The distant Bastiodon sensed the commotion and drove the Shieldon back into the rock caves behind them, using their wall-like faces to forge an iron gate.
Meanwhile, Natsuhiko and his companions enveloped by Alakazam's psychic powers, slowly left the ground.
Crack!!
Only to see.
A giant fissure appeared in the basin.
A wave of heat surged forth.
Soon after, accompanied by flashing silver light, an enormous creature emerged from the fissure, roaring to declare sovereignty towards the approaching Natsuhiko and Pokémon.
"Roar ——!!"
This time, it truly was a gigantic creature.
Even larger than the three Aggron encountered before.
Nearly ten meters in size, a robust body, each segment made of interlocking metal blocks, red eyes, and a tail like a nail.
"Steelix...."
The evolved form of Onix, a Steel-type and Ground-type Pokémon.
Natsuhiko remembered.
It seemed the Alliance has yet to announce the conditions for Onix to evolve into Steelix.
Perhaps knowing without announcing, or perhaps unknown.
Wild Steelix are not non-existent, just extremely rare.
Similar to the Milotic that willingly followed him before.
Considered a very rare Pokémon.
Without human intervention, it's very difficult for Onix to evolve into Steelix.
The most standard and later most widespread evolution method is to coat the Onix in "Metal Film".
Transforming its body from rock to metal thoroughly, allowing it to evolve into Steelix.
But for wild Onix.
If they're lucky enough to encounter a formed "Metal Film", they still have a chance to evolve.
First, they must find land or a mining area rich in metal elements.
Then dig continuously underground, reaching a very deep level.
Finally, bury themselves quietly underground.
Through natural forces, the pressure of the earth, and the metal elements found in soil and rock, they slowly complete their transformation.
Achieving a method of evolution more difficult but also more thorough than using "Metal Film".
After all, pure natural "Metal Film" is born in such conditions.
Onix merely immerses itself in this environment, treating itself like a mineral, using the power of the earth like a hammer.
Through the earth's "forging".
To accomplish its transformation from rock to metal.
This is a method of evolution from the inside out.
Thus, compared to using "Metal Film", this method is more thorough and undoubtedly stronger in power.
But how long this process takes, no one can say.
Some Onix succeeded, evolving into Steelix.
But most Onix likely failed.
Unable to withstand the terrifying pressure from deep underground, the long wait, the pain of bodily transformation.
Ultimately becoming part of the earth, turning into a handful of dust.
Therefore, most Steelix are found deep underground when discovered.
Yet this one before them.
Though it looks fierce and strong.
But its breaking through the earth was swift, clearly not from deep underground.
Moreover, given Aegislash's reaction upon reaching the basin.
Natsuhiko has reason to suspect that beneath this basin, perhaps a treasure of pure natural "Metal Film" lies.
An abundant amount.
Or else Onix evolved into Steelix, yet still elicited a reaction from Aegislash.
Perhaps.
It might not be just "Metal Film".
Otherwise, this Rock Area wouldn't host so many Rock-type Pokémon.
Staring at the steaming underground where Steelix emerged, Natsuhiko rubbed his chin.
"In any case, we must first deal with this Steelix."
Not easy to handle.
This is a creature with more defense power than Aggron under normal conditions.
But like Aggron, it also has very obvious weaknesses.
Elite Candidate Level...
"Take action."
With Natsuhiko's soft words.
The Pokémon started to move.