"Sssss-bee."
The Beedrill, relieved of its Mega Evolution, looked excitedly at Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko smiled and nodded back at it.
They had just ended the Mega Evolution's telepathic connection, so there was no need to say much.
Beedrill was already strong; its training, persistence, and tenacity were qualities it hadn't noticed in itself.
It merely kept thinking that it wasn't strong enough and needed to try harder.
That's certainly a good mindset, allowing Beedrill to focus more on training. However, if it doesn't build some confidence soon, it might truly start believing it isn't capable.
This time, Natsuhiko helped it recognize its strengths clearly.
Nonetheless, Natsuhiko's silence doesn't mean other Pokémon were indifferent.
They rushed over, surrounding Beedrill.
Some tapped its body, others touched its long needle, and some even tried to touch its wings, only to get shocked.
Natsuhiko stowed away the Pokeball containing the Overlord Diglett King.
The concept of Overlord Aura, proven after he caught the Overlord Vikavolt, would gradually dissipate until it vanished completely.
This was similar to the Leader Pokémon he captured before.
Only the Leader Aura attained as a Trainer, like that of Beedrill, could persist and even grow stronger.
The Ice Diglett King was captured.
Although he didn't encounter the Ice Sandshrew, it was still like achieving half of the goal.
Most importantly, the Overlord Diglett King, stimulated by Beedrill's Leader Aura, broke through the thick ice at the summit of Lanakila Mountain, revealing its interior to him.
Looking at the icy tunnel leading who knows where, Natsuhiko and the Pokémon stood at the entrance.
No point in hesitating.
Let's go in and take a look.
"Hudi~"
Alakazam raised its Spoon, using "Flash." The light illuminated the surroundings, and the tunnel's appearance finally entered their view.
Unlike the icy path Natsuhiko took on Celestial Crown Mountain.
While Celestial Crown Mountain's icy path was also filled with ice crystals, beyond the crystals was solid rock.
But here, it's different.
Crystal remained beyond, resembling a world entirely composed of crystal.
Alakazam's Spoon emitted intense light, creating a kaleidoscopic effect through multiple layers of ice crystals, enhancing the mystery of the glacial path ahead.
"Maybe Frost Vulpix and Ninetales are hidden here too."
Revived with hope, Natsuhiko's previously content heart became active again.
Venturing further with his Pokémon.
Tap, tap, tap...
The clash between leather shoes and hard ice created clear sounds that echoed in the narrow tunnel.
Possibly due to the presence of the Overlord Diglett King or the severe cold at the summit of Lanakila Mountain, there weren't many Wild Pokémon in the tunnel, allowing for swift progress.
The only trouble was the highly complex paths that required significant exploration time.
Fewer Wild Pokémon doesn't imply none at all.
Moreover, any Pokémon able to live under the pressure of the Overlord Diglett King's aura must be competent and capable.
For instance.
A group of Raticate and Rattata encircling Natsuhiko and his Pokémon at this moment.
Encountered while taking a random path at a junction and nearing the end.
They weren't ordinary Raticate, but Alola-style Raticate.
Compared to regular Raticate, their fur is entirely black, their bodies much more robust, forcing them to stand on two legs due to difficulty walking on all fours.
Lanakila Mountain's icy conditions have no effect on them, thanks to their thick fat layer.
The main difference, Alola-style Raticate possess Dark Type alongside General Type individual attributes.
Alola's fertile lands bring abundant food resources, making Alola's Raticate very picky about food, with a habit of storing high-quality food as well.
In Alola, encountering a group of Raticate can mean two things.
If your strength isn't great.
Best to run.
As they are extremely territorial, aggressively attacking Pokémon entering their domain.
But if you're confident in your strength, able to handle a large group of Raticate and Rattata.
Congratulations.
You'll acquire a large amount of rich ingredients.
Whether Tree Fruit or unique materials from the Alola Region.
The Raticate in Lanakila Mountain stored their food in the ice layer, equivalent to having a natural refrigerator, eliminating concerns over food spoilage.
So upon seeing this group of Raticate and Rattata.
Natsuhiko allowed a smile to cross his face.
Just surrounded by a dozen Raticate and dozens of Rattata.
Without an Overlord Pokémon or Elite Candidate Level Raticate, they posed little threat.
"Sssss-bee!"
Beedrill darted swiftly, sending a Raticate attempting an ambush flying.
Given the naturally sluggish speed of Alola Raticate, they appeared even slower before the current Beedrill.
Though the combination of Dark Type and General Type granted them immunity to Psychic Type, their overall attributes appeared even weaker.