Too many shadows can distort a person's character, cognition, and judgment, ultimately leading them to be completely consumed by darkness.
The light and shadow within Natsuhiko's heart, Milotic felt he distinguished them very clearly.
That's why it repeatedly showed enough kindness towards Natsuhiko.
Looking at Milotic approaching him, Natsuhiko hesitated slightly, then reached out to put his hand on its head.
It's cool; the texture of the scales isn't obvious, so it's quite smooth.
Some words, when they reach the tip of the tongue, one suddenly doesn't know how to begin.
"Mmm—"
Suddenly.
Milotic lifted its head slightly, gazing with some curiosity at a cliff not far from the seaside.
Steep rocks, constantly battered by waves.
The rising waves are like pure white flower buds, crashing against the rocky wall, instantly blossoming into brilliant but fleeting sprays.
"What's wrong?"
Natsuhiko followed its gaze.
"Mmm~~"
Milotic waved its tail at Natsuhiko, signaling him to follow and take a look.
Natsuhiko didn't hesitate; after gaining Milotic's consent, he climbed onto its back.
Though Milotic appears beautiful as a Pokémon, it isn't small at all, with a body length that can reach over six meters.
Similar to Pokémon like Gyarados.
The difference is that Milotic's body seems more slender.
The one in front of Natsuhiko is estimated to be nearly seven meters long.
Carrying him alone is a piece of cake.
With Milotic carrying him, Natsuhiko quickly reached the edge of the cliff.
At first glance.
The steep rock face showed only grayish-white rugged rocks, some moss, and a few slender yet resilient plants stubbornly struggling here.
Nothing seemed particularly special.
"Mmm~~"
Milotic called out once again.
Understanding its intention, Natsuhiko leaned down, clinging tightly to its back, holding his breath.
The next second.
With Milotic's body gently swaying, some chilly seawater instantly submerged Natsuhiko's body.
Just moments ago, with Milotic's help, Natsuhiko slightly recovered some spiritual power, allowing him to barely use psychic abilities to isolate the seawater; otherwise, this dive would have drenched him completely.
During the descent.
Natsuhiko finally noticed something different on the cliff.
A dark cave, below sea level, appeared in his view.
Milotic swayed its tail, swimming with Natsuhiko toward the cave.
Very fast.
Before long, they entered the cave.
The cave wasn't entirely submerged in water; after progressing a bit, they reached an inner section, a piece of land.
Glow algae emitting a faint green light densely covered the inner walls of the cave.
Allowing barely enough light to discern their surroundings.
Drip—drip—
Water droplets dripped from the stone pillars on the ceiling, falling onto the water's surface.
Natsuhiko dismounted from Milotic's back.
Not quite understanding why it brought him here.
"Azumarill!"
Suddenly.
A voice filled with anger, yet seemingly weak, came from the dark tunnel in front of Natsuhiko.
The fierce aura was overwhelming, even before the Pokémon was seen.
In the green glow, an Azumarill appeared in his view.
The unmistakable aura instantly caused Natsuhiko's pupils to contract sharply.
Two Pokeballs almost instinctively appeared in his hand.
This Azumarill, unexpectedly, is...
Elite Trainer Level!
Natsuhiko's contact with Elite Trainer Level Pokémon wasn't uncommon, so there was no mistake in his judgment!
But as Azumarill approached, Natsuhiko noticed its condition was very poor.
It bore obvious scars.
A heavily injured Elite Trainer Level Azumarill!
——————
Oh no, folks, I think I've caught a cold...