Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Soon after dealing with Paul, Cain saw Miyamoto approaching quickly.

Miyamoto had a somewhat pale face and a very serious expression. Evidently, the contents of Paul's storage system had left a strong impression on him.

He originally thought what he had imagined was quite disgusting, but what he found in Paul's storage system nearly made him vomit.

Better not to talk about it.

Miyamoto handed Cain Paul's points device and several points cards, then passed him a bank card and a pill.

Without waiting for Cain to ask, Miyamoto explained, "This pill was Paul's trump card. It should be able to instantly boost his Pokémon's combat ability, but after using it, the Pokémon would enter a weakened state for a week."

"It normally wouldn't be used unless it was a situation of absolute danger. Paul never imagined that this time, he wouldn't even get to use his trump card before you eliminated him, Lord Cain. He must be deeply regretting it."

After thinking for a moment, he continued, "Although it might not have had much effect. The power gap was too great. He probably had a chance to use it, but at that moment, his remaining two Pokémon weren't strong enough, so it would have been a waste."

"Paul's strongest Pokémon were his Scyther and Ariados."

Cain nodded; he already knew that information.

Although this pill was not the same color as the one Xander used, its effect was likely similar.

Paul, throughout his career, had probably captured many others. In his points device, there were thirty points in total. Ten of them were originally his, and the other twenty he had obtained later.

It was unclear whether he got them from other people or from points cards he found.

However, considering there were several unused points cards, he likely got them from other people.

And how many people did he have to deceive to achieve that?

It should be noted that the points of trainers on the trial island were not plentiful. Those ranked below fiftieth place only had one point each, and those between the twentieth and fiftieth places had two points each.

So, twenty points mean he probably killed about ten people.

If not ten people, at least five or six.

"These points cards were probably found in the locations marked on that map fragment," Cain said, looking at the map fragment in his hand.

Cain originally thought the map fragment would be some kind of small computer or data that could be used in the points device, but it turned out to be a simple map with some flashing red points and other points that had already dimmed, indicating that the points cards in those locations had already been collected.

Adding up the different points from the cards, there were six in total, making twenty points in total.

Along with Paul's original points, Cain had obtained a total of fifty points.

Following the previous agreement with Miyamoto, the division would be eighty percent for Cain and twenty percent for Miyamoto. Cain transferred forty points to his own device and left the remaining ten to Miyamoto.

Miyamoto didn't show any displeasure; in fact, he even seemed satisfied.

After joining Cain, he didn't expect to earn more points. He only hoped to keep his original ten points, which would allow him to pass the trial when it ended.

But he hadn't expected Cain to keep his word and give him ten points directly.

After entering the points into his device, a pleased Miyamoto cautiously asked, "Lord Cain, what will we do next?"

Would they continue searching for points, or would they go directly to seek out Vexor?

But the trial island was so large that finding one person would be tricky.

Cain pondered Miyamoto's question and, finally, raised the map fragment he was holding and said, "First, let's search for the points cards. The trial island is vast, and searching for someone randomly could mean not finding them at all, and if we don't have enough points in the end, not reaching first place would be a waste."

"The main goal of this trial is still to obtain first place. Besides, while we search for the points cards, we might find some interesting Pokémon to help you regain your strength."

"If we then fight against Vexor and he has any allies, you'll be the one to handle them."

"Yes! Don't worry, sir. If I can recover at least eighty percent of my strength, I can handle five of the elite officers' subordinates. It doesn't matter if my Pokémon are defeated afterward," Miyamoto replied loyally.

He was truly on the same boat as Cain now. If Cain failed or was defeated, Miyamoto would be in serious trouble.

Among the strong ones, there probably wouldn't be anyone willing to accept him.

Cain looked deeply at Miyamoto. He didn't see anything suspicious in his eyes. He seemed sincere, though who knows how many ideas he might have in mind.

"This map can't be stored in the spatial equipment, so on our way, we might encounter people coming to steal it. To attract those people, let's hide our identities," Cain said, pulling a black cloak from his storage and tossing it to Miyamoto. Then he put on a cloak himself.

Viper had cleverly designed this. The map fragment couldn't be stored in the spatial equipment, so whoever carried it would be like a visible beacon, always attracting people around them.

Paul had used this feature to lure many.

One of Paul's Pokémon that hadn't yet been summoned was quickly taken by Miyamoto. Although he couldn't tame it immediately, he could try later, and if he failed, he wouldn't lose anything; but if he succeeded, he'd have another Pokémon to use as cannon fodder.

Cain and Miyamoto headed towards the nearest point marked on the map.

Cain's Murkrow was sent to patrol around them, focused on their vicinity.

Murkrow was an identifying mark for Cain on the trial island. If the participants saw it was Cain with the map fragment, they'd likely stay away, but now that he and Miyamoto were cloaked in black and Murkrow was patrolling, it was uncertain.

Slowpoke, meanwhile, hid under Cain's cloak. Thanks to its psychic abilities, Slowpoke could sense the surroundings even without seeing.

Cain and Miyamoto released two Ursaring who went ahead, clearing the way and deterring nearby wild Pokémon.

Although they were together, even if others knew they had the map fragment, who would dare to attack them?

The best strategy would be to have Miyamoto openly carry the map fragment while walking in front, with Cain following behind at a distance. With Slowpoke marking a psychic signal on Miyamoto, Cain could come to his aid immediately.

That would be the ultimate fishing tactic.

However, Miyamoto was still lacking in Pokémon and wasn't yet confident enough to ensure his safety. But maybe after capturing one or two more Pokémon and regaining some strength, Cain and Miyamoto could proceed with that plan.

(End of chapter)