Entering the fourth day in the alternate space.
Natsuhiko finally emerged from the thousands-of-meters-deep underground tunnel.
While safely passing the trial was certainly good, the abundant resources were even more appealing, especially after learning of the existence of the shell fragments of Original Groudon.
As for the method of leaving, it wasn't too difficult.
Have Excadrill drill upwards with Yujira's Pokeball in hand, once it breaks through the surface, Yujira can come out of the Pokeball, set down a psychic "anchor" point and then use Instant Movement to return, allowing them all to leave together.
Thousands of meters is not a particularly long distance for Yujira's Instant Movement.
When Natsuhiko was once again bathed in the gentle light, before he could take in a deep breath of fresh air from nature, he immediately expanded his psychic power.
Alright.
He was overthinking it.
Unexpectedly, after leaving the underground tunnel, he didn't end up in a lush forest, but in a desert area, where raging sandstorms swept across the land. If he dared to take a deep breath, the sand would surely clog his airways instantly.
Looking around.
Everywhere was an endless expanse of desert, and the sky was filled with swirling sand that impaired vision.
The sand underfoot slowly sank, and soon his ankles were submerged.
"It's indeed a bit different from what I expected huh," he chuckled self-deprecatingly.
However, it's not too surprising; at least it's better than appearing in a vast ocean... Natsuhiko consoled himself.
Just like that, determining the next direction to take and where to look for Original Groudon's shell fragments became a problem.
This alternate space is obviously not small, presumably comparable to Regigigas's alternate space. The Wild Pokémon inhabiting it, as inferred from the Leaders like Salazzle and Excadrill, are not weak.
Even their massive groups are likely stronger.
Natsuhiko thought for a moment, tossed out a Pokeball, and summoned Tyrantrum.
Its massive form appeared, shielding much of the sandstorm.
The dense, blowing sand had no effect on its thick Rock Type skin.
Natsuhiko climbed onto Tyrantrum, whose wide feet and Rock-type Pokémon traits would indeed prove to be advantageous in the desert.
"Go."
Pointing to a distant direction where there seemed to be a hill, Natsuhiko patted Tyrantrum's head.
Now, Tyrantrum was fully tame, showing remarkable obedience, especially knowing that Natsuhiko was considering "downsizing." It was eager not to be among those eliminated.
It no longer pined for freedom.
Freedom?
Freedom is precious, but good food is even more valuable.
With Tyrantrum shielding him from the sandstorm, Natsuhiko's troubles were significantly reduced.
"Togetic."
"Toge-ii?"
Surveying the hazy surroundings, Togetic, seeing the desert environment for the first time, was quite curious.
But upon hearing Natsuhiko calling, it immediately came to his side.
Natsuhiko scratched his chin while observing Togetic.
Teacher Poke hasn't showcased any skills in a while.
Togetic felt uneasy under Natsuhiko's gaze and warily asked, "Toge-ii?"
Natsuhiko was amused by its expression, chuckling as he said, "Cut the talk. Togetic, I'm asking you, if I want to find that dark red stone we saw in the Molten Rock Cave yesterday, which direction do you think we should go?"
Togetic's luck was pretty good, although it was intermittent. It hadn't been lucky in a while, and Natsuhiko didn't know if it still was.
But since they were searching aimlessly anyway, they might as well heed Togetic's suggestion.
"Toge-ii——" Togetic let out a long sigh of relief; it had been worried about what Natsuhiko might want.
Standing on Tyrantrum's head, it looked around, imitating Natsuhiko's chin scratching, then mimicking Yujira's hand movements in meditation, appearing especially "professional."
Natsuhiko crouched down and tapped its head with his index finger, "Stop goofing around, just rely on your sixth sense, or simply point in any direction."
The more earnest Togetic was, the less its powers worked.
Its unconscious actions had the highest success rate.
"Toge-ii....." Togetic grimaced, rubbed its head, and pointed randomly.
This time, it was truly random.
"Alright, let's go with this direction, Tyrantrum." Natsuhiko decided to trust Togetic's intuition.
"Roar."
Tyrantrum responded affirmatively, without complaints, moving in the direction Togetic pointed.
...
...
Three hours later.
Tyrantrum stopped.
Standing on its head, Natsuhiko and Togetic gazed at the cause of Tyrantrum's halt—a vast Quicksand Vortex.
Such a vortex, even for powerful Pokémon, unless adapted to desert conditions, could easily entrap.
Layer upon layer of sand would continuously surge forward, like huge hands grabbing, pressing, and slapping until it eventually drags one into the vortex to be consumed.
Natsuhiko and Togetic were lost in thought.
At that moment, their expressions were remarkably similar; each had a hand supporting the other, rubbing their chin.
'This shouldn't happen...'
Natsuhiko and Togetic exchanged a glance, sharing the same sentiments.
However, Natsuhiko was expressing regret over trusting the long-dormant Teacher Poke so much.
Togetic, on the other hand, was convinced it wasn't wrong, thinking Tyrantrum misread directions and went off course.
Tyrantrum: Meowth?
"Forget it, no worries, let's go around it, Tyrantrum." Natsuhiko opted to abandon his plan.
Tyrantrum nodded its large head.
However, as its foot moved, the sand beneath suddenly loosened.
The range of the Quicksand Vortex unexpectedly expanded!
"Yongji!"
At this moment, the meditating Yujira sitting on Tyrantrum's back suddenly shouted, as its sapphire eyes abruptly opened.
Buzz——
Beedrill turned into a golden stream of light, leaving fine electric arcs in the air, racing towards Natsuhiko with High-speed Movement around its body!
Swish!
Suddenly, a dark crimson figure shot out swiftly from the streaming sands, opening a gaping maw targeting Natsuhiko, who appeared the most vulnerable atop Tyrantrum.
Yet, Natsuhiko's psychic shield barely impeding it was rapidly torn apart.
Despite being atop Tyrantrum, Natsuhiko remained calm, eyes locked on the attacking Pokémon.
The next instant, a dark figure emerged from his shadow, a giant blue sword shadow sweeping towards the attacking Pokémon.
It's Doublade's Holy Sword!
Bang!!
The Pokémon was hit by Doublade's Holy Sword, the forward charge abruptly halted while a painful groan erupted from its open maw, sending its dark crimson body flying backward.
However, while still in mid-air from the hit, a golden figure swiftly appeared in its trajectory.
Cyan-colored Cross Cut was mercilessly executed upon it, halting its backward flight, crashing down hard into the ground.
It was Beedrill timely arrival, delivering an anger-charged Cross Cut.
Once landing in the sand, it quickly was covered and disappeared.
However, its experience incited fury among the same species of Pokémon living in the Quicksand Vortex.
One by one poked their heads out, emitting low-frequency vibrations from their abdomens.
Seeing the countless dark red and brownish-yellow heads, Natsuhiko knew he had inadvertently stumbled into the territory of a "naughty bunch."
"Krookodile."
——————
Fifth update! Please vote for the monthly ticket, a big move is anticipated in the coming days, stay tuned!