Aoki was naturally considered by these people to belong to Regis' side.
Half an hour later, nearly fifteen people gathered here.
The information on each of them had been included by Regis in the brochure he gave to Aoki.
There were five people standing beside Regis, and with him, there were six people in total.
Beside Regis, Aoki, Hansong and Qingfeng, there were two people Aoki had never seen before, making a total of six.
Three others did not join either party.
It was not because they were strong enough, but because they, like Aoki, had just arrived in the forest and had not chosen a side.
Kellogg, who had been dealt with by Aoki earlier, was in a similar position.
"Just right—because of this commotion, everyone has gathered," Regis said after looking around.
Drake didn't argue with Regis anymore and nodded. "There are only a few days left. Those who haven't arrived yet probably aren't alive anymore."
"Then let's discuss how to enter the ruins."
Regis paused and suddenly turned to the three unaffiliated Trainers. "Hey, you three. Interested in joining my side? No need to die—just follow the plan."
Drake also spoke up. "Same offer here."
Beside him, his Flygon flapped its wings, asserting its presence.
The three hesitant Trainers moved behind Drake.
Regis' expression darkened.
Just because he has a Flygon, he has to show off all the time.
Still, losing three potential allies was a significant blow to their strength.
However, their sudden allegiance was also a risk—three unknown Trainers could be unpredictable.
Then, under the leadership of Regis and Drake, the group moved toward the ruins.
Aoki remained silent, lingering at the back of the group, observing his surroundings.
As for his Pokémon, when Regis appeared, Aoki had recalled Slowking and the others, leaving only Gengar in the shadows and Honchkrow perched nearby.
The ruins weren't far.
As they approached, someone fell into step beside Aoki—Qingfeng.
The two had interacted before on the trial island. Whether instructed by Regis or acting on her own, Qingfeng began explaining details about the ruins.
In the past, some Trainers had entered but never returned. What lay inside remained a mystery.
After discussing with Drake, Regis decided gathering more people was necessary for safety.
Today's events—the battle between Aoki and Kellogg—had accelerated things.
Aoki hadn't expected this sudden alliance or the immediate push into the ruins.
At the entrance, the so-called ruins were little more than a crumbling ancient structure.
But the true passage led underground.
Aoki would normally investigate before entering, but Regis and Drake seemed unwilling to waste time.
Perhaps they had already scouted the area, as they led their teams straight inside.
The initial tunnel was rocky and lightless.
Thankfully, these were Team Rocket operatives, skilled in survival. They carried torches and lighting gear.
Aoki lingered at the rear, holding a professional spelunking light.
Watching Regis and Matsuda march ahead, something felt off.
It was too easy.
No guardian Pokémon?
Even the Ancient Tree of Life had Lucario, a near-Champion-level protector. Yet here, where Mew supposedly resided, there were no defenses?
Moreover, Regis and Drake moved with purpose, ignoring side passages as if they knew the exact route.
The others, distracted by murals depicting ancient Pokémon and forgotten history, didn't question it.
Aoki spotted Mew in the artwork—always observing, never interfering. A detached watcher of battles, disasters, and triumphs.
Since he knew about Mew, the murals held little interest for him.
While the others studied the walls, Aoki slipped into a side passage unnoticed.
He waited, letting Gengar shadow the group while he followed its psychic markers.
The tunnel was cramped, and with over a dozen Trainers—each accompanied by Pokémon—no one noticed his absence.
He had stayed at the back, easily overlooked.
Except by Qingfeng.
She noticed quickly but said nothing.
Like Aoki, she had been recruited later by Regis and wasn't fully trusted.
When Aoki vanished, she seized the chance to disappear as well.
Regis wasn't a fool—he noticed two missing members.
But he stayed silent, picking up the pace.
Drake, sensing the shift, matched his speed.
Unseen, Gengar lurked in the shadows, trailing them from a distance.
Aoki moved forward carefully, alone.