Cave Exploration (3): Encountering Steven

Lin Mo could not help but curl his lips at the absurd yet amusing sight before him.

Sableye looked so embarrassed after having its "secret trade" exposed that even its ears drooped. It looked just like a child caught secretly saving up pocket money by an adult, making it impossible not to laugh.

"I didn't expect you to be such a good businessman."

Lin Mo said with a smile to Sableye.

Hearing this, a trace of panic flashed through Sableye's gem-like eyes. It hurriedly used its claws to push the small pile of gems beside it farther behind its back.

As if trying to hide those "spoils," it muttered softly, "Yami, yami," under its breath. It was impossible to tell whether it was defending itself or acting cute.

Lin Mo's gaze stuck firmly to the Aron lining up to trade. His feet unconsciously edged toward the queue as he wanted to get closer and take a better look at those round little creatures.

His thoughts had long since drifted to their evolved form, Aggron. Lin Mo had quite a few expectations for that Pokémon.

Its dual Rock- and Steel-type attributes, along with the heavy metal armor covering its entire body, allowed it to withstand most physical attacks. It was widely acknowledged as one of the pinnacles of physical defense.

And then there was its imposing appearance. Not to mention that it could undergo Mega Evolution—such a Pokémon, both powerful and striking, was hard not to fall for.

Just then, a deep roar suddenly came from the depths of the cave. The sound was low and powerful, carrying an unquestionable majesty that seemed to make the entire cavern tremble slightly.

The Aron in line froze in fright upon hearing it. Some of the more timid ones even burrowed directly into cracks in the nearby rocks, only poking out their little heads to look around warily.

Sableye instantly lost its embarrassed look as well. Its gem eyes widened as it stared alertly toward the source of the sound, its body tense and ready to fight or flee at any moment.

Lin Mo's expression turned serious too. He raised a hand to adjust the lamp on his head to its brightest setting, then looked toward the source of the roar.

That roar did not sound like an ordinary wild Pokémon's show of intimidation. It felt more like a purposeful declaration—or perhaps a warning to everything nearby.

"This sound..." Lin Mo frowned slightly. "It doesn't sound like any Pokémon we've encountered before."

Feebas in the inflatable water tank on his chest grew nervous as well. Its small body swam restlessly through the water, occasionally rubbing its head against Lin Mo's chest as if reminding him to be careful.

"Don't be afraid."

Lin Mo gently patted Feebas's tank and soothed it in a low voice.

Lin Mo considered whether he should leave the cave. Any Pokémon capable of producing such an intimidating roar at this depth was no ordinary creature. Neither he nor Feebas had the strength to contend with enormous danger yet. Preserving their own safety was what mattered most.

However, just as Lin Mo was about to retreat, faint clanging sounds came from the distance. It sounded like something hard striking rock, accompanied by subtle scraping and digging noises that reached his ears intermittently.

"Is that the sound of mining?"

Lin Mo's heart stirred. This cave was known for producing all kinds of ores, so it was not strange for someone to be digging here. But combined with that majestic roar from earlier, things did not seem so simple.

He glanced at the still-alert Sableye beside him and at the Aron hiding in the cracks, then decided to follow the sounds and take a look.

"Let's go see, but be careful."

Lin Mo spoke to Feebas, then lightened his footsteps and slowly moved toward the source of the noise.

The branching paths deeper in the cave grew increasingly complicated, and the light became even dimmer. Only the lamp on Lin Mo's head cast a bright beam through the darkness ahead.

More unknown ores were embedded in the surrounding rock walls. Under the lamplight, they reflected faint glimmers, like countless eyes watching from the shadows.

The digging sounds grew clearer, mixed with deep breathing and the occasional command. However, those commands were spoken so softly that he could not make out their exact contents.

Lin Mo slowed down, practically pressing himself against the rock wall as he moved forward. At the same time, he dimmed his light, leaving only a faint glow to guide his way.

He did not want to alert anyone. At least until he understood what was going on, staying hidden was the best choice.

After turning a corner, the view suddenly opened up.

This seemed to be a naturally formed mining hall, far wider than the tunnels he had passed through before. Many chunks of excavated ore lay scattered across the ground, while the clanging digging sounds came from the center of the hall.

Lin Mo held his breath and quietly poked his head out to peer into the hall.

At the center of the hall stood a tall, upright figure with his back to Lin Mo, focused intently on the ground.

The man wore a dark gray exploration suit that allowed easy movement, with the cuffs and trouser legs tightly bound. His exposed forearms had smooth yet powerful muscle lines. His hair was silver-white, shining softly in the dim light, shoulder-length and casually hanging loose.

Beside him stood an enormous Pokémon.

Its entire body was covered in heavy blue-gray armor, metallic luster glinting through the gaps. Two sharp, massive horns grew from its head, and its limbs were thick and powerful.

One of its arms held a huge rock, while the other glinted with a metallic sheen as it struck the rock wall in front of it again and again, producing crisp clangs. Clearly, it was the source of the digging sounds.

"Aggron!"

Lin Mo recognized the Pokémon immediately.

Anyone who possessed an Aggron and could make it cooperate so obediently in excavation was clearly no ordinary person.

A name instantly surfaced in Lin Mo's mind.

At that moment, Aggron seemed to sense something. It abruptly stopped digging, its massive head turning warily toward where Lin Mo was hiding. It let out a deep growl, sharp light flashing in its eyes.

"Hmm?"

Hearing Aggron's warning, the silver-haired man slowly turned around.

Lin Mo's heart gave a violent jolt, and he instinctively clenched his fists.

He saw a sharply defined face, its hard lines seeming carved by a blade. Beneath a high nose bridge, thin lips were pressed into a cold, firm line. An icy aura that warned strangers away surrounded him.

Most striking were his eyes, deep as a frozen pool. At that moment, carrying scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible sharpness, they slowly swept toward where Lin Mo was hiding.

Every hair on Lin Mo's body stood on end. It felt as if some overwhelmingly powerful presence had locked onto him, making even his breathing pause for half a beat.