Ding!
System unlocked!
Subsystem installation beginning!
Exactly. Cain was installing the subsystem of his system into the central server of the fledgling Team Flare.
This way, everything that happened within the team would be under his supervision. And truth be told, something like this would be nearly impossible under normal circumstances... but Team Flare had just been born.
In its current state, even organizations like Team Magma or Team Aqua were stronger than them, not to mention Team Rocket.
Perhaps the only group they surpassed was the underground mafia of Mauville City.
Cain now had full access to the team's entire database. He also acquired some research data, such as the designs for custom combat suits—even coveted by Team Rocket.
Among it all were technological advancements from Lysandre Labs in Lumiose City.
That material was one of his objectives... but what interested him most were the records of the Mega Stones collected so far.
Unfortunately, the results were disappointing.
Ding!
Subsystem successfully installed!
This subsystem wasn't like the one Cain had implemented in Porygon2: compared to that, installing it directly into a computer system was much simpler. Even so, it remained undetectable by current technology.
Cain had full confidence in his system's capabilities.
Furthermore, with the presence of this subsystem, Team Flare's security would significantly increase. In a way, he had already fulfilled his promise to Lysandre, the leader.
Upon leaving the main computer room, Cain saw the tech staff who had previously been working inside now waiting outside. Additionally, some new figures had arrived on site.
When they saw him come out, they rushed toward him and bowed respectfully.
"Master Kaelus, Mr. Lysandre is already waiting for you," they informed him courteously.
Cain nodded silently. Surely, it was time for a meeting. And once it ended, he could leave.
As expected, they led him to one of the briefing rooms in the secret base.
Inside, several people were already gathered. A massive conference table dominated the center of the room, and nearly all the seats were occupied, except for a few.
Chairs lined the walls as well, all filled with seated attendees. These were people without enough rank to sit at the table, but with the right to attend the meeting.
Most of them were original members of Lysandre Labs: not just trainers, but also scientists and academic experts.
When Cain, wrapped in his signature black cloak, entered, everyone immediately stood up—including Lysandre himself.
"Kaelus, since you took a bit longer in the computer room, I decided to begin the meeting. Most of the officers have already been summoned," Lysandre said with a smile.
Cain glanced at the attendees.
There were Aliana, Bryony, Celosia, Mable, and Xerosic—the five Team Flare executives.
The only empty seats were his, as subleader... and presumably Malva's.
She would one day become one of the Kalos Elite Four, and also Team Flare's highest-level infiltrator within the League.
At this point, Lysandre had already begun moving against the Pokémon League.
Without his internal conflicts, he could truly have rivaled Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket.
Aliana frowned slightly when she saw the Gengar accompanying Cain. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it.
The last time she'd seen it, Gengar had only been quasi-elite level. Now it was full elite. And since Gengar are hard to distinguish at a glance, she assumed it was just her imagination.
Besides, Lysandre had described Cain as an extremely mysterious figure, which only reinforced that perception.
Cain, without losing composure, simply said, "Don't worry. I'm just here to listen."
He took the seat next to Lysandre, to his left. The position reflected his new status as Team Flare's subleader.
Smiling, Lysandre raised his voice: "All the important matters have already been discussed. But now that Kaelus is here, let us officially introduce him. I hereby declare the foundation of Team Flare. And at the same time, announce that Kaelus is joining as subleader of the team. His status is above any Executive."
"Welcome, Master Kaelus!"
"It is an honor to have you with us!"
"...!"
Applause echoed.
Although many were surprised by this new figure in the hierarchy, after hearing Lysandre's words and witnessing Kaelus's power, there was no opposition.
Besides, he was Lysandre's guide.
Cain spoke in a calm voice: "I've left some files in the system. You can review them whenever you want. If you need a starting point... perhaps you should investigate the history of your ancestors."
With that said, he stood, turned with an elegant swirl of his cloak, and departed without another word.
Lysandre didn't stop him. But his words did leave him thoughtful: "My ancestors...?"
Cain's departure didn't disturb the others. In fact, many of the commanders quietly let out a sigh of relief.
To be honest, with his black cloak, shadowed face, dramatic aura, and the power he had shown with Dragalge... he was intimidating.
It had been a flawless performance.
In his hand, Cain held the subleader badge of Team Flare.
Since his face was hidden, Lysandre had ordered a personalized insignia so everyone would know who he was.
Though his last comment—about Lysandre's ancestors—deserved attention.
It turns out that Lysandre's ancestor, about three thousand years ago, was the brother of the legendary Immortal King AZ.
Once he discovered that connection, Lysandre would trust Kaelus's words even more.
With all this, Cain had perfectly slipped into the role of a mysterious, divine seer.
After leaving the secret base, he quickly disappeared into the shadows.
He arrived at the edge of a solitary lake. There, he removed his dark cloak, dispelled the psychic illusion masking his face... and revealed his true appearance once more.
He scooped up water from the lake to wash and clear his mind.
Halfway through, he stared at his reflection, thoughtful.
This time, the play with Team Flare had been on a large scale.
But after all, it was an investment without any real cost.
And if it succeeded... the benefit would be incalculable.
At last, he had made a truly ambitious move. It hadn't been in vain to return to this world once more...
In fact, Team Flare was the only one with enough room to be manipulated.
The others—Magma, Aqua, Galactic, even Plasma—already had fully "formed" leaders.
Only Lysandre still harbored some compassion in his heart.
And Cain... had taken advantage of just that.
(End of chapter)