Upon hearing that voice, Cain kept a neutral expression, though inside, he was pleased.
The objective was halfway complete.
"Wipe this system clean, leave no trace, and locate the target's position," Cain ordered again.
Simply locating the enemy's system didn't require deep infiltration, so there wouldn't be much resistance. For the system, it was no problem.
After all, Team Flare was nothing more than an embryo at this stage... perhaps even less.
Following Cain's command, the sunglasses in his hand became just that: simple glasses.
"Thank you both for your help. Please, come rest with us for a while in the Parfum Palace," said Mr. Sebastian to Cain and Lance.
The battle was over, and the clouds in the sky were beginning to clear.
Lance nodded, but Cain remained where he stood.
"You go ahead. I have something to do," he said, pointing to Gengar and Florges, who were still standing motionless in the plaza.
Lance, being experienced, immediately understood what was happening with those two Pokémon. He gave Cain a thumbs-up before heading off with the others toward the Parfum Palace.
That's right. After the battle, both Gengar and Florges—having defeated Diggersby—underwent a dramatic change in their aura.
Slowking, who stood beside them, had also leveled up. This rise was part of the buildup before its transition to Elite level; once that barrier broke, all the stored-up energy would burst forth. It was very likely that it would level up again soon.
After all, Slowking had been at level 59 for two or three months. Its daily training and energy accumulation wouldn't be consumed in a single level-up.
As for Gengar and Florges, their evolution was more... natural. They had already reached the threshold. But now, leveling up would become increasingly difficult.
Gengar had benefited from the poison energy absorbed from Dragalge, plus a week of using the Toxic Orb, which evolved its poison and pushed it to the edge of a breakthrough.
Florges, on the other hand, had simply built up enough and found the ideal opponent. With that victory, she broke through her barrier.
Two more Pokémon at level 60: Gengar and Florges.
With three fully self-trained Pokémon reaching Elite level, Cain could now officially be considered an Elite-Level Trainer.
That said, Gengar and Florges' evolution wasn't as awe-inspiring as Slowking's.
In reality, they had just seized the right opportunity.
If it had been Slowking at that moment, the evolution would've been even more refined.
"Kekeke~~" Gengar laughed as he floated toward Cain, his round body radiating powerful energy.
"Flott~" Florges also approached, letting out a gentle sound.
They hadn't even realized what had just happened.
"Good job! Get some rest," Cain praised with a smile, returning them to their Poké Balls. He then looked again in the direction Aliana had fled and walked into the Parfum Palace.
The entire Parfum Palace was an example of classical architecture. Upon entering, one could feel its luxury and grandeur.
Lance was already in the main hall chatting with the heir of the Parfum Palace, casually sipping coffee as if nothing had happened.
As if the earlier battle had nothing to do with them.
No wonder the League allowed the Parfum Palace to exist without interference.
The heirs of the Palace didn't seem like people with grand ambitions.
Or rather, to avoid arousing the League's suspicion, these heirs were forced to act like pampered nobles.
When Cain entered, everyone stood to welcome him.
His performance in the battle had been obvious.
Absolute control. Impeccable composure.
And both Cain and Lance were still young, with bright futures ahead.
They were ideal candidates to earn the family's favor.
Cain greeted them briefly and took a seat to listen in on the conversation, occasionally adding a comment.
The main discussion was between Lance and Mr. Sebastian.
"Mr. Sebastian, if we leave and they come back... what will you do?" Lance asked, addressing the delicate topic.
After all, neither he nor Cain could stay here indefinitely.
"Oh, don't worry. We're only asking you to stay a few more days. We've already sent for our Captain of the Knights—Sir Wikstrom. Once he arrives, there will be nothing to worry about," Mr. Sebastian replied with a smile.
At the mention of Wikstrom, his face lit up with pride.
"Wikstrom?" Lance didn't recognize the name, but Cain did.
During the Sinnoh Tournament, Wikstrom had represented Kalos.
In the future, he would become one of the Elite Four of Kalos.
An expert in Steel-type Pokémon, much like Steven Stone.
Cain hadn't expected Wikstrom to be so closely connected to the Parfum Palace.
He nodded in understanding.
Lance saw this and asked no further questions.
After a while, Mr. Sebastian led them to two luxuriously decorated rooms.
"These will be your guest rooms during your stay. If you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know," he said before departing.
Despite his old age, his upright posture and firm steps reflected the professionalism of a top-class butler.
"That Wikstrom... you seem to know him well," Lance asked.
"I met him at the Sinnoh Tournament. He's a Trainer with a strong chivalrous spirit. His strength is comparable to Drasna's," Cain replied as he sank into a plush sofa.
Lance nodded, understanding.
If they had someone like that, plus the head of security for the Parfum Palace, then there really wasn't much to worry about.
After all, the other side seemed to have quarreled with Bas by the end of the conflict.
"And that group with the weird outfits? You didn't seem very friendly with them. Do you know who they are?" Lance asked, intrigued.
Cain nodded.
"I had a previous encounter with them. They're not a simple group. If you ever come across them, be very careful," he replied, without giving further detail.
He didn't mention Team Flare too much, since it wasn't clear whether their organization had fully emerged yet. But based on their uniforms and strict hierarchy, they couldn't be far off.
After a brief conversation, Cain secluded himself in his room.
Lance said nothing more. After all, Cain's Pokémon—Gengar and Florges—had just reached Elite level and needed a proper rest.
(End of chapter)