Julian realized that with such a large stretch of chlorite, the rough diamond associated with it had to weigh at least 100 tons. Metagross continued to unearth rough diamond after rough diamond.
Some were as small as a few kilograms, while others weighed a few hundred. If it weren't for the limitless space provided by the system, Julian would have no way to transport all the rough stones they were uncovering.
More than an hour later, Metagross had dug up over ten tons of rough diamonds. Julian could only imagine the wealth these gems would bring if sold. It would be enough to place him among the wealthiest people in Yale Province.
However, Julian had other plans.
"Aron, come on out! I've got some snacks for you!" Julian released Aron.
Before Aron lay a rough diamond weighing around 300 kilograms. The sight of it made Aron's eyes light up with excitement, much like a Growlithe spotting a bowl of treats.
Without hesitation, Aron pounced on the diamond, chewing through the hard gem like it was nothing more than a soft piece of tofu.
His plan wasn't to sell the diamonds but to use them as food for Aron.
After all, Aron's evolutionary line—from Aron to Lairon and eventually to Aggron—is known for its powerful Iron armor. With the right diet, that armor could become nearly indestructible, able to withstand some of the most powerful attacks.
But that strength came at a cost; Aron would need to consume a lot of tough minerals, and diamonds were among the hardest materials found in nature.
In the market, diamonds like these would be worth a fortune. Even though Julian's family wasn't short on money, they had never been rich enough to treat their Pokémon with diamonds as a staple food.
Luckily, these rough diamonds would now fuel Aron's growth, ensuring that by the time Aron evolved into an Aggron, its defense would be unmatched.
The very idea of an Aggron raised on diamonds excited Julian. A future Aggron with diamond-hardened armor would strike fear into any opponent.
If Metagross was going to be Julian's most powerful spear, then Aron—soon to be Aggron—would be his strongest shield.
This balance between offense and defense had been a tradition in the Walker family for generations.
His father's Aggron, for example, had once held back an entire Pokémon horde during a dangerous high-level riot, guarding a vital escape route and blocking attacks from hundreds of furious Pokémon for over half an hour.
"Boom~"
Suddenly, the ground beneath Julian's feet trembled, almost knocking him off balance.
Metagross stopped mining and quickly shifted to the left. In the very next second, a Pokémon burst from the ground where Metagross had been. Its body gleamed with a metallic sheen as it emerged.
"It's a Steelix," Julian muttered to himself, recognizing the massive creature.
Steelix was a Pokémon known to live deep underground, using the pressure and heat of the earth to harden and strengthen its body. Given that this area was full of rough diamonds, it made sense that Steelix had made its home here.
The Steelix was visibly angry, its territory invaded and its treasures being dug up.
It was a high-level Pokémon, sitting at around level 66 with pseudo-Elite strength. However, its potential was only at the green level—nothing exceptional by Julian's standards.
Steelix snarled, its eyes locked on the intruders who were raiding its treasure.
Though it recognized that Metagross wasn't an easy opponent, it had reached its limit. Watching them dig deeper and deeper into the ground, Steelix could no longer hold back its rage.
It attempted a sneak attack, but Metagross easily dodged it, leaving Steelix frustrated.
With its sneak attack failed, Steelix redirected its aggression toward Julian. The massive Pokémon, nearly ten meters long, charged at him, its metallic body gleaming in the light.
Despite its low level, Aron stood bravely in front of Julian, ready to defend him.
Steelix continued its charge, but it suddenly found itself unable to move. Metagross had grabbed Steelix's tail with its powerful claws, its metallic grip piercing through Steelix's rock-hard armor with ease.
Steelix howled in pain, raising its tail high in an attempt to shake Metagross off. But Metagross held firm, using its electromagnetic powers to float above the ground and maintain its grip.
Steelix's raw strength was no match for Metagross, who was raised on precious metals and was far stronger than the average Steel-type Pokémon.
Enraged, Steelix attempted to summon its strength, gathering rocks around its body to launch a Rock-type move. But before it could release the attack, Metagross swung it by the tail and smashed the giant Pokémon into the ground.
Steelix's body hit the earth with a thunderous crash. Metagross lifted it again and slammed it down repeatedly, smashing it into the rocky terrain seven or eight times.
Though battered, Steelix's rough-diamond-hardened body allowed it to endure the beating.
"Metagross, that's enough"
Julian called, signaling his Pokémon to stop.
Julian approached the injured Pokémon. Steelix glared at him but quickly shifted its attention to something in Julian's hand—a box of high-grade Steel-type energy cubes.
"These can be yours if you help Metagross finish mining the diamonds," Julian offered, tossing one cube into Steelix's mouth.
This rough diamond mine was very large, and it will take a lot of time for Metagross to mine it alone. His other Pokémon were not suitable for mining, so Julian intended to find a temporary worker. Obviously, Steelix was a suitable candidate.
Steelix was angry, not only was this bas**** digging his own mines, but he also wanted him to help.
Wasn't that just a Thief coming into your house, stealing your things, and asking you to help him move those things.
But the taste of the energy cube caught Steelix off guard. It had never tasted anything like it before.
The food not only satisfied its hunger but also began to heal its wounds and restore its energy. Steelix had never encountered such delicious and nutritious food.
The advanced energy cubes, crafted by Julian's system, were far superior to anything found on the market.
Steelix eyed the box greedily, knowing there were nine more cubes inside.
"Roar!"
Steelix: I want two boxes.
It growled, indicating that it wanted more.
"Alright, I'll give you two boxes if you help us"
Julian agreed, his Aura and Psychic abilities allowing him to understand the Steelix's request perfectly.
Steelix: He agreed so easily, could I have asked for more?
Steelix hesitated for a moment, considering the offer. It briefly thought about trying to renegotiate for more cubes but quickly dismissed the idea when Julian gave it a stern look.
"If you try to go back on the deal, Metagross will finish what it started"
Seeing what the other party was thinking, Julian warned with a smirk.
Steelix shuddered, quickly shaking its head in agreement. It wasn't about to test Metagross again.
*****
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