When consciousness returned, the surroundings were plunged into absolute darkness.
Cold water pressed in from all directions, but Aoki had prepared for this—underwater oxygen tanks and masks ensured his survival. Even without them, Slowking's psychic abilities could create a breathable pocket of air. The mask's powerful searchlight cut through the gloom, revealing a narrow underwater passage. Though cramped, it was manageable for Aoki and Slowking.
Having Slowking carry him would be inefficient, so Aoki released Swampert from its Poké Ball. For an underwater mission, Swampert and Slowking were ideal companions. The massive Water/Ground-type Pokémon filled the space, but there was still enough room to maneuver. Aoki clung to Swampert's back while Slowking psychically tethered itself to the hulking Pokémon with an energy chain.
At Aoki's signal, Swampert surged forward. Its broad, webbed feet and powerful tail propelled them downward at startling speed. The pressure intensified as they descended, forcing Aoki to reinforce his body with psychic energy. But this was unsustainable—soon, Slowking would have to take over.
The passage widened abruptly, the walls becoming translucent. Marine Pokémon appeared in the depths: schools of Remoraid, drifting Tentacool, and solitary Lanturn. Above, massive schools of Sharpedo patrolled like aquatic tyrants, scattering smaller Pokémon in their wake. Yet even they yielded to the true rulers of these waters—the colossal Wailord pod gliding past, their sheer size deterring all challengers.
Aoki had once considered catching a Wailmer or Wailord. Though impractical for battle, their presence alone guaranteed safe passage through hostile waters. Few Pokémon dared confront a Wailord's bulk.
Deeper still, the seabed came into view. Octillery lurked among coral reefs, while solitary Mantine skimmed the sand. A skirmish broke out between a Corphish and a Whiscash over territory. Then, a cluster of Clamperl emerged, shells parting to reveal their pearlescent interiors.
Aoki's eyes gleamed. Clamperl were living treasure troves—their pearls, if harvested sustainably, could rival the profits from Carbink mining. He memorized their location. After this mission, he'd return to establish a pearl farm. With proper care and Pokéblock nutrition, these Clamperl could become a lucrative venture.
Between the Verdanturf Gym, Goldenrod's Battle tower, the Carbink mine, and now this potential pearl operation, Aoki's financial independence was nearly secured. But first, he had to uncover the secrets hidden below.
He urged Swampert onward. The pressure grew unbearable, forcing Slowking to shield them with its psychic power. At this depth, the passage had turned fully transparent, nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding ocean. Only a faint membrane, detectable by touch, separated them from the abyss.
Slowking's telepathic voice echoed in Aoki's mind. We've reached the end.
A final barrier loomed. Slowking's psychic energy pulsed, and with a sudden lurch, they phased through—
—into open air.
Aoki gasped. They floated midair, suspended by Slowking's power, above a colossal structure. The architecture was ancient, its tiered, spinning-top design adorned with glowing runes. A protective bubble encased the entire edifice, repelling the ocean's weight. Jets of water erupted from the spire below, feeding the barrier.
From the outside, the dome had been invisible—cloaked, like Aoki's own barrier technology. Yet from within, the ocean was perfectly visible. Wild Pokémon swam past, oblivious to the hidden sanctuary.
Aoki's breath caught.
The Temple of the Sea…
Seafloor Ruins?
The thought struck him like a Thunderbolt.