Tens of minutes later, after several lives had been sacrificed, they finally arrived at the pit where the giant Moon Stone was hidden.
This made Icarus and the other two breathe a sigh of relief. It had almost been their group's turn to scout ahead, so not having to take point now was truly a blessing.
At first glance, this place was no different from any other cave. It was just as dark, and the surrounding rock walls were equally rugged.
If the map hadn't clearly marked this location, no one would have believed that the giant Moon Stone was hidden here.
Normally, such a precious treasure should have been stored in a high-tech secret chamber.
However, the giant Moon Stone was unique. It was essentially the core and source of the entire mountain range.
All the ores and Moon Stones found throughout Mt. Moon had gradually evolved from its radiation.
If a high-tech chamber were built around it, not only would it affect the formation of resources, but the giant Moon Stone itself could also undergo undesirable changes due to the concentrated energy radiation.
The Wu Neng Family had already attempted this once before and quickly abandoned the idea.
Furthermore, in order to maximize the benefits of the giant Moon Stone's radiation, the Wu Neng Family stationed Pokémon to guard it directly instead of relying on mechanisms and traps.
As for where those guardian Pokémon had gone, the deafening roars and fierce battles echoing from outside gave the answer.
The two Pokémon that had advanced to Elite Four level thanks to the giant Moon Stone—Nidoking and Tyranitar—were the strongest guardians.
However, because they had to confront the invading Elite Apollo, they had no choice but to leave and join the battle.
The Wu Neng Family of Pewter City could not be considered weak.
Although they had no Elite-level Trainers publicly known to the outside world, they secretly possessed two Elite Four-level Pokémon, one of which was the pseudo-legendary Tyranitar.
Combined with several Gym Leader-level Trainers and numerous Elite-level guards, their strength was formidable.
However, Team Rocket had already decided to reveal its fangs.
While they might not be stronger than the entire Alliance, dealing with a single Alliance city was well within their capabilities, especially with spies feeding them intelligence.
If they couldn't even accomplish that, then all their grand ambitions would be meaningless.
After all, whether it was creating Mewtwo or winning over high-ranking Alliance officials, everything served a single purpose:
To step out of the shadows and into the light.
To openly establish a territory that truly belonged to them.
"You go in first."
Even after reaching the destination, Natsume clearly had no intention of letting anyone leave.
She immediately ordered the remaining Trainers to continue scouting ahead, including Icarus and his companions.
Compared to risking her own Elite-level subordinates, it was obviously better to use these expendable Trainers as scouts.
She refused to believe that the Wu Neng Family would leave nothing behind and simply send their two Elite Four-level Pokémon outside to fight.
Icarus could not refuse Natsume's orders.
He understood that this degree of consideration was already the limit.
Without saying anything, he stepped past Natsume's direct subordinates and followed the scouting group.
Of course, he wasn't foolish.
He still allowed the previous group to walk ahead while he, Airi, and Stone remained several steps behind them.
At the same time, each of them quietly held several disposable defensive talismans in their hands.
"Thump, thump, thump Rustle, rustle"
They slowly entered the cave.
Surprisingly, they encountered no traps or mechanisms at first.
The entrance was completely unobstructed.
This immediately made the scouting Trainers suspicious. Could it really be possible that there were no traps inside?
After entering, they discovered a vast stone pit.
At its center stood a meteorite several meters tall and wide, radiating a faint glow while constantly releasing an energy aura that even ordinary people could clearly feel.
For a moment, Sandslash, Graveler, Poliwag, and even Icarus'Weepinbell all showed expressions of intoxicated delight.
It was an instinctive reaction.
As Ordinary-level Pokémon, resisting such temptation was nearly impossible.
Every cell in their bodies seemed to be crying out with desire.
Their intelligence told them that if they could absorb enough of this energy, their aptitudes would undergo a complete transformation.
"Whoosh~"
However, while everyone was immersed in this feeling, none of them noticed the massive shadow gathering above the grotto.
Soon—
"Buzz~"
The shadow swooped downward and instantly pounced on a Machoke that was still lost in its trance.
Only after its throat was torn open by sharp fangs did it awaken.
"Kuli!"
The desperate scream echoed through the cave.
Before it could struggle, more Golbat descended and began draining its blood.
Fortunately, the dying Machoke's scream alerted everyone else.
Several steps behind, Icarus and the others immediately reacted.
Crack!
Icarus crushed two disposable defensive talismans in his hand.
At the same time, Weepinbell and the others launched counterattacks.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh~"
"Bang! Bang!"
"Swish! Swish! Swish!"
Leaves, flames, streams of water, and flying rocks filled the grotto.
"Buzz! Buzz~"
Caught off guard, several Golbat were shot down.
However, the colony quickly retaliated.
A large number of Golbat, all at least mid-stage Ordinary level, simultaneously unleashed Supersonic.
Within moments, every member of the scouting group except Icarus, Airi, and Stone fell into confusion and began attacking one another.
The reason the three of them escaped this fate was because of an old tool that had once gathered dust in Icarus' backpack.
The Supersonic Horn.
The very tool he had once used to catch Zubat.
The moment he saw the Golbat attacking, he immediately handed the Supersonic Horns to Airi and Stone while crushing the defensive talismans.
As a result, they barely avoided disaster.
Even so, the overwhelming Supersonic assault left all three feeling dizzy and disoriented.
After all, there were simply too many Golbat.
Even their leader, a Gym Leader-level Crobat, had joined the attack.
How could a few horns designed for Zubat completely negate such overwhelming Supersonic waves?
Being able to retain a shred of clarity was already impressive.
"Hmph!"
Just as Icarus and the others felt themselves on the verge of losing consciousness, Natsume finally made her move.
She let out a cold snort and released a yellow fox-like Pokémon along with a smiling humanoid puppet.
The fox stood upright rather than on all fours.
Its most distinctive feature was the pair of spoons it held in its hands.
Its eyes radiated arrogance and wisdom.
"Alakazam, Mr. Mime, use Psychic together!"
The moment her Pokémon appeared, Natsume immediately issued her command.
At the same time, she closed her eyes and synchronized her mental power with theirs, amplifying their strength.
"Kadabra, your turn too!"
"Golduck, I'm counting on you!"
"Starmie…"
Seeing their Gym Leader take action, the others immediately released their own Pokémon and joined the attack.
"Swish~"
An overwhelming wave of psychic power instantly surged toward the swarm of Golbat filling the cave.