Natsuhiko had sensed that Chimchar was about to evolve since the last time the Unown-created space-time rift appeared.
However, the opportunity did not arise.
This time, collaborating with his companions to defeat a Senior Level Arbok became the crucial step for Chimchar.
"Boo~ee~~"
Eevee approached Chimchar from Natsuhiko's side.
Its little eyes sparkled like stars.
Is this what evolution looks like?
"Oss."
Latios also came over to Chimchar.
The feeling of fighting together with Chimchar just now was something it thoroughly enjoyed.
So, this is what battle can be like.
Now that its recent partner Chimchar was about to evolve, Latios sincerely felt happy for it.
In the white glow.
Chimchar's silhouette began to change gradually.
Natsuhiko stepped closer, staring at Chimchar wrapped in the light of evolution, gently stroking his chin.
"Theoretically, when a Pokémon evolves, it should be at its most adaptable to change."
He rummaged through his backpack.
Retrieving the Original Groudon Shell Fragments that had already fused into one solid piece.
With Natsuhiko's ability, he couldn't separate it.
But just because he couldn't, didn't mean his Pokémon couldn't.
"Dragapult."
"Baluya."
Dragapult slowly materialized.
"Please do it."
Dragapult nodded and took the fragment from Natsuhiko's hand.
Its eyes suddenly widened.
From the four holes on its head, a concentrated sword-like beam shot out, striking the fragment.
Dragon Arrow!
Since Dragapult had reunited with a Dreepy, it could finally use its signature move "Dragon Arrow."
Though limited to a single attack due to the number of Dreepy, it was still a significant change for it.
Crack!
With a crisp sound.
The fragment was pierced through by the Dreepy saturated with Dragon Energy, becoming visible.
The large fragment split into various sized pieces.
"Baluya."
Dragapult glanced over them, handing one relatively small piece to Natsuhiko.
"This piece? Pretty much the most Chimchar can handle."
The remaining fragments were quickly swept into the backpack.
Next time they were taken out, they'd likely fuse again.
But it didn't matter, Natsuhiko had already achieved his goal.
With the piece pinched between his fingers, he brought it to the light of Chimchar's evolution.
It seemed to be drawn towards it; the Original Groudon Shell Fragments about the size of three fingertips disappeared into the glow.
Due to using the Original Groudon Shell Fragments for toothpicks before, Chimchar had some residue absorbed within.
This energy changed during its evolution.
As the fragment entered.
Boom!!
A crimson glow burst forth from the light of evolution, instantly covering the milky white light in red.
Chimchar's form quickly began to transform.
Under the watchful eyes of Natsuhiko and his Pokémon, after a while, the light of evolution scattered like flames. The Pokémon within stood silently with eyes closed and arms drooping.
Only the flames burning on its tail indicated its current state.
The flames rolled.
Vaguely, there were hints of crimson-gold flames flickering at the center.
"Kree!!"
Its eyes suddenly opened.
The flames flickered and disappeared quickly from its eyes.
Monferno!
The evolved form of Chimchar, a Fire and Fighting Type Pokémon.
The physique trained during the Chimchar phase, and the Fighting-type techniques, can now be fully utilized after evolving into Monferno.
"It evolved." Natsuhiko smiled, rubbing Monferno's head.
The most notable changes from evolution, aside from appearance and attributes, were the changes in strength.
It successfully reached the Senior Level.
As for any newly mastered techniques, conveniently, this was the training ground Natsuhiko had chosen for them. They could check it out soon.
Also a good way for Monferno to adapt to its bodily changes.
"Kree!"
Monferno nodded vigorously, waving its tail back and forth without the flames showing any sign of weakening.
Watching Monferno play with its tail, Natsuhiko pursed his lips.
Monferno evolving was indeed something worth celebrating.
But...
Why did its fur color become even redder?
Previously, it was just a reddish-orange, similar to a regular Chimchar's appearance.
Now, it was a shade deeper.
To the unsuspecting, it might even seem like a Lycanroc in its Night Form.
Perhaps.
This was the result of merging with the Original Groudon Shell Fragments.
No matter the case.
The outcome should be heading in a positive direction.
"Loo~~"
The commotion caused by Natsuhiko and the others finally caught the attention of this territory's residents, the Dustox.
A few Dustox flapped their wings, approaching them from a distance.
Dustox is an Insect-type and Poison-type Pokémon, attribute-wise somewhat similar to Natsuhiko's Beedrill.
But their traits were completely different.
While flying, Dustox naturally sheds Scale Powder from its body.
This Scale Powder carries a significant Toxin; if a Pokémon absorbs it, it might become paralyzed or poisoned. If a human inadvertently inhaled Dustox's Scale Powder in the wild, it'd be troublesome.
Falling into a stupor or feeling drained for days would be considered lucky; one wrong move and poisoning could ensue.