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The atmosphere in Dewford is thick with salt and mystery. Here is how the next stage of the journey unfolds.
The Dewford Gym Spar
Before heading into the dark, you need to ensure the team can handle the "Flow" of Dewford. Brawly doesn't just train strength; he trains momentum. You engage in a high-speed spar at the Dewford Gym to sharpen the team's "Surf-Combat" tactics.
The Big Wave Tactic: Brawly's Makuhita uses the rocking motion of the gym's floor to amplify its Force Palm.
The Counter: Jerry and Genji work in tandem, Jerry using Quick Attack to create a slipstream for Genji's Water Shuriken, learning to strike while the opponent is off-balance.
Kage's Progress: Kage practices a "Soft" version of Sun Breathing, focusing on parrying Brawly's heavy hitters rather than meeting them with brute force.
The Log Reveal
While resting after the spar, Brawly pulls you aside. You show him the coordinates from Courtney's log. His laid-back demeanor vanishes, replaced by a look of grim realization.
The Ancient Deep: Brawly reveals that the coordinate points to a section of the cave that "doesn't exist" on modern maps.
The Echo Chamber: He explains that the deepest level of the cave is a natural amplifier for Primal energy, which is why Steven was so insistent on you checking it out personally.
The Warning: He warns you that the "Why?" in Courtney's log might refer to a discovery that could shatter the current understanding of Hoenn's history.
The Granite Cave Expedition
The team treks to the Granite Cave on the outskirts of town. The air inside is cold and hums with a low-frequency vibration that makes May's Shell Bell ring continuously.
The Hidden Path: Following the coordinates, Kage uses his "Solar Glow" to reveal a seam in the rock that Genji slides through, triggering a hidden mechanism.
The Murals: The deeper you go, the more the walls change. You find murals depicting not just Kyogre and Groudon, but a third figure—a human girl with the same markings currently glowing on May's arms.
The Ambush: As you reach the central chamber, you aren't met by Magma or Aqua, but by a group of "Cave-Cultists." They don't attack; they drop to their knees. Their leader, an old man with eyes that match May's amber glow, points at her and whispers, "The Vessel has returned to the Cradle."