Chapter 97: A Paradise-Like Sanctuary

Yang Yan bombarded Alakazam with questions, which, in hindsight, may have been a bit impulsive. But he was desperate for answers.

Alakazam pondered for a while before replying slowly, "I don't know exactly where we are."

"You don't know?" Yang Yan was incredulous. "But you live here. How could you not know?"

"We only know that we're on the sea. But where exactly? That, I do not know."

Yang Yan was speechless.

"When you arrived, you saw the thick white fog outside, didn't you?" Alakazam continued. "That fog surrounds the island all year round. If you walk into it, you'll lose your way and eventually end up right back here. That's why none of the Pokémon here ever leave."

"Not even with your strength?" Yang Yan found this hard to believe. Alakazam was surely very powerful—perhaps even at the Champion level or higher.

"No," Alakazam responded.

The telepathic communication made it difficult for Yang Yan to tell if there was any sadness or helplessness in Alakazam's tone.

"Come with me."

Alakazam gestured for Yang Yan to follow. Meditite, however, stayed behind, skillfully leaping between the trees until it vanished from sight.

As they walked, Yang Yan noticed Pokémon occasionally peeking out at them from the dense forest, their expressions filled with curiosity.

Most of the Pokémon they encountered were Psychic-types, like Wobbuffet, Xatu, Slowbro, and Chimecho. By the water's edge, Yang Yan even spotted a few Slowpoke and a Milotic gliding gracefully through the water.

"Is this a haven for Psychic-type Pokémon?" Yang Yan wondered to himself.

Soon, a path paved with stone slabs appeared before him. The stones were old and weathered, clearly laid down by people long ago. This realization confirmed that humans once inhabited this place.

With more questions piling up in his mind, Yang Yan continued to follow Alakazam.

After about ten minutes of walking, a gigantic statue loomed into view.

It was the statue of Lugia, the legendary Pokémon said to control the ocean's weather!

"Lugia?!" Yang Yan exclaimed in shock.

Alakazam turned to him and said, "Human, it seems you know of the Guardian of the Sea. That will make things easier for me to explain."

Alakazam then began to explain the situation to Yang Yan.

According to Alakazam, they had lived on this island their entire lives, as had their parents before them. No one knew exactly how long their ancestors had been here, but they all understood one thing—they were protected by Lugia, the Guardian of the Sea.

Lugia had created this isolated island for them to live peacefully. The white mist that encircled the island not only kept them from leaving but also prevented outsiders from entering.

That's why they could live in a paradise-like sanctuary.

Occasionally, other Pokémon would appear on the island, but no one knew how or why they arrived. It was usually a situation similar to Yang Yan's.

Alakazam believed that Lugia had brought them all here, possibly out of compassion after seeing them suffer in the outside world. Lugia didn't want them to struggle anymore, so it brought them to this peaceful sanctuary.

The Pokémon that appeared here were mostly Psychic- and Flying-types—Lugia's own elemental affinities.

Alakazam also revealed that this island wasn't the only one. There were other islands hidden within the white fog, home to different Pokémon. However, most Psychic-types were sent to this particular island by Lugia, and Yang Yan and his group had likely ended up here due to Staryu's presence.

While living in such an isolated paradise seemed ideal, Yang Yan was curious—was there truly no way for Pokémon to leave?

Alakazam confirmed that there was a way out. However, to leave, one had to enter a special whirlpool and complete a trial set by Lugia.

The trial took place in a separate space, and though it was called a "trial," it was essentially a quest to find an exit within the space. If one could locate the exit, they would be able to leave and return to the outside world.

However, participants could only remain in the trial for one month. If they couldn't find the exit within that time, they would be sent back to the island. Additionally, they could only attempt the trial once a year.

Moreover, the location of the exit changed constantly, so success depended partly on luck. Some found it quickly, while others had to try again the following year.

Yang Yan was eager to leave as soon as possible. He needed to inform his parents, Grandpa Tomioka, and the others that he was still alive, so they wouldn't worry about him. He wanted to take the trial right away.

But Alakazam advised him to wait. The Pokémon here rarely encountered outsiders, and Alakazam hoped Yang Yan could stay for a while to share stories about the outside world.

Yang Yan didn't dare refuse Alakazam's request. Besides, he was curious about this place, so staying for a couple of days wasn't out of the question.

Satisfied with Yang Yan's decision, Alakazam teleported away but promised to return that night.

Once Alakazam was gone, Yang Yan let out a sigh of relief. Even though Alakazam had been polite, its presence was intimidating, and Yang Yan had been tense the entire time.

Now that he was alone, his hunger intensified, so he eagerly began preparing a meal. But before that, he released the rest of his Pokémon and explained the situation to them, recounting everything from his near-drowning to his arrival on the island.

Nincada seemed confused, not fully grasping what Yang Yan was talking about, but the other three Pokémon were astonished by the tale.

They were also curious about this mysterious place, a sanctuary protected by Lugia.

Before long, Yang Yan noticed more Psychic-type Pokémon gathering around them.

Without Alakazam's imposing presence, these Pokémon were more relaxed. They peeked out from behind trees, observing Yang Yan and his Pokémon with curiosity.

One particularly brave Pokémon wandered up to Yang Yan, cautiously inspecting Ponyta and Treecko. It seemed fascinated, likely because it had never seen these types of Pokémon before.

However, when its eyes landed on Sableye, with its wide grin and gleaming gemstone eyes, it yelped in fright and scurried away.

As a ghost-type Pokémon, due to its ability to restrain the super-type Pokémon and the appearance of its sableye, it is indeed a bit scary, so it is not surprising that wynaut was scared away.