The two Pokémon hurriedly hid behind the Beedrill.
Although judging by size alone, the Beedrill was actually smaller than them.
But as the big brother, Beedrill often took the lead when something happened, so many times it served as the shield for Togekiss and Latios.
Beedrill rubbed its forehead.
Having such a lively member on the team was both delightful and headache-inducing.
Fortunately, Bewear only demonstrated its strength and didn't actually intend to harm Togekiss and Latios.
Natsuhiko held Eevee in his arms, stroking it while smiling, "Bewear's fighting skills are impressive. When there's a chance, you guys should learn from it."
This was another reason why he chose to capture Bewear.
Upon hearing this,
all the Pokémon glanced at the shattered rock wall. Apart from Monferno who nodded excitedly, the rest swallowed nervously.
Learning?
Learning from others just exhausts energy, but learning from Kapu Bear seems like a life-ordeal.
"Buyi~~"
Eevee rolled around in Natsuhiko's embrace, belly up, acting coy.
Togekiss and Latios flapped their wings gently to fan him from each side.
Seeing this fearful display truly amused Natsuhiko.
Like this,
amidst playful antics and occasionally fending off approaching wild Pokémon, laughter constantly echoed.
For those unaware, it would seem as if they were out on a picnic, rather than exploring some unknown underground cavern.
But whether it was Natsuhiko or the Pokémon, they all enjoyed the process greatly.
If exploration was inevitable, why not make it joyful?
Of course.
As the frequency of wild Pokémon attacks increased and their strength grew, the Pokémon all responsibly put away their playful demeanor, focusing intently on the unexpected situations that could arise at any moment.
It is unknown how long they walked down the endless underground tunnel.
When the horizon widened once more, what appeared in front of them was a small lake.
It seemed filled with a variety of aquatic plants and algae, making the water look completely black and very murky.
The Chinchou that Natsuhiko recently captured swam along with the current, but as they approached this lake, it displayed signs of fear and reluctance to get any closer.
Fortunately, the light it provided was sufficient, so even without getting too close, it enabled Natsuhiko and the others to clearly see what lay within.
With vigilance and doubt.
Splash——
When Natsuhiko and the Pokémon approached the lake, suddenly a head emerged from the water.
A brown head adorned with red and green scales resembling seaweed. The head's shape resembled a hippocampus, with long, narrow red eyes filled with warnings and unmistakable hostility.
Soon after.
Two more heads similar to the first surfaced from underwater.
Along with Skrelp, which they had encountered before.
And these clearly hostile Pokémon were evidently the evolution of Skrelp, Dragalge!
The environment here was also very conducive to Dragalge's survival.
The thick aquatic plants and murky lake water were practically perfect habitats for Dragalge.
Dragalge is a Pokémon of the Poison Type and Dragon Type, often characterized by its aggressive nature. Once a creature approaches, it delivers a venomous greeting without hesitation.
It is said.
Ships sailing at sea must never approach the waters where Dragalge inhabit.
Not just because Dragalge are powerful and violent, but because the venom that Dragalge expels is corrosive enough to dissolve metal, making them very dangerous wild Pokémon.
"Found it."
But one of Natsuhiko's goals coming down this time was to find Skrelp and Dragalge to expand his dojo's lineup of Dragon-type Pokémon, so he didn't take the Dragalge's warning too seriously.
"Roar——!!"
Seeing Natsuhiko disregard the warnings and continue approaching the lake, the first Dragalge to protrude its head roared angrily.
A thick, foul-smelling dark purple liquid spewed from its mouth, carrying strong corrosive properties, even corroding the air itself.
Acid Spray!
"Swoosh!"
Natsuhiko remained unfazed as Aegislash, wielding its shield, emerged from his shadow, blocking the dark purple "Acid Spray" with its shield.
Although Dragalge's venom could corrode metal, it evidently had no effect on Steel Type Pokémon.
Aegislash shook its shield disdainfully.
"Swoosh?!"
"Haven't eaten?"
In its Shield Form, Aegislash's primary consciousness was bold and brash.
Hence, it displayed utter disdain towards Dragalge's venom.
The taunt meter was full.
This stance, it was like....
A man exerted all his strength to finally accomplish something, feeling triumphant, only to hear a voice from below say..."Did it even go in?"
Nothing hurts pride more than that.
Dragalge took pride in the potency of its venom, but being taunted by Aegislash, how could it endure it?
"Roar——!!"
This time it wasn't just one Dragalge; all three spewed spheres of thick black muck from their mouths, relentlessly hurling them at Aegislash.
Sludge Bomb!
Aegislash remained firm.
It simply didn't dodge at all.
The constant "bang-bang-bang" resounded on its shield, soon being entirely covered by a thick layer of sludge.