Cain immediately scanned the data of this small Carbink.
Earlier, due to the sheer number of Carbinks, he had only done a quick sweep, noting just a group of Pokémon with varying qualities and relatively low levels, without paying special attention to this one in particular.
After this scan, Cain noticed a small difference.
Pokémon: Carbink (Light Blue) (in mutation)
Basic Moves: Tackle, Harden, Rock Throw, Sharpen, Smack Down, Reflect, Stealth Rock
Learned Moves: Ally Switch, Earth Power, Skill Swap, Telekinesis, Gravity
At first glance, there was nothing too outstanding except for its slightly superior quality compared to other Carbinks.
But that was it, as Carbinks were not particularly suited for battle.
However, the words "in mutation" deeply caught Cain's attention.
Although others were unaware, Cain understood quite well that Diancie only appeared when a Carbink underwent a mutation.
Technically, Diancie is also a type of Carbink, but compared to these, Diancie has many unique characteristics.
This small Carbink, which was in the process of mutation, was clearly evolving into Diancie.
However, Cain didn't know how long it would take to complete this mutation.
While an ordinary Carbink didn't possess great combat ability, if it became Diancie, the story would be entirely different.
"System, record and analyze all data on this Carbink. Try to uncover the reason behind its mutation and calculate how long it will take to complete the transformation," Cain mentally ordered the system.
"Beep! Task created, analysis in progress," the system's mechanical voice replied.
Cain put away the ordinary Pokéball he had initially used and took out a Luxury Ball to capture the special Carbink.
Its mutation had just begun, and he wasn't sure if it would truly transform into Diancie. Cain wanted to take it with him to study it closely.
Perhaps, with the system's capabilities, he could uncover the reason behind the mutation.
Even though the probability of success was low, what if he managed to unravel the cause of the mutation?
Wouldn't that mean Cain could mass-produce Diancies?
Sure, it was an outrageous plan with an infinitesimal chance of success, but... what if?
Even if he couldn't determine the exact reason for Diancie's mutation, Cain wouldn't complain about having one on his team.
After all, Diancie is a legendary Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, giving it a value comparable to pseudo-legendaries. Though its strength isn't solely reflected in battle, Diancie symbolizes untold riches and future opportunities.
Moreover, in terms of combat, Diancie isn't weak either.
Thus, finding a Diancie within five years to fulfill the promise made to the Carbink tribe no longer seemed like a mere dream.
However, everything had just begun, and Cain couldn't predict what would happen in the future. Perhaps this mutation would merely result in another "Carbink Minister" or some other title in the Carbink hierarchy.
Containing his excitement, Cain continued capturing the other Carbinks one by one in Pokéballs.
Satisfied, he finally captured the Carbink Minister, feeling a bit tired.
It was his first time capturing over two hundred Pokémon at once, and the most surprising part was that they willingly queued up to be caught.
Cain even felt his hand ache from pressing the Pokéballs so much.
After collecting everything, Cain stretched to ease the stiffness in his back.
But it was all worth it.
"Larvitar, Aron, I've secured your food. Now it's up to you to show your potential," Cain thought.
Slowking and the others exchanged glances, impressed by how Cain had managed to "trick" an entire tribe.
Clearly, his persuasive abilities had been carefully honed.
In fact, some of his Pokémon even began to wonder if, when they were captured by Cain, they too had been persuaded in some way.
Except for Drapion, of course, who had been personally hatched by Cain and didn't share those doubts.
Upon leaving the cave, Cain took a deep breath, feeling a great sense of relief.
Since capturing Aron and Torchic, and hatching Larvitar and other Pokémon, Cain had felt enormous pressure on his shoulders.
The cost of raising Pokémon had always been a concern for him, leading him to save over 30 million Pokédollars to invest in his Pokémon.
But from this moment on, Cain's two biggest concerns had been resolved.
With food for Larvitar and Aron secured, Cain could dedicate more time and resources to training Torchic, Poliwag, and Mudkip.
Once fully trained, their power wouldn't be inferior to that of Tyranitar or Aggron.
In fact, with its Speed Boost ability, Blaziken should be able to dominate Aggron in battle.
Poliwag, on the other hand, would be the core of his rain team, accompanied by a Mega-Evolving Swampert. Together, their synergy in a rain team would be incredibly powerful.
If Cain planned to become one of the Hoenn Elite Four, the rain team would be his main strategy.
As for his other Pokémon, they would likely remain as his hidden aces.
After capturing the entire Carbink tribe, Cain decided not to continue digging in the rocky region. He would leave that task to the local Pokémon; it would run out eventually.
Now that he had reached the northernmost part of the rocky region, he knew that if he climbed the mountains, he should be able to see the Tree of Life.
The sun was still far from setting, so Cain decided to continue his journey.
Thanks to Slowking's Teleport move, he could quickly return to the Altaria territory.
No distance is too great for Teleport. If necessary, just use it twice.
He called on Tropius, his trusty mount, and with Honchkrow accompanying him for protection, he flew toward the mountain peak.
On Mythical Island, wild flying Pokémon were quite strong, and only the powerful could traverse the skies.
Tropius, which Cain had once struggled to control, now seemed to have fallen behind in terms of strength.
Soon, its days as his mount would come to an end.