Steelix had already witnessed the power of Tyrantrum's Iron Head earlier, and at this moment, it felt a trace of excitement at encountering a worthy opponent.
Now, it decided to meet strength with strength and personally gauge Tyrantrum's true capabilities.
Its segmented metallic body began rotating one section after another, producing low grinding sounds, while a deep hiss rumbled from its mouth.
Its massive body suddenly arched, then shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, rapidly slithering across the ground.
With a sharp tearing sound cutting through the air, it drove its hard steel head straight toward Tyrantrum.
It did not use any move at all, relying purely on the raw hardness of its steel skull to launch the most primitive and direct form of attack.
Tyrantrum naturally did not fear it, excitement flashing in its eyes.
Ever since it had lost a head to head clash with Beldum when it was younger, and later learned Iron Head, it had been training tirelessly.
Now, it could finally put that training to use.
Seeing Steelix take the initiative to challenge it, Tyrantrum's spirit surged. With a low roar, the metallic sheen on its forehead flared once again.
It lowered its head and charged forward like a heavy war machine, colliding head on with Steelix.
Clang!
Clang clang!
Claaang!
A series of metallic crashes exploded through the gorge, sharp enough to pierce the ears.
Every collision sent sparks flying in all directions, the surrounding rocks trembling violently as small fragments continuously tumbled down from the canyon walls.
Steelix, relying on its Rock Head ability, did not fear recoil at all and grew increasingly ferocious with each impact.
It forcibly endured Tyrantrum's repeated Iron Head attacks.
Tyrantrum also refused to back down, pushing its Iron Head to the limit, clashing again and again with sheer brute force.
The two massive creatures were like tireless battering rams, repeatedly slamming into each other across the open ground, neither willing to yield even a single step.
After an unknown number of collisions, they finally separated, each stepping back.
As they pulled apart, faint pale marks could be seen forming on both of their heads.
Tyrantrum and Steelix stood facing each other.
Their gazes locked tightly, battle intent burning fiercely within their eyes, heavy breaths escaping from their nostrils as their momentum teetered on the edge, as if they would charge again at any moment.
Theo was just about to call out and tell Tyrantrum not to be so stubborn, to use other moves instead of blindly clashing head on.
But then he saw something unexpected.
Both Steelix and Tyrantrum suddenly turned their backs at the same time, lowering their heads and shaking them vigorously.
The scene made it obvious that both of them were in pain from the collisions and were secretly trying to ease it without letting the other see their awkward state.
At that moment, Tyrantrum raised its head and caught sight of Theo. The expression in its amber eyes immediately shifted, adopting a proud and aloof look.
Then it quickly twisted its body and turned back to face Steelix again.
Steelix was in the exact same situation. When it had turned its head to ease the pain, it had been seen by its own subordinates.
Its eyes immediately adopted an indifferent and arrogant expression as it turned back to stare down Tyrantrum.
This slightly comical scene instantly diluted the originally tense atmosphere, making Theo, who was watching from the side, unable to hold back his laughter.
He shook his head. Why is this Steelix acting exactly like Tyrantrum?
Since both of these guys were so peculiar and clearly enjoying themselves, he decided to let them handle it on their own without giving any commands.
At that moment, the metallic segments of Steelix's body began rotating rapidly one by one, producing a series of clacking sounds.
Numerous rocks appeared around its body.
Even the scattered stones on the ground were pulled by an invisible force, floating into the air and circling around Steelix.
Then, with a sudden flick of its tail, those floating rocks shot forward like cannon shells, whistling toward Tyrantrum.
Seeing this, Tyrantrum refused to fall behind and immediately used Rock Slide.
It opened its mouth and let out a massive roar, as rocks similarly materialized around its body.
With a swing of its thick iron tail, it struck those rocks with precision, sending them flying toward Steelix.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh
Countless stones streaked across the gorge, colliding midair and producing sharp whistling sounds.
Seeing the chaotic barrage, Theo quickly called Metang, Larvesta, and Milotic to hide behind a massive rock to avoid being hit by the flying debris.
He carefully peeked his head out, watching the fierce exchange between Steelix and Tyrantrum with great interest.
On the other side, the Magnemite, Magneton, and Skarmory behind Steelix also copied Theo's actions, each finding a rock to hide behind while secretly peeking out.
Through the rain of flying stones, the two groups glanced at each other.
The previously tense standoff had completely disappeared, replaced by a shared sense of helplessness toward the two "big bosses" battling in the center.
These two had really gotten serious.
As Theo looked at Steelix's subordinates hiding behind rocks, an idea suddenly came to him.
He remembered that when he had been in Lavaridge Town preparing to come to Steel Gorge, he had specifically bought a large number of basic and intermediate pokéblocks.
At the time, his plan had been to use them to gather information from the Pokémon living here, asking about rare ores or treasures within the gorge.
If there were any suitable finds, he could collect them for Steven while also giving Metang a change of flavor as a snack.
Now, it was the perfect opportunity to put them to use.
Theo took out a large handful of pokéblocks from his backpack and held them out toward the Magnemite on the opposite side, smiling as he called out:
"Hey, little guys, want something tasty?"
The Magnemite, Magneton, and Skarmory usually fed on iron ore within Steel Gorge. They had never seen something as refined and energy rich as the pokéblocks.
The enticing aroma immediately made them restless.
A few bolder Magnemite floated over first, cautiously accepting the pokéblock from Theo before swallowing them in one gulp.
"Magnet!"
They let out satisfied sounds, and the large eyes on their bodies lit up noticeably.
With someone taking the lead, the remaining Magnemite, Magneton, and Skarmory could no longer hold back and quickly gathered around.
Theo simply began distributing the pokéblocks among them, even taking out various flavors of Pokémon food from his bag.
These "defected" subordinates of Steelix now hid behind the rocks together with Theo, Milotic, and the others.
While happily munching on pokéblocks and other Pokémon food, they watched the battle between Tyrantrum and Steelix with great interest.
They looked exactly like a group of spectators snacking while enjoying a show, completely forgetting about their own boss.
Meanwhile, Steelix, fully focused on battling Tyrantrum, had no idea that its subordinates had already "defected."
It continued to fight fiercely, locked in an intense and passionate clash.
At this moment, Tyrantrum seemed to have truly ignited its fighting spirit.
It suddenly raised its head and let out a thunderous roar, a dense surge of energy erupting around its body.
The move Rock Blast was activated.
(End of Chapter)