Lionel couldn't help but curve his lips into a smile, watching the absurd yet amusing scene before him.
Sableye, looking so embarrassed after its "secret transaction" was discovered that its ears drooped, resembled a child caught secretly saving pocket money by an adult, making the sight truly irresistible.
"I didn't expect you to be quite the businessman."
Lionel said this to Sableye with a smile.
Hearing this, a flicker of panic crossed Sableye's gem-like eyes, and it quickly used its claws to scrape the small pile of gems beside it behind its back.
It seemed to be trying to hide these "spoils," while muttering softly, "Yami, Yami," unsure if it was trying to argue or Charm.
Lionel's gaze was fixed intently on the Arons queuing for the exchange, and his feet unconsciously drifted toward the line, wanting to get closer and examine these round little fellows more closely.
His thoughts had already drifted to their evolved form, Aggron. Lionel had many expectations for this Pokémon.
Its Rock and Steel dual typing, along with the heavy metallic armor covering its entire body, allows it to withstand most physical attacks, making it one of the recognized "Physical Defense Ceilings."
Coupled with its imposing posture, not to mention its ability to undergo Mega Evolution, it's a Pokémon with both looks and power, making it hard not to be tempted.
Just then, a deep Roar suddenly came from the depths of the cave. The sound was low and powerful, carrying an undeniable majesty that seemed to make the entire cave tremble slightly.
The queuing Arons heard the sound and, as if startled, stopped moving. Some timid ones even burrowed directly into the nearby rock crevices, only peeking out with their small heads to look around warily.
Sableye instantly dropped its embarrassed look, its gem eyes wide and round, as it warily looked in the direction of the sound, its body tense and ready to fight or flee at any moment.
Lionel's expression also grew serious. He raised his hand and pressed the Headlamp, adjusting the light to its brightest setting, and looked toward the direction of the sound.
The Roar did not sound like the typical display of aggression from a wild Pokémon; it was more like an intentional declaration, or rather, a warning to nearby presences.
"That sound..." Lionel frowned slightly. "It doesn't sound like any Pokémon we've encountered before."
Feebas, inside the Inflatable Water Tank on his chest, also grew nervous, its small body swimming restlessly in the water, occasionally nudging Lionel's chest with its head, as if reminding him to be careful.
"Don't be afraid."
Lionel gently patted Feebas's water tank and reassured it in a low voice.
Lionel was contemplating whether he should retreat from the cave. After all, a Pokémon capable of issuing such a powerful and intimidating Roar in a cave this deep was extraordinary. He and Feebas did not yet possess the strength to contend with such great danger, and self-preservation was paramount.
However, just as Lionel was about to retreat, a faint "Ding-Dang" sound intermittently reached his ears from afar, like something hard striking rock, accompanied by subtle scraping and digging noises.
"Is that the sound of mining?"
Lionel's heart stirred. This cave was already famous for producing various ores, so it wasn't strange for someone to be digging here, but combined with the majestic Roar just now, things didn't seem so simple.
He glanced at the still-alert Sableye beside him and the Arons hidden in the crevices, deciding to follow the sound and investigate.
"Let's go take a look over there, be careful."
Lionel told Feebas, then lightened his steps and slowly moved toward the source of the sound.
The forks in the deep cave became increasingly complicated, and the light grew dimmer. Only the Headlamp on Lionel's head projected a bright column of light, illuminating the darkness ahead.
More unknown ores were embedded in the surrounding rock walls, reflecting faint glimmers under the lamp's illumination, like countless pairs of eyes peering out from the shadows.
The sound of digging became clearer, mixed with low breathing sounds and occasional command voices, though the commands were spoken so softly that the specific content was hard to make out.
Lionel slowed his pace, practically hugging the rock wall as he moved forward, while also dimming the lamp, leaving only a faint beam to scout the path.
He didn't want to alert the enemy. Staying concealed was the best choice, at least until he figured out what was happening.
Turning a corner, the sight before him suddenly opened up.
This appeared to be a naturally formed Mining Cavern Hall, much wider than the tunnels he had passed through. Scattered on the ground were many fragments of excavated ore, and the "Ding-Dang" digging sound originated from the center of the hall.
Lionel held his breath and quietly peeked his head into the hall.
In the center of the hall, a tall, imposing figure stood with his back to Lionel, focused intently on the ground.
The person was wearing a dark gray Exploration Suit suitable for movement, with the cuffs and pant legs tightly secured, revealing forearms with smooth, powerful muscle definition. His hair was silver-white, glowing softly in the dim light, shoulder-length, and loosely draped.
Standing beside him was a Pokémon of enormous size.
The Pokémon was covered entirely in thick, blue-gray armor, with metallic luster visible through the armor's seams. It had a pair of sharp, giant horns on its head and strong, robust limbs.
One of its arms held a huge rock, while the other arm, gleaming with metallic luster, was repeatedly striking the rock wall ahead, producing a clear "clang" sound—evidently, it was the source of the digging noise.
"Aggron!"
Lionel immediately recognized this Pokémon in his heart.
To own an Aggron and have it cooperate so readily in digging, the identity of this silver-haired man was clearly extraordinary.
A name instantly popped into Lionel's mind.
Just then, the Aggron seemed to sense something, abruptly stopping its digging motion. Its massive head turned warily toward Lionel's hiding spot, letting out a low Growl, its eyes flashing with sharp light.
"Hmm?"
Hearing Aggron's warning, the silver-haired man slowly turned around.
Lionel's heart leaped, and he subconsciously clenched his fists.
He saw a distinctly contoured face, with features as sharp as if carved by a knife. Below a high-bridged nose, thin lips were pressed into a hard, straight line, and he was surrounded by a cold, imposing aura that warned others to keep their distance.
Most captivating were his eyes, deep like a cold pool, which now slowly scanned the direction of Lionel's hiding spot, carrying scrutiny and a hint of almost imperceptible sharpness.
Lionel felt the hairs on his body stand on end, as if he had been firmly Lock-On by some immensely powerful and oppressive presence, causing his breathing to instinctively hitch for half a beat.