Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom
Chapter 869 - 867: The Sea Prince, Manaphy
The Sea Temple, Samiya, was a place that existed only in legends.
In ancient times, humanity lived in diverse environments. For example, there were the Pokémon kingdoms in the plains, the temple dwellers in the mountains, the hidden tribes in the forests, and the People of the Water who inhabited the vast marine world.
The Sea Temple, Samiya, was built by the People of the Water as a unique and special sanctuary. The most advanced technology of that ancient era was used in its creation. Its primary purpose was to serve a singular Pokémon: the legendary Sea Prince, Manaphy.
Samiya was designed specifically for Manaphy. According to legend, once Manaphy is born, it instinctively returns to the temple. In this sacred place, Manaphy can fully unleash the power that marks it as the Sea Prince.
However, over the centuries, the People of the Water disappeared, though the temple remained, patiently waiting for Manaphy's return.
It is said that Samiya remains hidden beneath the waters, protected by a special membrane that makes it invisible to the naked eye. Only during a full lunar eclipse does its presence become revealed.
No one expected that this small island would be connected to the legendary Sea Temple, Samiya.
The attribute-less energy found on the island comes directly from Samiya, and the barrier surrounding the area shares the same nature as the membrane protecting the temple. Everything fit perfectly.
"So, this place really is the Sea Temple, Samiya. I wonder if Manaphy is here," Cain murmured as he observed the temple from above.
Manaphy, as a legendary Pokémon, doesn't possess the brute strength of Pokémon like Lugia or Groudon, but its connection to the oceans makes it indispensable for marine balance.
It is said that, within its temple, Manaphy can control the ocean currents of the entire world—an immeasurable power. Although not a battle-oriented Pokémon, facing it remains a challenge far beyond the reach of ordinary trainers.
Manaphy is classified as a second-tier legendary Pokémon. However, due to its unique nature, it belongs to the group of mythical Pokémon, like Mew.
Although its raw power isn't comparable to that of higher-ranked legendary Pokémon, its influence is undeniable.
Even other legendary Pokémon related to the sea, like Kyogre and Lugia, deeply respect Manaphy. If Manaphy were to ask for their help, both would respond without hesitation. For that reason, it's said that finding Manaphy brings extraordinary luck to those who are able to witness it.
Cain knew these stories for two reasons. On the one hand, thanks to the information gathered by his system, he had studied legendary and mythical Pokémon extensively to avoid unnecessary confrontations during his travels.
On the other hand, in his past life, Cain had a close encounter with Manaphy.
On that occasion, Manaphy showed hostile behavior toward Team Rocket due to the intervention of an adventurer who had broken into the temple and stolen a Pokémon egg that Manaphy was guarding.
This act unleashed Manaphy's wrath and provoked a conflict that nearly sank an entire region.
Only through the mediation of the Pokémon League, which returned the egg and calmed Manaphy, was a greater disaster avoided. At that moment, Cain witnessed firsthand how Manaphy's fury summoned other legendary Pokémon like Kyogre and Lugia, making it clear that it was not a Pokémon to be underestimated.
Cain decided that, if Manaphy was in the temple, it would be best to avoid a direct encounter. This was a critical period, as it was possible that Manaphy's egg had already been laid. During this stage, any threat or intrusion could have serious consequences.
However, Cain's curiosity was inevitable. He decided to descend into the temple, at least to observe its interior up close. With the help of Slowking's psychic ability, Cain landed gently at the temple's perimeter.
From below, the temple looked imposing. Even just the visible half of its structure was comparable in magnitude to the mysterious ruins in Mt. Chimney. The design resembled a giant spinning top, with sharp ends at both the top and bottom.
The atmosphere inside the temple was impeccably maintained. There were walkable paths surrounded by channels and small rivers that ran throughout the structure. Within these crystal-clear waters, aquatic Pokémon abounded.
Many of these Pokémon were notably powerful, the result of generations of peaceful life in this protected place.
The Pokémon that managed to pass through the barrier to enter the temple were at least quasi-elite level, which ensured that their descendants were also exceptionally strong.
Among the Pokémon observed, some displayed more aggressive natures and attacked the more peaceful residents, a reflection of the ocean's ecosystem. This natural dynamic was also replicated within the temple.
The arrival of Cain and his Pokémon caught the attention of several temple inhabitants, including those with more hostile tendencies. They soon attempted to attack. Cain responded quickly by releasing Politoed and coordinating with Swampert to defend themselves.
Even Florges was called into battle. With her type advantage, she provided crucial support against the temple's water-type Pokémon.
As they advanced toward the temple's main gates, they faced a series of challenges but also took the opportunity to train and strengthen their team.
Although Cain still didn't know what awaited him inside the temple, it was clear that this place was a relic of ancient civilizations, full of secrets and powerful Pokémon.