Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

At that moment, the energy of Groudon residing within Pupitar had already been completely assimilated, and its level had reached 34. With this advancement, it surpassed Lairon and Combusken, becoming the strongest among Cain's second team.

Moreover, it had now learned the move Precipice Blades. Although this version was incomplete, it was the only one Pupitar could perform—otherwise, it wouldn't be Pupitar, but Groudon itself.

Even a newly awakened Groudon could only use an incomplete version of Precipice Blades; only its primal form could unleash the move's full potential. The difference lay in the perfection of the attack.

Cain approached and lightly struck the terrain altered by Pupitar's Precipice Blades. It was considerably solid, though there was still room for improvement—something that would require constant training.

After testing the move's capabilities, Cain pulled out one of the Mega Stones from his collection. During his recent travels, he hadn't had the chance to let his Pokémon interact with it. Now was a good time.

Among Cain's Pokémon, it was already known that Lairon had its own Mega Stone. Just by observing both Mega Stones, it was clear this new one didn't belong to Aggron. That left other team members as potential candidates.

The Pokémon in Cain's current team capable of Mega Evolution included Gengar, Swampert, Blaziken (Combusken's final evolution), Tyranitar (Pupitar's final evolution), Salamence (Bagon's final evolution), Altaria, Diancie (Carbink's evolved form), and Gardevoir (Ralts's final evolution).

Additionally, Cain had Pokémon like Absol in his base in Leafy Town, who were also capable of Mega Evolution. But even without Absol, Cain's team already had seven or eight potential Mega Evolution candidates.

All that remained was to find the specific Mega Stones for each of them, which would undoubtedly boost their abilities enormously.

With help from his monitoring system, Cain let each Pokémon approach and interact with the Mega Stone.

He started with Gengar, one of his oldest and most reliable Pokémon. Their bond was unshakable, and if the Mega Stone belonged to Gengar, it could Mega Evolve immediately.

Cain already had a Key Stone in his possession, which meant he was ready to activate this transformation at any moment. However, to his disappointment, the Mega Stone didn't react to Gengar.

Although Gengar didn't show discouragement, Cain felt a twinge of frustration.

Next up was Pupitar. If the Mega Stone belonged to this Pokémon, its power would be immense, as pseudo-legendary Pokémon like it reach their true potential in their final stage. But again, the Mega Stone showed no reaction.

Cain continued with Swampert and Combusken, two of Hoenn's most iconic starters. Both could Mega Evolve and were key parts of the team. But once again, the Mega Stone remained inert.

Next was Bagon, who would eventually become Salamence, another pseudo-legendary Pokémon. Cain had high expectations, but once more, there was no reaction.

Only three Pokémon remained: Altaria, Carbink (still in the process of evolving), and Ralts, who had just entered its development stage. All three shared one trait: the Fairy type.

Altaria, though currently a Dragon/Flying type, would become a Fairy type upon Mega Evolving, turning into a direct threat to other Dragon-type Pokémon.

It wasn't surprising that, after this trait was discovered, some nicknamed Altaria "The Dragon Clan's Traitor." Its type combination was devastating: immunity to Dragon-type moves and double damage from both Dragon- and Fairy-type moves.

Altaria was the next to attempt interaction with the Mega Stone. As she approached, Cain noticed a spark of interest in her eyes.

Like many Dragon-type Pokémon, Altaria had a natural inclination toward shiny objects. However, what truly surprised Cain was the Mega Stone's reaction.

As Altaria drew near, the Mega Stone began to emit a faint vibration, and the system confirmed that it was indeed Altaria's Mega Stone.

Cain could barely contain his excitement. He had finally found a Mega Stone he could use immediately. There was no need to test with Carbink or Ralts; Altaria's compatibility was confirmed.

As Altaria gazed at the Mega Stone with curiosity, feeling a special connection to it, Cain smiled and said with enthusiasm, "That's right! This Mega Stone is yours, Altaria!"

Altaria responded with a soft trill, still a bit confused, but trusting Cain. He placed the Mega Stone on Altaria and pulled the Key Stone from his inventory.

Now, it was time to attempt something Cain had never experienced firsthand—even after two lives in the Pokémon world: Mega Evolution.

"Let's give it a try, Altaria!" Cain said, his voice full of excitement.

Although Altaria didn't fully understand what "giving it a try" meant, she trusted her trainer completely. Since Cain had taken her in, her life had changed for the better, and he had always worked to strengthen and protect her.

So, when Cain raised the Key Stone and synced it with the Mega Stone, Altaria closed her eyes, ready for what was to come.

"Mega Evolve, Altaria!" Cain exclaimed with determination.

(End of Chapter)