Chapter 274: Rescuing the village guards

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The Great Ball wobbled on the ground, its red central button flashing incessantly. 

Just as Sato thought his assumption was correct—that the Dusclops was a wild Pokémon—the Pokémon emerged from the Great Ball as a streak of white light.

Regaining some strength, the Dusclops quickly realized that Sato and his team were not to be trifled with. 

Without hesitation, it used an ability inherent to all Ghost-types, melding into the ground and vanishing from sight.

"What a pity. This Dusclops already has a trainer; it hasn't been released yet."

Watching the Dusclops retreat underground, Sato couldn't help but feel a little frustrated. However, he didn't stop the cautious Pokémon from escaping and signaled to Swampert and Golbat to let it go.

Although the Dusclops was impressive, it was only that—impressive. Sato had been interested in it primarily because of its level, not because it had mastered the Black Hole move.

The Guardian Clan of Mt. Pyre was undeniably skilled in nurturing Ghost-type Pokémon. The elder's "Grimoire of Dark Spirits" detailed comprehensive methods for training Duskull-line Pokémon, including how to systematically teach Dusclops the Black Hole move.

Thus, if Sato wished, he could capture a higher-potential Duskull and raise it meticulously, eventually nurturing a Dusclops far stronger than the one he just encountered.

That said, raising a Dusclops capable of Black Hole would demand significant resources and effort. 

The level 38 Dusclops he encountered, which already knew the move, was essentially a shortcut, saving Sato considerable time in training.

Meanwhile, the Duskulls that had been lurking in the dungeon's shadows fled in panic after seeing their leader defeated. They vanished through the walls without hesitation.

With the Ghost-types gone, the oppressive, eerie atmosphere of the dungeon dissipated rapidly, leaving it far less intimidating.

Sato didn't dwell long on his failure to capture the Dusclops. He quickly refocused on his purpose for being in the dungeon and made his way to the cell holding the White River Village guards.

The prisoners—both humans and Pokémon—were in a state of deep sleep. Even the commotion caused by Sato's battle with the Dusclops hadn't stirred them.

Seeing that the dozen White River Village guards remained unconscious, Sato released Bellossom and instructed her to use her Healer ability to wake them one by one.

Before long, the imprisoned guards were roused. At first, they looked at Sato with suspicion.

However, after witnessing him awaken their companions and distribute food among them, they gradually realized he had been sent by the village elder to rescue them.

"Good. But where are Marcus and the others? According to the elder, aside from those who were lost, your group should have sixteen members. There are only twelve of you here. Where are the rest?"

As the guards devoured the rations, Sato turned to one man who hadn't touched the food or water.

This man, Gud, was the vice-captain of the guards—a towering figure over six feet tall. However, like the others, he bore signs of severe torture, with scars and welts covering his body. 

Unlike his comrades, Gud remained silent, his eyes shadowed by grief.

"Marcus was taken by those Team Magma bastards," Gud said bitterly. "As for the others—they're traitors. They betrayed us, attacking us from behind. That's why we ended up in this state. Otherwise, those Team Magma scum wouldn't have been able to capture us."

At Gud's words, the other guards paused their eating. A mix of sorrow and rage appeared in their eyes, their hatred for the traitors palpable.

Sato's lingering doubts were resolved. 

The White River Village guards were descendants of the Mt. Pyre Guardian Clan, all trained in Pokémon lore and combat. Their strength and familiarity with the terrain should have enabled them to evade capture, even if surrounded. 

The betrayal from within had been the decisive factor.

Sato suspected that the traitorous guards had revealed the Guardian Clan's secrets to Team Magma.

"I'm sorry to hear that. This Team Magma base is now undefended. I'll have Bellossom provide some healing, but you'll need hospital treatment for full recovery. I'll do my best to rescue Marcus. Meanwhile, I need you to lead the others out of here. The League's support team should arrive by noon; you'll be safe then."

Gud's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard Sato planned to rescue Marcus alone. Determined, he offered, "Let me come with you. I've been to Mt. Pyre before and know the way. My Pokémon aren't badly hurt—Bellossom's healing will suffice. I can assist you."

Sato shook his head firmly. 

"I appreciate the offer, Gud, but you're severely injured and emotionally unstable. You understand what I mean, don't you? Don't worry, I won't act recklessly. I can move more safely alone, and I'll do everything I can to save Marcus. For now, focus on recovery and leading the others to safety."

Gud opened his mouth to argue but closed it, realizing Sato had a point. His current state was a liability and having to look-out for him might only increase Sato's burden.

After about ten minutes, Sato emerged from the Team Magma base with the twelve guards and several dockworkers who had been held captive. 

These dockworkers, though unharmed, were overjoyed at their rescue and effusively thanked Sato.

When Sato mentioned needing a boat to reach Mt. Pyre, one of the older dockworkers, stepped forward.

"Don't worry, Mr. Sato. Those Magma scoundrels may have destroyed the main boats, but we've got spare engines hidden in the warehouse. Give us half an hour, and we'll piece together a fast boat for you from these wrecked ones."

The elderly dockworker, exuding confidence, quickly organized the team to get to work. Sato soon witnessed their remarkable skill in boat repair.