Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Cain retrieved the Pokémon that had already rested, leaving only Mismagius, Slowking, and Larvitar outside their Poké Balls.

With the help of Slowking's psychic powers, he managed to exit the underground chamber.

The Chandelure, which had intended to use the Cofagrigus from the chamber as tools for revenge, never imagined it would end up sacrificing the same group of Cofagrigus that had provided it with energy for so long.

Thanks to the map in his possession, Cain didn't need to wander aimlessly through the ruins.

He headed straight to the location marked in black on the map.

That had to be the site where the special Golurk was buried.

Larvitar's intuition matched perfectly with the destination Cain had marked.

On the way, he didn't encounter any more Pokémon.

After so much time, the only ones capable of surviving in the ruins were Ghost-type Pokémon or those that could enter a state of hibernation and only awaken when someone approached, like Golurk and Golett.

This place was, essentially, an ancient imperial palace. Without a map, one could be lost indefinitely among its corridors.

Boom!

Suddenly, as Cain moved forward, a crash shook the place, followed by two tremors that made the entire structure vibrate.

If it weren't for the fact that the building was constructed with the sturdiness of a royal palace, it likely would have collapsed. Even so, the movement caused aged parts to fall apart and a rain of dust to descend from the ceiling.

Cain frowned, his expression turning serious.

"Could it be Team Magma? Have they already made it here?" he thought cautiously.

Before obtaining the map, Cain had believed that he and Team Magma were exploring different ruins, but now he knew that both were within the same complex.

The difference was that Team Magma had found an upper entrance, while Cain had accessed it from the lower level.

The access from above was more complicated, as that area used to be the ruler's residence, filled with traps and mechanisms to protect the site.

On the other hand, the lower entrance, although guarded by numerous Golurk, was much more direct. In the past, the ancient inhabitants allowed easier access to those who came to offer worship.

In reality, the Golurk weren't exclusive to the lower entrance. According to descriptions of the site, these Pokémon were a permanent military force of that ancient kingdom.

At their peak, they could be deployed in overwhelming numbers. However, Groudon's arrival had sealed them underground, in the rock and soil.

That's why, upon approaching the ruins, the Golurk would emerge from the ground to defend the place.

Although the ancients didn't have modern weapons, they had followed a different path to develop their strength, achieving formidable power.

It wasn't surprising that some ancient kingdoms still existed. Even if the Pokémon League found them, they preferred not to attack, as it was impossible to know what secrets or hidden weapons they might possess.

However, only the wise kingdoms that cooperated with the League had a chance to survive. Otherwise, the League would not hesitate to eliminate them discreetly, even if their hidden cards were strong.

A power that could rebel at any moment would be eradicated before it grew too much.

The kingdoms that managed to collaborate with the League offered valuable knowledge, ancient technology that helped scientific progress and maintained social order in their regions.

This strategy of coexistence allowed the League to gradually absorb these local forces, integrating them as internal departments. It was a slow but effective process: a policy of peaceful assimilation.

Cain set aside these thoughts as he quickened his pace. He was about to reach the place marked on the map.

However, judging by the fading battle noises from outside, it seemed Team Magma had finished dealing with the Golurk.

Cain could only hope the Golurk could delay them a bit more. Although they were numerous, the truly powerful Golurk were few, and none reached elite level.

Speeding up was his only option. He began to run.

He passed through several narrow hallways and circled around paths blocked by fallen debris. Even with a map, it was difficult for him to progress.

Finally, after ten minutes of running, he arrived at the door to the room indicated on the map.

In front of him was a huge stone door, thick and heavy, secured with two giant chains of an unknown material that kept the place firmly sealed.

Cain didn't rush to approach.

In front of the door stood two statues.

They weren't simple sculptures, but petrified Pokémon.

Two Claydol.

Although they appeared inanimate, Cain knew that any attempt to approach could trigger some kind of alarm.

Pokémon: Claydol (Light Blue)

Gender: Genderless

Level: 64

Types: Ground + Psychic

Ability: Levitate

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: None

Basic Moves: Hyper Beam, Teleport, Confusion, Harden, Rapid Spin, Mud-Slap, Heal Block, Rock Tomb, Psybeam, Ancient Power, Cosmic Power, Power Trick, Self-Destruct, Extrasensory, Guard Split, Power Split, Earth Power, Sandstorm, Imprison

Learned Moves: Stealth Rock, Drill Run, Gravity, Telekinesis, Snore

TM Moves: None

Both Claydol were identical in level and ability, with slight differences in their moves.

This made Cain hesitate to proceed.

Two elite-level Pokémon weren't an easy challenge. Even if Mismagius and Altaria could take on one each, that didn't guarantee there weren't other Pokémon behind the door.

Cain remained still, weighing the risks.

At that moment, Larvitar, beside him, tugged urgently at his pants.

"You're saying the target is in there?"

The concern and insistence on Larvitar's face confirmed they had reached the right place.

The two Claydol in front of the door were the best proof of that.

Cain knew using Slowking's Teleport move to bypass the defenses wouldn't work. Claydol, being Psychic-type, could detect and block any attempt to enter that way.

"Will this sheet work to prove I have authorization?" Cain pulled out the special paper he had found earlier, debating whether to move forward or not.

(End of chapter)