"What a terrifying electric current!"
A worried expression appeared on Ethan Black's face. This small Pokémon, which at first glance seemed adorable, turned out to be even stronger than the earlier Klinklang!
It seemed that the Klink he had encountered before were probably subordinates of this Meltan, specifically tasked with collecting iron ore for it.
Through absorbing iron ore, Meltan could generate an electric field in its body to move, and also convert the absorbed metal into electrical energy. This energy not only maintained its vital functions, but it could also fire it from its eyes to attack!
Therefore, after having ingested metals in large quantities for so long, the electricity stored in Meltan's body at that moment should not be inferior to that of any other Electric-type Pokémon.
"But even so, that's enough!"
As Ethan Black clenched his fists, Golem, Magneton, and Donphan charged together, unleashing the moves: Heavy Slam, Gyro Ball, and Fire Fang, respectively. At the same time, Cacnea used Magical Leaf and Shellder used Water Gun.
All these Pokémon had perfected this tactic: first use roots to immobilize the enemy, then surround it with attacks.
When applying it against Meltan, even though it was a Mythical Pokémon, it couldn't defend itself in time and was hurled into the air. Its metallic nut crashed against the wall with a loud "BOOM!"
However, being a Steel-type Mythical Pokémon, Meltan didn't fall after the combined attack. It quickly got up and dove into a nearby small mountain of iron ore.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
In the next instant, blocks of iron ore began floating in the air by themselves! Then, as if they were bullets, they were fired directly at Ethan Black's Pokémon.
"Cacnea, defend with roots!"
"Shellder, use Barrier at full power!"
Startled by the attack of the flying rocks, Ethan Black quickly gave defensive orders.
BOOM BOOM BOOM!
With several explosions, thanks to the combined effort of Cacnea and Shellder, they managed to block all the rocks.
When the dust settled, Ethan Black looked around. Aside from the scattered minerals on the ground... there was no trace of Meltan!
"Did it escape after all?"
Ethan Black let out a faint sigh. He couldn't completely hide his disappointment.
After all, it was a Meltan! A Mythical Pokémon.
And being the only Mythical Pokémon with an evolution, its base form wasn't especially strong.
That had probably been his only real chance to capture a Mythical Pokémon. If it had been a more traditional one, his current team would have been defeated instantly.
"Well... obtaining it would be luck, losing it is fate."
"After all, it's a Mythical Pokémon. One that only appears in legends!"
Ethan Black took a deep breath to calm himself. Then he looked in the direction where Meltan had fled. Even though tracking it in a labyrinthine cave would be extremely difficult, he decided to try.
To avoid being trapped by other Pokémon inside the cave, Ethan Black withdrew with his Pokémon and found a passage to rest for a while.
"The matter of Meltan will depend on fate. What's most important now is finding Sandslash, Alex, and Jasper."
After a brief pause, Ethan Black resumed the path with his Pokémon. Although he was very cautious and left marks along the way, he inevitably ended up getting lost.
"Looks like I really need to take an outdoor survival course."
"And having a tracker Pokémon is also crucial."
"If I had one that could detect scents right now, finding Meltan—or Alex, Jasper, and Sandslash—would be much easier."
While examining the path marks, Ethan Black sighed regretfully.
To become a good Pokémon Hunter, forming a defensive core is only the foundation for survival. It's essential to also have mount Pokémon, tracking, healing, etc.
Especially mount Pokémon, which must adapt to different environments: land, water, or air. All are indispensable.
"If I want to become an advanced-level trainer, I must first master outdoor survival. And if I want to be a Pokémon Hunter, then I'll have to explore Secret Kingdoms, where anything can happen. I need to form my team as soon as possible."
"Besides, if this exploration in the Secret Kingdom goes well, I'll be able to start gathering team members."
Adjusting his backpack with a satisfied smile, Ethan Black slung it over his shoulder and continued exploring the place with his Pokémon.
It had already been more than half a day since they entered the Secret Kingdom. According to what Jasper Reid had said, in another half day, Jasper's father would learn that they had entered and would alert the authorities.
When the Pokémon Hunters arrive in the area, the exploration will have come to an end.
Fortunately, according to Pokémon League laws, Secret Kingdoms are undeveloped areas, and all resources found there belong to the discoverer.
Therefore, everything obtained in this Secret Kingdom would be entirely theirs. They wouldn't have to hand it over to the League.
"It would be perfect to capture Meltan within this remaining half day, otherwise it'll end up in the League's hands."
Thinking about this, Ethan Black sighed again. He quickened his pace to search for all the resources possible in the area.
"Hmm?"
"Those rock fragments... could they be remnants of iron ore?"
As he moved forward, Ethan Black noticed some broken rocks at an intersection. Curious, he crouched down to examine them.
"By their weight... could it be they no longer contain iron elements?"
Evaluating the weight of the rocks, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He then called Magneton to investigate, and it confirmed that the fragments contained no trace of iron.
"It must be Meltan's doing!"
Ethan Black's eyes sparkled. From what he remembered, Pokémon like Aron devoured entire iron ore, stone and all.
But only Pokémon like Meltan could use their liquid limbs to corrode the metal and absorb it directly.
(End of chapter)