Upon hearing Juan's question, everyone became energized.
While watching the live broadcast, although they could see that Cain had eliminated all the members of the Sacred Church with overwhelming force, they did not actually have a very clear understanding of his exact level of power.
Now that Cain had taken the seat of the First Elite Four of the Hoenn region, as the second strongest force only below the Champion, it was best to give everyone a clear idea for peace of mind.
The Salamence Cain had summoned was extremely powerful — everyone present had felt it.
But Cain, after all, was the first trainer capable of skillfully using Mega Evolution, and no one understood better than he did the increase in power that it granted Pokémon after mega evolving.
What Juan was mainly asking was Cain's strength when unleashing his full power, in other words, his level after his Pokémon underwent Mega Evolution.
However, just as Juan finished speaking, Drake also fixed his gaze on Cain and said, "That Gengar of yours and that Tyranitar, after mega evolving, should have already surpassed the second barrier of Champion level, right?"
Wow—!
Although everyone was mentally prepared to some extent, Drake's words still caused shock among those present.
But no one questioned it. Drake was currently the strongest person in the Hoenn League, and the only one who possessed a Pokémon that had crossed the second barrier of Champion level. His Salamence was undoubtedly an authentic existence of that level.
Therefore, he had full authority to speak about the strength of Pokémon within that range.
Although he himself was confident that his perception was not mistaken, his surprise was no less than that of the others.
If Cain's Gengar and Tyranitar, after mega evolving, possessed strength comparable —or even superior— to his Salamence, it meant that his inexpensive disciple had surpassed him at a speed worthy of a rocket.
Faced with this, Drake's heart was filled with a mixture of surprise, satisfaction, and a faint melancholy.
There is nothing that gives a teacher greater pride than seeing his student surpass him. Yet even so, alongside pride there is always a trace of loneliness, that feeling that "new waves push aside the old ones, and the old ones die on the shore."
However, that feeling quickly faded, replaced by complete pride and satisfaction.
Hearing Drake's words, Cain seemed to perceive the thoughts of this mentor who had always been sincere with him. The slight complacency in his heart gradually dissipated.
But this was not the time to retreat. He nodded gently, confirming Drake's accurate assumption.
Upon seeing him admit it, everyone's breathing unconsciously became heavier.
They had always thought that Cain possessed extraordinary potential. But potential is only potential; only when it transforms into real strength does a genius become powerful.
And in barely two years, that young man they once saw as merely a boy had grown to the point that they now had to face him directly... and some even had to raise their heads to meet those eyes that were gradually gaining a gaze capable of dominating the world.
The image of Cain sweeping everything aside during the live broadcast replayed again and again in their minds.
As they revisited it, they realized just how terrifying the strength he had displayed truly was.
"Good!" Juan shouted, unable to contain himself.
Regardless of the setting or his identity as president of the League, after that simple yet weighty "Good!", he burst into loud laughter.
"HAHAHAHA! I am so happy! Arceus himself is protecting Hoenn! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Mixed within his laughter was also a trace of bitterness.
Only a few elders present could truly understand his feelings at that moment.
Drake's smile widened into an open, carefree laugh, like that of a neighborhood grandfather receiving good news.
Even Joseph Stone, seated on the other side of Juan, showed a smile.
The stronger Hoenn became, the more stable the Stone family would be. For a long time, the fate of his family and that of the Hoenn League had been intertwined.
In an instant, they felt the weight on their shoulders lighten considerably.
Juan laughed for quite a while before gradually stopping. With his position, it had been a long time since he had laughed so freely.
He looked intently at Cain, then at Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace. His gaze did not seem to be looking at people, but rather at supreme treasures bestowed by Arceus himself.
Influenced by his laughter, the others also allowed themselves to be carried away by the excitement.
"Since that is the case..." Drake began after Juan finished.
But before he could continue, Juan interrupted him by raising his hand.
"No. It is not the right time yet."
Although no one explicitly stated what they were referring to, everyone in the room understood.
Then Juan addressed Cain: "Cain, the matter of the Sacred Church has not yet stabilized. It is likely they will appear again at any time. Before you left for the Space-Time Continent, the Investigation Department was under your responsibility. It will remain so. Take charge of it and monitor the movements of the Sacred Church."
"Yes!" Cain replied with a solemn expression.
Directing the entire Investigation Department carried an obvious meaning.
Previously, when Hoenn had no Champion and Drake was absent, Cain had temporarily assumed command without issue.
But now Drake had returned and occupied the position of Champion of the Hoenn League. The Investigation Department was originally his most powerful armed force, yet now that force was being handed directly to Cain.
The implied meaning was enormous.
In short, although Cain was the First Elite Four, he was already assuming part of the Champion's responsibilities. Calling him a Champion in reserve would not be an exaggeration.
At this moment, no one could compete with him. Although Steven's talent was not inferior, there was still a certain gap compared to Cain.
And Drake himself, the current Champion, had even nearly proposed abdication, but Juan stopped him.
Although Cain's goal was the Champion position, he had not expected to obtain it that very day. The recognition of Juan and Drake, and the lack of opposition from the others, was already enough.
Cain had believed that the Champion position was vacant, and that with his current strength he could occupy it without difficulty.
But without him knowing, Drake had already taken that throne. Now it would not be so simple.
Although Drake would accept yielding the position to him, the title of Champion was not child's play. Changing it so quickly would give the impression of instability and diminish the respect for the position among the citizens of the Hoenn region.
Better to give him real power first, and the title later.
Cain did not say anything more. He had already obtained what he wanted.
"There is one last important matter. In Ever Grande City, among your Pokémon... there is a Darkrai, correct?" Juan asked, with an enigmatic look.
Cain was momentarily stunned.
Would even someone at President Juan's level have prejudice toward a Pokémon like Darkrai?
Even so, he nodded firmly.
"That's right. He is my partner. Someone I can entrust my life to. I trust him completely."
His tone was decisive; he did not hide Darkrai's existence at all.
Juan was also surprised for a moment before realizing that Cain had perhaps misunderstood him.
He did not explain anything, only smiled meaningfully.
"If you have the opportunity in the coming days, visit Mt. Pyre. The place you entered in the past... might give you something unexpected."
(End of Chapter)