viper continued, nodding quickly.

"What power level does that Void member have? Does their leader know about Black Snake's gang?" Cain asked.

"I'm weak, so I can't say for sure, but that Void member must at least be at an advanced trainer level."

"The Void leader definitely doesn't know about Black Snake's gang. This place is too small and poor. That Void member only protected it because, as they say, something is better than nothing."

"An advanced trainer... that means they're on par with an Officer," Cain thought.

(End of Chapter)