Crossing through the curtain of quicksand.
The horizon suddenly widened, as if stepping into a small alternate space, but in reality, it was the ruins beneath the desert.
It wasn't entirely dark inside; a reddish glow emanated from above, like a small artificial sun, ceaselessly emitting light and heat, illuminating this ruin space.
The gigantic arched dome supported the entire span of the ruins, with occasional gravel sliding down from above, appearing as if it were raining sand.
Most areas of the ruins were also covered in sand, with only a few ancient stone pillar structures remaining unburied by sand.
A small-scale desert beneath the desert?
Not quite.
Not far away, a massive deep-brown tower tinged with a faint red light stood, the sole structure supporting the dome of this space.
Evidently, this tower was the most valuable building in these ruins for exploration, possibly housing many treasures.
With the ruins roughly in view, Natsuhiko began searching for signs of Hoshino Ryosaki.
In such an expansive and well-lit area, concealing oneself was not an easy task.
Indeed.
Soon, Natsuhiko saw Hoshino Ryosaki standing in the sand, commanding a Flygon in combat with a Sandslash.
The wild Sandslash seemed to possess elite-level strength, but against Flygon, it was steadily losing ground and was bound to be defeated sooner or later.
Hoshino Ryosaki, with his back to the entrance, hadn't noticed Natsuhiko's arrival, instead enthusiastically directing Flygon while occasionally glancing towards the central tower, envisioning the benefits he would gain from it and the glorious peak of his life he would reach.
The unexplored alternate space, the undiscovered ruins, these were significant opportunities.
And now, this opportunity was right before his eyes.
How could he not be excited?
In truth, Natsuhiko somewhat understood his feelings at this moment.
Comparing himself, it was quite clear.
Natsuhiko had scavenged abundant resources within Regigigas's alternate space, obtained a Death God Plate that enhanced psychic abilities from ancient ruins, and secured the protection of a Pokémon like Dragapult, a transformation of great significance, with clear benefits.
The level of this alternate space was no lesser than Regigigas's, and valuable treasures might also be buried within these ruins. Proper use could make his future path smoother.
"Yongji."
Yujira suddenly spoke up.
Shhh—
The sand beneath Natsuhiko's feet started to flow, a thin layer of sand gently rising around him, with the blowing sand growing thicker, gradually forming a sandstorm region.
"Sand Stream trait?"
Sand Stream: Able to change the weather to a sandstorm upon entry.
It was one of the key traits in a Sandstorm Team, and Natsuhiko was quite familiar with it.
The Pokémon beneath the flowing sand had yet to appear, but the sandstorm was nearly complete.
"Cherrim, Sunny Day."
Only weather can counteract weather.
"Ying Treasure~"
Perched on Natsuhiko's shoulder, Cherrim softly cried, bringing its hands together, emitting a faint fiery red glow akin to the sun, gradually dispelling the swirling sand and suppressing the sandstorm before it could fully form.
Yet, the Pokémon within the flowing sand showed no signs of halting.
Soon, a massive Hippowdon emerged from the sand, its enormous maw even surpassing the mighty jaws of Krookodile in previous encounters.
It appeared as a light brown Hippowdon, with black patches around its nose, eyelids, feet, and back, six protruding holes on its back from which the writhing sand poured forth, also possessing a short black tail that slapped the sand surface.
Ground-type Pokémon, Hippowdon!
Hippowdon was known for its aggressive and easily enraged nature, its gaping mouth the perfect testament to its fury, showcasing its power to surrounding opponents.
The boastful jaws of Hippowdon indeed had considerable bite force; even a human vehicle would be torn apart instantaneously like timber when confronted with a Hippowdon's mouth.
It's said that fierce Drapion becomes quite docile upon encountering Hippowdon, and even the equally vicious Krookodiles choose to step aside when faced with a Hippowdon.
This highlights the formidable stance Hippowdon holds within the desert.
"Roar—"
Hippowdon bellowed with its booming voice, spewing sand vigorously from the six holes on its back, enveloping Natsuhiko's Pokémon and itself.
Quicksand Purgatory!
Meanwhile, the commotion here finally caught the attention of Hoshino Ryosaki in the distance.
In the hazy Quicksand Purgatory, he caught sight of Natsuhiko.
His eyes revealed incredulity, "How is this possible?!"
In his view, even if Natsuhiko survived, he would be decimated by Krookodile; how could he possibly have a chance to reach the center of the Quicksand Vortex?
Moreover, even if you enter, you'll get lost for a long time in the maze-like pathways. Eventually, one wrong step will send you back to the desert with the quicksand. It took him several times of experiencing this to finally reach here.
But Natsuhiko...
His face quickly darkened, clenching his fist, "There's no chance to share these ruins with anyone else!"
Keeping it to oneself is the choice for maximum benefit, sharing might result in neither getting the best advantages.
Besides, why share?
Just eliminate them!
"Flygon, quick action!"
"Woo—"
Natsuhiko didn't notice the change in Hoshino Ryosaki, but even if he did, it wouldn't affect him.
Right now, he needs to deal with the Hippowdon first.
"Doublade, Sword Dance!"
Doublade flew out of the shadows, drawing its twin swords, dark red light swirled around its blades, gradually sharpening as the blades swung back and forth.
"Togetic, Magic Leaf."
"Chakari—"
Togetic flew out from Natsuhiko's clothes, waving its small hands up and down. Leaves infused with special energy appeared around it, shooting quickly towards the Hippowdon as directed by its tiny hands.
Clang!
Doublade also completed its Sword Dance enhancement, following in the wake of the Magic Leaf, striking towards the Hippowdon.
Thud thud thud—
"Roar!!"
The Magic Leaf hit the Hippowdon repeatedly, the Grass-type Techniques' effectiveness making the Hippowdon cry out in pain.
Following closely was Doublade's massive blue sword silhouette, mixed with a green glow.
Continuous Slash plus Holy Sword!
The Hippowdon's pained cry was abruptly cut off, and Togetic's Sharp Fang trait was triggered, causing it to fall into a withered state.
Boom!!
The blue shadow sword descended heavily, forcefully driving the Hippowdon's limbs into the sand.
However, this was only the beginning.
Doublade's greatest advantage is that even though it doesn't perform multiple attacks, it can achieve multiple strikes through body control.
One sword falls, and the other instantly follows.
The Hippopotas had already recovered from its withered state, but it hadn't had time to react when Doublade's attack struck again.
Boom!!
The second sword of Continuous Slash plus Holy Sword doubled in power!
Yet, this was still not the end. After the second sword fell, Doublade's third sword was ready to unleash. This was the first time it used its two swords so consecutively to execute a combo.
"Roar!!!"
After enduring the second strike, the Hippowdon's ferocious nature was fully awakened, its head raised high, its wide-open mouth spitting out flames.
Flame Fang!
But,.....
Swish!
Doublade's third sword descended regardless of Hippowdon's resistance, smashing down heavily on its head, pressing its raised head and large body mercilessly onto the ground.
Boom—
The surrounding sand surface trembled slightly, with Hippowdon's limbs spread out, embedded into the sand.
The clean and decisive triple strike had a remarkable impact.
Once the Hippowdon lost its ability to battle, the Quicksand Purgatory sand swirling around also fell from the sky.
Natsuhiko noticed something and turned his head, just in time to meet Hoshino Ryosaki's cold gaze.
Natsuhiko's response was...
A wide grin.
What a coincidence.
——————
Tomorrow there will be ten updates! Though I'm not sure when they'll be finished, there will be ten updates barring any surprises! This pigeon needs to keep typing, there it is.