Flygon's speed couldn't meet Cain's requirements. Altaria was faster.
Everything Cain had originally planned to do would have to be postponed.
After all, this unexpected incident affected the entire Hoenn region.
After flying at full speed for a day and a night, he finally arrived at Slateport City just before sunset.
Ignoring the no-fly zone within the city, he headed straight for the temporary camp the League had set up in the backyard of the Pokémon Center.
Ever since his days as an Advanced-level researcher, Lance had completely disregarded these flight rules. Now it was Cain's turn to do the same.
At that moment, Cain had already changed into his Chief-level Researcher uniform. His black coat looked more like a tuxedo, with a striking cape billowing in the wind. The Chief-level Researcher badge gleamed on his chest.
With a serious expression, he rode atop Altaria.
Those working in the grounds behind the Pokémon Center suddenly felt a strong gust of wind.
In an instant, they realized someone else had arrived on a flying mount.
This wasn't the first time that had happened that day.
They stopped what they were doing, stepped aside, and silently awaited the arrival of whoever it was.
Altaria descended immediately under Cain's direction.
Without wasting time, Cain returned Altaria to its Poké Ball and walked decisively toward the interior.
The entrance guard, upon seeing the badge on Cain's chest, showed an expression of burning admiration and respect. Even his salute was more formal than usual.
Once Cain had entered the plaza, the others resumed their tasks, murmuring about Altaria, its status, and age.
And no wonder—many people knew who Cain was.
Some had known him during the promotional campaign of the Star Twins of Hoenn; others had seen him on TV during the Sinnoh Tournament.
In short, Cain had already become practically one of the heavyweights of the Hoenn League.
He headed swiftly to the door of the temporary meeting room, with no one daring to stop him.
After confirming his identity, Cain pushed the door open and entered.
What he saw inside looked like a market: it was full of League high-ranking officials, but no one was seated. Everyone was standing, arguing heatedly, veins bulging on their necks.
Cain noticed that Juan hadn't arrived yet—he was probably on his way. Otherwise, the room wouldn't be in such chaos.
In the back corner, he saw his master, Matsuda Takashi, with a weary expression.
Cain headed straight toward him.
"Master," he called.
Old Matsuda opened his eyes with effort upon hearing his voice.
"You've arrived..." his voice was hoarse, probably from arguing for a long time.
"Master, have some water. Where's President Juan?" Cain pulled a bottle of water from his storage space and handed it to him.
Old Matsuda didn't hesitate. He opened it and drank nearly half in one gulp.
"Juan should be arriving soon. This all happened so suddenly that even he couldn't react in time," said old Matsuda.
"Why is everyone arguing so much?" Cain asked.
"Because Wattson returned, but others did not. Among them are your good friend Steven and Phoebe, who went with him. The Stone family is divided: some demand an immediate rescue mission, others prefer to wait until Wattson wakes up to decide. Since Juan isn't here, things have spiraled out of control."
"Steven? Phoebe? They went together?" Cain's face turned grim.
Now he understood why he hadn't been able to reach them by phone.
And Phoebe... she was the one he had promised to protect. Now she had disappeared along with Steven.
Cain didn't know how he was going to face Juan.
And just when you don't want to run into someone, that's exactly when it happens.
As they spoke, the meeting room door opened again.
This time, Juan entered, dressed in formal attire, with an extremely stern expression.
Cain had never seen him like this. This was the presence one would expect from a region's Champion.
Several important figures followed behind him: the Dragon-type Elite Four, Drake; the Ice-type Elite Four, Glacia; the Dark-type Elite Four, Sidney; and the heads of several influential families, including Steven's father, Joseph Stone, the current head of the Stone family.
Also present were members of the Jenny and Joy families, the President of the Coordinator Guild, and old Matsuda.
"The meeting starts now! Those without sufficient rank, out! This uproar is a disgrace to the League!" Juan shouted with authority, slamming his palm on the table.
No one dared meet his gaze.
Those who had been arguing either sat down quietly or left the room with their heads lowered.
Finally, the room fell silent.
Juan sat at the central position of the table. The others took their seats.
To his right, in order, sat: Drake (Dragon-type), Glacia (Ice-type), Sidney (Dark-type), and one empty seat that had once belonged to Wattson.
To his left were: Joseph Stone, the head of the Joy family, the head of the Jenny family, the President of the Coordinator Guild, and old Matsuda.
It was the first time Cain had seen all of Hoenn's top League figures gathered in a single room.
The seating arrangement made clear the division between the two factions: military power (on the right) and political power (on the left).
Anyone who could sit at that table was a true leader within the League.
There were also some elderly figures seated along the sides of the room. Though no longer in office, their contributions to the League's development were undeniable, and their opinions were still taken into account.
Cain sat just below Wattson's vacant seat.
First, because he also belonged to the League's combat faction; as a Chief-level Researcher, he already had the right to sit there.
Second, because at that meeting, he was the only Chief-level Researcher present.
He didn't know where the others were, but at that moment, Cain wasn't just representing himself—he was representing the entire League Researcher organization in Hoenn.
No one objected to his seat; it even seemed the most natural choice.
Thus, Cain ended up sitting directly across from his master, Matsuda Takashi, who represented the Pokémon Breeders Guild of the Hoenn region.
It was Cain's first time sitting in a high-level meeting, and he was seated at the top spot just beneath the Elite Four.
Undoubtedly, it was a great honor.
Behind him were many League executives, many of whom represented powerful families or factions.
But Cain didn't feel even a sliver of joy.
Representing the researchers wasn't just an honor—it was an enormous responsibility.
And remembering Juan's sharp gaze as he entered, Cain didn't dare look him in the eye. He hadn't been able to protect Phoebe, and that weighed heavily on him.
(End of chapter)