Chapter 108:
Cain didn't even break a sweat as the young police officer checked his Association ID card. Umbra had provided him with a near-perfect fake identity that even Whitney's grandfather in Goldenrod City couldn't see through.
The officer inserted Cain's ID card into the groove of an identity detection tool, and after a short moment, Cain's information appeared on the screen of the device.
The officer scanned the information from beginning to end, ensuring that everything was in order. With a nod, the officer returned the card to Cain and thanked him for his cooperation.
Cain slipped the card back into his ring and sauntered away, exuding an air of cool confidence.
As he left the scene, the young officer couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Cain. It was as if there was a dormant volcano lurking beneath his calm exterior, ready to erupt at any moment; he just couldn't put his finger on it.
Cain, on the other hand, didn't give the officer a second thought. He didn't have any ulterior motives in the first place, so he could face the police with ease. However, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy when he scanned the Growlithe's data, that had been standing by the officer's side.
Pokémon: Growlithe (Dark Green)
Gender: Male
Level: 20
Type: Fire
Ability: Flash Fire
Held items: None
Egg moves: Crunch, Double Kick, Fire Spin
Basic moves: Bite, Roar, Ember, Leer, Odor Sleuth, Helping Hand, Flame Wheel, Reversal
Taught moves: Iron Tail, Snore
Technical Machines (TMs): Protect, Hidden Power (Grass), Double Team, Flamethrower
To become an Association police officer, one had to have the secret support of the Officer Jenny family. They controlled nearly seventy percent of the police force, making it almost essential to join their ranks or become one of their vassals.
The power of a prominent family was nothing to scoff at. Even an ordinary officer could boast an impressive Pokemon that could rival those of the elite in terms of talent. Cain knew this all too well from his past life, when he had once battled the city's true supervisor, Officer Jenny, and she forced him to retreat.
The Officer Jenny family had earned their status through sheer strength, unlike the Nurse Joy family. They knew that as the city's guardians, they had to have the necessary force to maintain order.
Anyway, Cain found himself longing for a shower and a fresh change of clothes. The civilized society made him acutely aware of the stickiness and discomfort of his body, and he craved relief.
Though he didn't care for others' gazes, he knew it wasn't wise to draw too much attention to himself. He was used to the hard life, but with the means at his disposal, he could afford a little more comfort.
Still, Cain didn't want to fall into the same traps as in his previous life. He knew the importance of having strength and not getting too carried away with luxury.
The gorgeous performances of the Ecruteak Dance Theater brought in tourists every year, making this city a hub for the tourism industry. Likewise, the hotel business was thriving, thus Cain booked a luxurious suite for three thousand Pokédollars, under the receptionist's scrutinizing gaze.
As soon as Cain swiped the key card to enter the room, he rushed straight into the bathroom. Although he always carried several sets of clothes and different identities in his ring, changing clothes in the wilderness was useless. His body remained sticky and grimy, making clean clothes pointless.
Moreover, when he lived in the wild, he didn't care about such trivial things. Survival was his top priority.
In the shower, water and soap constantly rubbed against his skin, peeling off a layer of grime. Ever since he returned to civilization, cleanliness had become a priority for him. Despite his reluctance to admit it, Cain was someone who was mentally and physically obsessed with cleanliness.
Emerging from the bathroom, Cain looked like his fresh, original self. He still wore the Association human skin mask, but overall, he looked much better than before. If he walked on the street now, few people would turn their heads to look at him.
After calling the front desk, he ordered a cart full of food for himself and his Pokémon. While barbecued meat tasted good, the food made in big hotels provided a different flavor. The Pokémon ate heartily, and even Skorupi, who had been sleeping on Cain's shoulder, woke up to drink a bottle of milk.
Over time, Skorupi's appetite increased, and its armor became brighter and smoother to the touch. Miltank's milk worked wonders, improving its physical fitness without wasting its potential. Even Murkrow and the others who regularly drank the milk experienced a boost in endurance, thanks to their bodies' increased adaptability to fatigue.