Led by Arl, a group of researchers descended one after another down a temporary ladder set against the rocky edge of the pit.
"Everyone, move in order—no pushing. Once we're below, follow Mr. Nozomi's instructions."
As Arl spoke, he carefully climbed down, his flashlight bobbing in the darkness.
Nozomi, assigned as the team's security lead for this operation, was naturally the first to reach the bottom.
The cave below was pitch black. From a glance, one couldn't discern its shape or scale at all.
But to Nozomi, that wasn't an issue. Using his telepathy, he extended his psychic perception through the cavern, mapping every contour and crevice in an instant.
Within the scope of his psychic sense, the entire cave's interior became as clear as daylight before his mind's eye.
One… two… three… several faint life forces flickered within his awareness—weak, but distinct.
"These must be the ancient Pokémon they mentioned," Nozomi thought to himself.
Before long, Arl and the rest of the researchers clambered down the ladder and joined him on the cave floor.
"Mr. Nozomi, what's the situation?" Arl asked anxiously.
"You're in luck," Nozomi replied calmly. "There really are ancient Pokémon down here."
At his words, joy flashed across the faces of Arl and his team. The discovery confirmed their hypothesis—it was a monumental find.
"However," Nozomi continued, "the situation isn't quite what you expected."
"What do you mean?" Arl frowned.
"There are… a few more ancient Pokémon than you might have imagined."
As soon as Nozomi spoke, the cavern trembled faintly. The previously dormant Pokémon stirred—the intruders had awakened them.
Dozens of glowing red eyes lit up in the darkness. One pair, two pairs, three pairs… soon the cave was filled with a sea of shimmering eyes, countless and unnervingly close.
"What in the world…" one researcher gasped, instinctively taking two steps back.
These scientists, who'd spent years fantasizing about seeing living fossils, suddenly found their courage vanish now that their dream had taken form.
"Well, there you go." Nozomi pointed ahead, his tone even. "Those are your ancient Pokémon."
"There are so many of them…" Arl's voice trembled slightly, though he forced a composed expression befitting a leader.
"I thought you already knew there were this many down here," Nozomi remarked.
"Are you kidding? How could anyone know that?" another researcher stammered, face pale.
"Mr. Nozomi seems so calm—he must have a plan, right?" Arl quickly turned to him, eyes filled with pleading hope. As the herd of ancient Pokémon crept closer, every researcher's safety now rested in Nozomi's hands.
In the brief moment they spoke, the creatures had already advanced dozens of meters. Their gnarled forms emerged from the shadows, fanged maws opening with low, echoing growls.
Arl, who specialized in studying ancient Pokémon, knew full well how dangerous these beings were.
"Of course," Nozomi said lightly. "Since I took this job, I'll see to your safety."
As he spoke, he pulled out two Poké Balls and tossed them forward.
ROAR!GRAAARGH!
Two thunderous cries echoed through the cavern as Steelix and Metagross emerged in bursts of light.
"Go!"
At Nozomi's command, both Pokémon charged forward without hesitation, slamming into the approaching horde.
The attackers were mostly Kabutops and Omastar, with a few Kabuto and Omanyte mixed in. Though they looked fierce, their strength was limited—at least compared to Nozomi's standards.
"Steelix, use Iron Tail! Metagross, use Iron Arm!"
Steelix swung its massive tail, striking the rocky floor with an earth-shaking boom. A wave of force swept through the swarm, flinging several ancient Pokémon into the air. Metagross followed, barreling into their ranks with brutal precision—its four arms smashing and tossing opponents aside like rag dolls.
The combination of Iron Tail and Iron Arm—both Steel-type moves—proved devastating against Rock-types like Kabutops and Omastar.
In moments, the cave was filled with the sound of bodies hitting the ground. The researchers could only stare, wide-eyed, as Nozomi's Pokémon tore through the ancient horde like a storm scattering dry leaves.
"We… we're saved…" one whispered, relief flooding the group.
"Mr. Nozomi, we can't thank you enou—" Arl began, but Nozomi raised a hand.
"Hold on. Something else is coming." His eyes turned toward the depths of the cave.
From the darkness came a sharp, piercing screech.
Arl's face went pale. He recognized that cry instantly.
"No… that's an Aerodactyl!"
As a scholar of ancient Pokémon, he knew too well what that meant. Compared to Aerodactyl, the Kabutops and Omastar were nothing—mere minnows before a predator king.
The Pokémon that had been crowding the area moments ago had already fled, vanishing into the crevices.
"Mr. Nozomi, shouldn't we fall back?" Arl's voice trembled. Even with his faith in Nozomi, facing a living Aerodactyl was an entirely different level of danger.
"Relax," Nozomi said, smiling faintly. "I'll handle it."
Arl's legs nearly gave out.You may be confident, he thought, but I'm not!
Before he could say another word, a black shape hurtled from the darkness straight toward them.
"Get down!" Arl shouted, diving aside.
The researchers followed suit, throwing themselves to the ground.
Nozomi, however, didn't move. With a calm gesture, he raised his hand. Metagross instantly slid in front of him, crossing its steel arms to block the oncoming strike.
BOOM!The impact echoed through the entire cavern.
Metagross didn't budge an inch. Aerodactyl, on the other hand, was sent staggering back by the recoil.
"SKREEEE!" it shrieked, wings gleaming white as it launched forward again.
"Steel Wing, huh?" Nozomi murmured. "Metagross, use Meteor Mash to block it!"
He had no doubt about the outcome.
Metagross's arm glowed with brilliant silver light as it struck. The clash lasted barely a heartbeat before Aerodactyl was blown back, crashing hard into a stalactite with a deafening crack.
"It actually won!" one of the researchers gasped, stunned.
Every gaze turned toward Nozomi, their fear replaced with awe.
To defeat a living Aerodactyl—a true overlord of ancient skies—was unthinkable.
Just who was this man their company had hired?