As Mortimer worked, Alex noticed a strange rumbling sound coming from deeper within the tunnel. It grew louder, sending a shiver down his wormy spine. "Mortimer, what's that noise?" he thought, trying to keep his tone light despite the growing dread. "It better not be the world's largest mole coming to make me its next snack!" 

Mortimer paused; his ears twitching. "I'm not sure, but it doesn't sound good." 

"Great. Just when I thought my day couldn't get any weirder," Alex thought. "What's next, a rock concert for underground creatures?" 

Feeling a surge of determination, Alex decided to put his unique ability, Dirt Devourer, to the test. "Hey, Mortimer," he called out, "I think I can help! Just give me a second!" 

Mortimer looked at him, a mix of confusion and curiosity on his face. "Help? How can a worm help in a situation like this?" 

"Just watch!" Alex said, wiggling into position like he was about to perform a daring stunt. He reached the walls of the tunnel and began to devour the dirt around him. "If I'm going down, I might as well go down in style!"