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The Mine Cart's breakneck speed through the forest terrified Froakie, which clung desperately to Ron's coat.
Only when the cart screeched to a halt at the mine entrance did Froakie snap out of its panic—and immediately whacked Ron in protest.
Ron chuckled, stowed his raincoat in his backpack, and headed straight for the elevator with Froakie.
He descended to Floor 5, scanned the area—and quickly spotted several Copper nodes on a nearby vein.
Just as he pulled out his pickaxe, a faint buzzing reached his ears.
Ron tensed, scanning the shadows. His old Iron sword was broken, so he drew his sickle instead.
Froakie, equally alert, fixed its gaze on the sound's source—and in the next instant, a green insect nearly Froakie's size zipped toward them.
"Water Gun," Ron commanded, scanning it with his Pokédex.
When no data appeared, he realized instantly: these weren't Pokémon, but the native cave insects Clint had mentioned—the original dungeon fauna.
He quickly pocketed the Pokédex and swung his sickle.
The bug wasn't fast enough—it took the hit and wobbled to the ground.
Froakie followed up with a Water Gun. The high-pressure stream pierced right through it.
Froakie froze, stunned by its own lethality—but before it could investigate, the insect dissolved into a chunk of crimson meat.
Ron checked it—confirmed it was edible bug flesh—and tucked it into his backpack.
"So the original bugs were eaten by the Pokémon that lived here," he mused.
By taking the Zubat, he'd inadvertently restored the mine's natural ecosystem.
Similarly, Orthworm's presence must've altered mineral distribution—explaining why Iron Ore replaced Copper on upper floors.
"I'll need you on lookout duty," Ron told Froakie, crouching down. "If more of these appear, attack."
Still dazed from its first kill, Froakie blinked at Ron—then finally puffed its chest and gave a firm "Froakie!"
Like a knight sworn to protect its liege, it stationed itself behind Ron, eyes sharp, ready to strike any insect that dared approach.
Under Froakie's vigilant guard, Ron swiftly gathered all accessible Copper on Floor 5.
Then, he pressed deeper.
The descent went smoothly. By Floor 9, thanks to Zubat likely roaming between levels, he'd encountered no new Pokémon—but amassed plenty of Copper, amethyst, and quartz.
The moment he stepped onto Floor 9, something purple shot toward him.
Ron dodged and pulled out his Pokédex.
[Rattata]
[Mouse Pokémon]
[Will chew on anything with its fangs. If you see one, it is certain that 40 more live in the area.]
Ron's blood ran cold—dozens of glowing eyes now ringed him from every direction.
Without hesitation, he released Abigail's Gengar and Combee.
Since this Rattata hadn't evolved, it was under Level 20—but given its floor depth, likely above Level 10.
Ron quickly checked Gengar's level: 25. Relief washed over him. He flipped to its moveset:
Hypnosis, Lick, Confuse Ray, Hex
"Gengar—Confuse Ray!"
"Combee—Sweet Scent!"
As Combee filled the cavern with cloying fragrance, the Rattata slowed and Gengar erupted in blinding light. Several Rattata instantly turned on each other in frenzied rage.
"Froakie—Water Gun!" Ron pointed to the nearest Rattata.
The jet struck true—and the surrounding Rattata froze, then slowly backed away.
Ron checked their Pokédex entries and realized: They must have the Run Away ability.
Before he could react, Froakie blurred forward, slamming into the retreating Rattata.
His Pokédex chimed:
[Quick Attack]
[Strikes first with blinding speed.]
Froakie learned Quick Attack?
Ron checked—Froakie was now Level 8.
But none of these Rattata had fainted yet… so where'd the XP come from?
The cave insects?
"Gengar—Hypnosis!" Ron ordered.
In seconds, several Rattata collapsed, asleep.
Ron tossed Poké Balls. He hadn't planned to catch Rattata—but their Run Away ability was useful:
[Run Away]
[Ensures escape from any wild Pokémon.]
Perfect for leaving Pokémon unattended during mining, foraging, or fishing.
Once the balls clicked shut, the remaining Rattata vanished into the tunnels.
Ron verified their abilities, recalled Gengar and Combee, then beckoned Froakie onto his shoulder.
Onward—to Floor 10.
At the chamber's center sat a treasure chest.
Ron strode over and flung it open.
Inside lay a pair of Leather Boots.
Scanning them:
[Leather Boots]
Defense +1 | Immunity +1
Not particularly useful—but free loot was free loot. He stuffed them in his backpack.
Then he remembered: Marlon at the Adventurers' Guild owed him a Poké Ball.
For Ron, one ball wasn't worth much anymore—but again… free loot was free loot.
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