"Juu... Juu..."
Right after Cain finished scanning Kirlia's data, he heard a deep and calm breathing in his lap.
He looked down and realized Kirlia had already fallen asleep.
The side effects of the quality-enhancement potion weren't a big issue for her.
There's nothing a good nap can't fix—and if one isn't enough... well, take two.
"Rest well, Kirlia." Cain felt very pleased with the changes following her evolution.
Now, among all his Pokémon, Kirlia was the one with the highest chance of reaching the Black-quality rank.
So far, he had never seen anyone with a Black-quality Pokémon. He wondered what kind of changes a Pokémon might undergo upon reaching that level.
Ralts's evolution was undoubtedly a major, unexpected twist.
But Cain's main goal was still to capture all the Bulbasaur in this forest.
Though, of course, Ralts's evolution had also triggered changes among the Pokémon inhabiting the area.
The Bulbasaur groups had finally realized that several of their companions hadn't returned after going out to forage.
And besides... that white light that had appeared when Ralts evolved.
Soon, the place where Cain was located was surrounded by the first group of Bulbasaur.
Thud!
Thud!
Heavy footsteps echoed through the forest.
A Pokémon appeared within Cain's line of sight: a Pokémon with a massive flower on its back.
Cain gave a faint smile upon seeing it.
"That's how it should be. With so many Bulbasaur around, it was obvious that at least one Venusaur had to be leading them if they hoped to survive in this forest," Cain thought.
As Venusaur approached with his group of Ivysaur and Bulbasaur, Cain's Pokémon took battle stances.
They could feel the threat in this imposing Pokémon.
Cain narrowed his eyes while observing it. This Venusaur was larger than average, and came accompanied by a sizable number of Ivysaur and Bulbasaur.
An opportunity brought straight to his doorstep.
Pokémon: Venusaur (Light Blue)
Gender: Male
Level: 58
Types: Grass + Poison
Ability: Overgrow
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Magical Leaf, Ingrain, Power Whip, Grassy Terrain
Basic Moves: Petal Dance, Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Take Down, Razor Leaf, Sweet Scent, Growth, Double-Edge, Worry Seed, Synthesis, Petal Blizzard, Solar Beam
Learned Moves: Worry Seed, Snore, Synthesis, Seed Bomb, Giga Drain, Stomping Tantrum
TM Moves: None
A quasi-Elite-level Venusaur. And judging by its appearance, it also seemed to possess special qualities.
Moreover, all of the previously captured Bulbasaur and Ivysaur—along with this Venusaur now before him—shared the Egg Move Grassy Terrain.
That left Cain quite satisfied.
"Saur! Saur!"
A Bulbasaur beside Venusaur cried out, looking at Cain, as if saying...
Yes, I saw that white light coming from that group.
"Saauuur!"
Venusaur replied with a deep growl upon hearing Bulbasaur.
His presence became even more imposing.
From his legs, as thick as pillars, thin roots emerged and dug deep into the ground.
A burst of sunlight pierced through the dense trees and shone directly on Venusaur.
Even though the sky in this space was overcast and gray, there seemed to be an orb of light resembling the sun, hanging high in the atmosphere.
Perhaps that was the reason Grass-type Pokémon could thrive so well in this place.
The light concentrated on the flower on Venusaur's back.
Transforming into a crystalline, radiant energy.
"Seriously? Not even gonna try to talk first? You're opening with your strongest move? What an arrogant way of doing things..." Cain smirked mockingly.
But Venusaur ignored him completely.
The move Solar Beam was ready.
Venusaur slightly shifted his body, aiming his massive flower directly at Cain's Pokémon.
"Chaa!"
Drapion frowned, irritated by Venusaur's arrogant stance.
Cain patted his head gently, signaling him to stay calm.
A quasi-Elite Pokémon was no big deal. It wasn't Drapion's turn.
"Aggron!" Cain called.
"GRAHHH!"
Aggron nodded and stepped forward boldly, taking position at the front with a dominant presence.
Although Solar Beam is a special attack and Aggron shines more in physical defense—he couldn't lose in sheer presence!
Cain pulled a small stone from his storage space and shouted without hesitation:
"Mega Evolution!"
"GRRAAAHH!"
Aggron roared as a massive amount of Mega Evolution energy enveloped him, transforming his form.
His body became fully covered in silver armor: Mega Aggron had arrived.
After Mega Evolution, Aggron became a pure Steel-type Pokémon, thus eliminating the disadvantage against Grass-type moves.
Although special attacks were still a risk.
"Blaziken! You too!" said Cain, as the ring on his finger emitted a multicolored flash.
It synchronized with the Mega Stone hidden beneath Blaziken's feathers.
The Pokémon's plumage flared as if blown by the wind.
The flames on his wrists and ankles condensed, and four energy ribbons floated around him, dancing in the air.
"BLAAAZZKKK!"
Mega Blaziken had entered the battle!
Both Pokémon Mega Evolved just as Venusaur unleashed Solar Beam.
"GRRAAAHH!"
"GRRAAAHH!"
Mega Aggron roared and charged forward, one arm raised in front.
A thin layer of light green energy enveloped him: Protect!
The best way to face such a charged technique... was full defense.
Meanwhile, Mega Blaziken's long legs started running.
In an instant, he overtook Mega Aggron, who was blocking Solar Beam, and launched himself straight at Venusaur.
Venusaur, surprised to see his most powerful move blocked by that silver behemoth, growled in frustration.
The Bulbasaur and Ivysaur beside him showed disbelief and sorrow.
But with another mighty roar from Venusaur, all of them turned away reluctantly and ran deeper into the forest.
Mega Blaziken paid no mind to the little ones. He was already face to face with Venusaur.
From the back of the colossus, two massive vine whips lashed forward.
Power Whip!
Their target: the Mega Blaziken who had reached him!
Who told you to be that handsome?!
Take this!
(End of chapter)