Praise of a Champion

Speaking of mountains...

The tallest in Orre was Battle Mountain, located in the northern region.

It could even be called the Battle Mountain Range. Its raised ridges stretched for hundreds of miles, its dark peaks like impregnable walls of bronze and iron.

Unfortunately, Battle Mountain was not only an active volcano, but also bore overly obvious signs of human modification. It also held great significance for Orre, and for many reasons, it did not meet Aggron's requirements.

What did Aggron want?

First, it had to be able to grow trees.

Second, it had to contain mineral deposits.

Third, it had to have spring water.

A mountain that met all three conditions would be the perfect one in Aggron's eyes. If not, meeting two out of three would also work.

Only one...

That really would not do.

Unfortunately, Aggron's requirements would be easy enough to meet in other regions, but they were rather difficult in Orre.

First, as for mountains containing mineral deposits, nearly all the ones closest to Pyrite Town had already been thoroughly surveyed by organizations searching for new mines. Some had essentially already been developed.

Second, mountains where trees could grow. Orre's vegetation was so sparse largely because its climate and environment caused soil erosion and desertification. In other words, most mountains had little value for plant survival.

Lastly, spring water.

That was relatively easy to satisfy, as long as Aggron was willing to let Steelix use Dig.

Pyrite Town was closer to the coast than Silicon Beryllium City, so the chances of finding underground rivers or even springs were greater. The only question was whether the former was willing to let the latter get to work.

After all, one attempt might not yield anything. Steelix would have to keep smashing out hole after hole.

Or Aggron could