During the flight, Cain briefly explained his encounter with Regice to Altaria.
After all, Altaria should theoretically know Regice, as both Pokémon could be considered "countrymen." Moreover, from Altaria’s initial reaction, it was evident that she did not expect Cain to have such a powerful resource up his sleeve.
Cain perfectly understood Altaria’s pride. Considering her as an ally, she had already done more than enough. Initially, Cain had not even planned to rely on Altaria to escape.
Under Cain’s comforting words and persuasion, Altaria’s attitude gradually began to change. However, when she looked at Cain again, something different was reflected in her eyes.
Since meeting Cain on Mythical Island, Altaria had always believed that her talent and power made her superior. Although she eventually decided to follow Cain off the island, deep down, she still saw him as an ordinary, even average person.
A somewhat clever trainer, but nothing outstanding.
But after what had happened, that small sense of superiority Altaria held in her heart completely disappeared.
In such a short time since leaving the island, Cain had advanced significantly in power. He had even managed to negotiate with Regice, something Altaria would never have imagined.
"If he has come this far in so little time, how far could he go if given more?" Altaria wondered, unable to imagine it.
For the first time since leaving Mythical Island, Altaria felt that her strength might be starting to fall behind. Moreover, she had not yet crossed the barrier to the Elite level, something that was beginning to concern her. Perhaps it was time for more rigorous training.
Once Altaria had calmed down, Cain returned her to her Pokéball so she could rest. Although she had not faced Xenon in a large-scale battle, protecting Cain had been exhausting for Altaria.
Cain was sincerely grateful to her. She was not his official Pokémon, yet she had fought for more than an hour for him, which was a significant act of loyalty.
However, Cain was also aware that if Altaria had not been willing, he would not have insisted. If that had happened, their paths would have likely separated forever.
In Cain’s team, Mismagius was still in training and could have played a similar role. In fact, Mismagius’ control abilities surpassed Altaria’s, making it more effective at delaying Xenon’s moves.
The problem was that Mismagius was still relatively new to the team, and its ability to showcase its true potential was far from complete.
As he flew on Flygon’s back, Cain felt a strange sense of relief. Since the start of this new life, facing Xander and Xenon had been a gigantic mental hurdle for him.
He knew very well the level that both brothers could reach in the future. If he could solve the problem early, the pressure on him would decrease enormously.
In Team Rocket’s current state, only Regi posed an immediate threat to Cain. Other members, like the executive Lucius, probably did not even remember who Cain was.
For a high-ranking Team Rocket officer, forgetting someone as irrelevant as Cain was completely normal.
Moreover, with Team Rocket focusing on its own internal issues, Lucius had more urgent matters to handle.
As for Regi, he would need time to recover. His Pokémon had been practically destroyed during the conflict on Mythical Island, and although he had his family’s backing, regaining his full strength would not be easy.
Cain was certain that Regi had not used his family’s resources against him because he wanted to face him personally. This desire for personal revenge would give Cain more time to grow stronger.
As he reflected on his plans and thoughts, Cain directed Flygon toward Pacifidlog Town, hoping to find information there about the material known as the "Ocean’s Soul."
Elsewhere, in Viridian City, Kanto region.
In the underground facilities of Team Rocket, beneath the Viridian City Gym, Giovanni sat in his office.
Before him stood three people. If Cain had been present, he would have recognized them all: Giovanni, Umbra, and Sabrina.
"Did he really make it out?" Giovanni asked, holding a cigar in one hand while stroking Persian with the other.
"He did," Umbra replied.
It was impressive that the leader of such a large organization, especially at such a critical time for Team Rocket, remembered something so seemingly insignificant. This showed how meticulous Giovanni was.
Giovanni nodded and continued:
"Now we just have to see if that boy can survive. If he does, he’ll be worth cultivating. We’re in a stage of contraction, but we can’t let talent like that fall into the League’s hands."
Sabrina, normally known for her playful attitude, remained silent before Giovanni. Even she, with her powerful psychic abilities, did not dare to act recklessly in his presence.
The aura emanating from Giovanni told Sabrina that, even though he did not use psychic abilities, he possessed a latent strength that rivaled her own.
"I hear he’s doing well in Hoenn. He’s participating in that Sinnoh tournament organized by the League, isn’t he?" Giovanni asked.
"He is," Umbra confirmed.
"For now, we won’t concern ourselves with the League’s elders. Our main objective is still that Pokémon. Once we obtain it, conquering this world will be much easier."
Giovanni took a drag from his cigar and leaned back in his chair, letting the shadows envelop him.
"If that boy survives this time, offer him some support. We don’t want him thinking Team Rocket has lost its significance now that he’s getting closer to the League. It’s time to invest in his growth within the organization."
Umbra nodded, aware of the double message in Giovanni’s words: Team Rocket valued Cain, but it would not tolerate betrayal.
Finally, Giovanni turned to Sabrina:
"You know which Pokémon we’re after. With your psychic abilities, you could be crucial to the scientists working on it."
Team Rocket’s true objective—replicating a legendary Pokémon—made Cain, important as he was, take a back seat.