Rhydon

Xinhai had just set down his entrenching shovel and was about to inspect Zigzagoon's latest find when a roar filled with rage and warning suddenly exploded like thunder from a dark corner of the mine shaft!

"Roar—!!!"

The roar contained immense power, making the entire mine shaft seem to tremble slightly as dust cascaded from the rock walls.

Xinhai's heart tightened at the sound, and he turned toward its source. "What's going on? According to the Pokédex and Gym records, this area should be home to an Advanced Onix with a relatively mild temperament that spends most of its time asleep... That sound isn't right!"

The other partners were also startled by the sudden roar. They immediately abandoned their treasure hunt and quickly gathered around Xinhai.

The moment all the partners returned to Xinhai's side and formed a defensive formation, the Pokémon that had roared slowly emerged from the dark tunnel passage on heavy footsteps, fully entering the range of Xinhai's night-vision goggles.

Xinhai focused his gaze and frowned tightly. "Not an Onix!"

The Pokémon stood around 2.1 meters tall, its entire body covered in hard gray skin, as if it wore a heavy suit of stone armor.

It stood on thick, powerful hind legs, with three sharp claws on each hand and a strong tail slowly swaying behind it.

Most eye-catching was the sharp drill-like horn on its forehead, gleaming coldly in the faint light, along with several protruding spikes on its head and back.

"It's a Rhydon! And judging from that especially thick, sharp horn, it's a male Rhydon!" Information about the Pokémon flashed through Xinhai's mind, and he relaxed slightly. "Still, judging by its Presence and size, it definitely hasn't reached Elite level!"

This Rhydon was clearly extremely dissatisfied with Xinhai's group of "intruders." Rage burned in