บท 4: Chapter 4: Aron
Cold, dark, and oppressive.
Even after the Quicksand Team had cleaned the abandoned mine, its environment remained perilous.
The ceiling above looked fragile, as though it might collapse at any moment.
Thankfully, the space inside was relatively open. To allow mining carts to move freely, the tunnels were surprisingly spacious.
Kashiwagi couldn't help but marvel at the Orre region. Despite its desolation, its technology was remarkably advanced.
Ten minutes had passed since entering the mine.
Some people, upon entering, chose to stay near the entrance to try their luck mining for jade fragments. The incessant clanging of pickaxes striking the walls unnerved Kashiwagi, prompting him to lead his group away quickly.
Not long after, a terrifying crash and screams followed.
That brave soul's misfortune served as a warning, discouraging others from similar attempts.
"Stay alert and stick together," someone in the group said.
The headlamps illuminated the surrounding darkness as a brave colleague took the lead, occasionally whispering reminders.
In the oppressive silence, even through masks, the sound of each person's breathing was loud and clear. The claustrophobic environment silently weighed on their minds.
Most children in Iron Town had experience going underground, but a functional mine and an abandoned one were worlds apart in safety—especially with traps and lurking Pokémon.
The threat of Pokémon attacks during the exam was as terrifying to Orre natives as being shot at during an escape room in another country.
As a result, the group instinctively huddled together for support. The Quicksand Team, never having forbidden team participation in their evaluations, essentially encouraged this approach.
However, veterans warned that large groups often attracted more attacks in the mines. Even if they managed to secure the jade fragment, disputes over "spoils" could easily lead to betrayal and conflict.
Kashiwagi sincerely hoped to avoid such situations.
They were already at a disadvantage against Shibata's gang. Internal discord would only lead to a lifetime of being oppressed.
"There's a fork ahead—be cautious," he warned, glancing at his companions. "That's where Pokémon ambushes are most likely. Relax—don't be so tense. Take deep breaths."
The group, sweating profusely and breathing heavily, looked panicked and disoriented.
Once they finally calmed down, Kashiwagi said, "When we reach the fork, don't linger. Pick a direction quickly and move through it. I'll bring up the rear."
"What?"
The group stared at him in surprise.
"No time for questions. Move quickly. If the jade is taken before we find it, we won't stand a chance."
He stepped to the back of the group. "Go!"
In moments of extreme tension, people often lose their composure. Survival instincts could drive them to make reckless decisions. At the front, a single panicked individual could drag everyone down with them.
It wasn't intentional, but it was dangerous nonetheless.
As the saying goes, when you encounter a bear in the wild, you don't need to outrun the bear—just the people with you.
Kashiwagi wasn't looking to throw anyone under the bus, but he needed to avoid being thrown under himself.
"Kashiwagi…"
His companions, oblivious to his thoughts, were moved by his gesture. Encouraging one another, they pressed forward slowly.
Kashiwagi took a deep breath, staying vigilant.
Carelessness could cost lives.
The constant awareness of his mortality kept him calm and focused, scanning for any suspicious signs.
The Quicksand Team's Pokémon were primarily Ground- and Rock-types, perfectly suited for subterranean environments. Engaging them in battle down here would be a poor choice.
At the fork, the tunnel widened slightly.
Tension rose as the group glanced nervously around, ready to sound the alarm at the first sign of danger. The colleague leading them chose the left path without hesitation and moved forward—
"Wait!"
Kashiwagi's voice from the rear made everyone freeze, cold sweat streaming from their foreheads and backs.
"What… what is it?" someone stammered.
"Didn't you just say not to linger at forks?" another added anxiously.
"Shhh." Kashiwagi gestured for silence. "Listen carefully. Do you hear that rumbling? The ground is shaking too!"
The group exchanged uneasy looks, instinctively holding their breaths to listen.
Kashiwagi, with his sharp senses, quickly identified the source—not just the shaking ground but also the faint, growing rumble. Something was approaching.
It was coming from the middle tunnel!
Alarmed, he shouted, "Run! Something's coming! Go, now!"
His warning was followed by the appearance of a massive boulder, at least as tall as a person, hurtling out of the middle tunnel at an astonishing speed.
"Which way?!"
"Left!"
"Which way is left?! Where's Kashiwagi?!"
"Move! Don't freeze!"
The group descended into chaos, their headlamps swinging wildly and disorienting everyone in the pitch-black surroundings.
To make matters worse, the intensified tremors caused rocks to fall from the ceiling, threatening a collapse. The entire mine seemed to shake.
Amid the crisis, panic, and shouting, Kashiwagi instinctively sprinted far ahead.
Even so, he remained alert, carefully avoiding traps or hidden Pokémon as he ran.
When he finally stopped at a safe spot to check behind him, no one had followed.
The massive boulder—likely a disguised Graveler—had also disappeared.
"There were three paths, and I chose the left one, didn't I?"
Frowning, Kashiwagi waited a minute, realizing he'd truly been separated from his group.
Going back?
Impossible. That Graveler might still be there.
"…"
Regret flashed across his face. Teaming up in these exams had its pros and cons. While his companions hadn't handled their panic well, who knew if they might've offered a helping hand in a dire moment?
But separation was separation. There was no point dwelling on it.
Kashiwagi steadied himself.
It was easy to get lost in underground mines. Fortunately, the walls had directional markers—simple enough that even someone semi-literate like him could understand.
After about ten minutes of walking, Kashiwagi stopped abruptly, crouching down to hide between some rocks. He turned off his headlamp, blending into the shadows.
He waited silently for half a minute.
Two dragonfly-like Whismur buzzed overhead, their wingbeats sending sharp waves of pain through his head.
What made Kashiwagi's heart sink further was the sight of one Whismur clutching a bloodied, unconscious youth.
Unconscious? Dead? Either way, it wasn't good.
Fighting them head-on would be suicide.
Once the Whismur flew off, Kashiwagi exhaled in relief, ready to move again—when he froze.
At the edge of his vision, a pair of glowing blue eyes stared back at him.
"Grrk?"
The creature emitted a low growl, its exact intentions unclear.
Kashiwagi cursed his luck. The buzzing of the Whismur had been so loud that he hadn't noticed this one approaching.
Upon closer inspection, it was a peculiar creature with a deep gray body. Its head resembled a hockey mask, and its eerie appearance was accentuated by several dark, gaping holes on its body.
It was about the size of a Border Collie.
[The Iron Armor Pokémon, Aron]
Steel/Rock Type
It consumes iron ore and will gnaw on bridges or train tracks when driven by hunger. Often seen as a pest by many.
Damn.
What terrible luck.
Kashiwagi's heart grew heavy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'm new on this side of WebNovel so please give me any advice or suggestions you have in the comments
Make Sure to give a Review!
If you enjoy, add this to your library (Collection)!
Send Power Stones!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง