Chapter 188: Central Area
The Fossil Excavation Site
Returning to the excavation site, Ash and his group saw numerous people tirelessly digging into the ground with pickaxes.
Their movements were almost mechanical, driven by an almost obsessive determination.
Ash found it hard to understand their persistence.
Even if fossils had been discovered here before, if they were so easy to find, then wouldn't the site have been emptied long ago?
Rather than relying on sheer luck, wouldn't it be better to invest one's efforts in something more certain?
But then again, perhaps this too was a form of hard work—
A different kind of determination, one that some people clung to against all odds.
---
Approaching the Central Area
Passing through the crowds of diggers, Ash and his friends approached the periphery of the central area.
Here, they could already see personnel from the Kanto Alliance, stationed as guards.
The central area itself resembled a massive cave entrance, carved into the rocky landscape.
Standing watch at the entrance were six Alliance officers, their postures rigid, their expressions serious.
According to the camp supervisor, these six weren't the only ones stationed here—
They were simply the guards on duty during this rotation.
As Ash, Brock, and Misty approached, one of the uniformed officers stepped forward, raising a hand to stop them.
"Please present your Trainer certification."
Without hesitation, Ash pulled out his Pokédex, flipping to his Trainer profile.
Brock and Misty did the same, revealing their own credentials.
Their Trainer levels were all at the Poké Ball rank, which was the minimum requirement for entry.
After a brief scan of their IDs, the Alliance officer gave a nod of approval and stepped aside.
"You're cleared to enter. However, be warned—the cave is dangerous. Do not venture too deep unless you are prepared."
Ash nodded. "We understand."
Brock, however, took the opportunity to ask a question.
"We heard rumors that an Aerodactyl has been sighted here. Is that true?"
The officer's expression darkened slightly.
"Yes, an Aerodactyl has been spotted. However, it is extremely powerful—at Gym Leader level. Capturing it won't be easy."
Misty's eyes widened. "A Gym Leader-level Pokémon?!"
The officer continued, his voice grave.
"Aerodactyl is a ferocious predator. In ancient times, it ruled the skies, hunting anything in its domain. Even now, inside this cave, it remains a dominant force. If you encounter it—
Do not engage. Run."
His warning sent a chill through the group.
The idea of facing an ancient predator—one that had survived for millennia—was enough to make even the bravest Trainer hesitate.
Brock stroked his chin. "You mentioned this Aerodactyl is a descendant of the ones that lived here in ancient times?"
The officer nodded.
"Yes. Based on our research, this Aerodactyl is likely the offspring of an ancient line that once inhabited this cave. Over thousands of years, shifting tectonic plates buried the area, sealing it away from the world."
He gestured toward the cave.
"If not for the recent excavation, no one would have ever known that fossil Pokémon were still living inside this underground ecosystem."
Ash clenched his fists, excitement flickering in his eyes.
A living, breathing Aerodactyl...
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Gym Leader level or not, we'll be careful," he said firmly.
The officer gave them a final warning glance, then stepped aside.
"Proceed at your own risk."
---
Into the Darkness
The group stepped into the cave's entrance, immediately feeling a shift in the atmosphere.
The air was heavy and damp, carrying a faint earthy scent mixed with something... ancient.
Because of the Pokémon living inside, the cave had been left mostly untouched by the Alliance.
Only a few dim electric lights flickered along the entrance, casting faint pools of light on the rocky walls.
But beyond those lights... was pitch-black darkness.
If they wanted to venture further, they would have to rely on their own lighting tools.
Brock reached into his bag, pulling out a flashlight.
Click.
A beam of light pierced the darkness, illuminating the narrow tunnel ahead.
"Stay close," he said.
The group carefully moved forward, the crunch of their footsteps echoing against the stone walls.
---
Sounds in the Shadows
After about 100 meters, they reached a bend in the path.
Though they couldn't see what was beyond it—
They could hear something.
Voices.
The sounds of shouting and the roars of Pokémon echoed through the cave.
It sounded like a battle.
Ash exchanged glances with Brock and Misty.
"Let's check it out."
They cautiously rounded the corner—
And found themselves in a wide chamber.
In the center of the space, several Trainers were locked in a heated battle.
Two of them were engaged in a fight against a Graveler, their Pokémon launching attacks against the powerful Rock-type.
The rest of the Trainers stood on the sidelines, watching with interest.
The arrival of Ash's group caught the attention of some of the non-battling Trainers, who gave them a brief glance—
But quickly turned back to the ongoing fight.
New Trainers arrived here every day.
Some stayed.
Some left.
There was no need for unnecessary interactions.
Ash observed the battle, intrigued.
"This must be where Trainers test their strength before going deeper."
Brock nodded. "Most likely. It makes sense—this cave is dangerous. If you can't even handle a battle here, you have no business going further in."
Misty folded her arms. "So… should we test ourselves too?"
Ash grinned.
"Why not?"
---
Preparing for the Unknown
Even as the battle raged on, Ash couldn't shake the feeling of something deeper within this cave.
A presence.
A predator.
Somewhere in the shadows, Aerodactyl was waiting.
And soon—
They would have to face it.
To Be Continued...