Chapter 101: Volcano Strip

After catching Steelix, it immediately became Ashborn's highest-level Pokémon at level 66, even surpassing Metagross, which stood at level 55. 

As Pokémon level up, progression becomes slower, and many Pokémon hit a natural cap due to their inherent abilities. 

Steelix, though impressive in level, wasn't yet comparable in raw combat power to Metagross, Lucario, or Dragonair.

All of whom had benefited from focused, point-based development. 

However, Steelix had spent years polishing its body with rough diamonds, making it much tougher than the average Steelix.

As Ashborn released Steelix again, the massive Pokémon seemed ecstatic, wagging its tail in delight at the environment outside the Poké Ball. 

"It seems Steelix has a playful side," Ashborn chuckled, finding it funny that such a mighty creature had an almost goofy personality.

Using Steelix as a mount, Ashborn set off, heading northwest. 

His Dowsing Machine indicated a large red dot nearby, similar in size to the treasure he had just dug up—possibly another valuable find. 

With limited time to explore the intermediate-level secret realm, Ashborn aimed to maximize his efforts by focusing on the most significant treasures.

Steelix's pace wasn't as fast as Metagross's flight, but it was steady and reliable, traversing the rocky terrain with ease. 

Ashborn pondered future mount options, considering Dragonair, which would eventually evolve into Dragonite, as a potential flying mount. 

For water traversal, he imagined a legendary Pokémon like Kyogre—a dream, but one that kept him optimistic.

As he neared the location of the red dot, Ashborn noticed another person nearby. 

The individual had a square, 30-centimeter-long energy detector in hand, a device capable of locating treasures by detecting their energy signature, though its accuracy and range were limited compared to Ashborn's Dowsing Machine.

The man turned, visibly startled upon seeing Ashborn atop Steelix. 

"Younger Master Zovic," the man muttered, recognizing Ashborn and his Steelix's formidable aura. 

Though tempted to take the treasure, Ashborn refrained, knowing the man was from a local Lavanny City family and had arrived first. 

Instead, Ashborn decided to leave the area, confident that the man's detector wasn't likely to pinpoint the exact location of the treasure.

"I'll come back tomorrow," Ashborn thought, figuring that if the man failed to find the treasure, he could return and claim it himself.

After giving Steelix more time to explore the rocky area, the Dowsing Machine revealed several smaller red dots, but their value wasn't high enough to warrant attention. 

Ashborn eventually recalled Steelix and released Metagross to continue the journey northward.

As they traveled, the environment began to change. 

The taupe rocks turned black, the air grew hotter, and the humidity dropped, hinting at the presence of a nearby volcano. 

Ashborn wiped sweat from his brow, noting how the heat distorted his vision.

"This black rock must have been formed by cooling magma," 

Ashborn mused, observing the ash-covered ground and the sparse, heat-resistant vegetation. 

He took a sip from his water bottle and grumbled, 

"This Mega Pallet Town body may be strong, but it's not heat-resistant."

Despite the rising temperature—now reading 43°C on his thermometer—Ashborn's enhanced physique allowed him to endure the heat. 

Although he wasn't immune to high temperatures, he wouldn't succumb to heatstroke easily. 

Even Charizard's Flamethrower, which had once singed him, only left temporary marks that quickly healed.

As they ventured deeper into the volcanic zone, the fire-type Pokémon in the area became stronger. 

Though Metagross flew high enough to avoid most attacks, they soon encountered a level 57 Talonflame, followed by a flock of Fletchinders. 

The air around the fire-types shimmered with heat as they flapped their wings, sending a wave of warmth toward Ashborn.

"Dragonair, Thunderbolt!" Ashborn commanded, ready for battle.

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Adios