Rusturf Tunnel was once one of Devon Corporation's most profitable mining sites.
At first, the company tapped into a single vein of minerals useful for producing elemental stones. But the deeper they dug, the more they uncovered-an endless pit of mixed ores of every type.
Devon thrived. What began as a small, local firm soon grew into a multi-regional titan, its name known across the Pokémon world.
And then suddenly and mysteriously-the mining stopped.
Without explanation, Devon abandoned operations and opened Rusturf Tunnel to trainers, rebranding it as an "exploration site." The move won them massive goodwill from the public, but the financial loss was immeasurable. What could have been a goldmine forever remained a puzzle, buried beneath rock and fog.
Still, the surrounding gambling stone shops flourished. Every day fortunes were made and lost on chunks of ore, but compared to the wealth Devon had willingly given up, it was nothing.
Now, the tunnel stretched nearly ten kilometers deep, riddled with branches like an ant's nest. Many trainers had reaped unimaginable profits inside. And yet, every coin they earned was money Devon had let slip away.
Why? No one knew. And that mystery only drew more explorers in.
...
"Mur-krow!"
"Murkrow, blow away the mist!" Silas commanded.
The crow Pokémon beat its wings, dispersing the heavy fog ahead. The light beam from Silas's exploration helmet finally cut through the haze, revealing the tunnel walls.
He spread the map across his lap, marking the route with crushed limestone. The main avenue stretched before him, with countless narrow forks splitting off into shadowy side tunnels.
Every year, trainers lost their way here-some never returned, becoming prey for the Pokémon lurking in the dark.
Hours passed as he pressed deeper.
"Mur-krow!"
A dim light flashed ahead, and a startled cry rang out.
"Geodude!"
A small Geodude tumbled into view, eyes glowing faintly in the gloom.
"Eevee, Quick Attack! Murkrow, Astonish!"
The battle ended swiftly. Silas crouched over the fainted Pokémon, his gaze sharp.
"A Geodude with the hidden ability Sand Veil. Not bad. I can sell it once we're out."
As they advanced, more wild Pokémon appeared-Rattata, Wurmple, even the occasional Zubat. All weak, malnourished, and disturbingly aggressive.
Silas pieced it together quickly.
"…There are no plants here. The Zubat feed on blood, but the rest? The only source of food they have… is humans."
The thought made Eevee flinch, ears twitching nervously. Murkrow only gave a low caw, unbothered.
Still, with their teamwork, most battles were simple. Murkrow had grown used to finishing foes, its strikes sharp and merciless. Eevee still hesitated, but she no longer faltered completely.
Silas gave her a faint smile.
"One bite at a time. One step at a time. We'll get there."
.....
An hour later, exhaustion caught up with them.
"Murkrow… Eevee…" Silas recalled them close, massaging their tired muscles gently. Crawdaunt stood guard, claws clicking in steady rhythm, keeping watch over the dark.
Already, both new partners had grown rapidly. Murkrow's battle sense was razor-sharp, as if born for killing. Eevee, timid as she was, had learned to keep pace.
"Murkrow's level has already hit 15," Silas murmured. "And you've mastered Wing Attack…"
A faint smile touched his lips. The progress was undeniable.
.....
Then, as they passed a narrow fork, an acrid stench hit him.
Silas gagged, pulling his scarf over his mouth. The air reeked of rot-like moldy meat steeped in chemicals.
"E…vee…" Eevee whimpered, retreating behind his legs, nose twitching violently. Even Crawdaunt tensed, claws raised.
"Stay sharp."
Silas raised his searchlight and peered into the gloom. Two oozing shapes slithered at the end of the fork, bodies glistening black-purple in the beam of light.
"Griiimeer…"
The name surfaced instantly.
"Grimer. The Sludge Pokémon."
Creatures that fed on garbage and waste. In the right hands, they were valuable for waste disposal. But here…
Silas's light shifted and froze.
In the corner lay a pile of bones. White skulls gleamed faintly in the dim glow, arranged almost neatly. Human remains.
His expression hardened.
"Crawdaunt. Razor Shell."
"Craww!"
Crawdaunt lunged, blades of water coating its pincers. One strike, two-the Grimer collapsed instantly, knocked out.
Silas hurled two Poké Balls, capturing them without hesitation.
"Murkrow, clear the air."
"Krow!" The murkrow flapped it's wing, dispersing the foul odor.
Silas stepped inside. Eevee shrank back, trembling, while Murkrow perched on his shoulder, eyes cold and pitiless.
Silas whispered, voice flat.
"Grimer are omnivores… carnivores, if they must be."
His pupils, black as ink, glinted with steel. Quietly, he buried the bones with his shovel, then turned away.
The Pokédex chimed as he scanned his new captures.
"Beep-beep-beep… Registered."
One entry caught his eye.
"…Inherited move: Shadow Punch. Hm. A small surprise."
He clipped the Poké Balls to his belt, his voice low.
"Useful. Very useful."
And with that, Silas stepped back into the dark.
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(End of chapter)