Chapter 12: A Fight to the Death
Less than ten minutes after Sato entered the tunnel, a bright light shone into the underground passage.
The Green-rank assassin cautiously sent Misdreavus ahead to scout, only descending himself after confirming it was safe.
Sato had not left clues at every turn, but he had calculated the distances precisely—just enough that, with some effort, his pursuer could still track him.
Even while riding on Pidgeot, the assassin had taken quite some time to locate this cave.
At this point, the Green-rank assassin felt like he was being led by the nose.
"Misdreavus, use Will-O-Wisp."
"Misdreeee!"
Several blue ghostly flames flickered into existence.
Misdreavus split the flames, giving three to its trainer while keeping three floating protectively around itself.
Under the dim light of the Will-O-Wisps, the Green-rank assassin could barely make out the path ahead.
Misdreavus, excited by the dark environment, eagerly took the lead.
"Be careful."
"Misdreee~"
Sato paused at every fork, carefully analyzing the tunnels.
The underground network was incredibly complex, yet it had only one entrance.
If he hadn't been desperately fleeing the Goldenrod Division in his past life, he would never have stumbled upon this place.
He had no idea how deep he was now.
Had he not been here before, even he would struggle to navigate.
Meanwhile, the Green-rank assassin easily spotted Sato's tracks and checked his insignia, only to realize there was no signal.
If he wanted to report this, he would have to turn back.
Despite noticing several anomalies, the assassin, recently promoted to Green-rank, was still thrilled about his new position.
Even with lingering doubts, he trusted his own strength.
Besides, he had participated in many trials before, and never had he heard of a cave this massive.
Perhaps a rare Pokémon or valuable treasure was hidden here?
Convinced by his reasoning, the assassin followed Sato's tracks, which had been left completely exposed on purpose.
Sato could barely contain his excitement.
In his past life, his rise to Gold-rank assassin had been due to four key factors:
Zorua accounted for 30%, Dark Energy accounted for 30% his own caution and luck accounted for 10%. The remaining 30% came from the second Pokémon he obtained in this trial.
"Huff… grrk… huff… grrk…"
A deep rumbling breath, like the exhalation of a mountain, echoed through the cave.
Sato clenched his fists, glancing at Zorua beside him, then at Gastly, hidden in the shadows.
Then, he quickened his pace toward the source of the sound.
Every step he took caused small rocks to tremble, shaken by the sheer power of the creature's breathing.
Dark Energy pulsated within him, radiating an unmistakable excitement.
Finally, the massive figure appeared.
A colossal green beast, as towering as a mountain, emerged into view.
Its armor-like scales, massive limbs, and Godzilla-like physique exuded a suffocating presence, even while asleep.
"Laaaaar?"
A sharp, childlike voice rang out.
On the massive Tyranitar's back, a small Larvitar peered curiously at the unfamiliar visitor.
"It's been a while, Larvitar… Tyranitar."
Sato smiled slightly at the adorable Larvitar, then turned back and walked away into the tunnel.
Now that he had confirmed Larvitar's presence, and that the dying Tyranitar had yet to pass away, only one final obstacle remained.
If he could eliminate the assassin following him, then his escape would be guaranteed.
At some point, Tyranitar's deep breathing had ceased.
Its murky eyes flickered open, gazing at the retreating Sato, as if contemplating something.
The deeper the Green-rank assassin ventured, the more uneasy he felt.
Never had he imagined that such a vast underground structure could exist.
As he turned another corner, Misdreavus, carrying the Will-O-Wisp flames, once again flew ahead.
"Misdreee!"
A piercing scream echoed through the cave.
The assassin immediately jumped back, instinctively hurling a Poké Ball.
A massive Arbok emerged, coiling defensively in front of him.
"Boom!"
Misdreavus, weighing barely a kilogram, was flung aside, landing limp and motionless.
The assassin's expression twisted with rage.
"Arbok, use Acid Spray—blast it!"
"Chaaaar!"
The three-meter-tall Arbok raised its head and unleashed a barrage of Acid Spray toward the tunnel entrance.
A pungent stench filled the air—even inhaling a small amount would cause dizziness.
"Zor…?"
A weak, pitiful cry echoed from the tunnel corner, sounding like a Pokémon begging for mercy.
For a brief moment, Arbok hesitated.
"Kehehe!"
A chilling laugh suddenly rang out from above Arbok.
Before it could react, a large Shadow Ball slammed directly into its head!
Fake Tears + Shadow Ball!
"Arbok, above you!" the assassin shouted, but suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
"Shhk!"
Before he could react, Sato had already appeared behind him, plunging a dagger into his shoulder.
Not lethal—but enough to disable his dominant arm.
"Argh! Sandslash, kill him!"
The assassin hurled another Poké Ball, releasing a Sandslash, which immediately lunged with its claws at Sato.
"Just a little more!"
Sato was impressed by the assassin's sharp instincts, but frustrated by his own weak ten-year-old body.
Seeing Sandslash's attack closing in, he rolled aside, barely dodging.
"Gastly, use Curse! Zorua, use Scary Face!"
Gastly sacrificed half its HP to place a deadly curse on Arbok, while Zorua's Scary Face interrupted its charge.
"Kill them all!"
The assassin clutched his shoulder, screaming in agony.
The Dark Energy-infused dagger was eroding his wound, making him dizzy with pain.
"Chaaaar!"
With Fake Tears, Scary Face, and Curse all active, Arbok—normally the one inflicting status effects—was now suffering its own torment.
Unable to track Gastly's movements, and with Zorua still unseen, it turned its attack toward Sato!
But suddenly, a wave of cold energy surged through its body.
Curse activated—draining a quarter of its HP instantly!
"Gastly, keep firing Shadow Balls at Arbok! Zorua, use Dark Pulse—kill the assassin!"