Embargo

"I choose Embargo."

Cain's choice surprised Yan a bit, but he respected it nonetheless.

To counter the Dark-type Pokémon that had an advantage over Duskull, Raikou chose the Bug-type move "Infestation," which increased Duskull's range of attack and was a fairly standard choice.

"Since both of you have made your choices, I will give you a week to become proficient with these two moves. Morty and I are going to the Sinnoh region's Veilstone Gym to discuss Ghost-type Pokémon. During this week, you will help Leo manage the gym, deal with challengers, and continue your special training. I will test you after a week."

Yan's words made Cain and Raikou's eyes gleam with anticipation. At long last, Yan was finally leaving, it seemed the opportunity finally arrived.

During the evening self-study session, Cain began using the learning device in the lecture hall and inserted the "Embargo" skill TM.

An Houndoom appeared on the screen. Embargo was an upgraded move for Houndoom, so it naturally excelled at it, taking on the role of a "Pokémon Move Instructor."

Gastly watched the entire screen intently. Houndoom barked in some incomprehensible language, only Gastly seemed to understand.

Pokémon language was indeed profound and difficult to understand. Besides a few humans with extraordinary abilities who could communicate with Pokémon, most people could not.

There were cases of telepathic connections between humans and Pokémon. In the near future, Saffron City would see the emergence of a psychic prodigy named Sabrina, whose psychic abilities even surpassed those of many Psychic-type Pokémon and could establish telepathic connections with them. Additionally, there were historical cases in the Sinnoh region of Aura Warriors and Lucario sharing telepathic connections.

However, Cain didn't have such experiences or abilities in his past life, so he didn't have any expectations for it in this one. The most important thing was to practice his own fighting skills in a down-to-earth manner; all unrealistic dreams were just dillusions.

There were also prodigies among Pokémon, such as Meowth, a low-level member of Team Rocket. Despite its near-zero combat capabilities, it had an extraordinary brain, not only proficient in human language but also possessing top-notch ability to invent. Its inventions, coupled with high-quality materials, could challenge even Psuedo Legendary or even lower Legendary Pokémon.

In his previous life, Cain had captured an Articuno with Meowth and its team in the Johto region's Snowpoint Mountain, which was sold for a fortune. That was when Cain turned his life around and gradually got back on track. In this life, Cain believed he would have another chance to collaborate with Meowth.

Cain smiled knowingly.

The Houndoom on the screen finished its "lecture" and began a practical demonstration. Suddenly, a terrifying roar turned into a horrifying black shadow, causing those who saw it to freeze in place, paralyzed in the "Embargo" state.

Afterward, Houndoom demonstrated the move twice more before the TM ended.

"Let's practice while the memory is still fresh."

Cain said to Gastly, fearing that forgetting the move would waste the skill disc.

In the darkness of the night, Gastly repeated Houndoom's movements but had not successfully used the move even once.

Learning moves from skill TM's was different from self-taught moves and inherited moves acquired through leveling up. These moves were learned forcibly through external conditions, making them much harder to master, requiring constant practice.

On the other hand, self-taught moves and inherited moves were ingrained

"Yan is leaving tomorrow," Raikou casually said as he walked past Cain.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves; we'll see when he's gone."

Cain quickened his pace. The closer they got to success, the more composed they needed to be, as a single misstep could lead to total defeat.

"Hmph, what an unnecessary caution," Raikou disapproved.

Back at the dormitory, Cain continued his daily "Flying Dagger" training. After half a month of practice, the distance had expanded to eight meters.

Everything was going smoothly, and Cain couldn't help but feel hopeful about his life.

The next morning, Yan handed over five Ecruteak Gym Badges to Leo and left with Morty.

Cain and Raikou wanted to investigate Yan's study, but they couldn't act recklessly because of Leo. Although they could easily overpower Leo together, it would be unwise to do so. If there was nothing of value in Yan's study, they would expose themselves and become enemies of the Gym trainers, making their future path even more challenging.

Raikou and Cain trained diligently in the courtyard while Leo kept watch at the Gym entrance until Yan was out of sight.

"Long live freedom."

Like a runaway horse, Leo bounced from the Gym's entrance to the training ground.

Cain and Raikou didn't pay any attention to him. Leo approached them and said, "You two are really serious, huh? I almost went crazy under the pressure when Master was in the Gym. Now that he's finally gone, shouldn't we go out and have some fun? Come on, let's go together."

"No," Cain continued to focus on Gastly using the Disable move.

"Not interested," Raikou was directing Duskull to use Wrap.

Seeing Cain and Raikou's expressions, Leo sighed and said, "I can't blame you, though. Master is too harsh, leaving you homework even when he's gone. I feel sorry for you."

"What will you do with the Gym while you're out?" Cain asked, calculating his next move.

"You two are here, aren't you? Although you've only been at Ecruteak Gym for half a month, I can tell you both have extraordinary talent. I know now that I'm no match for you."

After saying this, Leo stuffed three Ecruteak Gym Badges into Cain's hand.

"Aren't you afraid that Master will come back to check on you?"

Cain continued to probe Leo.

However, at this moment, a mischievous grin appeared on his face. It was quite unsettling to see the usually childish Leo suddenly burst into such laughter.

"You're underestimating me! I've inquired about this matter thoroughly. The reason why Master took Morty this time is because it's said that the Gym Leader of the Hearthome Gym has a daughter named Fantina, who uses Ghost-type Pokémon and is very powerful, not inferior to Morty at all. Master probably went there to scout for a potential daughter-in-law, hahaha!"

Leo had an expression as if he had seen through everything.

However, after hearing Leo's words, Cain felt a little more at ease. It seemed that it was just as Yan said, they would be gone for a week.

In a week's time, there must be some gains.