Chapter 67 - 67 - Checking Out the Old Stadium

After that intense battle, the group went to Komati's Old Stadium, which is one of the oldest still-standing structures in the city, dating back to half a millennia ago. They went there by Emerson's car, and wasn't that far from the main stadium of the Philas League. Since she had a special access to that physically unstable structure, Emerson can take the group into the building safely, especially the historically important sites called The Hall of Fame and The Emperor's Chamber and Podium. Once inside the arena, the group carefully and cautiously walk and trek through the dark and bȧrėly-lit corridors that leads to the viewed seating at the center. The corridors are tall, dark, bȧrėly-lit, and are neatly dotted by sandstone pillars, which are strong and sturdy, but got weakened by the structure's age. There are torches that lead anyone who wanted to explore its interior. And as they continue walking through, Rico commented in amazement, "Wow, this place is so cool and looks so awesome." Riolu and Litleo then responded with astonishing amazement.

"This one is so huge," Juan added in commentary and in amazement. Oshawott them responded with positivity.

"This stadium was built over 500 years ago in the reign of Emperor Gregory I, the first emperor of the Komati Empire," Emerson explained the stadium's history. "This place hosts Pokémon battles and duels, especially those of the nobility and upper classes." The group was amazed by her explanation.

"Wow, the Komati Empire?"

"Half a millennia ago?"

"That was pretty old and awesome."

Rico's Riolu and Campillo's Emolga then responded with commenting. Emerson then continued, "Yes, thousands of battles and duels had happened in this very stadium, and, the first in this city. Emperors and rulers from other lands participated here in almost every year. Feasts and celebrations also had happened when the battles and duels are over, usually at the arena's Emperor's Chamber." They then entered the Emperor's Chamber through the large doors with elaborated carvings and gold decorations, seeing the big dining hall with chandeliers and multiple candlesticks. It was lit up and maintained everyday so the visitors and historians would enjoy the history. Despite the building's instability, the Emperor's Chamber is arguably the safest place to explore, and the only place that is accessible to tourists and historians. Upon walking the hall, the group got amazed by the hall's old and elaborated furniture and tableware, especially the silverware and glassy smooth ceramic plates. It was a scene from the old times, where knights dominated the land. Circling the table, the group and their Pokémon are amazed by it.

"Wow, it's so beautiful."

"So elaborate."

"Nice. History was being preserved." While in the halls, they were not allowed to touch any of the priceless artifacts or furniture for a fear of being tampered or broken, but they were allowed to touch the weapons and armory but not lifting or holding it too much.

Later that day, they visited the stadium grounds at the center, walking through its concrete ground. Then suddenly, a shaking trembled from underneath, startling the group and the construction workers. It was the Golems, who patrol the underground tunnels that house the empire's hidden treasure and wealth.

"What was that?" Rico asked as he struggles to get up due to the shaking. Riolu then responded in asking.

"It's... It's the Golems!" Emerson responded with a mild terror on her face.

"Golems?" responded Juan.

"Yes, the ones who guard the underground tunnels that hold treasures and tombs," Emerson replied with an explanation.

Later, after obtaining permission from the police and the construction crew, the group entered the underground tunnels and chambers to investigate, especially Detective Trevor, who likes underground places. The tunnels are dark so the group pulled out their flashlights in order to continue. Walking through the long and complex system of tunnels, they were very aware of the presence of the Golems roaming around; their Pokémon are with them guarding. Along the way, they saw chambers of different people from the nobility to the emperors and famous knights, often with elaborate decorations of gold and rubies. But those are closed off from the public for safety reasons. Then, suddenly, they heard the rumbling noise again, this time a Golem was coming towards them. As the magnitude of the shaking intensifies, the group got terrified and ran to the opposite direction in desperate, like in a temple when a group was running away from a rolling boulder. They continue running for a full 10 minutes, turning left and right as the rolling Golem chase them in hostility. Then, finally, they hid at a narrow tunnel away from the Golem's path. They finally panted and catch their breaths.

"Phew! That was a close one!"

"If we didn't hide in a place like this, we would have been crushed by that Pokémon!"

"Yeah, me too as well." After that, they decided to cancel their expedition so they could plan how to solve the shaking noise. But, they decided to rest their minds from this, and enjoy the metropolis. Emerson returned to her lab east of the Campillo's vacation house while Detective Trevor and Rico went out to spend some time together as friends. The weather was great and sunny.