Its massive body stood upright, almost obscuring half the sky.
The segments of metal on its body were still rotating, emitting a "click-clack" sound that exuded a suffocating sense of oppression.
The Larvesta was startled by the sudden appearance of this behemoth, instinctively burrowing into the white fur on Tyrantrum's neck and peeking out to observe the situation.
Metang also instantly abandoned its playful mood, swiftly moving to Tyrantrum's side to stand with it.
Its red eyes were fixed on the opponent, its metallic sheen sharpening as both Pokémon stared intently at the massive figure.
It turned out that the sharp metallic protrusion Larvesta had attacked was actually Steelix's tail sticking out from the ground!
The Steelix had been comfortably sleeping underground, immersed in its own sweet dreams, when it suddenly felt a burning heat on its rear end.
Who could tolerate being attacked from behind for no reason?
Awakened by the shock, Steelix emerged from the ground, its face contorted with rage.
Simultaneously, numerous Magnemite sprang from the crevices of the surrounding rocks, and several Magneton floated into the air.
Even several Skarmory appeared in the sky, circling behind Steelix like a group of underlings cheering on their leader.
This was the first time Tyrantrum had seen a Pokémon larger than itself, but it quickly suppressed its initial surprise, its competitive spirit ignited instead.
It roared fiercely at Steelix, clearly standing up for what Larvesta had done.
"Come at me if you dare!"
After roaring, the metallic sheen on Tyrantrum's forehead shone again.
It unleashed its Iron Head attack, charging toward Steelix like a giant war machine!
A flash of anger crossed Steelix's eyes, and its tail instantly glowed white as it lashed out with a merciless Iron Tail strike.
It collided violently with Tyrantrum's charge!
Clang!
A deafening metallic clang echoed through the canyon, jarring the eardrums and making the air tremble.
The Magnemite, Magneton, and Skarmory behind Steelix immediately rushed to their leader's aid.
Metang surged with blue light, using its psychic powers to charge forward, while Larvesta regained its senses and joined Metang, spewing flames to force Steelix's minions back.
Lionel had already caught up with Milotic by this time.
His gaze fell on the Steelix, and its information automatically appeared on the system panel:
Pokémon: Steelix
Type: Steel/Ground
Category: Iron Snake Pokémon
Ability: Rock Head (When using a move that causes recoil damage, the user will not suffer recoil damage.)
Moves: Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, Fire Fang, Crunch, Rock Throw, Harden, Bind, Rock Smash, Rock Slide, Dragon Breath, Sand Tomb, Iron Tail, Sandstorm, Double-Edge.
"Goodness, this Steelix has a rich moveset. It's not weak," Lionel thought to himself.
He was about to signal Milotic to step forward and help convey his intention to communicate, trying to defuse the conflict.
But just then, Steelix suddenly let out a low roar. While its roar silenced its restless minions, it fixed its cold eyes on Tyrantrum.
Its mouth emitted roars filled with undisguised rage, clearly declaring: "This score for your little brother's ambush won't be settled so easily. We two bosses will settle this one-on-one!"
Just as Steelix roared for a one-on-one settlement, Larvesta suddenly appeared from behind Tyrantrum.
Its small body stood ramrod straight, and the flames on its head antennae shot high with a defiant cry at the Steelix.
Clearly, being treated as Tyrantrum's "little brother" made it very resentful.
Moreover, this was its own idea; it believed in handling its own consequences.
The meaning in that cry was crystal clear: "I'm not some lackey! I did this, and I should settle it myself! At worst... at worst, I'll let you burn my butt too, and we'll be even!"
The Steelix laughed in anger.
It glanced down at the Larvesta—a tiny insect barely the size of one of its metallic segments.
Its massive head swayed with a dull thud, eyes filled with disdain.
Its expression seemed to say: "Who has time to play these butt-burning tricks with you? This isn't going to end so easily!"
Seeing this, Tyrantrum took a step forward, growling at the Steelix with a voice carrying a mix of compromise and revenge: "How about... I'll let you burn my butt, and we'll call it even, okay?"
But these words were like adding fuel to the fire. Steelix's anger practically spat fire from its eyes.
Burn their asses?
These two are really looking for trouble!
In Steelix's mind, how could a tiny thing like Larvesta attack it on its own?
It assumed Tyrantrum, the leader, had given the order.
Moreover, looking around, only a creature of similar size like Tyrantrum was worthy of being its opponent to vent its anger on.
Tyrantrum knew this couldn't be resolved peacefully, so it nudged Larvesta's head on its back, then turned to let out a firm growl at the Steelix.
Its eyes flashed with unwavering resolve: "Fine, I'll take this on for Larvesta. Whatever moves you have, come at me!"
Lionel stood to the side, his brow furrowing slightly.
He knew the Steelix was currently enraged; trying to reason with it now would only add fuel to the fire.
It seemed the only option was to let Tyrantrum fight it properly first and then explain the situation once the giant was subdued.
Lionel gave Tyrantrum a "good luck" gesture, then retreated with Milotic, Metang, and Larvesta to give the combatants enough space.
Seeing this, the henchmen behind Steelix stepped aside, clearing a spacious natural battleground in the center of the canyon.
Steelix stared intently at Tyrantrum, its jaws agape, letting out a deep roar.