Cain's eyes couldn't hide the desire for greed. Though he tried to resist the urge to act, he carefully watched the approaching Leader Kabutops.
He had to confirm the Leader Kabutops' abilities before deciding whether it was wise to confront it. While he deeply desired the stone, his reason still ruled the clearest part of his mind.
Slowking glanced curiously at Cain. It was the first time it had seen its trainer with that expression; never before had it sensed such an intense desire from Cain.
Not even when they found the Larvitar egg and hatched it had Cain shown such a strong desire. Following Cain's gaze, Slowking noticed the strange stone on the Leader Kabutops' head.
"Is that stone what interests him so much?" Slowking thought.
Since evolving into Slowking, the already intelligent Slowpoke had surpassed the intellect of many humans.
Pokémon: Kabutops (Light Blue)
Egg Moves: Bubble Beam, Aurora Beam, Confuse Ray, Take Down
Basic Moves: Slash, Night Slash, Feint, Scratch, Harden, Absorb, Leer, Mud Shot, Sand Attack, Endure, Aqua Jet, Mega Drain, Metal Sound, Ancient Power
Learned Moves: Liquidation, Stealth Rock, Earth Power, Aqua Tail, Water Pulse
"A level 59 Kabutops!" Cain finally retrieved Kabutops' data, stunned.
A level 59 Kabutops was a genuinely quasi-Elite-level Pokémon. Unlike Mismagius, who had a simple mind, this Kabutops demonstrated real strength.
It was clear that it wasn't just decoration, but on the other hand, the stone Cain coveted was embedded in its head.
The Leader Kabutops approached with a menacing demeanor, clearly uninterested in negotiation.
"Phew..." Cain sighed.
Reluctantly, he decided to abandon his obsession. There were other Mega Stones in the world, but he had only one life. Fighting here and now would not be the wisest decision.
Cain knew that the place wasn't going to change. The Kabutops and its group had lived there for many years and wouldn't leave just because of his presence.
"I could come back for that stone when I'm strong enough," he thought.
He didn't need to become a quasi-Elite or Elite-level trainer to return. Perhaps, when Mismagius reached her full potential, it would be enough.
Suddenly, an idea popped into Cain's mind. "What if Mismagius uses her stealth ability to steal the stone?"
Mismagius had remained hidden in Cain's shadow this whole time. So far, only Professor Oak's Dragonite had detected her presence; not even the two powerful Pokémon of his master Matsuda Takashi had discovered Mismagius.
With the Leader Kabutops' strength, it likely wouldn't detect her either.
Since Mismagius began using the Soothe Bell, the bond between her and Cain had strengthened significantly. With their closeness and training, Mismagius trusted him completely.
"Mismagius!" Cain murmured.
"Miiis?" At Cain's call, a small head with a hat emerged from his shadow. Her bright red eyes curiously observed Cain.
The soft silver chime of the bell on her chest was almost imperceptible, but Cain knew it could emit a harmonious sound.
Cain gently stroked Mismagius and pointed toward the Leader Kabutops. "Look at that big guy. Do you see the shiny stone on his head?" Mismagius observed the fiercely approaching Kabutops with a wary expression, appearing slightly frightened.
Though she was an Elite-level Pokémon, Mismagius lacked much experience in serious battles.
"Don't worry, Mismagius," Cain said softly. "That big guy can't hurt you. I just want you to take the stone from his head. Can you do it?"
Mismagius' eyes lit up when she saw the Mega Stone. Despite her initial fear, the promise of a new stone excited her.
Noticing her hesitation, Cain offered further incentives. "If you bring me that stone, I promise to give you new and better treats, and I'll get you more of those shiny toys you love so much!"
Cain grew increasingly anxious. The Leader Kabutops was approaching quickly, and while he knew Slowking could use Teleport at any moment, he also had to consider whether Kabutops would launch an attack before they could escape.
Feeling motivated by Cain's urgency, Mismagius put her doubts aside. In the blink of an eye, she dashed toward the Leader Kabutops with great speed.
The Leader Kabutops, though surprised by Mismagius' speed, didn't consider her a serious threat since it didn't sense any dangerous aura from her. With disdain, it swung one of its scythes at Mismagius.
But Mismagius, being a Ghost-type, simply ignored Kabutops' physical attack and continued on her way.
With a playful grin, Mismagius extended her ghostly hand toward the Leader Kabutops' head. Upon touching the Mega Stone, she felt it was slightly adhered, but with a slight effort, she managed to pry it off.
Waving the stone triumphantly in the air, Mismagius flew over the heads of the other Kabutops, showing her success to Cain, who watched with a broad smile.
Excited, Cain signaled for Mismagius to return quickly. Meanwhile, his telepathic connection with Slowking remained ready.
As soon as Mismagius returned, Slowking would use Teleport to escape, and if Kabutops decided to counterattack, Slowking was prepared to use Protect.