Ophelia and Scott had already left Cerulean City, and Gold was infected before he evolved—not by the same virus. To obtain information through pheromones, close-range sensing was required. Now, with him far away, the signals were too faint—only enough to confirm that he was still alive.
With that calculation, all infected creatures planted in Cerulean City had been eliminated.
If Lucius had only suspected it before, now he was certain—someone was working against him.
Lucius let out a cold snort internally. No matter what it is, I'll deal with it when I return.
"Let's go. Take us to the source of this river," Lucius ordered the Crystal Onix.
"Roooaaar~" The Crystal Onix, without any hesitation, dove into the river.
"Gyarados, use Whirlpool." Lucius released Gyarados. Its tail swirled, creating a three-to-four-meter vortex in the underground river.
Lucius and the others grabbed onto Gyarados's seven-meter-long body and plunged into the water.
As they followed Crystal Onix, Gyarados continuously used Whirlpool, creating a spiral corridor that pushed away surrounding water. This vortex tunnel maintained an air pocket, ensuring enough oxygen for breathing.
This river is long... where does it lead?
During the journey, Lucius observed that the river walls grew increasingly spacious. Given Gyarados's speed, they had likely already left the island—but it didn't feel like they had reached the open sea.
Just as Lucius analyzed the situation, a sudden light pierced the darkness from above. Crystal Onix swam toward the illuminated area.
Gyarados followed closely, bursting through the water's surface.
Although Gyarados's Whirlpool kept the water at bay, the group still emerged soaking wet. Flora, whose clothes had been torn earlier, was especially exposed—but no one had the presence of mind to care. They were all too stunned by the scene before them.
They stood in a vast cavern—whether beneath the earth or inside a mountain was unclear. The cave, though enclosed by rocky walls, shone as brightly as midday.
Massive crystal formations blanketed the walls, floor, and ceiling—some exceeding tens of meters in length, others as small as grains of sand. Each crystal radiated a faint light, serving as the cavern's natural illumination.
This place is...
Lucius searched his memory of the original anime—Ash Ketchum had never explored such a crystal cave.
"Let's split up and search for anything useful," Lucius instructed when they reached a branching path.
Normally, wandering in an unknown place would be unwise. But they were no ordinary people—all of them had undergone virus-enhanced mutations. Moreover, Lucius could monitor their status remotely, making split exploration the most efficient approach.
Excluding the mutant crushed by the boulder, seven people remained. Lucius took one path alone, while the others split into two-person teams, exploring four directions.
Despite their mutations, everyone remained cautious, releasing their Pokémon partners for protection.
Lucius summoned Archer's strongest Pokémon—Houndoom.
This peak Leader-class Houndoom stood larger than its kin, with a muscular frame, powerful barbed tail, and countless battle scars—a testament to its experience.
According to Archer's memories, this was his second Pokémon. After his Arbok perished in battle, Houndoom became his most trusted partner.
Upon emerging from its Poké Ball, Houndoom sniffed the air and turned to Lucius, its nose twitching.
"What's wrong?" Lucius crouched, stroking Houndoom's neck.
His touch mirrored Archer's exactly. Houndoom, unguarded, nuzzled into Lucius's chest before turning to scout ahead.
From the mental link with the other teams, Lucius detected numerous wild Pokémon inhabiting the cave—Zubat, Sandshrew, and even high-level Graveler and Shellos.
Most surprisingly, the glassmaker's path led to an enormous Bastiodon—a rare, near-extinct ancient species.
Lucius's path, however, remained eerily silent—perhaps due to Houndoom's Leader-class aura intimidating the local Pokémon.
Should I have Houndoom suppress its aura? Capturing a Graveler or even a Bastiodon could be worthwhile...
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a powerful presence emerged ahead—on par with Houndoom's.
Houndoom sensed the threat first, baring crimson fangs in a cruel grin as its aura surged with malicious intent.
Unfazed, the unseen Pokémon responded with its own domineering pressure—equally unyielding.
Looks like we've invaded its territory...
Lucius estimated the wild Pokémon was at least Leader-class. Judging by the equal footing in their auras, it was likely at its peak—capable of neutralizing the Emperor Strain Virus.
But with Archer's skills at his disposal, Lucius—practically a pseudo-Elite Four Trainer—had no reason to fear. He had more than one Leader-class Pokémon.
Let's take it down...
Receiving its master's command, Houndoom howled and sprinted forward, its body morphing into a streak of black lightning.
Lucius released Magneton, using Magnet Rise to hover behind Houndoom.
As Houndoom charged, flames ignited around its lean frame, transforming it into a blazing, horned devil.
Boom!
Its relentless charge was abruptly halted.
A Rampardos, its body shimmering with crystalline luster, stood in the way.
With its small forearms clamped tightly around Houndoom's curved horns, the Rampardos's crimson eyes gleamed with fury.
"Hraaah!" The crystalline Rampardos's tail flared with a gold-green glow, swinging with brutal force.
Due to its horns being firmly seized, Houndoom couldn't break free—but it unleashed Inferno, surrounding itself with scorching flames.
Scorching flames swirled around it like a fiery tornado. While the attack couldn't completely block the incoming Dragon Tail from the crystalline Rampardos, the close-range explosion still inflicted damage on the opponent.
It was an exchange of blow for blow…
Both Pokémon staggered back a few steps. Rampardos's face contorted in pain—though its Dragon Tail had repelled Houndoom, the flames from Inferno had left it burned.
Lucius hovered behind, observing the battle closely. Just like the Crystal Onix from earlier, this Rampardos had undergone a type mutation…
He might not know what a Shiny Rampardos's coloration was supposed to look like, but it definitely wasn't crystal-clear.
It seemed this was yet another Pokémon with an altered typing.
-----
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635