The main purpose of Cain's trip was to capture some Water-type Pokémon from the lake where he had previously encountered the Absol mother.
The Water-type Gym was about to open, and as its leader, Cain currently had only a few Water-type Pokémon, none of which were native to Hoenn, which wasn't ideal.
His goal was to capture some strong Water-type Pokémon from the lake.
He wasn't particularly concerned about their growth potential or future capabilities; he only needed immediate battle strength.
These Water-type Pokémon, with a bit of training, could serve as the Gym's Pokémon.
After all, in a small town like Leafy Town, the trainers coming to challenge the Gym were unlikely to be very strong.
Even with Cain's support, along with help from Devon Corporation and the League, it would take at least six months for Leafy Town to develop properly and start attracting stronger trainers.
However, given how quickly Cain was progressing, his strength would be even greater by then.
Additionally, these Water-type Pokémon captured for immediate battle strength could also be entrusted to reliable people to manage the Gym when Cain was away.
These Pokémon could also serve as protectors of the Gym.
Thus, capturing some Water-type Pokémon as immediate battle assets was necessary.
Cain instructed Slowking to use Teleport to take him to the lake.
Slowking was familiar with the lake, as it was where he had evolved and become the king of his kind.
Upon arriving at the lakeshore, Cain found a wide area and summoned his Pokémon.
Honchkrow, Sneasel, Skorupi, and Haunter.
In addition to Slowking, these were Cain's main battle Pokémon.
"Skorupi, Slowking, dig a deep pit here," Cain ordered.
Cain had used this tactic before on Trial Island when capturing Shellder. He didn't want to bring Slowking into the lake, as fighting there would be difficult, and unforeseen complications could arise.
Using Gyarados to attract attention wasn't an option this time.
But Cain had a better idea, though it might have a larger impact.
Once all the Pokémon were ready, Cain pulled out another Poké Ball.
He tossed it to the ground, and a Pokémon with a large flower on its head appeared.
Vileplume!
This was the Vileplume Cain had captured during his mountain journey, at level 29 and of green quality.
Cain hadn't sold it; instead, he spent several days taming it.
For Cain, this Vileplume served only one purpose: its move, Sweet Scent.
"Vileplume, use Ingrain, Synthesis, and then Sweet Scent on the lake," Cain ordered coldly.
Freshly released, Vileplume glanced around and saw all of Cain's Pokémon staring intently at it.
It shuddered in fear.
Back then, it could spar a bit with Skorupi, but now, seeing him felt like a mouse facing a cat.
Obeying without hesitation, Vileplume rooted itself in the ground, slowly absorbing energy through its roots.
The flower crown on its head, now healed, began performing Synthesis under the sunlight.
It felt revitalized.
After so long in the Poké Ball, it had missed the comforting sensation of the sun.
If not for Cain and his Pokémon watching, it might have sighed in relief.
Without hesitation, once it had finished using Synthesis, Vileplume shook the large flower on its head.
A fine powder, nearly invisible to the naked eye, began wafting from the flower's center and spreading over the lake's surface.
After releasing the first wave of Sweet Scent, Vileplume cautiously looked at Cain, seeing no change in his expression.
"Continue," Cain ordered without changing his tone.
Feeling a pang of fear, Vileplume continued releasing more powder from the flower's center.
As Sweet Scent permeated the water, the lake's surface began to ripple.
"You can stop," Cain said.
Vileplume breathed a sigh of relief and ceased using Sweet Scent.
It felt great fear toward Cain and his Pokémon.
The ripples on the lake grew stronger, as if something was about to emerge from the water.
"They're coming. Get ready."
Honchkrow and the others focused their attention on the water's surface.
Sneasel was already gathering Ice-type energy, anticipating Cain's next move.
The other Pokémon were also prepared for action.
The most impatient was Skorupi. The last time they captured Water-types using this method, he could only pick up leftovers; now, he could finally join the battle.
After a few seconds, a large number of Pokémon emerged from the water.
Most were common species like Magikarp and Goldeen.
But there were also several typical Hoenn Water-types, such as Corphish and Barboach.
The lake housed a wide variety of Water-type Pokémon. Cain activated his system to scan for data and identify those with potential to be useful.
As soon as the Pokémon leaped from the water, Sneasel used Icicle Crash, cutting off their retreat.
Whether Cain captured them or not, all of them needed to be subdued first.
Cain's Pokémon launched their attacks.
The first wave didn't include any Pokémon that met Cain's standards.
"Vileplume, keep using Sweet Scent continuously. Sneasel, maintain control over the incoming Pokémon, and use Icicle Crash only when I signal; otherwise, join the battle," Cain instructed.
The Pokémon in the first wave weren't very strong and couldn't withstand the initial attack, so there was no need to block their escape.
Once unconscious, the Pokémon were placed in a nearby pit.
When the capture operation was complete, Cain would select the most suitable Pokémon to bring to his backyard pond, enriching the variety of Water-types.
Cain had specific expectations for the quality of these Pokémon, hoping their reproduction would improve the quality of Water-types in his pond.
Thus began a continuous capture process, almost like a production line in a factory.
After a while, the first Pokémon that met Cain's standards finally appeared.
(End of Chapter)