Ahem...
The important point was that no one knew to what extent Darkrai would be able to recover, but at the very least, it would definitely become much stronger than before. It would certainly reach the level of the second barrier of the Champion level.
The only uncertainty was whether it could completely return to its peak state.
Cain paced restlessly outside for three or four hours, until finally the sounds coming from inside began to fade.
After quite some time, the closed door slowly opened. Phoebe and her grandparents walked out, visibly exhausted, while behind them, the two Darkrai appeared rather energetic.
Cain immediately recognized his own Darkrai, and his eyes lit up when he saw it.
Even at a glance, its condition and presence had changed enormously compared to before.
It was similar to what had happened to Cain himself: after increasing his strength, his confidence and bearing naturally returned, reflected in his entire being.
Cain analyzed the data of his Darkrai:
Pokémon: Darkrai (Black) — Corrupted
Gender: Male
Level: 91
Type: Dark
Ability: Bad Dreams
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: None
Basic Moves: Ominous Wind, Disable, Quick Attack, Hypnosis, Feint Attack, Nightmare, Double Team, Haze, Dark Void, Nasty Plot, Dream Eater, Dark Pulse
Learned Moves: Foul Play, Snatch, Spite, Wonder Room, Knock Off, Snore, Drain Punch, Trick, Last Resort, Focus Punch, Throat Chop, Shock Wave, Icy Wind
TM Moves: None
Black-quality color!
And level 91!
It had completely surpassed the second barrier of the Champion level.
A true Advanced Champion Level Pokémon, and moreover with a Black-quality level worthy of a legendary Pokémon.
It was no wonder that, according to Darkrai legends, this one had been among the most promising candidates to assume a divine role.
Cain's gaze became more intense.
Phoebe's grandfather observed him; the exhaustion in his eyes was evident. Clearly, he had invested great effort in helping Darkrai.
Cain felt sincere gratitude.
Although in the past they had had their own calculations, that had already been balanced by Gengar's evolution. But this time... he truly owed them a great favor.
And favors... were the most difficult to repay.
"This is as far as we can help Darkrai. The rest will depend on him," the old man said.
Then he added:
"With the strength he has now, the energy within him can no longer restrain him. With constant effort, he will be able to recover his original power."
"And besides, fully restoring him right now would not be the best outcome. As he recovers his strength and expels the Ghost-type energy, he is tempering himself. He will refine his core energy and become even stronger."
"Before, his growth was too smooth, which probably limited his progress. This experience is an opportunity. He may even surpass the limit he previously could not overcome."
Cain nodded.
It was true: if they restored him completely now, although he would regain power, it would not be as valuable as this process of refinement.
Seeing Darkrai's confident expression, it was clear that he himself had accepted this path.
Cain was not surprised at all.
"Thank you very much!" he said, bowing deeply to the two elders.
The grandfather waved his hand.
"Cain, we cannot leave this mountain. We have lived here for most of our lives... but our only concern is this granddaughter of ours."
"We know that you have taken care of her, that you even risked your life for her in the Space-Time Continent. We have no way to repay you... so consider this settling a debt. But we have one request..."
Cain grew serious.
"Please, say it. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse."
The two elders smiled gently.
"We know you are already the First Elite Four of Hoenn and that you may go even further. We only ask that you take care of Phoebe. She has lived with us for more than ten years, and her heart is pure... We do not ask that she reach great heights, only that she may live well."
"Grandfather..." Phoebe could not hold back her tears.
Cain, with a solemn expression, replied:
"Do not worry. I have always considered Phoebe my sister. As long as I, Cain, remain alive, I will protect her with everything I have."
The elders sighed in relief.
The grandfather stretched and began walking back toward his cabin.
"That is enough... I am already tired. The world is in turbulent times. Even here I have heard about the Sacred Church."
"Be careful... and above all... beware of Giratina."
After saying that, he slowly walked away, supported by his wife.
Phoebe, her eyes reddened, watched them leave.
Young birds must always fly.
She no longer needed their protection... but the separation still hurt deeply.
Her grandparents had told her to return once everything was over. That they would still live for a few more years.
Cain bowed once more toward them, filled with respect.
It was thanks to people like them that the Pokémon League remained firm.
Finally, when she could no longer hold it in, Phoebe threw herself into Cain's chest and broke into tears.
What child does not suffer when leaving home?
But... what child does not have to?
After comforting her for a while and confirming that Darkrai was stable, Cain departed with her.
He had originally planned to stay for one or two days, but everything was resolved within half a day.
However, judging by the condition of the elders, they had clearly expended an enormous amount of energy.
Fortunately, Darkrai could now continue on his own.
It might even improve further in the process.
When they returned to the Hoenn League, the sky was already growing dark.
Two days remained.
Cain needed to prepare for the announcement of Mega Evolution.
Three days would be enough for the various regions, families, and underground forces to prepare.
To welcome... the new era!
After this announcement, the new generation would completely replace the old one.
Perhaps some veterans would remain as guides, but figures such as Lance, Cynthia, or Diantha would take full control of their regions.
The change had already begun.
The era of the young was about to arrive.
And in this context, the Sacred Church, rather than merely a threat... was also a test.
If they could overcome it, the old generation could retire in peace.
A new era was about to begin!
(End of Chapter)