To some extent, Maen and Steven's guess wasn't wrong. This place was indeed an ancient ruin, but more specifically—it was a tomb.
The two first examined the stone walls, studying the murals carved into them.
The carvings seemed to depict a historical account from ancient times, explaining the origins of this mausoleum.
According to the murals, a powerful lord once roamed the land, conquering vast territories with the aid of Pokémon—though, in that era, Pokémon were referred to as magic beasts. After his death, he chose this place as his burial site, ensuring that his tomb would remain hidden from grave robbers.
At the center of the tomb lay the largest sarcophagus, which housed the lord himself. Surrounding it were numerous smaller sarcophagi, which, according to the murals, were not simple burial companions.
They were sacrificial burials.
Unlike the practice of burying loyal followers with a ruler, this ancient lord had chosen to be buried alongside unwilling humans and Pokémon. Many had been forced into death before being sealed away in the tomb.
Maen's expression darkened as he read the mural. Those who were forced to die under such circumstances likely harbored immense resentment—and intense resentment often led to the formation of powerful Ghost-type Pokémon.
But that wasn't the most concerning part.
As Maen and Steven continued examining the murals, they found another disturbing revelation.
Before his death, the lord had left behind a Pokémon to guard his tomb.
At that moment, a chilling sensation filled the air.
The temperature inside the tomb began to drop sharply.
Then—
One by one, the sarcophagi trembled.
Suddenly, shadows emerged from the coffins, taking the forms of spectral Pokémon.
And then, from the grand sarcophagus at the center—
A saffron-colored, coffin-shaped Pokémon slowly opened its glowing red eyes.
A moment later, it floated out of the sarcophagus, exuding an oppressive aura.
Maen immediately recognized it.
Cofagrigus.
The moment it awoke, an overwhelming presence filled the chamber, weighing down on Maen and Steven like an invisible force.
Steven felt sweat drip down his forehead. His breathing grew heavier under the sheer pressure of the Ghost-type Pokémon's aura.
"This… is bad," Steven muttered.
Then, without hesitation, he turned to Maen.
"Maen, run. I'll cover you. I have a way to escape, so my chances are better than yours."
Before Maen could respond, Steven threw out Skarmory and Aggron, preparing for battle.
Maen was momentarily surprised by Steven's words.
Then, a small smile formed on his lips.
As expected of the future Hoenn Champion.
Steven's instinct to protect others first truly suited someone destined for greatness.
However, Maen didn't move to escape. Instead, he stood his ground.
Steven noticed Maen's lack of movement and frowned.
"...You're not running?"
Maen simply smirked.
Steven was momentarily stunned but quickly smiled as well. At that moment, he recognized Maen as a true friend.
However, what happened next completely baffled Steven.
Because instead of preparing to fight or flee, Maen…
Started walking toward Cofagrigus.
Steven's heart nearly stopped.
"Maen, are you crazy?! Get back here!"
Panicking, Steven ordered Metang to use Confusion to pull Maen back—
But Maen raised his hand to stop him.
And then—
Something happened that Steven would never forget for the rest of his life.
---
A Scene That Defied Logic
Maen approached Cofagrigus.
The other Ghost Pokémon—instead of attacking—watched in curiosity.
Even as he stepped closer to the fearsome guardian, not a single Pokémon moved against him.
And then—
Maen raised his hand, releasing a faint wisp of black smoke that drifted toward Cofagrigus.
At that moment, Cofagrigus experienced a strange sensation.
Its only remaining memory was its master's command—kill all intruders.
And yet—
Looking at Maen, Cofagrigus felt no desire to attack.
Instead, the blurred image of its former master in its mind…
Became even more blurred.
And then—
The face in Cofagrigus's memory…
Slowly transformed into Maen's face.
A deep instinct within Cofagrigus compelled it to open its mouth—
And it inhaled the dark haze Maen released.
---
Steven's Worldview Collapses
Steven, standing nearby, stared at the scene in complete disbelief.
For a moment, he genuinely wondered if he had been hit by a Ghost-type illusion.
He even turned to Metang and asked,
"...Did we get hit by Confuse Ray or something?"
But Metang shook its head.
This was real.
The terrifying Cofagrigus, which should have been a deadly threat, was now—
Gesturing animatedly at Maen.
Its scarlet eyes were narrowed into happy slits, and the other Ghost Pokémon circled around Maen like a group of excited children.
From an outsider's perspective, this didn't look like a tomb at all.
It looked like a joyful gathering.
Steven's mouth fell open.
What… is happening?!
---
An Unexpected Response
After a while, Maen turned back to Steven, followed by Cofagrigus and the other Ghost Pokémon.
"Steven, it's fine now. No need to fight—I've come to an agreement with Cofagrigus. They won't attack us."
Steven let out a long breath, relieved.
"Thank Arceus… Are we leaving now? It doesn't seem like there's much left to explore."
Maen raised an eyebrow.
"Leave? Why would we leave? We haven't opened the sarcophagi yet."
Steven: "???"
Steven instinctively dug his fingers into his ears.
"Wait… what did you just say?"
"Open the sarcophagi," Maen repeated casually.
Steven was stunned.
"...Maen, are you serious?! This is Cofagrigus's master's tomb! If we disturb it, it'll attack us!"
Maen turned to Cofagrigus.
"Hey, Cofagrigus, do you mind if we open the sarcophagi?"
Cofagrigus immediately nodded.
The other Ghost Pokémon chimed in agreement, eagerly encouraging them to check inside.
Steven felt his worldview collapse.
For a long moment, he simply stared at Maen, then at the Ghost Pokémon, then back at Maen.
His mind struggled to process the absurdity of what was happening.
Breaking into a tomb, standing in front of the guardian Pokémon, and asking to open the coffins—
And the guardian Pokémon looked happy about it.
If Steven hadn't been raised not to curse, he would have done so right now.
---
To Be Continued…