"Yeah, my teacher doesn't know about all this. He's not aware that I can create intermediate Pokéblocks," Cain nodded.
It wasn't until now that Steven realized why a basic Pokéblock couldn't have such an effect. An exclusive intermediate Pokéblock made sense, as they were much more potent than basic ones and more reasonably priced.
Many ordinary trainers, even those with modest means, would opt for intermediate Pokéblocks.
"Are you sure you want to sell the recipe for the intermediate Pokéblock? Wouldn't it be more valuable in your hands?"
Some breeders valued Pokéblock recipes more than anything because they directly affected their income. If the recipe got leaked, their exclusive Pokéblock would become just another common formula. Where would the profits come from then?
"Yeah, I'll sell it. It's only meant for Miltank anyway, and you know how Miltank aren't widespread among trainers. So…" Cain didn't finish his sentence, but his point was clear. There weren't many trainers with Miltank, so there wasn't much money to be made.
After all, an item's rarity made it valuable, but that didn't matter if there wasn't enough demand.
"Fair enough," Steven agreed. "I'll ask around for you. Expect an answer within three days at the latest." He understood Cain's intentions.
To Steven, the favor Cain asked for seemed like a simple message relay. Although Cain intended to leverage Steven's status, Steven also saw the opportunity to connect with a high-ranking Pokémon breeder like Cain.
Especially after learning that Cain could craft custom intermediate Pokéblocks, Steven didn't mind investing a little in their partnership.
With the backing of an impressive figure even among elite breeders and the ability to create exclusive intermediate Pokéblocks, Cain could undoubtedly become a mid-level breeder, as long as other aspects kept up.
How old was Cain now?
Steven deduced from Cain's height and voice that he was younger, probably around fifteen or sixteen, just as his voice began to change and he entered the early stages of physical development.
This level of talent was intimidating. Steven imagined that once Cain matured, he would become an elite breeder, and without older family members, he would likely be on his own.
The more Steven thought about it, the more he believed Cain was worth befriending.
Furthermore, Steven noticed that Cain had a knack for Pokémon training, and he got along exceptionally well with his Pokémon.
In Steven's eyes, a trainer who could bond so deeply with their Pokémon couldn't be too wicked. At the very least, they had a good core, and Steven trusted his instincts on this matter.
Of course, he knew Cain had secrets, but he didn't pry. After all, everyone had secrets, right?
As for why Cain sought Steven's help, it didn't take much thought: Steven's father was the current president of the Devon Corporation, Joseph Stone. Anyone with a bit of skill could uncover Steven's identity, and since he didn't bother hiding it, Cain must have known.
After hanging up, Cain and his Slowpoke registered for a room at the Pokémon Center. He paid the fee, took the keycard, and headed straight to his room.
Vermilion City, while not particularly large, boasted a robust economy thanks to its coastal location. The local Pokémon Center was well-equipped, ranking just behind those in Goldenrod and Saffron City in terms of facilities that Cain had visited.
The Pokémon Center's cafeteria served an array of delicious seafood dishes that added a unique touch to the menu, delighting both humans and Pokémon alike with a taste of the ocean.
After their meal, Cain and his Pokémon opted against any more training for the day. Their recent daily battles and nightly training sessions had taken their toll, and though they didn't show it, the Pokémon were worn out. If left unaddressed, this fatigue could lead to lasting problems later on.
Sometimes, taking a break could pave the way for better progress. Cain spent the day administering soothing massages to each of his Pokémon, except for Gastly, of course. The rest of his team found Cain's massages incredibly relaxing, easing their weary bodies before drifting off into a rejuvenating slumber.
As for Gastly, Cain couldn't do much to help, given that it was composed of gas and couldn't be physically touched. Fortunately, Gastly's lack of a body meant it didn't suffer from physical exhaustion. As long as its mental energy and gaseous form remained stable, it would be fine.
Once all of his Pokémon had succumbed to sleep, Cain entered a meditative state, only lying down to rest when fatigue set in.
...
The following morning, all of Cain's Pokémon, except for Skorupi, awoke almost simultaneously. Ever since Cain's injury at the hands of two mid-level trainers from the Association, his Pokémon had become even more resolute, synchronizing their internal clocks to match his.
Since it was still early, Cain led his Pokémon in some basic indoor exercises to help them limber up and get ready for the day ahead.
Recently, Cain had noticed his body undergoing a rapid growth spurt. His voice had deepened, his height was increasing at a quicker pace, and his daily physical training wasn't as exhausting as it once was.
Each day, he consumed copious amounts of Moomoo Milk and various nutrients, which had helped him overcome the malnutrition he had endured since his rebirth. Cain believed that if he maintained this regimen, his physical abilities would gradually accumulate until a drastic transformation occurred.
After wrapping up his morning workout routine, Cain arranged for the Pokémon Center's cafeteria to deliver breakfast for all his Pokémon. They enjoyed a leisurely morning together.
Dressed in clothes that had become slightly too small, Cain stepped out of the Pokémon Center with his Slowpoke by his side.
The S.S. Anne wouldn't set sail until tomorrow, so he had at least one more day to spend in Vermilion City. Choosing how to spend that day was crucial.
As he strolled along the beach in Vermilion City, gazing at the boundless sea and contemplating his own insignificance, Cain decided to spend the day fishing.
While training was vital and time was of the essence, overexertion could backfire, just like with Pokémon training. It was necessary to unwind a little.
From the time Cain was reborn on Trial Island, he had lived an intense life, wishing every day had thirty-six hours. His progress had indeed been swift, leaving many of his peers in the dust. However, his body was now overly fatigued.
So, on this day with neither sunshine nor strong winds, he decided to embark on a relaxing fishing excursion.
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