After reviewing the situation of the entire Carbink group, Cain left the cave.
The Carbink had fully settled in and had already excavated many underground areas, now used as separate rooms.
Although they had only recently arrived and, despite the support of Cain’s Pokéblocks, they hadn’t mined many minerals or diamonds in such a short time.
However, Cain wasn’t interested in diamonds at the moment, as he already had plenty in his possession. His main goal was to check the Carbink’s condition.
Upon exiting, he summoned the Carbink undergoing mutation.
Compared to before, it hadn’t changed much, except for the slightly deepened pink hue of the diamond on its head.
According to the system’s data, the degree of mutation in the Carbink had increased only slightly.
When Cain initially noticed this Carbink’s mutation, he ordered the system to analyze the cause and assess the possibility of controlling it.
However, so far, no results had been obtained. So, even though Cain wanted to accelerate the process, it wasn’t possible.
For now, he would have to wait for the Carbink to mutate on its own or for the system to collect enough data to expand its knowledge base and then attempt to control it.
As a result, there was no need for the Carbink to undergo complicated training—only to maintain its physical condition.
In the days that followed, Cain’s life settled into a more regular rhythm.
He trained daily with his Pokémon and participated in the training himself to improve his physical condition.
On gym challenge days, Cain brought Poliwag and Marshtomp to face the challengers. As the intensity of the training increased, both Pokémon became more comfortable in combat.
Additionally, their synchronization with Cain improved significantly.
During this time, no one noticed that Cain always carried a small laptop, which he never let go of—not even during battles or training.
Two weeks of peace passed, and everything in Cain’s life seemed under control. He had entered a phase of steady growth.
Leafy Town and the Heaven team were also experiencing rapid development.
The artificial lake in Leafy Town was now fully completed, and Cain exchanged the town’s initial resources for more water-type Pokémon, which he released into the artificial lake.
Thanks to a special formula developed by Cain, these Pokémon began to breed, and the first offspring were soon born.
Now, Cain could use the resources obtained from the town for his own benefit.
However, this peace didn’t last long. A visit from an Alliance agent pulled Cain out of this stealthy growth phase.
The Alliance agent brought a phone containing a call from Juan, the president of the Hoenn Alliance.
Under the agent’s watchful gaze, Cain dialed Juan’s number.
The conversation revolved around the help Cain provided to Noland in calming Regice and the exposure of Cain’s psychic abilities.
Juan reassured him not to worry, as the Alliance fully supported him. Furthermore, he was granted the title of Advanced Researcher of the Alliance.
This position, exclusive to direct members of the Alliance, is divided into four levels: Chief Researcher, Advanced Researcher, Intermediate Researcher, and Junior Researcher.
The advanced level is one of the highest. Even Lance is currently only an Advanced Researcher.
The Alliance Researcher title is a direct pathway to power, as reaching the Chief Researcher level makes one part of the Alliance’s management staff. Ascending from Chief Researcher can even lead to becoming one of the Elite Four.
Lance’s journey began as an Advanced Researcher. He’ll likely soon ascend to Chief Researcher, then become Kanto’s Dragon-type Elite Four and eventually Johto’s Champion.
The Hoenn Alliance’s decision to grant Cain the Advanced Researcher title was an extraordinary promotion.
After all, Cain didn’t yet meet the minimum strength standards for the position, nor had he undergone the regular evaluation process or progressed from Junior to Intermediate Researcher.
This clearly demonstrated the Hoenn Alliance’s strong determination to support Cain.
The Alliance recognized the potential Cain had shown.
From this moment, even if Cain revealed his pseudo-legendary Pokémon, it shouldn’t pose a major problem. Unless he faced extremely powerful criminals, even Team Magma or Team Aqua would think twice before attacking Cain.
They might covet his Pokémon, but they’d also need to consider whether they could handle the wrath of the Alliance.
Additionally, Juan informed Cain that he was now under the jurisdiction of the Chief Researcher from the Joy family.
That’s right—the competition among the three major families was ultimately won by the Joy family. Juan didn’t share many details with Cain, but now, if Cain encountered problems, he could turn to this Joy family Chief Researcher.
It’s worth noting that the Chief Researcher title is a position, not a single person.
The Alliance Researcher corps wields significant influence within the organization. Evidently, there can’t be just one elite-level expert. Each Chief Researcher is an elite-level expert.
An Advanced Researcher must possess near-elite trainer-level skills to hold the position, making Cain’s promotion exceptional.
All of this was done to increase Cain’s sense of belonging to the Hoenn Alliance, as Cain was originally from Kanto but currently developed in Hoenn.
Meanwhile, Steven, who was in Rustboro City, was also promoted to the same position and is now affiliated with the Stone family.
The Jenny family received nothing.
Finally, the Alliance brought a batch of resources to aid Leafy Town’s development, primarily ordinary water-type Pokémon, which were released into the artificial lake to boost the town’s growth. This was a generous reward.
After dismissing the Alliance agent’s flattery and providing him with contact information for reassurance, Cain donned his signature black Researcher coat and pinned on the official badge.
He wore it immediately, and unlike an ordinary trainer’s attire, it exuded an air of superiority, reminiscent of Lance.
He looked impressive!
For Cain, the Advanced Researcher title was merely a convenient name with few practical benefits. It was primarily a form of recognition from the Alliance.
However, Cain didn’t have long to enjoy this before another call interrupted him, and the source of this call made his expression turn serious.
Because this call came from the exclusive phone of Team Rocket’s Shadow Unit.
The call indicated that Team Rocket’s invasion of Mythical Island had been completed.
With his heart on alert, Cain answered the call.