Under the pull of the power of the Rock Blast move, the small stones scattered across the ground around Tyrantrum rapidly gathered nearby sand and soil, transforming into massive chunks of dark rock. Like shells fired from a cannon, they tore through the air with a sharp whistling sound as they hurtled straight toward Steelix at high speed.
Seeing this, Steelix's body instantly shimmered with a silvery sheen as it activated Harden. Its already tough body became even more solid, as if an additional layer of alloy armor had been wrapped around it. Facing the five massive rocks roaring toward it, it did not attempt to dodge at all and instead chose to take them head on.
Clang, clang, clang!
A series of loud impacts echoed out as the huge rocks smashed fiercely against Steelix's body, shattering instantly into countless fragments that scattered in all directions. An astonishing scene unfolded within the canyon as Tyrantrum's Rock Blast was completely resisted by Steelix one strike after another. Its enormous body only swayed slightly a few times before stabilizing again.
Steelix's physical defense could almost be said to stand above all Pokémon, so this level of attack did not cause it much harm at all.
Seeing this, Tyrantrum's amber eyes widened into perfect circles as it stared at Steelix in surprise. This guy was actually this strong?
After a brief moment of shock, an even fiercer fighting spirit ignited in Tyrantrum's eyes. It suddenly raised its head and let out a roar, and in an instant, a thick sandstorm surged up around its body. Yellow sand filled the sky, immediately enveloping Tyrantrum within it.
Tyrantrum was about to use the battle style it was best at.
Steelix, unwilling to fall behind, also opened its mouth and let out a hiss, unleashing Sandstorm as well. For a time, the entire canyon was swallowed by swirling sand and dust, visibility dropping sharply until only the howling wind and the rasping sound of sand grinding against stone remained.
Seeing this, Metang immediately used its psychic power to form an invisible barrier around Theo, Milotic, Larvesta, and even Steelix's traitorous little followers. The raging sand was kept outside, allowing them to continue watching the battle in peace.
Through the hazy sandstorm, the center of the battlefield could still be faintly seen.
Steelix's segmented metallic body began to rotate rapidly, and it swiftly used Dig. The hard ground seemed to come alive, automatically opening up a passage for it. Steelix's massive body, over ten meters long, vanished beneath the surface almost instantly, leaving behind only a hole that quickly closed in on itself.
Meanwhile, Tyrantrum, shrouded within the sandstorm it had created, was using Dragon Dance to boost its attack and speed. It keenly sensed the violent tremors coming from beneath its feet and realized that Steelix was about to launch a sneak attack from underground.
At that very moment, Tyrantrum suddenly lifted one of its hind legs and slammed it down hard onto the ground, unleashing Earthquake.
The intense vibrations spread throughout the entire canyon in an instant. The ground surged like rolling waves, and many of the surrounding rocks were shattered into pieces by the force.
Steelix, which was digging underground, was caught off guard and struck heavily by the sudden quake. It let out a muffled groan, clearly suffering significant damage.
However, as the ruler of the Steel Gorge, this Steelix was no pushover. Enduring the pain caused by the earthquake, it immediately retaliated with Iron Tail. A steel tail glowing with white light burst out from beneath the ground first, whipping through the air like a lash and striking fiercely against Tyrantrum's side.
"Tyraa!"
Tyrantrum cried out in pain and staggered backward several steps.
Steelix's body then burst out from the ground.
At this point, both Pokémon retreated slightly, panting heavily as they stared at each other. Their bodies bore varying degrees of injuries, yet the fighting spirit in their eyes had not diminished in the slightest.
By now, the surrounding sandstorm had begun to subside. The swirling dust gradually settled back onto the ground, revealing the battlefield once more.
The Pokémon hiding behind rocks immediately erupted into loud cheers, celebrating the thrilling battle.
Tyrantrum instinctively turned its head to look at Theo, seeking praise and recognition. Meanwhile, Steelix habitually looked toward its own underlings, wanting to see whether they were cheering for it.
However, what Steelix saw was its own little brothers gathered around Theo, eating happily while excitedly pointing toward the battlefield and commenting on the fight. They looked exactly like spectators watching a show.
Steelix's brain seemed to freeze on the spot.
It stood there in a daze, unable to understand what its subordinates were doing.
I am fighting with everything I have over here, and you are over there enjoying food and watching the show?
Seeing this, Theo smiled and took out two more Intermediate pokéblocks from his backpack, throwing them forcefully toward Tyrantrum and Steelix in the field as he shouted, "Well fought, these are your rewards!"
The nearby Magnemite also followed Theo's example. They picked up the remaining crumbs of pokéblocks from the ground and tossed them toward the battlefield with all their strength, treating it as a cheer gift for both their boss and its opponent.
The tense atmosphere of confrontation in the field completely dissipated amidst this series of reward offerings.
Seeing that the timing was right, Theo nodded to Milotic.
Milotic immediately understood. It gracefully swayed its body as a gentle green light radiated from it, and it used Life Dew.
Drops of green water filled with rich life energy appeared, each one seeming almost alive. They drifted toward Tyrantrum and Steelix, gently landing on their bodies.
As the life filled droplets merged into them, the wounds on both Tyrantrum and Steelix began to heal at a visible rate. Their previously depleted stamina was quickly restored, and their exhausted bodies regained vitality.
Tyrantrum shook its head comfortably and looked at Steelix with a hint of mutual respect that came from fighting a worthy opponent, as if saying, you really have some skill.
Steelix also calmed down. It looked at its little brothers who were still happily eating beside Theo, a trace of helplessness flashing through its eyes. Then it looked at Theo, and the anger in its gaze gradually faded, replaced by a more complicated expression.
Theo knew that now was the time to explain.
He stepped out from behind the rocks, revealed a friendly smile to Steelix, and said, "Sorry, my partner Larvesta was a bit careless earlier and accidentally hurt you. I hope you do not mind."
Larvesta also poked its head out from behind Tyrantrum, somewhat embarrassed as it gently waved its fiery antennae toward Steelix and let out a low cry, as if apologizing.
Steelix fell silent for a moment, then its massive head slowly nodded, indicating that it accepted the apology.
It then turned its gaze toward its little brothers who were still in the middle of their so called defection and let out a deep hiss, as if scolding them, yet also as if helplessly accepting reality.
(End of Chapter)