Its enormous body rose upright, towering so high that it almost blocked out half the sky.
Segment after segment of metal along its body slowly rotated, producing sharp clanking sounds as they ground against each other, releasing a suffocating sense of pressure.
Larvesta was startled by the sudden appearance of this massive creature. Instinctively, it burrowed into the white fur around Tyrantrum's neck, secretly peeking out to observe what was happening.
Metang also immediately put away its playful attitude, swiftly moving to Tyrantrum's side and hovering beside it.
Its red eyes locked tightly onto the opponent, the metallic sheen on its body turning sharper as it stood shoulder to shoulder with Tyrantrum, both of them staring intently at that colossal figure.
Only now did they realize that the sharp metallic protrusion Larvesta had attacked earlier was actually the tail of this Steelix sticking out of the ground.
Originally, Steelix had been sleeping comfortably underground, completely immersed in its own sweet dreams.
Then suddenly, it felt a burning sensation on its backside, as if someone had sneak attacked its rear for no reason at all.
Who could possibly tolerate something like that?
Startled awake, Steelix erupted from underground in a fury.
At the same time, numerous Magnemite immediately popped out from the cracks in the surrounding rocks, along with several Magneton floating into the air.
Even a few Skarmory appeared in the sky, circling behind Steelix.
Their gazes were fixed tightly on Tyrantrum and Metang, looking just like a group of underlings backing up their boss.
This was the first time Tyrantrum had ever encountered a Pokémon even larger than itself, but after its initial moment of surprise, its competitive spirit was quickly ignited instead.
It let out a fierce roar toward Steelix, clearly stepping forward on behalf of Larvesta.
If there is a problem, come at me!
After roaring, the metallic glow on Tyrantrum's forehead lit up once again as it launched into Iron Head, charging forward like a massive war machine straight toward Steelix.
A flash of anger crossed Steelix's eyes. Its tail instantly gleamed with a white light as it swung out a merciless Iron Tail, colliding head on with Tyrantrum's Iron Head.
Clang!
A piercing metallic crash exploded through the gorge, so loud it made ears ache, as though even the air itself was trembling.
Seeing this, the Magnemite, Magneton, and Skarmory behind Steelix immediately moved as if to step forward and assist their leader.
Metang's body glowed with a blue light as it used its psychic power to propel itself forward in a forceful charge.
Meanwhile, Larvesta snapped out of its shock and began spitting flames from its mouth, joining Metang in forcing Steelix's underlings back.
At this moment, Theo had already rushed forward with Milotic, his gaze landing on Steelix as the system panel automatically displayed its information:
[Pokémon: Steelix]
Type: Steel / Ground
Classification: Iron Snake Pokémon
Ability: Rock Head (It does not suffer recoil damage when using moves that would normally cause it.)
Moves: Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, Fire Fang, Crunch, Rock Throw, Harden, Bind, Rock Polish, Rock Slide, Dragon Breath, Sand Tomb, Dig, Iron Tail, Sandstorm, Explosion…
What a skill set, this Steelix is definitely not weak, Theo thought to himself.
He was just about to signal Metang to step forward and try to communicate, hoping to resolve this sudden conflict.
But at that moment, Steelix suddenly let out a deep roar.
With that single roar, it stopped its restless subordinates from advancing to assist, while at the same time locking its cold gaze firmly onto Tyrantrum.
It continued roaring, its voice filled with unmistakable anger.
Its posture made its meaning perfectly clear.
Your subordinate sneak attacked me. This will not be settled so easily. As leaders, the two of us will settle this one on one.
However, just as Steelix issued its challenge for a one on one resolution, Larvesta suddenly emerged from behind Tyrantrum's back.
Its small body stood upright, the flames on its head antenna flaring up instantly as it let out a sharp, indignant cry toward Steelix.
Clearly, being mistaken as Tyrantrum's subordinate made it extremely dissatisfied.
And since this incident was caused by it, it intended to take responsibility itself.
The meaning of its cry could not have been clearer.
I am not anyone's subordinate. I did this, so I should be the one to take responsibility. At worst, you can burn my backside once and we will call it even.
Steelix was so angry it almost laughed.
It lowered its head and glanced at Larvesta, a tiny bug that was not even as big as one segment of its metal body. Its massive head swayed slightly from side to side, producing a low rumbling sound, its eyes filled with disdain.
Its expression seemed to say:
Who has the time to play such ridiculous games with you? Do you think this can be settled so easily?
Seeing this, Tyrantrum stepped forward and let out a low growl toward Steelix, its tone carrying a hint of compromise and responsibility, as if suggesting:
How about this, you can burn my backside instead and we will call it even, alright?
But to Steelix, those words were like adding fuel to the fire.
Its gaze locked firmly onto both Tyrantrum and Larvesta, anger nearly bursting out of its eyes.
Burning backsides, burning backsides, these two just would not stop.
If it did not give these two troublemakers a thorough beating today to vent its anger, it would never let this go.
In Steelix's understanding, just like the rules within Steel Gorge, how could a tiny creature like Larvesta possibly have the courage to attack it on its own?
It must have been Tyrantrum, the leader, who had allowed it, or even ordered it.
And looking around, only a Pokémon of Tyrantrum's size and strength was worthy of becoming the opponent for it to vent its rage upon.
Seeing this, Tyrantrum knew that this matter could not be resolved peacefully.
It turned its neck, gently nudging the head of Larvesta on its back.
Then it suddenly turned back and let out a firm, resolute roar at Steelix, determination shining in its eyes.
The meaning was unmistakable.
Fine. I will take responsibility for Larvesta. Whatever you have, come at me.
Standing to the side, Theo watched the tense standoff in the field, his brows slightly furrowed.
He understood clearly that Steelix was currently overwhelmed with anger. Trying to reason with it now would likely fall on deaf ears and might even worsen the situation.
It seemed the only option was to let Tyrantrum fight it properly first. Once Steelix was subdued, then they could slowly explain what had happened.
With that in mind, Theo gave Tyrantrum a gesture of encouragement.
Afterward, he retreated with Larvesta, Metang, and Milotic, giving Steelix and Tyrantrum enough space for their battle.
Steelix's subordinates also tacitly retreated to the sides, leaving behind a wide open area.
In an instant, a natural battlefield formed in the center of the gorge.
Steelix stared fixedly at Tyrantrum, its jaws open as a deep, rumbling growl echoed from within.
(End of Chapter)