Giant Furnace and Exploding Meltan

Meltan?

Looking at the metallic giant, Jing He was somewhat surprised.

The legendary Mythical Pokémon, Meltan!

A pure Steel-type Pokémon, Jing He was quite familiar with it because Meltan could be considered the first Mythical Pokémon Ash had caught in the anime series.

If Meltan was what slept within these ruins, then the abundance of metal elements throughout the ruins made sense.

So.

One of Peony's goals in coming to the Crown Tundra—or perhaps his greatest goal—was this Meltan?

As for why Meltan was in the Crown Tundra.

There were quite a few ruins and ancient Pokémon here, so it was not unusual.

"Cha."

Looking at Meltan, Tinkaton instinctively tightened her grip on her hammer, her eyes shining.

Well, damn.

Rumble—

Suddenly.

A violent roar echoed through the vast chamber. Dust rained down with a rustling sound, and the entire ruin trembled slightly.

The disturbance had come from within this massive chamber.

Having gained a basic understanding of the room, Jing He made some preparations and stepped inside.

In what had previously been a blind spot, he saw a huge hole smashed into the wall. An eerie red glow spilled from within, and the earlier disturbance had come from there.

As they entered, the Meltan standing motionlessly in the corner seemed to awaken. Within its golden nut-like head, a floating black iron ball emerged, as though it had opened an eye.

"Melmetal!!"

A deep, rolling voice boomed out.

"Cha!"

Tinkaton immediately grew excited. She lightly spat into her palms twice, then seized her hammer, eager to give it a try.

"Wait, Tinkaton."

Jing He reached out and stopped her.

"Cha?"

Tinkaton looked at Jing He in confusion.

Jing He merely shook his head slightly. He had not sensed much hostility from Meltan.

And indeed, other than waking up, Meltan made