<><><>MISSIONS<><><> (8)

The Master Emerald pieces are randomized. The stage features adjustable water levels (1, 2, and 3) controlled by switches. At water level 1, two switches behind the start point set the water to levels 1 and 2. Level 2 is slightly lower than level 1, and level 3 is the lowest. Climb the central structure and take the pulley to the top floor. Inside, you'll find animals and a switch to lower the water to level 3. At water level 2, a "Caution" shaft to the right of the start point leads to a small, shallow room with ghosts. A mine shaft to the left of the start point on the second level is partially flooded. At water level 3, the entire stage is revealed. The stove-like objects at the bottom can be opened by punching them. A tunnel at the bottom left corner is useless at this water level. Another "Caution" shaft reveals a tunnel and a spring. This tunnel leads to the Air Necklace upgrade, which is very useful for swimming through water sections. Without the Air Necklace, you may struggle to reach the end due to running out of air. With the Air Necklace, you can access other areas within the mine shafts at water level 1.

Collect the rings around your starting position. Go to the top floor and hit the 10-ring capsule. Additional rings are scattered throughout the stage. The route leading to the Air Necklace is recommended, as it contains numerous rings, including two 20-ring capsules.

The water level must be at 1 to find the Chao. From the start, go up the central structure to the top floor. On the side with the 10-ring capsule and computer, find an ancient shrine behind a pile of wood. Play the Mystic Melody on the shrine to open a door. Go inside and swim down to the room with ghosts. Locate two skull statues in the corner and look for a shadow on the ground or rings higher up. Take these to a tunnel. Proceed to the end of the tunnel (an extra life is behind a spiked ball) and take the pulley up to find the Chao.

This mission is identical to the first mission but includes a strict time limit of 3 minutes 0 seconds. Work quickly to find the missing pieces to achieve a better grade.

First Emerald Piece: Go to the top floor of the stage. Find the ancient shrine and play the Mystic Melody to open a door. Enter the water and proceed to the ghost and skull room. Look for a row of rings leading upwards and follow them into a long tunnel. Swim to the end, dodge the spiked ball enemy by moving to the top left or right, and the Emerald piece will be located there.

Second Emerald Piece: Enter either of the main mine shafts (the one at the bottom left or the one on the second floor left of the start point). Find the tunnel with wooden boxes, a gravel floor, that is flat initially, then slopes upwards, and has a triangle of skulls on the wall at the end. Enter this tunnel, go down, and work your way to the end. The Emerald is at the end of a long hole filled with spiked ball enemies. Dodge them by staying in the top right corner.

Third Emerald Piece: From the starting point, look towards the furthest right corner. You will see a structure with a large steel wheel and a wooden box on one side. Go to this structure and step on the side facing the starting point. Equip your sunglasses (if applicable, though not explicitly stated as an item to equip in source) and you should see a spring at the end. Walk into the spring to be launched to the final piece.