ALL NOVEL Chapter 59: Chapter 59: First Mining
The Deserted Path was the only route from Zhuqing City to Huayuan Town.
Years ago, rumors spread about a Gible— a pseudo-legendary Pokémon—inhabiting the area, attracting trainers, hunters, and even the Pokémon League. The subsequent chaotic development left the area desolate.
Kikuno, then a senior investigator and a future Ground-type Elite Four member, eradicated a hunter stronghold and proposed renaming the area to warn the League of the devastation. Her authority ensured no one contested the decision, and the area became known as the Deserted Path.
In the years since, the wilderness had partially recovered, and Pokémon began to return.
---
As Rax ventured into the cave with skiploom by his side, the massive dome overhead caught his attention. Beneath it, patches of moss and green trees clung to rocky soil, streams carved paths into waterfalls, and sunlight pierced through the cracks above.
The beauty contrasted starkly with the scars of the past—blast craters, broken branches, and abandoned tunnels whispered tales of destruction.
Rax continued further into the cave, encountering timid Budew, groups of Hoppip singing softly, and Bellossom dancing in clusters. Peace seemed to reign here, but it was fragile and indifferent.
Suddenly, Rax's Poké Ball belt twisted.
"Beldum, what's wrong?"
He released the Pokémon, and without hesitation, Beldum shot off eastward as if possessed.
"skiploom, lead the way!"
"Fafa!"
skiploom took the lead, and Rax crouched to follow. The winding tunnels were clearly the handiwork of large Ground-type Pokémon. Marking his path, Rax wondered what had driven Beldum to act so strangely.
After about ten minutes of navigating forks and turns, the tunnel opened into a wide cavern.
Bang! Bang bang!
A loud clash echoed through the chamber.
"Steelix!"
"Fafa!"
Before Rax's eyes, Beldum and skiploom were locked in battle with an elite-level Steelix.
Though Beldum was only at a high novice level, its determination shone in its blood-red eye as it charged headlong into the much larger opponent. Its Iron Head attack gleamed as it collided with Steelix's massive body.
Steelix, unfazed, met the attack head-on. Their clash resulted in a thunderous boom. Despite Beldum's improved strength, it was still outmatched, getting pushed back after every collision.
skiploom, unwilling to see its younger sibling struggle alone, scattered Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, and Leech Seed, temporarily restraining Steelix.
"Steelix!"
The Pokémon roared, frustrated by the intruders. Yet it refrained from using moves like Earthquake, unwilling to damage something nearby.
---
Rax noticed the peculiar blue-green stones embedded in the rock wall behind Steelix. He took out an ore sample box and found a matching specimen.
"Indigo tungsten ore…" Rax muttered, his pulse quickening.
This rare mineral accelerated the fusion of metals, enhancing the steel energy absorption and growth of Steel-type Pokémon. It was particularly beneficial for Pokémon like Beldum and Metang.
"This is a treasure!" Rax realized. "This could be why the Desolate Path was overrun years ago—not the Gible, but the mineral wealth!"
---
Meanwhile, Beldum continued its grueling battle.
skiploom's assistance prevented Steelix from overwhelming it entirely, but Rax refrained from sending Marowak to help.
"Beldum," Rax called, "you can't keep hiding behind your teammates if you want to be a true pseudo-legendary. This treasure you're fighting for—it's yours to claim!"
Beldum's single eye blinked before it veered right, narrowly avoiding Steelix's Iron Tail.
"Recklessness isn't bravery!" Rax barked. "Think! Use your strength wisely. Now, hit its fifth segment with Iron Head!"
Steelix roared as Beldum struck its midsection. Though still sturdy, the attack staggered the massive Pokémon.
"Again!"
Beldum didn't hesitate, spinning mid-air to crash into the same spot.
Steelix collapsed, struggling to rise.
Three more well-aimed Iron Heads later, Steelix lay defeated.
---
skiploom floated back to Rax, using Protect to shield them from the dust and debris.
"You spoiled it with those powders earlier," Rax teased.
"Fafa~"
skiploom clung to him, seemingly apologizing for overstepping.
Steelix, stubborn but inexperienced, had fallen victim to its own lack of strategy. The indigo tungsten ore's power had raised its strength to elite level, but its combat instincts lagged behind.
---
"Beldum, go claim your prize," Rax said, gesturing to the ore.
"Beep…"
Beldum hovered closer, hesitating. Its eye glinted with something akin to guilt, as if seeking Rax's approval.
"Alright," Rax relented, patting its head. "But don't overdo it. Take only what you can handle."
Beldum gleamed with excitement, quickly flying to the rock wall. Within seconds, it began consuming the indigo tungsten ore, its body visibly shimmering as it absorbed the mineral's energy.