The passage widened slightly here. The rock walls on both sides and overhead showed more distinct mottled patterns of dark red and iron gray, and the metallic scent of rust in the Qi grew stronger.
Xinhai reached out and touched the wall at the end. It felt hard and rough—sure enough, it was iron-rich ore.
He turned to Krokorok behind him. "Krokorok, we'll start here. Try using your Ability to carefully sense the differences between the rock layers. There's no rush, take it slow. If you encounter a layer that feels 'special,' tell me immediately."
"Heylo!" Krokorok nodded steadily, a glint of seriousness flashing through its dark red eyes.
It stepped forward, stretching out its sturdy arms again and gently pressing its heavily armored palms against the cold rock wall.
This time, it closed its eyes and focused completely.
It sent the Ground type energy within its body outward in vibrations, sensing the energy fluctuations around the iron ore like an exquisitely precise radar.
The Ground type energy traveled through tiny cracks in the rock and between mineral crystals, feeding back every subtle vibration, density difference, and the faint energy fields of the various minerals.
This was a more "fundamental" form of perception than sight or smell, relying on a Pokémon's innate connection to the earth, its judgment of the feedback from different things, and its delicate control over its own energy.
"Zigzagoon, come help too," Xinhai called to Zigzagoon, who was widening the tunnel behind them.
"Haso!" Zigzagoon responded at once. Its little nose began twitching rapidly as it tried to filter out the heavy smell of rust and dust in the Qi. Combined with the special perception of its Pickup Ability, it attempted to catch any unusual Qi that might belong to rare minerals or energy crystals.
Eevee