Lin Mo could not help curling his lips at the absurd yet amusing scene before him.
Sableye looked so embarrassed after having its "secret transaction" exposed that even its ears drooped. It looked just like a child caught by an adult while secretly saving up pocket money, 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.
At those words, a flicker of panic flashed through Sableye's gemstone-like eyes. It hurriedly scraped the small pile of gems beside it behind its back with its claws.
As if trying to hide its "spoils," it muttered softly, "Yami, yami," under its breath. It was impossible to tell whether it was explaining itself or acting cute.
Lin Mo's gaze remained fixed on the Arons lining up to trade. His feet unconsciously edged toward the line as he wanted to get closer and take a better look at the round little creatures.
His thoughts had long drifted to their evolved form, Aggron. Lin Mo had plenty of expectations for that Pokémon.
With its dual Rock and Steel typing, its heavy metal armor could withstand the vast majority of physical attacks, making it widely recognized as one of the pinnacles of physical defense.
Not to mention its imposing appearance, or the fact that it could undergo Mega Evolution. It was hard not to be drawn to a Pokémon that had both looks and strength.
Just then, a dull Roar suddenly echoed from deep within the cave. Low and powerful, it carried an unquestionable majesty that seemed to make the entire cave tremble slightly.
The Arons in line froze in fright at the sound. Some of the more timid ones even burrowed straight into cracks in the surrounding rocks, leaving only their little heads exposed as they watched warily.
Sableye instantly lost its embarrassed look as well. Its gemstone eyes widened round as it stared vigilantly toward the source of the sound, its body tense and ready to fight or flee at any moment.
Lin Mo's expression also turned grave. He raised a hand to adjust the lamp on his head to its brightest setting, then looked toward where the sound had come from.
That Roar did not sound like an ordinary wild Pokémon's display of intimidation. It sounded more like a declaration made with some purpose—or perhaps a warning to everything nearby.
"That sound..." Lin Mo frowned slightly. "It doesn't sound like any Pokémon we've encountered before."
Feebas, in the inflatable fish tank hanging against his chest, grew nervous as well. Its little body swam restlessly through the water, and from time to time, it rubbed 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 was considering whether to leave the cave. Any Pokémon capable of letting out such a threatening Roar from this deep within the caverns was no ordinary creature. Neither he nor Feebas had the strength to face enormous danger yet, and protecting himself was the most important thing.
However, just as Lin Mo was about to retreat, faint clanging sounds drifted over 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 already famous 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-vigilant Sableye beside him and the Arons hiding in the crevices, then decided to follow the sounds and take a look.
"Let's go over there and have a look. Be careful."
Lin Mo spoke to Feebas, then lightened his steps and slowly moved toward the source of the sound.
The branching paths deeper in the cave became increasingly complex, and the light grew dimmer. Only the bright beam from Lin Mo's headlamp illuminated the darkness ahead.
More unknown ores were embedded in the surrounding rock walls. Under the lamp's light, they reflected faint glimmers, as though countless eyes were 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 their exact words could not be made out.
Lin Mo slowed down, practically pressing himself against the rock wall as he edged forward. At the same time, he dimmed his lamp, leaving only a faint glow to light his way.
He did not want to alert whoever was ahead. At least until he figured out what was going on, staying hidden was the best choice.
After turning a corner, the view before him suddenly opened up.
This appeared to be a naturally formed mining hall, far wider than the tunnels he had passed through earlier. Numerous chunks of excavated ore lay scattered across the ground, and the clanging digging sounds were coming from the center of the hall.
Lin Mo held his breath and cautiously poked his head out to peer into the hall.
In 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 designed for easy movement. His cuffs and pant legs were tightly fastened, exposing forearms with sleek yet powerful muscles. His silver-white hair gleamed softly in the dim light, falling loosely over his shoulders.
Beside him stood an enormous Pokémon.
Its entire body was covered in thick blue-gray armor, with a metallic sheen visible through the gaps. Two enormous, sharp horns rose from its head, and its limbs were thick and powerful.
One of its arms held a massive rock, while the other gleamed with a metallic luster as it repeatedly struck the rock wall before it, producing crisp clanging sounds. Clearly, it was the source of the digging noises.
"Aggron!"
Lin Mo immediately recognized the Pokémon.
Anyone who owned an Aggron and could have it cooperate so readily in excavation was clearly no ordinary person.
A name instantly surfaced in Lin Mo's mind.
Just then, Aggron seemed to notice something. It abruptly stopped digging, turned its massive head warily toward Lin Mo's hiding place, and let out a low growl. A sharp gleam flashed in its eyes.
"Hmm?"
Hearing Aggron's warning, the silver-haired man slowly turned around.
Lin Mo's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he instinctively clenched his fists.
He saw a sharply defined face, its hard lines seeming carved by a blade. Beneath a high, straight nose, thin lips were pressed into a cold, hard line, and an aloof aura that kept strangers at a distance surrounded him.
Most striking of all were his eyes, deep as an icy pool. They slowly swept toward Lin Mo's hiding place, carrying scrutiny and a barely perceptible sharpness.
The hairs all over Lin Mo's body stood on end. It felt as though some immensely powerful presence, radiating overwhelming Pressure, had locked onto him completely, making even his breathing unconsciously pause for half a beat.
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