Small Mining Pit

After just two or three seconds, a piece of Iron Ore with a dull metallic sheen appeared intact before Xinhai.

With a gentle push from Kirlia, the cleaned ore floated steadily into Xinhai's hand.

"Thank you, Kirlia." Xinhai smiled and patted Kirlia's head in gratitude.

The little one comfortably narrowed her eyes and let out an affectionate "Kirlia~."

Xinhai accepted another piece of Iron Ore that Kirlia handed him and examined it carefully through his night-vision goggles.

"This is... Hard Iron Ore?" Xinhai identified it carefully, tapping it with a finger and hearing a dull sound as he felt the hard texture contained within.

"And it looks quite pure. It's good material and can be used to feed Steel-type Pokémon."

It was not some precious treasure, but getting off to such a good start was undoubtedly a favorable sign.

Xinhai satisfactorily put the Hard Iron Ore into his backpack and praised Zigzagoon again. "Well done, Zigzagoon! You really are amazing!"

"Gikoo~! (￣▽￣)~" (Hehe, it was nothing!) Zigzagoon happily rubbed against Xinhai's hand, enjoying his petting and the approving gazes from Eevee and Kirlia. Even Sandile came over and curiously sniffed the lingering scent on the ore.

This little episode made the expedition team even livelier. After putting away the ore, Xinhai led the Pokémon deeper into the cave.

Xinhai and his companions continued cautiously along the main passage, occasionally stopping at places bearing signs of excavation so his companions could experience the joy of treasure hunting.

As they advanced, Kirlia floated slightly ahead and to Xinhai's side. The Psychic glow in her eyes flickered steadily, like a living radar that continuously relayed the terrain outlines and signs of life within fifty meters ahead to Xinhai.

Thanks to her scouting, Xinhai was always able to avoid potentially dangerous areas and