However, after such a long war of attrition, the Pokémon still gained significant benefits from the battle. Beyond the mastery of move proficiency and improved battle rhythm, the most notable improvements came in their level advancements. The most crucial development involved Slowking, whose level had plateaued at 58 for several months. Despite consistent training and gradual accumulation of experience, the right opponent to trigger its breakthrough had been lacking.
The confrontation with the Champion-level Clamperl proved pivotal. Though this particular Clamperl ranked among the weakest Champion-tier Pokémon Aoki had ever encountered, the battle provided Slowking with genuine insight into Champion-level capabilities. This experience finally propelled Slowking to level 59 - the true pinnacle of pseudo-Champion status. One more level would allow it to cross the critical threshold into Champion territory. Given Slowking's light blue potential rating, this advancement should occur naturally with far greater ease than Altaria's difficult evolution process.
Florges served as the primary offensive force during the engagement, defeating five pseudo-Champion Clamperl including the Champion-level specimen. Her Grass-type Energy Ball attacks proved devastatingly effective against these Water-types. Without Florges' overwhelming firepower, the four-Pokémon team could never have sustained such an extended battle against numerically superior foes. Combined with months of accumulated training, her experience surge resulted in a two-level increase to 55, placing her firmly on the path toward pseudo-Champion mastery.
Among the participating Pokémon, Swampert demonstrated the most aggressive combat performance. Positioned constantly at the frontline, it absorbed tremendous punishment while dealing significant damage in return. This yielded exceptional growth - reaching level 49 and the absolute peak of Elite-tier strength. Only one more level separates Swampert from pseudo-Champion status, making it the fastest-growing member among Aoki's secondary team Pokémon.
Politoed also showed remarkable improvement, ascending to level 42. As the tactical centerpiece of Aoki's rain team, Politoed's role emphasizes strategic support over direct combat. However, fundamental strength progression remains essential. The Water-type showdown allowed Politoed to demonstrate its full capabilities in an optimal environment. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
Aoki deliberately excluded Altaria and Mismagius from this engagement to provide balanced training opportunities. Overreliance on powerhouse Pokémon would stunt the team's overall development. While individual battles may hinge on singular Pokémon, organizational strength depends on team cohesion.
Using Ultra Balls for the Champion Clamperl and five pseudo-Champion specimens while capturing the remainder with standard Poké Balls, Aoki's former Hunter instincts proved valuable. The habit of carrying bulk standard Poké Balls - developed during his money-earning Hunter days - allowed efficient capture of the entire group. Still, the repetitive throwing motion left Aoki's arm sore after securing dozens of captures.
Following a thirty-minute capture session, the most severely injured Clamperl received treatment on Florges' grassy terrain. These now represented Aoki's personal assets - losing any would be unfortunate. Initial release saw some disorientation among the Clamperl, but lacking leadership, they remained docile during recovery. Once Aoki properly tames the Champion leader and five pseudo-Champion specimens, the entire flock should become manageable.
During treatment, Slowking and the team rested thoroughly before proceeding inward to the temple's middle level. The open plaza transitioned into architectural interiors - vast halls containing nothing but water features. At the innermost chamber, a stone tablet stood atop a stepped platform.
The ancient Water Tribe inscriptions posed no obstacle thanks to Porygon2's assimilated knowledge. The translation appeared clearly through Aoki's system interface:
"Dear Prince Manaphy of the Sea, the Water Tribe offers undying loyalty. Only true Water Tribe members bearing the Water Tribe Token may enter the true Sea Temple to worship the Sea Prince. When the Sea Prince manifests, the Sea Crown shall appear. Those who embrace the Sea Crown shall receive the Sea Prince's recognition."
Aoki contemplated the implications. The Water Tribe Token appeared mandatory for accessing the true Sea Temple. Should Manaphy reside within, the legendary Sea Crown would manifest. In Manaphy's absence, one could only await its return. The exact nature of "recognition" remained unclear.
This discovery alleviated concerns about the island's subterranean secrets. Manaphy's generally docile nature suggested minimal danger unless provoked. The perpetual energy-rich waters could be harnessed to benefit both wild and trained Pokémon across the island. While unnecessary for Aoki's core team, the resource could support auxiliary Pokémon and local wildlife.
Before departing, Aoki planned to survey the Seafloor ruins' periphery for promising Pokémon populations or sustainable resource nodes. It is said that the sea is full of treasures, and the Pokemon in the sea are not much inferior.