Seeing how long it took Gengar to return, Cain could already guess the outcome.
After hearing Gengar's explanation, Cain confirmed that Regi and Glacius had indeed escaped his pursuit.
They had summoned two gravely injured Pokémon to distract Gengar.
In truth, Cain didn't have high expectations that Gengar could take down Regi and Glacius. The objective was more about wearing down the opponent as much as possible.
From the moment Regi tried to ambush Cain, there was no chance of reconciliation between the two.
Although Cain wasn't the type to seek revenge over minor offenses, it was clear that Regi had attacked him for a serious reason. When personal safety was at stake, there was no turning back.
Still, Cain felt relieved that Regi had managed to escape.
Regi's true identity remained uncertain. If he turned out to be the child of a major figure, Cain could face a complicated situation since such people wouldn't hesitate to use all their power to eliminate Cain without consequences.
But since Regi hadn't died, it was still just a fight between youths.
Moreover, Cain was confident that, with Regi's prideful nature, he wouldn't tell anyone how Cain had managed to ambush him. After all, he needed to continue receiving resources from the elders supporting him, and he couldn't afford to let them see he wasn't up to the task.
Regi and Glacius had emerged weakened from this fight and would need time to recover.
By the time Cain and Regi met again, their power levels would likely be entirely different.
The most important thing was that Cain wasn't entirely sure he could completely eliminate Regi. On the Trial Island, even Xander had tricks up his sleeve, so it was highly likely Regi had them too, given his background.
It was better to avoid a "do or die" situation.
Cain rewarded Gengar. Although it hadn't taken down both opponents, it had defeated two of their Pokémon, which was a significant achievement.
At that moment, in the large, wrecked hall, only Nidoking lay on the ground.
Altaria flew toward Cain, preening her feathers in a relaxed manner.
Cain frowned as he looked at Nidoking, thinking it was a pity.
Although Nidoking was only moderately powerful among quasi-elite-level Pokémon, it was still a strong Pokémon. If he could have recruited it, it would have been useful.
However, Regi had taken Nidoking's Pokéball, making it impossible for Cain to capture it.
"Altaria, finish off Nidoking," Cain ordered.
Altaria didn't hesitate at Cain's words and immediately eliminated Nidoking, as there was no chance of capturing it.
Now, the hall was completely empty, with only Cain and his Pokémon remaining.
"Floette, use Grassy Terrain."
Floette was already used to these kinds of situations. She didn't need to fight in dangerous battles, only assist the Pokémon in recovering after the fight.
At the same time, Cain summoned Ren's Flygon, allowing Floette to treat it as well to prevent it from dying before leaving Mythical Island.
That would be a real loss.
Cain began to settle down in the hall to rest. Thanks to the effects of the bomb used earlier, the hall was relatively clean.
He sat on one of the large broken stones that had once been the door, taking out some Pokéblocks and healing medicines to treat his Pokémon along with Floette.
During this time, Cain started reflecting on whether he should continue exploring Mew's ruins.
Inside, there was an advanced elite level four Regirock, and he wasn't sure if the other two legendary pillars might also be present.
Entering seemed excessively dangerous.
But leaving now felt like a waste, considering how far he'd come.
According to stories about the legendary pillars, generally, after overcoming the challenges they represent, there should no longer be any danger, making it possible to reach areas where Mew had lived. Perhaps something valuable could be found there.
Great rewards always come with great risks. It was a difficult decision.
After reflecting, Cain hadn't reached a clear conclusion.
He took out the key he had received from Lucario, made from the Tree of Life, and examined it. At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary object, even somewhat old, with a light layer of mold and a dark color. It looked like wood on the verge of rotting.
However, Cain could perceive a faint aroma emanating from the wood, a scent with a calming effect.
"I don't know if this key will work with Regirock," Cain thought.
Cain had assumed the key would be for the hall's door, but after searching for a long time, he hadn't found any place where it might fit.
Additionally, Regirock had appeared after passing through the door, indicating that door wasn't the true entrance.
Since legendary pillars are typically gatekeepers, if Regirock was inside, then the true entrance had to be elsewhere.
Cain wondered if Regirock would stop its attack upon seeing the key, but he couldn't be sure.
In theory, whoever held the key shouldn't be an enemy. But was he certain Lucario's key was truly for that door?
Cain remained hesitant.
While his Pokémon gradually regained their strength, Cain observed Slowking, who seemed to be in excellent condition after its recent level-up. He decided he might give it a try.
Slowking had the ability to use Teleport, giving Cain a great deal of flexibility. The only weakness was that his Pokémon's Protect moves didn't seem effective against Regirock.
Cain had seen it with his own eyes. Regi's Pokémon had used Protect together, yet they were still struck down in one hit by Regirock.
Only Nidoking had managed to hold out briefly.
This meant Cain's Pokémon's defenses wouldn't be sufficient against Regirock either.
Fortunately for Cain, Regirock's greatest strength lay in its physical defense. By comparison, its attack and speed were much lower.
That was something Cain could exploit.
"Slowking, sense Aurelia's distance," Cain ordered.
Slowking activated its Psychic abilities, and having left a mental mark on Aurelia's shoulder, it could locate her within a certain range.
Five seconds later, Slowking gave him a response.
The mark on Aurelia was moving away rapidly and would soon be out of Slowking's perceptual range.
Certain there were no more hunters nearby, Cain gathered his Pokémon, except for Altaria and Slowking, and ventured deeper into the ruins.
Altaria flew low alongside Cain, curiously exploring the new areas.
"I hope that when she sees Regirock, she doesn't get scared," Cain thought.