"Is that what this Pokémon actually looks like?" Alec's expression was somewhat peculiar because this Pokémon didn't look strong at all; in fact, it even seemed a bit adorable and clumsy.
"For those who don't understand it, they think it's trash; for those who do, it's a treasure," Cain said with a peculiar expression.
This Shuckle clearly didn't understand its way of battling, so when it was caught by the Water Pulse move enhanced by Slowpoke's Psychic power, it couldn't break free or counterattack.
This highlights the importance of a trainer, as many wild Pokémon, before being captured, don't understand the most suitable way to fight.
That's why there's a saying: "A Pokémon without a trainer to guide it can see its battle power reduced by half or more."
This phenomenon is even more evident in Shuckle's case.
Of course, when wild Pokémon reach higher levels, they develop their own fighting styles, which, while perhaps not optimal, are at least the ones they know best.
That's why many trainers, unless absolutely necessary, prefer not to capture Pokémon whose power is already developed. It's hard to correct a battle style they've been using for years. In the end, trainers must spend significant time re-training them, so they prefer to capture a weak Pokémon and train it from scratch.
Soon enough, Shuckle, being doubly weak to Water types, couldn't put up much of a fight despite battling in the water for quite some time. When it fell to the ground, it had already lost the ability to move.
"Capture it, and I'll explain what kind of Pokémon it is," Cain said.
Alec nodded, took a Poké Ball from his belt, and captured the Shuckle without any incident.
Cain picked up the point card that was on the ground and continued walking with Alec and their Pokémon.
Meanwhile, he explained to Alec:
"You're probably more familiar with Pokémon from the Hoenn region, and this Pokémon is quite rare in Johto. After all, few people use it. Its name is Shuckle," Cain explained gradually.
Alec, who had a significant background, possessed extensive Pokémon knowledge. Even though this was his first time seeing a Shuckle, after Cain's explanation, he quickly understood its battle style.
"This... is truly a peculiar Pokémon. Knowing how to use it or not makes a huge difference," Alec remarked, amazed after hearing Cain's explanation.
He had never thought that combining certain moves with this Pokémon would create such a radical transformation.
Of course, Cain only explained Shuckle's basic battle style to Alec, not revealing its most ideal combat strategy, as that kind of Shuckle is very hard to find.
"If you use it well, you could keep one of Vexor's Pokémon busy. And if the Pokémon you capture afterward are also good, you might even manage to take on two of his Pokémon," Cain suggested.
Initially, Alec didn't have much confidence, but after capturing Shuckle, his confidence in occupying one of Vexor's Pokémon grew significantly.
"Who knows! Maybe I can even get my revenge!" Alec thought to himself, hoping to defeat one of Vexor's Pokémon and partially settle the score.
That afternoon, the two of them spent their time searching for point cards so Alec could capture some Pokémon with decent traits and type advantages.
Since Vexor had taken Alec's point device, all the points obtained belonged to Cain.
Moreover, Alec was no longer interested in collecting points; as long as Cain finished first, he could get him out of there with just one word.
Alec never considered the possibility that Cain might win and leave him behind.
Given his current level of loyalty and future potential, Cain had no reason to abandon such a promising subordinate.
After finding all the point cards in the map fragment, Cain accumulated a total of 80 points. Combined with what he already had, he now had 707 points.
He was very close to the 1,000 points needed.
Earning 80 points in one afternoon might seem impressive to others, but for Cain, it was normal.
"Whoever kills and burns always profits!"
However, that afternoon, he also helped Alec capture three Pokémon: the Bug/Rock-type Shuckle, which Alec was already starting to get the hang of.
A light green Golbat at level 29, which at first glance seemed like a fairly ordinary Pokémon.
During the day, they encountered quite a few Flying-type Pokémon, but all of them had levels or traits that were less than ideal. Alec settled for capturing this Golbat as a backup.
Finally, they captured a level 30 Ponyta with a green hue, which was a pleasant surprise.
A green-quality Pokémon is quite rare, even on the Trial Island.
The last point card in Cain's map fragment was with a small herd of Ponyta.
Alec had almost given up after a day in the forest without finding any Fire-type Pokémon but was surprised to find a group of Ponyta there.
To his surprise, Cain also noticed that one of the Ponyta was of green quality, so he quickly helped Alec capture it.
Capturing it was one thing; taming it was another that Alec would have to handle.
By the end of the day, Alec, having captured three more Pokémon, was regaining his strength.
There's no denying that in a place like Trial Island, where Pokémon are everywhere, a weaker trainer grows quickly if a strong trainer helps them capture Pokémon.
Of course, this assumes the weaker trainer can fully tame the captured Pokémon.
Wild Pokémon aren't opposed to becoming a trainer's companion, but often, whoever defeats them wins their loyalty. However, this process of one person capturing and another receiving them creates some resistance.
Cain wasn't worried about this.
He's not a babysitter. Helping Alec capture Pokémon was only to ensure he could provide some support during the battle against Vexor.
Otherwise, Cain would leave them to grow on their own.
Just like Skye and Fox.
Cain never considered helping them.
If everything has to be handled by the leader, then what's the point of having subordinates?
Being a leader means delegating tasks to others; only then can work be efficient and leave the leader time for personal growth.
It's no different for those building their own forces on Trial Island.