Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Cain took out the special sheet of paper, and instantly, the many eyes of the two Claydol opened fully, emitting a faint reddish glow that focused on the object Cain was holding.

At this movement, Mismagius, who had remained alert, floated up beside him, sensing a dangerous aura emanating from the two guardians.

Cain also placed his hand on Altaria's Poké Ball, ready to release it in case of a confrontation. If a battle broke out, Altaria would be key to holding off one of the Claydol while Cain attempted to unlock the chains blocking the entrance.

If he couldn't do it quickly, his only option would be to retreat. Facing two high-level Pokémon, with a Team Magma group approaching from behind, would be too risky.

However, a few moments passed, and the Claydol did not attack. Their gazes remained fixed on the paper in Cain's hands. Intrigued, Cain gently waved the paper; the guardians' eyes followed its motion. That's when a thought crossed his mind.

"Could this paper contain some kind of seal or special mark?" Cain wondered, taking a cautious step forward. Despite the movement, the Claydol remained still. This gave him a bit more confidence.

With one hand holding the paper and the other ready to release Altaria, Cain moved forward. His Pokémon remained on high alert. Mismagius floated beside him, while Slowking was prepared to use Protect if necessary.

Suddenly, the chains blocking the door began to move, creating a metallic sound that echoed throughout the space. The two thick, intertwined chains seemed to come alive, and as they slid apart, an "Ω" symbol carved into the door became visible.

Cain observed the heavy stone door closely as it slowly began to rise, activated by an internal mechanism.

From the darkness beyond, small lights began to flicker on one after another, illuminating a surprisingly well-preserved interior.

The candles on the walls, intact despite the passage of time, began to burn softly, revealing the details of the place.

Hesitating for a moment, Cain finally stepped forward. With his Pokémon following him, he crossed the threshold. The Claydol did not attempt to stop him; they merely watched from their original positions.

Once Cain was fully inside, the door began to close behind him, accompanied by a deep echo that resounded throughout the space. The chains locked the entrance once again, and the guardians returned to their inert state.

The place Cain had entered resembled a prison, with multiple cells aligned along both sides of the central corridor. The cells were empty, and the environment, though ancient, was surprisingly clean.

Every detail of the design—from the walls to the cell bars—suggested this was no ordinary prison.

"What kind of Pokémon or being had they kept locked up here?" Cain thought as he slowly advanced, remaining alert.

Suddenly, Larvitar, who had been by his side, began behaving agitatedly. It pointed toward a cell at the end of the hallway, displaying an unusual level of excitement.

A faint red glow appeared on the horn on its head, as if reacting to something inside the cell.

"Is that where what we're looking for is?" Cain asked softly, looking at Larvitar. The Pokémon's insistent gaze gave him a clear answer.

Not taking his eyes off his surroundings, Cain approached the indicated location. When he reached the cell, he found that although it appeared empty, its walls were covered with inscriptions and symbols that resembled complex calculations and ancient formulas.

There was a deteriorated table and chair, evidence that someone had once spent time working there.

"System, scan these walls and translate what you find," Cain ordered as he continued inspecting the room.

His gaze finally settled on a coffin placed vertically in a corner of the cell. This sarcophagus was enormous—over three meters tall and two meters wide—secured with multiple chains and a metal pendant bearing the "Ω" emblem. Every detail of its design suggested it was no ordinary object.

Cain attempted to use his psychic power to probe its interior but was unable to penetrate the sarcophagus's material. "An effect that blocks special abilities... this is more than it seems," he thought, observing the container with growing interest.

Larvitar, by his side, showed signs of impatience, eager to interact with the mysterious object.

As Cain analyzed the inscriptions on the walls, the system quickly processed the information. The translations revealed that this place served not only as a prison but also as an improvised laboratory.

The formulas and texts described theories related to the creation and control of a Golurk based on Groudon. This "Groudon-type Golurk" was a project that had become uncontrollable, leading the ancient king to seal it in this place.

The writings explained that the king had designed this space as a final line of defense. Here, the sealed Pokémon would remain trapped until its energy was completely drained or a way to control it was found.

"So this place was built to contain a threat too great even for its own creator..." Cain reflected.

Before he could delve further into his thoughts, the pendant on the sarcophagus's chains made a dry sound and fell to the ground, breaking. A crack began to form on the surface of the metal.

Larvitar, now wrapped in a reddish glow, stepped forward, his eyes reflecting the same intense light. Cain, aware of what was about to happen, prepared his Pokémon, knowing that the situation was about to change drastically.

(End of chapter)