Shortly after, only a Klang remained on the field.
Compared to its previous form (Klink), this one had a larger dark gray gear behind the right cog, with eight teeth, spinning at the same speed as the smaller front gear.
The power generated by this set spinning far surpassed that of a simple Klink. When the roots wrapped around it, it twisted them forcefully using the move Vise Grip, instantly breaking them and freeing itself.
Boom!
In the next moment, its body began to emit a white glow. In the face of danger, Klang evolved into its final form: Klinklang!
This new Pokémon added a smaller gear to the set, located in front and below the right gear, spinning perpendicularly with a red-colored center.
This small gear also drove a floating metallic ring that completely surrounded it. Although it wasn't physically connected, it spun in perfect synchronization. The ring had six spikes on the outside, capable of firing energy.
"What the hell, it evolved just now?!"
"Only this Klinklang remains, everyone attack!"
"Cacnea, use all your roots!"
At Ethan Black's command, dozens of roots burst from the ground and shot from all directions toward Klinklang.
Zzzt!
In response, all of Klinklang's gears began spinning at high speed, like electric saws, cutting through the roots with astonishing quickness.
Wooden splinters flew through the air!
But taking advantage of that moment, Golem and Donphan launched their attacks. Donphan lunged with its fangs wreathed in flames, using the move Fire Fang.
Zzzt!
Fire Fang clashed with Gear Grind in midair. Amidst sparks, Klinklang was pushed back by the impact.
Then, Golem leapt into the air, fist raised, and unleashed the move Mega Punch, slamming Klinklang against the wall.
Immediately after, Shellder used Water Gun, Magneton launched Thunder, and Cacnea attacked with Magical Leaf, completely covering the enemy.
Boom!
A powerful explosion shook the cave. A web-shaped crack opened in the wall as chunks of rock fell from the ceiling.
Amidst the cloud of dust, Shellder's body began to emit a faint energy wave: its ability Overcoat activated, blocking the entire debris cloud.
"Thanks, Shellder," Ethan Black smiled, surprised at how useful that ability was both in battle and real life.
When the dust cleared, they saw the newly evolved Klinklang collapsed on the ground, already out of combat.
"Go, Poké Ball!"
Ethan Black didn't hesitate to throw a Poké Ball at it and successfully captured it.
"Phew... Good thing I had Alex's three Pokémon with me. Otherwise, this would've been dangerous."
"Exploring a Secret Kingdom really isn't simple; anything can happen in there."
"But each exploration of these Secret Kingdoms brings great rewards. Just the Pokémon I've captured are worth it... not to mention the Metal Coat. With that alone, I've already recovered the investment!"
With Klinklang's Poké Ball in hand, Ethan Black couldn't hide his excitement. He knew that with everything he'd obtained, he wouldn't have to worry about resources to raise Pokémon for quite some time.
After the Pokémon rested, Ethan Black continued exploring the cave.
"Could this be the Klink's nest?"
Along the way, he encountered several solitary Klink, leading him to suspect they were near the nest.
"Careful, another Klink!" he warned, signaling his Pokémon as he peeked carefully.
He immediately saw about a dozen Klink floating in the air, each carrying a piece of iron ore as if they were flying trays.
The Klink were going in and out of a cave. Upon entering, they carried iron ore; upon leaving, they no longer had it.
"Looks like that cave is the real Klink nest," murmured Ethan Black.
"I wonder if there's any interesting treasure inside..."
He narrowed his eyes and began studying their movements.
"They have a pretty clear routine... Normally it's a Klang leading ten Klink. Looks like there are three Klang, so about thirty Klink... plus a Klinklang."
Analyzing the cave entrance and their movements, Ethan Black estimated the total number of enemies.
"Thirty Klink, three Klang, and one Klinklang... I could try to take them on."
With eyes fixed on the cave, he began planning how to go inside.
"The safest way is to take them all down first."
After several hours, Ethan Black finally seized an opportunity and defeated all the Klink.
The Klinklang at the end seemed like a Pokémon that had evolved long ago and had power comparable to the Aggron he had captured before.
Even so, with the combination of Golem and Donphan, both Ground types, and the help of the rest of the team, they managed to defeat and capture it.
"What treasure could be inside this cave?"
Excited, Ethan Black stood before the entrance.
With Golem and Donphan at the front, carrying Shellder in his arms, they slowly entered.
The first thing they saw was a mountain of piled iron ore: clearly the result of the Klink herd's work.
"Could it be that there's only iron ore here?"
He frowned, scanning the surroundings.
"Cacnea, use Ingrain."
"Then use your roots to stir the top of that iron ore mountain."
"Cac cac cac!" responded Cacnea.
After using the move, its roots grew and began probing the iron ore pile.
Zzzt!
Just then, a burst of energy like a laser pierced the air, cutting Cacnea's roots!
"What was that?!"
Ethan Black flinched and turned his gaze toward the source of the attack...
In front of him appeared a Pokémon with a nut for a head and a body entirely made of liquid metal.
(End of chapter)