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Steelix had already witnessed the power of the Tyrantrum's Iron Head, and now it felt a surge of excitement at meeting its match.
It decided to face strength head-on.
Its segmented metal body rotated, emitting a low hiss. Its massive body suddenly arched like an arrow released from a bow, crawling rapidly across the ground.
With a whooshing sound, it charged directly at the monster with its hard skull. It didn't use any skills, relying purely on its steel skull for a primal, direct charge.
Tyrantrum was naturally fearless, its eyes gleaming with excitement.
Ever since it lost a head-to-head contest as a child and later learned Iron Head, it had trained relentlessly.
Now, it could finally put that training to use.
Seeing Steelix take the initiative, Tyrantrum perked up immediately.
It mustered all its strength, let out a low growl, and the metallic sheen on its forehead shone once more.
It lowered its head like a heavy tank and rammed head-on into Steelix's charge!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The continuous metallic clangs exploded in the canyon, so sharp they almost pierced eardrums.
Each collision was accompanied by sparks, causing the surrounding rocks to tremble and small fragments to tumble down the canyon walls.
Steelix, relying on its Rock Head ability, was completely unaffected by the recoil, ramming even more fiercely.
It forcefully withstood Tyrantrum's attacks time and time again.
Tyrantrum was not to be outdone, pushing its Iron Head move to its limit, stubbornly exchanging blows.
The two massive creatures, like tireless battering rams, repeatedly clashed, neither willing to yield an inch.
After countless impacts, they finally stopped and retreated. As they separated, faint white marks appeared on their heads.
Tyrantrum and Steelix stood facing each other, eyes filled with fighting spirit, heavy breaths escaping their nostrils.
Lionel was about to tell Tyrantrum to stop being so headstrong and use other skills.
Then, both Steelix and Tyrantrum turned around simultaneously, lowered their heads, and shook them vigorously.
They were clearly in pain from the impact and were trying to hide their disheveled appearance from each other.
Tyrantrum then raised its head and saw Lionel. Its amber eyes instantly changed, revealing an arrogant expression as it turned back to Steelix.
At the same time, Steelix was doing the same thing, turning its head to relieve its pain while being seen by its subordinates.
It immediately adopted an indifferent, arrogant expression, turning to stare directly at Tyrantrum.
This slightly comical scene instantly diluted the tense atmosphere, causing Lionel to burst out laughing.
He shook his head; this Steelix was just as eccentric as Tyrantrum.
Since they were both enjoying themselves, he decided to let them play by themselves without giving orders.
Just then, Steelix's body began to rotate rapidly, segment by segment, making a "crackling" sound. Numerous rocks appeared around it.
The rocks scattered on the ground were drawn by an invisible force, levitating into the air.
Steelix lashed its tail violently, sending the rocks hurtling toward Tyrantrum like cannonballs.
Tyrantrum, not to be outdone, unleashed its own Rock Slide.
It roared loudly as rocks appeared around its body, and it swung its thick tail to strike them toward Steelix.
Countless rocks clashed and whistled through the canyon.
Lionel signaled Metang, Larvesta, and Milotic to hide behind a large rock to avoid flying debris.
He cautiously peeked out, watching the battle with great interest.
The Magnemite, Magneton, and Skarmory behind Steelix followed suit, finding hiding spots and cautiously peeking out to observe.
The two groups exchanged glances across the scattering rocks, their initial tension dissipating.
The aggressive atmosphere had vanished, replaced by a shared sense of helplessness toward the two "big shots" in the arena.
Lionel looked at the Steelix minions hiding nearby and had a flash of inspiration.
He remembered that before coming to Steel Canyon, he had specifically bought many low- and mid-level Energy Cubes to inquire about rare ores.
Now they came in handy. Lionel took out a handful of cubes and offered them to the Magnemite opposite him, smiling.
"Hey, little guys, want some treats?"
The wild Pokémon, usually feeding on iron ore, had never seen such refined food.
Smelling the aroma, they became restless.
A few bold Magnemite were the first to float over, carefully taking the cubes and swallowing them whole.
Buzzing!
The Magnemite made a satisfied sound, its large eye brightening considerably.
With its leader's approval, the remaining minions gathered around. Lionel distributed the Energy Cubes and other Pokémon food.
These "rebellious" minions hid behind the rocks with Lionel, Milotic, and the others, eating with great interest while watching their leader's battle.
Steelix was focused so intently on Tyrantrum that it was utterly unaware its subordinates had "betrayed" it for snacks.
It continued its fierce battle, its fighting spirit palpable.
Suddenly, Tyrantrum seemed to finally unleash its true fury. It raised its head, letting out a deafening roar, as its body radiated intense energy.
It was activating its Rock Blast skill.