Chapter 35: 35. Evolution
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A radiant green light surrounded Smoliv, reflecting in Marcus's eyes as well.
Across the field, Roark frowned as he looked at Smoliv.
He felt like he had seen this unknown Pokemon somewhere before, but he couldn't quite recall where.
However, since the opponent could use Growth, and its appearance, tells it is a grass type .
Which meant... it perfectly countered all three of his Pokemon...
"But, if it's a Grass Type, what's the point of Rain Dance?" Roark looked up at the small patch of dark clouds in the sky.
And the next moment, Marcus's command answered his confusion: "Smoliv, use Weather Ball!!"
"What?!" Roark's heart skipped a beat.
A massive water ball condensed above Smoliv's head and whistled towards Geodude amidst the gentle drizzle!
Under Rainy Weather, Weather Ball transforms into a Water-type special attack move with 100 base power, and receives a 50% power boost from the rain!
Coupled with the 50% power increase from Growth raising her Special Attack by 1 stage and the 4x type advantage...
This attack had a staggering 900 power!! (T/N: I don't know math, if there is any enlightened mind out there who can help this humble one, I will replay you in my next life.)
Even giving Geodude three lives wouldn't be enough to withstand it!
"Splash—"
The water ball exploded above Geodude's head, instantly soaking a large area of the field, and also felt like a bucket of cold water poured over Roark's heart.
"Geodude is unable to battle. Gym Leader, please send out your next Pokemon!"
The Referee's call snapped Roark out of his daze. He recalled Geodude, his gaze filled with helplessness and admiration: "So this is your strategy... I have to say, your performance makes me feel like I'm battling some famous tactical Masters..."
Marcus smiled without speaking.
"Did you hear that, Mary? Roark said Marcus is amazing!" Whitney grabbed Mary's arm and shook it vigorously, causing the whiteness beneath her clothes to ripple like waves.
Mary: "Stop, stop! ...If you keep shaking, I'll fall apart..."
In the arena, Roark threw out his second Poke Ball: "Onix, I choose you!"
"Roar—!"
As soon as Onix appeared, it let out a loud roar at the small-sized Smoliv, but the next moment it was battered and dusty from the sharp Stealth Rock hitting the ground.
[Onix lv25 (Intermediate)]
Seeing the level, Marcus showed no mercy: "Continue, Weather Ball!"
"Smoliv—!!"
The massive water ball condensed again. Onix's huge body became a hindrance at this moment. Although Roark quickly issued the Dig command, it was still hit by Weather Ball and defeated on the spot!
"Onix is unable to battle. Gym Leader, please send out your next Pokemon!" The Referee waved his flag.
"Wow! Marcus is so awesome!!" Whitney hugged Mary again and started shaking...
Mary: "...."
In the arena, Roark recalled Onix, his expression somewhat serious: "Be careful with this next one... Cranidos, prepare for battle!!"
Bang—
The Poke Ball burst open, and a blue-grey dragon-like Pokemon appeared on the field. Its powerful hind legs and hard skull showed its immense strength in every detail.
[Cranidos lv31 (Advanced)]
Marcus narrowed his eyes: "Smoliv, Weather Ball!"
The huge water ball condensed again. Roark said in a deep voice: "Too bad... Weather Ball won't defeat Cranidos.... Use Flamethrower!"
A scorching pillar of fire shot out from Cranidos's mouth, deliberately avoiding the Weather Ball and heading straight for Smoliv!
Clearly, Roark intended to use this method to trade damage and forcibly take down Smoliv!
Looking at the small figure on the field, Marcus pulled down his cap: "I won't make the same mistake twice..."
"Boom—"
The next moment, the water ball and the fire pillar hit simultaneously!
Blazing flames completely enveloped Smoliv, while Cranidos was knocked down by the water ball, letting out a cry of pain.
"There's still a little time left for the Rainy Weather... Fire-type Flamethrower's power is reduced by 50%."
"And Cranidos only has a base Special Attack of 30, with no Same Type Attack Bonus..."
"Which means... my Smoliv can definitely perfectly withstand this attack!"
Marcus habitually muttered to himself. With every word he spoke, his eyes grew brighter, and the small figure in the fire seemed even clearer.
At this moment, he felt as though he could sense Smoliv's determination to win, and understand her persistence and resolve while enduring the flames.
A smile bloomed on his handsome face, and Marcus spoke each word forcefully: "Smoliv, the final... Mega Drain!!!"
"What?!" Roark exclaimed in surprise. With such a significant level disadvantage, the opponent wasn't down?!
Before he could give an order, a dense green light had already flown out from Cranidos's body, quickly gathering around Smoliv.
As the fire light dissipated, the scorched blackness on her body had been replaced by tender green!
"Ow..." Cranidos let out a cry and fell heavily to the ground.
"Cranidos is unable to battle. The winner is contestant Marcus!"
As the flag was waved down, Marcus's mouth curved into a smile, and he murmured to himself: "Team sweep, complete..."
"Smoliv~!" Smoliv jumped into Marcus's arms. The seed on her head continuously emitted a Sweet Scent, clearly overjoyed.
"You were great, Smoliv~" Marcus smiled and hugged the little one tightly.
And the next moment, a gentle white light shone from his embrace.
It was dazzling but not harsh, like a precious jade that had absorbed the essence of heaven and earth over many years, now radiating brilliant light after being wiped clean of dust.
"This is... Evolution?!" Marcus's pupils were illuminated by this beam of white light, his voice trembling with rare excitement.
A moment later, a small creature wearing a grass skirt appeared in his arms.
The seed on her head turned into two, like two pigtails on either side of her head, connected in the center by a four-leaf clover. She looked a bit more ladylike. Her originally pouty little mouth became more slender, and her small black eyes grew much larger.
The green arms on either side of her body seemed to be integrated with her long green skirt, and her originally short legs became long, hidden by the hem of the skirt.
The originally cute little one became increasingly graceful and elegant.
[Dolliv ♀ lv24 (Intermediate)]
Ability: Early Bird (Sleep duration ×50%)
Talent Value: 354 (Has reached the species maximum of 354)
HP: 60, Attack: 30, Defense: 80, Special Attack: 74, Special Defense: 80, Speed: 30
Affection: 168
Learned Moves: Grass Knot, Grassy Terrain
Proficient Moves: Sweet Scent, Growth, Strength Sap, Synthesis, Parting Shot, Weather Ball, Sunny Day, Leech Seed, Mega Drain, etc.
Description: Dolliv, who evolved early due to resonating with her Trainer's heart, reached the species limit under rational Talent Value allocation and a powerful bloodline. She loves to sit in the bike basket and sing "Sunny Day" for her Trainer.
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Talent Value that surpasses the species! Perfect talent allocation! Nearly 100 in both defenses!
Undoubtedly, Dolliv can now hold her own in Marcus's hands!
Suppressing his excitement, Marcus half-squatted down, looking at the little one whose height had reached 70 centimeters, and grinned: "Congratulations, Dolliv~"
"Dolliv~" Dolliv narrowed her eyes and pounced into Marcus's arms again.