Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 463 - 462: Rapid Growth in Strength

Slowking and Honchkrow remain the strongest Pokémon on Cain's team for now.

However, the other Pokémon have quickly caught up, as Cain has focused his training efforts on them during this time.

One of the Pokémon Cain has been training is Sneasel, whose level has reached 37.

The improvement rate has been very fast, as the forest is full of Grass-type Pokémon, and under the immense power of Sneasel's Ice-type moves, it has defeated many Pokémon.

Additionally, thanks to the combination of Metal Claw and Ice Punch, Sneasel's damage output is even more remarkable.

The move Metal Claw, infused with Ice-type energy, enhances the effectiveness of its Ice-type attacks.

With Sneasel now at level 37, it has met Cain's expectations. All that's left is for Cain to acquire a Razor Claw so that Sneasel can evolve into Weavile, unlocking its full potential.

Meanwhile, Haunter, who previously served as Cain's guardian, has reached level 35. Figuring out how to evolve Haunter into Gengar remains a dilemma Cain has yet to solve.

Previously, on the Trial Island, if Haunter had stayed in the cave brimming with Ghost-type energy, it might have evolved into Gengar due to the overwhelming Ghost energy there.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

However, back then, Haunter didn't meet Cain's requirements. Even now, at level 35, it still falls short. Cain plans to ask Umbra next time they meet since he also has a Gengar and might offer some insight into its evolution.

After all, in his previous life, Cain never had a Gengar.

For now, there's no rush with Haunter—it can continue to grow stronger.

The Pokémon that has made the most progress is Skorupi. As Cain's primary focus for training this time, its level has risen significantly, to the point where one might say its strength has exploded.

Since Skorupi is strong enough, it now battles many Strength-type Pokémon and is always on the front lines.

Skorupi has become the physically strongest Pokémon on Cain's team and has started mastering the use of its pincers, which has significantly enhanced its combat power.

Skorupi has reached level 32, catching up to Haunter and the others.

At the very least, it's no longer falling behind.

Skorupi's rapid leveling is partly due to the constant battles but also to one crucial factor: the fragmented Toxic Orb hanging around its neck.

Although the Toxic Orb is broken and has lost much of its energy, it still contains enough power for Skorupi to absorb. Over these days, Skorupi has absorbed a significant amount of that energy, accelerating its level progression.

Moreover, during this time, Skorupi's venom sac has fully developed. Although the toxins it produces are still relatively basic, Cain plans to search for various poisons for Skorupi to use, fully developing its potential.

Among Cain's six main Pokémon, five have now reached similar levels, while Miltank has fallen into the second group.

In fact, Miltank no longer participates in battles and has taken on a support role instead.

This was inevitable, as its nature isn't inclined toward combat, and its potential hasn't kept pace with Cain's plans. Now, its role as a support Pokémon, managing Cain's secondary Pokémon team, is more fitting.

Nonetheless, with the consistent use of the Pokéblocks Cain has prepared for it, its level will continue to increase gradually.

However, it's unlikely Miltank will ever return to Cain's battles.

Fortunately, Miltank enjoys its new support role more than battling.

In summary, Cain has experienced a significant overall increase in power, thanks partly to the high-level Pokémon in this forest. If Cain had only encountered weaker Pokémon, he wouldn't have been able to train his team as effectively.

Even so, many wild Pokémon in this forest remain beyond Cain's ability to defeat.

For instance, yesterday, Cain accidentally wandered into the territory of an exceptionally powerful wild Pokémon and was chased out. If not for Slowking's Teleport move, they would have been in serious trouble.

The opponent was a level 50 Shiftry.

A level 50 Pokémon falls into the quasi-elite category, and Cain barely escaped.

So, even though Cain's team has improved considerably, he must remain cautious in this forest at all times.

One never knows when they might encounter an invincible enemy.

That said, Cain has no trouble facing level 40 Pokémon.

If one Pokémon can't defeat them, the team can handle it together.

But when Cain faces Pokémon at this level, he can't hold back. If he does, and the opponent has an unexpected ace up its sleeve, he could lose a Pokémon.

Thus, when Cain confronts level 40 Pokémon, they often end up surrounded and defeated.

So far, Cain has covered more than half of his target area but still hasn't found any trace of Scolipede, which has surprised him.

During phone calls with Karen, Cain learned that over the past few days, they've completed several group missions, raising their hunting team's rating to two stars and earning a substantial sum of money, which has allowed them to upgrade their equipment and significantly increase their strength.

However, hunting always comes with risks, and sadly, two team members have lost their lives. One was a new member, and the other a veteran fighter who had been with the team since their Black Snake days.

Nevertheless, these losses were deemed acceptable due to the substantial gains.

Currently, in Leafy Town, there are still many League inspectors and construction workers, so Alec and his team cannot return yet.

However, rumors suggest that Miyamoto and others have quietly approached the area to scout.

The gym is nearly complete, and soon, Cain will become the Gym Leader of Leafy Town, joining the League's elite.

With that, Cain will have established a solid base in the Hoenn region.

When this training journey concludes, Cain will retreat to train quietly for a while. The Pokémon that have leveled up will need time to stabilize their power, master moves, and adapt to the changes in their bodies.

Moreover, Cain's second Pokémon team will begin formal training.

Cain has already outlined a preliminary plan for his next steps.

Once he reaches the advanced level, he'll return to Mudkip.

The wait is almost over!

(End of Chapter)