"Latiosite?!" Cain could not help but feel surprised.
He had analyzed thousands of Pokémon... and had never seen one belonging to someone else carrying a Mega Stone.
He had always believed that knowledge was exclusive to himself.
But there it was.
And at level 94... if it mega evolved, it could even surpass the limit of the second threshold of Champion level.
Until now, Cain had never seen a trained Pokémon break through that limit.
Not even Professor Oak's Dragonite.
What lay beyond that?
He could not imagine it.
The bishop's appearance had not only shocked him in terms of strength, but also in knowledge.
"He's gone... that bishop is truly terrifying," Drake murmured.
Cain snapped back to reality.
The Sacred Church had introduced a major variable into his plans... but even so, he had to seize this moment to consolidate his position and aim for the Champion title.
He nodded toward Drake and Steven.
To have them wait a moment.
Immediately afterward, Cain used Teleport to appear directly in front of the reporters who, risking their lives, had stayed behind to capture first-hand news. Thanks to people like them, the entire world could watch the battle through television and the internet.
Seeing him appear suddenly, the journalists were stunned for a moment, but quickly reacted, pushing all their microphones toward him, hoping to obtain the exclusive news directly from his mouth.
Cain did not step back in the face of the cameras or microphones. The purpose of his appearance was precisely to attract enough attention and accumulate popularity for his bid for the Champion position.
"In three days, at the Hoenn League headquarters, I will officially announce the special evolution method I demonstrated today. I call it... Mega Evolution!"
"It is a special branch within Pokémon evolution. I believe everyone has already seen how my Pokémon demonstrated it today. By then, anyone who wishes to learn more can follow this matter."
Upon hearing his words, all the journalists became excited instantly.
After risking their lives waiting there for so long... they had finally obtained another major piece of news!
Mega Evolution!
That special evolution method was Mega Evolution!
Even if the reporters were not particularly strong, everyone understood that the appearance of Mega Evolution would have an enormous impact on the entire Pokémon world.
If not handled properly, it could even alter the balance of power between regions.
In reality, even if Cain did not want to announce it, it had already become inevitable.
Too many people had witnessed his Pokémon performing a special evolution similar to that of the Sacred Church.
The trend was unstoppable.
"Elite Four Cain! Could you explain a bit more about what exactly Mega Evolution is?"
"Elite Four Cain! Today you showed Mega Evolution in five Pokémon — does that mean all Pokémon can do it?"
"Elite Four Cain! One of your Pokémon is the legendary Darkrai, could you tell us something about it?"
"Elite Four Cain! Why wait three days to announce it? Are there any special requirements?"
"Elite Four Cain! The man in the purple robe who appeared at the end, is he really the bishop of the Sacred Church? Can you tell us anything about his power?"
"..."
The microphones were almost touching his mouth, but a thin psychic barrier prevented them from getting any closer, blocking any attempt to obtain more explosive information.
Cain simply gave a mysterious smile toward the cameras and, without saying another word, disappeared using Teleport.
He had already revealed enough.
The rest was to leave suspense for the entire world.
In a matter of moments, documents marked in red as "urgent" appeared on the desks of League officials in every region.
Even the leaders of underground organizations received similar reports.
Cain's name, together with Mega Evolution, instantly became the number one trending topic across the entire world.
Many people who did not know him began to recognize him because of this event.
And those who already admired him elevated him even further.
From the moment he revealed Mega Evolution, he was destined to become a central and extremely influential figure in the entire Pokémon world.
But that would come later.
Upon returning to Drake, Steven, and the others, Cain saw restrained expressions on their faces, as if they had many questions they wanted to ask.
He smiled slightly.
"I know you have many questions. No problem, let's return to the League first. Then I will explain everything calmly... that way I won't have to repeat it again when I meet the chairman."
"Hold on a little longer. I will resolve all your doubts."
Cain knew he had unleashed a storm that would sweep across the entire world.
And in the midst of such a storm, besides strength, he needed the backing of a powerful and trustworthy organization.
And what organization was stronger than the League?
Even a single region possessed enormous power, both visible and hidden. And there were six regions in total.
Kanto, in particular, was worth more than two regions combined.
Although everyone was full of doubts, as Cain had said, returning to headquarters would not take much time.
Juan, who was following the situation from within the League, would probably also have many questions.
And not only him.
Anyone with power or influence in Hoenn was already heading toward the League headquarters.
Over the next three days, it was easy to imagine that the entrance of the building would be completely packed.
And Cain, the Sandstorm Elite Four of Hoenn, would become the center of everyone's attention.
Anyone with a bit of foresight could understand his objective.
With sufficient power and enormous popularity, even if he did not desire it, he would be pushed toward the position of Champion.
Because someone like Cain —determined, upright, powerful, and with great support— could stabilize an entire region.
And his reputation would serve to intimidate underground forces.
The Champion of a region represented its image.
Standing atop Salamence, Cain felt the cold wind lash against his face.
He did not block it with his psychic powers.
He needed that cold to remain calm.
From the moment he decided to aim for the title of Champion... there was no turning back.
Only by moving forward without stopping could he be worthy of that position.
(End of Chapter)