Chapter 680 - 680: 680. A Word of Advice

After changing into Team Aqua uniforms, Kai and Misty followed Shelly into the compact submarine.

It wasn't large barely the size of a small bus and its shark-like design set it apart from the crude Magikarp submarine once used by Team Rocket's trio. This vessel was far more advanced, featuring high-tech instrumentation and, most notably, a wide circular viewing window at the front that provided a clear panorama of the sea ahead.

With seating for six including the pilot, Kai and Misty took the rear seats while Shelly skillfully handled the controls.

Moments later, the submarine hummed to life.

Through the viewing port, Kai watched as they slowly descended. Seawater rose past the glass until the ocean completely surrounded them. Whether imagined or not, the pressure of the deep sea made the cabin feel faintly oppressive.

Shelly guided the submarine through a hidden tunnel beneath the warehouse and out into open water. Without consulting a map, she relied on memory to steer them from the shallows into the vast depths of the Hoenn Sea.

Despite its size, the submarine was remarkably fast. Coral reefs and passing Water-type Pokémon were quickly left behind.

After confirming their heading with satellite navigation, Shelly activated the autopilot and leaned back in her seat.

She tried to steady herself, but the presence of two former enemies behind her kept her tense.

Seeing her unease, Kai decided to ease the atmosphere.

"How long have you been with Team Aqua?"

Shelly hesitated before answering. "Many years. I was among the earliest to follow Archie."

"And yet," Kai observed, "you don't sound like someone he truly trusted."

She paused. "None of us were. Not really. Archie trusted only himself."

That didn't surprise Kai.

"What about the other admins?" he asked casually.

When she stiffened, he added, "Just names. If we're infiltrating, it'll help to avoid suspicion."

After a moment's silence, she relented.

"There are two others besides me Matt and Tabitha, You've already dealt with Tabitha at Devon Corporation. Thanks to you, he's still behind bars."

She continued, "Matt is large, strong, and unwaveringly loyal to Archie. He owes him a great deal and would give his life for Team Aqua's ideals. If there's anyone aside from Archie who'll stand in our way, it's him."

"I see," Kai nodded. "So persuasion won't work."

Shelly didn't answer.

After a pause, Kai asked quietly, "Now that you know the truth, will you still cling to the same path?"

She shot back, "Are you trying to convince me to leave? Our methods may have been flawed, but our ideals weren't! We wanted a world where Pokémon could thrive."

Kai shrugged. "The world isn't beyond saving. Protect it. Improve it. You don't need Primal Reversion to fix what responsibility can."

A faint smirk reflected in the submarine's glass.

"You have your beliefs," Shelly said. "We have ours."

Stubborn, Kai thought.

Still, he sighed. "You're capable. You don't belong walking blindly into ruin."

"Recruiting me?" she challenged.

He chuckled. "Hardly. I lead no organization. I just don't want to see someone capable waste her future."

Silence followed.

Minutes passed before Shelly's voice softened. "Is there really a way out?"

"Of course," Kai replied. "You've already taken the first step by trying to stop Archie. When the reckoning comes, I'll vouch for you."

"And after that?"

"Live honestly. Choose your own path."

The submarine slowed.

"We've arrived," Shelly announced, taking manual control.

They surfaced amid a sprawling archipelago of low coral islands forming a natural labyrinth.

"Stay sharp," Shelly warned. "We're close to the perimeter."

Kai smirked. "Worst case, I battle through."

She didn't dignify that with a response.

Soon, several Team Aqua Grunts came into view on a larger island. Among them stood a towering, muscular man—bare-chested, chains draped over his shoulders, the Team Aqua insignia emblazoned across his chest.

Matt.

Shelly climbed out and called, "Matt, where's the boss?"

He frowned. "Already headed to the Seafloor Cavern. If timing's right, he's there now."

Shelly's face paled.

She dropped back into the submarine and sealed the hatch. "We're late. Archie's already gone to awaken Kyogre."

"I heard," Kai said, checking his Poké Balls. "Then we prepare for the worst."

They navigated around the islands until open waters stretched before them. In the distance stood a lighthouse atop a larger island.

"Kyogre is beneath this island," Shelly said. "Hold on."

The submarine plunged.

Faster than before, they descended into the abyss. After more than a minute, the dark ocean floor revealed a concealed cavern entrance.

Kai couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration. To locate such a hidden site in the endless sea must have taken years of effort.

And now—

They were on the verge of confronting the very heart of Team Aqua's ambition.

Primal Kyogre awaited.

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