The big moment had arrived!
Combusken was finally about to evolve.
After overcoming the anxiety that had been blocking his development, Combusken, who had already fulfilled the necessary conditions, gained another level, entering an evolutionary state.
Suddenly, his body began to emit intense flames, a clear sign of the overflowing energy within him.
Nearby Pokémon, like Pupitar who was resting off to the side, came closer to witness the transformation. Realizing he was about to evolve, they were happy for him but remained alert to prevent any wild Pokémon from interrupting the process.
Cain watched the data changes in the system closely, recording every variation in Combusken's body.
His body's development had reached its limit; any further improvement would be minimal and slow. Only an evolution could break through those barriers and take him to an entirely new level.
As a Fire and Fighting-type Pokémon, his daily training had been extremely intense.
Flames completely engulfed Combusken, and the white light of evolution began to shine brightly.
Prepared for this moment, Cain pulled out a dose of the quality-enhancement potion he had prepared beforehand. This was the best time to maximize its effects.
Using his psychic abilities, he directed the potion into Combusken's mouth.
Instinctively, Combusken swallowed it whole.
Upon absorbing the quality-enhancement potion, the flames surrounding him intensified, and among the red-yellow flames, fine golden sparks appeared.
These golden flames were the hottest his body had ever produced.
Finally, the light of evolution fully enveloped him.
His body began to transform.
A Pokémon's evolution is a qualitative change—not only in its physical structure but also in its inner energy and very essence.
It's an almost magical process that seems to offer infinite possibilities.
Perhaps Arceus, when creating the Pokémon world, never imagined the emergence of such extraordinary creatures.
The system showed that all of Combusken's parameters had surpassed their previous limits, reaching unprecedented heights.
This was the result of his constant effort to exceed his own boundaries.
"Blaazk!"
An enthusiastic cry rang out from within the white glow.
The light and flames burst like fireworks, revealing the Pokémon in his new form.
His white plumage contrasted with the powerful claws wrapped in bandages and his strong, muscular legs. His blue eyes emphasized his imposing presence, while the red, yellow, and white tones of his body gave him a majestic appearance.
Intense flames emanated from his arms and legs, their heat felt even from a distance.
When the flames faded, they seemed to transform into orange-colored feathers.
Standing at 1.90 meters tall, Blaziken was now much taller than Cain, who was 1.70 meters.
He had gone from being a small Pokémon to a towering and elegant figure.
Blaziken had arrived!
The system immediately recorded his updated data:
Pokémon: Blaziken (Purple)
Gender: Male
Level: 36
Type: Fire + Fighting
Ability: Speed Boost
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Flame Burst, Agility, Last Resort, Feint
Basic Moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Sand Attack, Peck, Double Kick, Flame Charge, Quick Attack, Bulk Up, Blaze Kick, Flare Blitz, Fire Punch, High Jump Kick
Learned Moves: Heat Wave, Low Kick, Laser Focus
TM Moves: Protect, Earthquake, Flamethrower, Aerial Ace, Low Sweep, Stone Edge, Swords Dance
After evolving, Blaziken's quality had improved to the Purple color rank.
Since evolving into Combusken, his quality had already reached the quasi-purple color. Later, through training and battles, he advanced to Light Purple quality.
Thanks to the quality-enhancement potion, his quality made a significant leap, solidifying at the Purple level.
Now, both Pupitar and Blaziken were at Purple quality, putting them on par with Steven's team.
Among the learned moves, he initially only had Heat Wave. The moves Low Kick and Laser Focus were taught by other Pokémon during training on the island.
As for TMs, Cain had obtained various moves for Combusken during the Rocket Team's Grand Exchange Market.
The moves Earthquake, Flamethrower, Aerial Ace, Low Sweep, Stone Edge, and Swords Dance were valuable moves that reflected Cain's confidence in him.
That same confidence had likely pressured Combusken to evolve quickly.
Among all the moves, Swords Dance had been especially costly.
Cain had hesitated over which Pokémon should receive the Swords Dance TM.
He ultimately decided to give it to Combusken, considering his upcoming evolution and the possibility of obtaining his Mega Stone in the Kalos region.
With the combination of the Speed Boost ability and Swords Dance, Blaziken would be a true offensive powerhouse.
Additionally, upon evolving, Blaziken had learned powerful moves like Blaze Kick, Flare Blitz, and High Jump Kick.
The move Blaze Kick, with 85 power, was perfect for his typing and had a high chance of landing critical hits.
The moves Flare Blitz and High Jump Kick had power over 100, although they also came with risks.
Flare Blitz caused recoil damage to the user, though it could remove the frozen condition.
High Jump Kick, on the other hand, was an all-or-nothing move. If it missed, the backlash would deal massive damage to the user.
Both moves were double-edged swords.
However, their presence raised Blaziken's potential to a whole new level.
With his Speed Boost ability, dodging his attacks would be extremely difficult.
And with the boost from Swords Dance, Blaziken could possibly even surpass Cain's powerful Drapion.
Cain approached Blaziken, looking up proudly at the Pokémon who now towered over him.
The little Torchic who used to cry had grown into a Pokémon capable of standing on his own.
"Blaazk!" exclaimed Blaziken with a joyful expression.
There was nothing more liberating than letting go of all that built-up pressure.
Suddenly, a grimace of pain appeared on Blaziken's face, and he dropped to one knee.
"The side effects of the potion. Blaziken, return to your Poké Ball and rest," said Cain, readying the ball.
"Blaazk!" Blaziken raised his hand to stop him and slowly stood back up.
Cain showed a surprised expression. This was the first time a Pokémon remained standing after using the quality-enhancement potion.
Was it due to his robust physique?
Or perhaps because of the effect of the "Crimson Rock" Blaziken had absorbed earlier?
"You want to use this moment to get familiar with the changes in your body?" Cain asked.
(End of chapter)