"So your last Pokémon really is Torkoal…"
As one of Hoenn's strongest Fire-types, Torkoal was no joke.
As Lavaridge's Fire-type Gym Leader, Flannery naturally had one—and it was said her strongest ace was an Ace-tier Torkoal.
A Level 37, Purple-potential Torkoal was without a doubt Infernape's toughest opponent so far.
But if Infernape could defeat it across a level gap, then—
The light of evolution might blaze forth.
With that in mind, Aiden Flint had no intention of switching Pokémon.
"Infernape, this one's strong. Be careful."
Hearing Aiden's words, Infernape grew even more excited, hopping around and letting out sharp cries.
"Still using Infernape? Torkoal, looks like we're being underestimated!"
Torkoal stomped the ground and snorted out two thick plumes of smoke, its fighting spirit surging.
"Let's go! Torkoal—Flamethrower!"
A blazing torrent of fire erupted from Torkoal's mouth, rushing straight at Infernape.
Aiden remained calm.
"Infernape, meet it head-on—Flame Wheel! Charge!"
Infernape shrieked with excitement, curling into a ball as flames engulfed its body.
Flame Wheel surged forward, colliding directly with Flamethrower.
Instead of being overwhelmed, Infernape's flames only grew stronger, absorbing the incoming fire—
Until it smashed straight through Flamethrower and slammed into Torkoal.
Torkoal cried out in pain.
Only then did Flannery realize—
Infernape had used Torkoal's Flamethrower to amplify its own Flame Wheel.
"Now! Mach Punch!"
Infernape was already in close range.
White light flared around its fist as a sonic boom rang out.
The punch crashed into Torkoal's head, dealing heavy damage.
"Torkoal, hold on—Withdraw!"
At the last moment, Torkoal pulled its head and limbs into its shell, boosting its Defense and narrowly blocking the next blow.
Facing the immobile shell, Aiden made a quick decision.
"Infernape—Dig!"
Heavy, turtle-like Pokémon were a liability once flipped or trapped.
Infernape slammed its glowing fists into the ground and vanished underground, leaving a deep pit behind.
"Sense it! The moment it emerges—Body Slam!" Flannery ordered.
Torkoal stretched out, feeling the vibrations in the ground.
Suddenly, movement came from behind.
Torkoal leapt and slammed down—
But it was a feint.
The ground cracked, and Torkoal sank straight into the pit.
Infernape burst out from behind.
Dig hit cleanly.
"How is that possible?!" Flannery gasped.
Aiden smiled.
"Infernape and I already read each other's intentions. Gym Leader Flannery, it looks like this match is mine."
"Finish it!"
Mach Punch—Thunder Punch!
Electricity crackled as Infernape's fist slammed into Torkoal's exposed belly.
After taking so many heavy hits, Torkoal finally collapsed.
"Ding! Infernape defeated Torkoal. Gained 557 experience. Level up twice. Current level: 36!"
As the system prompt echoed, Infernape patted its chest proudly—
Then a blinding white light engulfed it.
The referee froze.
Flannery stared in shock.
"Is that… an evolution?!"
In the light, Infernape's body stretched and grew.
When the glow faded, a powerful, flame-crowned Pokémon stood before Aiden—
Infernape.
"Ding! Infernape's current attributes are as follows:"
Pokémon: Infernape
Level: 37
Ability: Iron Fist
Type: Fire / Fighting
Potential:Red
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Mach Punch, Heat Wave, Brick Break, Fire Spin, Flamethrower…
Friendship: 254
Background: Met its Trainer the moment it was born and treats him as family, evolving into its final form for his sake
Preference: Loves its Trainer, wants to become the strongest for him
Aiden stared at the panel.
His first Red-potential Pokémon had been born.
And it was none other than the system-granted Infernape.
Perhaps because it came from the system, it had broken through all limits and reached Red potential.
Infernape smiled and stepped toward Aiden.
Trainer and Pokémon bumped fists, sharing the moment.
"Congratulations, Infernape. You finally evolved."
The only regret was that its friendship hadn't quite reached the maximum yet.
After receiving the Heat Badge from Flannery, Aiden left Lavaridge Town.
…
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