March 28, Friday.
The mountains outside Rustboro City.
In the distance, branches spread across mountains dressed in lush vegetation. Beneath the open bedrock, a Diglett occasionally popped out to survey its surroundings curiously.
The breeze was gentle, the clouds sparse, and the air cool, giving one a sense that green mountains and clear waters were worth their weight in gold.
Young Master Mao took a deep breath and surveyed the mining experts around him, dressed in miners' uniforms with shovels and pickaxes over their shoulders.
They really... ruined the scenery... Anyone who didn't know better would think they were a demolition crew...
"Still~ since we're here, we should give it our best." Young Master Mao looked beside him.
The dopey Rhyperior rubbed his belly and tilted his head in confusion. "Raar? Boss, what are we doing?"
"Ahem~ nothing. Just do a good job later." Young Master Mao gave Rhyperior an appreciative pat. Competing at digging against an inheritor of that great secret art? Watch me bury every last one of you today~
Steven wore an approachable-looking, earth-yellow work uniform, though his hair was still meticulously styled. His mouth twitched as he looked at Young Master Mao's Rhyperior.
If using Metagross was like using a metal drill bit, then Young Master Mao's Pokémon was practically a large drilling rig.
He recalled how, when they met earlier, Young Master Mao had casually said, "Oh, you all do your best. I'll just take it easy~"
Steven couldn't help grumbling inwardly, Like hell I believe you!
Gary silently curled his lips. Please. Besides Latios's Evolution Stone, the top prize in this Underground digging competition included generous rewards and a rare Held Item, the Ground Membrane...
When used in training, it could extend the duration of Pokémon terrain moves.
As everyone knew, Young Master Mao