Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

The Pokémon returned to Cain after the intense battle. Following his orders, Slowking unleashed his most powerful attack and finally defeated the Chandelure. However, the collapse of the ground was inevitable.

Fortunately, Slowking always kept his psychic abilities active around his body, which allowed him to immediately use his psychic power to keep Cain and the other Pokémon suspended in the air as the ground gave way. In this way, they avoided falling along with the debris.

"Combusken, throw some fire downward to see what's down there," Cain instructed.

"Bussk!" Combusken responded determinedly. At once, he generated small sparks in his hands, which quickly became two fireballs. With a swift motion, he hurled them into the space below.

The fireballs collided in midair and exploded upon contact, partially illuminating the area beneath them. Cain could see that, like the upper chamber, the lower space was also a wide room—though this one lacked any light source.

Using his psychic power, Cain gathered several Litwick that had been knocked out and threw them downward. Even though they had lost the ability to battle, the flames atop their heads still burned, albeit faintly.

Curiously, upon entering the lower area, their flames seemed to glow more intensely—probably due to the concentration of ghostly energy that permeated the space.

Confirming there was no immediate danger, Cain nodded and signaled Slowking to lower them down. However, before descending, he threw a Poké Ball to capture the fallen Chandelure.

Although Cain had no intention of using this Pokémon due to the risks involved, he knew it held significant value on the market.

This Chandelure, at Maximum Quasi-Elite level, could become a valuable asset for someone else—especially those unconcerned with the side effects of its life energy absorption.

Upon reaching the ground, Cain lit a special torch and combined its light with that of the Litwick already below, illuminating the space enough to explore. As he examined the surroundings, Cain's expression grew grim.

The mystery of why the Chandelure and Litwick in the upper level remained in such good condition was solved. Their source of both spiritual and life energy came from the space they now stood in.

This place was none other than... a crypt!

The idea of building a crypt beneath an inhabited place was unsettling. Cain couldn't help but wonder if the ancient occupants of this place didn't suffer from nightmares due to such a design.

Perhaps this structure was built as a last resort during a desperate situation. That could no longer be known.

However, what truly unsettled Cain was that, once again, they were surrounded. This time, it was Cofagrigus and numerous Yamask blocking their path.

The Chandelure clearly knew what lay beneath and, by destroying the floor, was likely trying to drag Cain and his Pokémon into a death trap.

The Cofagrigus, which looked like animated coffins, stood out as true crypt guardians. Their bodies, shaped like yellow and blue coffins, had glowing red eyes and a beige mask with sharp teeth, resembling that of their pre-evolution, Yamask. Four gray arms extended from cracks in the coffin.

These Pokémon were famous for their terrifying behavior: they trapped those who came too close and turned them into mummies. Usually, they were only found in tombs of highly important people, guarding the sarcophagi from thieves.

Though they typically remained inactive, the collapse must have awakened them.

The leader of the Cofagrigus, an imposing figure, radiated an intense energy that alerted Cain. His psychic instinct didn't fail: this Cofagrigus was extremely dangerous.

Even Slowking, standing beside him, assumed a defensive posture. This Cofagrigus was no ordinary Pokémon.

It was level 60!

Pokémon: Cofagrigus (Light Blue)

Gender: Male

Level: 60

Type: Ghost

Ability: Mummy

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Memento, Imprison, Nasty Plot, Toxic Spikes

Basic Moves: Scary Face, Astonish, Disable, Haze, Night Shade, Hex, Will-O-Wisp, Ominous Wind, Curse, Power Split, Guard Split, Shadow Ball, Grudge, Mean Look, Destiny Bond

Learned Moves: Block, Telekinesis, Pain Split, Knock Off

TM Moves: None

Additionally, Cofagrigus's Mummy ability would make the battle even more complicated. With this ability, any Pokémon that made contact with Cofagrigus would temporarily lose its original ability and gain Mummy instead.

This meant abilities like Honchkrow's Moxie or Lairon's Rock Head would lose their effects when using contact moves.

However, Cain wasn't only worried about direct confrontation. He observed the Cofagrigus's formation. Most were concentrated in front of them, while in the back—where more Yamask lingered—there were fewer Cofagrigus.

At the far end, Cain noticed something unusual: a black door.

It was clear the Cofagrigus were trying to protect that entrance. Though the rest of the crypt lay in ruins, the important items were likely hidden behind that door.

Cain threw more Poké Balls to reinforce his team, summoning Weavile and Florges. He knew facing an Elite-level Pokémon wouldn't be easy—especially with more Cofagrigus and Yamask as reinforcements.

After a brief moment of thought, he made a crucial decision. He released his Mismagius from its Poké Ball. This Pokémon, always the highest level in his team, had never fought since Cain captured her. Today, against a worthy opponent, would be her debut in battle.

"Miiis~" she floated beside Cain, rubbing affectionately against him before staring fearlessly at the Cofagrigus leader.

Mismagius's energy began to gather, and her excitement to take part in her first battle was evident. Though it was her debut, her prior training had prepared her for a challenge like this.

The air grew heavy with tension. The confrontation was about to begin.

(End of chapter)