"Well done!"
"Shellder, keep using Hydro Pump!"
Ethan Black, seeing that Shellder had learned this move at that very moment, showed an expression of joy and ordered it to launch Hydro Pump against Steelix once again.
The powerful stream of water cut through the air, turning into a torrent as thick as a barrel, striking Steelix directly and forcing it to endure the full destructive force of the water.
This Shellder of Ethan Black's was very special: because its shell was broken from birth, it seemed to have converted all its physical defense into powerful psychic strength, and on top of that, its special attack had also been greatly enhanced.
Therefore, the Hydro Pump it now used, reinforced by its extremely high special attack, plus Shuckle's Helping Hand and Acupressure, reached an astonishing power.
Adding to that, Steelix, despite its terrifying physical defense, had mediocre special defense and was also weak to the Water type, so Shellder's Hydro Pump caused tremendous damage.
Seeing this, Aggron charged forward at high speed and began attacking relentlessly.
But Steelix, the worthy lord of the entire cave, even after such punishment, could still fight!
With effort, it rose, and with a bite, clamped onto Aggron's shoulder. Sparks gleamed between its teeth, and it used the move Thunder Fang; wild electricity surged through the armored body.
"Graaah!" Aggron roared in pain, trying to pry open its mouth with its left hand to break free.
But Steelix did not let go, and the lightning wrapped it completely.
Boom!
Finally, after so many battles and with wounds all over its body, Aggron could no longer endure and fell heavily to the ground.
"Damn it!"
Seeing it fall, Ethan Black's expression changed drastically.
At that moment, Shellder, already recovered, launched Hydro Pump once again.
But this time, Steelix, freshly freed, responded with Flash Cannon, shattering the Hydro Pump midair.
"Roooaaar!"
After destroying the attack, it fixed its gaze on Shellder, the cause of its wounds, and dragging its battered body, lunged toward Ethan Black.
"Zzzt zzzt zzzt!"
Meltan stepped in and also fired Flash Cannon.
"Roooaaar!"
But Steelix, with bloodshot eyes, let out a roar, raised its tail, and struck with Iron Tail.
Boom!
The Flash Cannon was shattered, and the attack continued toward Meltan.
"Meltan!"
Ethan Black gritted his teeth, threw the Poké Ball, and released the troublesome Aggron, putting it directly in the path of the blow.
He then rushed forward, grabbed Meltan in his arms, and rolled to the side.
Boom!
The newly released Aggron had no time to react and took Iron Tail head-on. It fell to the ground, and the shockwave of the impact sent Ethan Black flying through the air as well.
Fortunately, Cacnea was ready and caught him with its roots, pulling him back to its side.
"Damn it... that Steelix, even now, is still standing!"
Ethan Black looked at the colossus which, though breathing heavily, had not fallen, then at his exhausted Shellder, frowning.
"Zzzt..."
Meltan looked at Ethan Black, then at Steelix, remaining silent.
Indeed, it had lured Ethan Black there and had called Golem and Aggron to face this tyrant of the cave.
But the reality was that not even like this could they defeat it.
"Charizard, Flamethrower!"
When Ethan Black already felt everything was lost, a roar echoed through the cave.
Looking up, he saw a red dragon soaring through the air, breathing a torrent of fire like a demonic dragon from Western legend.
Boom!
The flames engulfed Steelix, which roared in pain and staggered back.
Then, wave after wave of fire completely covered it.
Boom!
Under Charizard's blazing fire, the exhausted Steelix finally fell, sinking the cave floor under its weight.
"Alex! And Charizard!"
Ethan Black, seeing Alex Baxter arrive mounted on Charizard, shouted with joy.
Suddenly he remembered something and pulled out three Poké Balls, throwing them at Steelix, Aggron, and Golem.
With a flash of light, the three unconscious Pokémon were captured.
Cacnea, who had already received the signal, used its roots to bring the three Poké Balls to Ethan Black.
At the same time, Ethan Black threw several more Poké Balls to recall the two Klang, several Klink, and the Aron released earlier.
After that, he retreated toward the wall, protected on both sides by Cacnea's roots and by Shellder's barrier, forming a defensive core around him.
"Ethan, what happened?"
Alex Baxter dismounted from Charizard, and Ethan Black noticed that floating beside him was a very familiar Klink, clearly already captured and bonded with him.
It was evident that thanks to that Klink, Alex Baxter had arrived in time.
Meanwhile, Meltan and several Pokémon approached, and the remaining Onix fled upon seeing their leader captured.
"Zzzt zzzt zzzt!"
Meltan angrily pointed at the Poké Balls in Ethan Black's hands, sparks coursing through its body.
And all around, a crowd of wild Pokémon began emerging from the side caves, completely filling the place now that the Onix tribe had been defeated.
(End of Chapter)