Chapter 36: Cassandra

Deep within the mountains.

Cassandra was clad in a sleek black combat outfit, highlighting her tall and striking figure.

Her long, fair legs were slender and straight, making it hard to look away.

Her delicate features and captivating, fox-like eyes carried an icy sharpness, like the edge of a blade.

No one would ever suspect—

That this alluring, domineering woman was actually a ruthless assassin renowned in the underground world.

However—

Cassandra was in bad shape.

Her face was pale, and she leaned against a wall, her right arm dislocated.

She panted heavily from the pain.

Only a battered Arbok remained by her side, flicking its tongue as it guarded her.

Forced into a corner by the Blackthorn Hunt, Cassandra had no choice but to make a desperate move.

She used Weezing's Explosion to break through.

But it was a double-edged sword.

Though the attack helped her escape the siege, it came at a heavy cost—

Her Pokémon were nearly wiped out, leaving her severely weakened.

At this point, escaping Misty Mountain was practically impossible.

"Damn bastard! Gave me fake intel!"

"They said the base only had a dozen senior and elite trainers guarding it!"

"But there was a freaking Gym-level powerhouse inside!"

"When I get back, I swear I'll cut your damn hand off."

Cassandra cursed weakly.

Then, she turned her gaze to the spoils she had stolen from the Blackthorn Hunt:

A Pokémon egg.

A perfect-grade Twisted Spoon.

A mysterious, rainbow-colored stone.

Six low-quality evolution and elemental stones.

Some rare ingredients and specialized crafting materials for certain Pokémon.

A truly impressive haul.

"Now... how the hell am I supposed to get all this out of here?"

Cassandra narrowed her eyes, muttering to herself in frustration.

Before she could think of a solution—

She heard voices approaching in the distance.

Her expression darkened instantly.

She exchanged a look with Arbok, both of their eyes turning cold.

The people coming were obviously Blackthorn Hunt grunts tracking her down.

They had sharp eyes and noticed faint traces of blood on the ground.

But they weren't sure if it belonged to Cassandra or a wild Pokémon.

So, they decided to follow the trail and investigate.

Cassandra hid behind dense foliage.

She could already see two Blackthorn Hunt members in uniform approaching.

Just as she was about to order Arbok to strike first—

A Bellossom suddenly appeared behind the two men.

Before they could react, it swiftly sliced through them with a Leaf Blade, ending them instantly.

Then, a hand reached from behind Cassandra—

Clamping over her mouth.

Normally, she wouldn't have been so easily subdued.

But with her injuries and her dislocated arm, she couldn't fight back.

"Mmph! Mmm!"

Cassandra let out muffled cries of alarm.

Arbok hissed, its fangs bared, ready to strike.

But Bellossom was faster—

It stepped between them, blocking Arbok's attack with another Leaf Blade.

"Tell your Arbok to stand down. I'm here to help you."

"If you're an enemy of the Blackthorn Hunt, that makes us allies—at least in a technical sense."

"I'm going to let go of you now. Don't make a sound."

"If you mess this up and alert the others, I won't hesitate to throw you to the wolves. Got it?"

Cassandra nodded forcefully.

She had no choice.

Right now, her life was in someone else's hands. She wasn't stupid enough to resist.

When she saw Bellossom mercilessly execute the Blackthorn Hunt grunts, she was half-convinced of Ethan's words.

She believed he was their enemy.

But she wasn't sure if he had actually come to save her.

"Who are you?"

Though she was free, Cassandra didn't make any rash moves.

She cautiously took two steps back, her tone wary and cold.

"I told you, I'm here to help."

Ethan glanced at her long legs and the exposed, fair skin at her neckline, speaking calmly.

"…Hah. You really think I'll believe that?" Cassandra sneered.

Ever since the Blackthorn Hunt established their base at Misty Mountain, they had completely sealed the area off.

No ordinary trainer could have made it here.

"Believe what you want. I only care about what I'm here to do."

Ethan's voice remained steady.

Cassandra's clothes were torn in several places from her battles and the explosion—

Revealing patches of smooth, pale skin.

Ethan didn't bother hiding his gaze, openly eyeing her up and down.

His shamelessness made Cassandra furious, killing intent flashing in her heart.

But, seeing that he made no further moves, she let out a small sigh of relief.

For now.