After a prolonged battle of attrition, the Pokémon gained significant rewards.

During the fight, they not only improved their mastery of moves and execution timing, but also increased their levels considerably.

The most notable progress came from Slowking, whose level had remained at 58 for a long time. Despite months of training and accumulation, it had been unable to advance due to the lack of a suitable opponent.

However, after the battle alongside Florges against the elite-level Clamperl, it finally gained a better understanding of what it meant to fight a Pokémon of that caliber.

Although that Clamperl was among the weakest at the elite level, it allowed Slowking to gain valuable experience, raising it to level 59—the peak of the quasi-elite tier.

Now, Slowking is just one step away from crossing a crucial threshold and reaching the elite level. Given its great talent, reaching that new stage shouldn't be a challenge and will certainly be a smoother process compared to Altaria.

Florges, on the other hand, was the main protagonist in this battle. She defeated the largest number of Clamperl, including the elite-level Clamperl and five quasi-elite-level ones.

Since her type change to Grass, the power of her Energy Ball move has increased enormously, proving decisive in this confrontation.

Without Florges' presence, it would have been impossible for the team to defeat so many Clamperl, no matter how hard they tried. Thanks to her performance in this battle, along with months of prior buildup, her level rose by two, reaching 55—approaching the highest range within the quasi-elite Pokémon category.

Swampert and Politoed also achieved remarkable growth.

Swampert was undoubtedly the fiercest in this battle, leading the assault and enduring the most damage. However, it also reaped the greatest rewards, reaching level 49, the highest level within the advanced tier.

Swampert has always been the fastest-growing Pokémon in the second team.

Politoed, for his part, reached level 42. Although he's not the strongest in direct combat, as the main core of the rain team, his progress remains highly important.

This time, Altaria and Mismagius did not participate in the battle, as the goal was to give other team members a chance to grow. If a stronger Pokémon had been sent out from the start, the others wouldn't have had an opportunity to train.

In battles like this, beyond individual ability, teamwork is what truly matters.

Cain captured the elite-level Clamperl and the five quasi-elite ones using Super Balls, while the rest were caught with standard Poké Balls.

Years of experience as a hunter had taught him to always carry a large supply of ordinary Poké Balls, in case he came across large groups of Pokémon. This habit from the past was now proving invaluable.

Even so, capturing so many Clamperl one by one left Cain's arm sore. After half an hour, he finally finished storing them all.

The most seriously injured Clamperl were placed within the effect zone of Florges' Grassy Terrain move to recover. Now that they belonged to Cain, any loss would be regrettable.

When the Clamperl were released to heal, they showed some unease, but without their leader to guide them, they simply remained still and rested.

Once Cain tamed the Clamperl leader and the five quasi-elite-level ones, the rest of the group would become completely docile, turning into his personal resource.

While the Clamperl recovered, Cain's Pokémon also rested, exhausted from the battle. Cain took the opportunity to prepare dinner on site.

As for the pearls carried by the Clamperl, Cain decided to extract them later, once back on the island. Among them, the ones produced by the elite-level Clamperl would be especially valuable, representing a true treasure.

After regaining their strength, Cain and his team continued deeper into the temple.

They had now reached the middle level of the Sea Temple, leaving behind the wide plaza and entering the main structures.

Their path led them through a vast, empty hall, where only the constant flow of water could be heard. There was nothing else in the area.

At the far end of the hall, a staircase led to a stone stele.

Cain approached and examined the inscriptions engraved on it.

The words belonged to the ancient language of the People of the Water, incomprehensible to most. However, thanks to the system that integrated data from Porygon2, Cain had a record of these characters, allowing for easier translation.

"To the honorable Prince of the Sea, Manaphy, we the People of the Water offer our utmost loyalty."

Cain read aloud as the system completed the translation.

"The true Sea Temple only grants access to those who possess the Symbol of the People of the Water—the only ones worthy of venerating the Prince of the Sea. When the Prince of the Sea is present, the Sea Crown will appear. Those who obtain the crown shall be acknowledged by the Prince."

Cain pondered these words, a flash of understanding in his eyes.

Without the Symbol of the People of the Water, it was impossible to enter the true Sea Temple. And if Manaphy resided there, the Sea Crown would be visible. Otherwise, they would have to wait for Manaphy's return.

As for the Prince of the Sea's acknowledgment, its exact meaning was still unclear.

Now, Cain felt more at ease regarding the mystery beneath the island. At the very least, Manaphy, being a Pokémon of gentle temperament, wouldn't pose a threat as long as it wasn't provoked.

Moreover, the constant flows of energy-rich water from the Sea Temple could be used to strengthen the island's Pokémon—especially those being raised.

Before leaving the Sea Temple, Cain planned to explore the entire outer area in search of other valuable Pokémon or interesting groups that could become strategic resources.

They say the ocean is full of treasures—and marine Pokémon are no exception.