Chapter 97: Thunderstone, the Electricity-Absorbing Ore

Chapter 97: Thunderstone, the Electricity-Absorbing Ore

A few days later, Ron and his companions arrived in a mountainous area where Ron found the old man who was said to be able to talk to Pokémon.

While resting beside his small shabby hut, Rosa heard about the old man and curiously asked, "Ron, I remember you can talk to Pokémon too, right?"

"Oh. Really? Young man, you can speak the Pokémon language too?" the old man said excitedly.

"Uh, not exactly. I can't speak the Pokémon language; I can only understand what they say. If I encounter a Pokémon that doesn't understand human speech, I'd be clueless too," Ron shrugged.

"I see. But that's still amazing!" the old man said seriously.

Ron scratched his head and said, "Old man, I wanted to ask you if this place has a special geology that absorbs electrical energy."

"Yes, that's right. But why do you ask, young man?" the old man questioned.

"I have a very special Pokémon. Although it's an Electric-type, it doesn't have the electric pouches to generate or store electricity. So I wanted to check the geology here to see if I could find a way to help it absorb electricity," Ron explained.

"I see. In that case, head over to that mountain over there. It absorbs electricity very quickly, so they couldn't set up power lines, and the place was basically abandoned," the old man said kindly.

Ron thanked him and headed to the mountain the old man mentioned.

"So that's why you wanted to come here," Rosa said.

"Indeed. Zeraora can't generate electricity on its own and can only absorb free-floating electricity in the air. If we can find a way for it to absorb electricity here, its power could increase significantly," Ruby said.

"Let's start searching," Ron said. He then took out three treasure detectors, handing one each to Ruby and Rosa. "These are treasure detectors. They use ultrasonic waves to detect valuable items underground. I'm giving you each one. Help me look around. I suspect it might be a special type of ore that absorbs electricity."

"Okay. Let's split up and search. How about we regroup here at mealtime?" Rosa suggested. "And let's have a competition to see who finds the most treasures. How about it?"

"Sounds fun. I accept," Ruby said.

Ron facepalmed but could only let them enjoy themselves. Rosa and Ruby borrowed Sylveon and Tyranitar respectively, as having Pokémon with the Dig skill would definitely make things more efficient.

Ron also called out Mienshao and Togepi. He wasn't very confident in his luck, so relying on Togepi was undoubtedly the best choice.

Hugging Togepi, Ron said, "Togepi, can you help me find the reason why this place absorbs electricity?"

Togepi nodded cluelessly. Ron smiled and said, "You don't need to think too much. Just go wherever you feel like, and we'll follow you."

Togepi waved its little hands excitedly, and Celebi also smiled as it gently patted Togepi's head. Togepi was the apple of Ron's eye, and even Celebi loved playing with it.

Togepi jumped out of Ron's arms, looked around, and started walking to the left. Ron and Mienshao followed, and Celebi, worried about Togepi, stopped sitting on Ron's shoulder and flew behind Togepi.

Ron turned on the treasure detector. The machine started scanning the surroundings.

Before long, the detector started beeping. There was something ahead. Ron walked forward a few steps, confirmed the location, and said, "Mienshao, Dig."

Mienshao nodded, quickly waving its hands and digging out a large hole. Soon, it handed Ron a small rock. Ron examined it. It was a Hard Stone, which could boost Rock-type moves.

It was a good start. After putting the Hard Stone away, Ron and his Pokémon continued walking. After a while, Togepi stopped and pointed to a cave in the rock wall.

Seeing this, Ron picked up Togepi and entered the cave with Mienshao and Celebi. As soon as they entered, Ron and the Pokémon were instantly covered in static. Their clothes and fur clung outward due to static electricity.

"Looks like this is the place," Ron said excitedly.

He touched the cave wall to inspect it. As soon as he did, there was a crackling sound. Ron shuddered and grimaced for a while before saying, "That's some strong static!"

"System, scan this place and check for any issues," Ron said.

"Ding. Scanning..." the system replied.

After a while, the system said, "Ding. Scan complete. The rock walls contain a rare ore that absorbs electricity and stores it. Once fully charged, the ore can release electric currents."

"Can it be extracted to make a belt for Zeraora?" Ron asked.

"Ding. Extraction fee: 10,000 coins."

"Take it. Extract the ore and make a belt for Zeraora. I'll also attach a Power Booster, so the ore can absorb electricity from the booster and supply it to Zeraora," Ron said happily.

"Ding. Extraction in progress. Please wait," the system replied.

After a while, their fur settled down. The system then said, "Extraction complete. The belt is now in your backpack. The ore is named Thunderstone and has been added to the shop. The host can purchase it using coins."

Ron nodded, pleased with the system's efficiency. He left the cave and called out Zeraora. Zeraora looked at him curiously.

Ron took the belt out of his backpack. The golden belt perfectly matched Zeraora. It had 24 thumb-sized golden beads embedded around it, with visible electric currents inside. Zeraora was instantly excited.

It took the belt from Ron and put it on. It fit perfectly. Ron also attached the Power Booster. Instantly, Zeraora's fur stood on end, something that only happened when it was about to use powerful Electric-type moves. But this time, it was because Zeraora was fully charged and could now discharge electricity freely.

Patting the excited Zeraora, Ron said, "Let's head back. We've achieved our goal. Let's see what Ruby and Rosa found."

Ron returned to the rendezvous point and began preparing lunch while waiting for the two.

When lunch was ready, Ruby and Rosa came back excitedly. Seeing their haul, Ron couldn't help but comment, "As expected of the main characters, their luck is unbeatable!"

Ruby: Gardevoir Mega Stone, Swampert Mega Stone, several evolution stones, and a Claw Fossil.

Rosa: Audino Mega Stone, several held items, and evolution stones.

The difference left Ron feeling disheartened. Other than the Thunderstone belt, he only had a Hard Stone.

"Forget it. No need to compare. It's just self-inflicted pain!" Ron thought.