Infernape!
Monferno has finally completed its final evolution!
Unlike other Pokémon that gain a power boost after evolving, it evolved after its power had already increased.
But for now, the difference isn't very noticeable.
The biggest difference between Infernape after evolution and a normal Infernape should be that the flames on its wrists, knees, and shoulders, which were supposed to be golden, became dark red.
Clearly a Shiny Pokémon, yet due to the influence of Groudon's energy, its fur instead looks quite like a regular Infernape's, though on closer inspection, it might be just a shade darker.
"Kookeh!"
The flames on Infernape burn from its tail to its head, the crimson fire flickering freely in the wind.
Gulping sounds—
The familiar bone boomerang again, Marowak hasn't lost its fighting ability from the previous attack.
However.
Pa!
Marowak's infallible bone staff was firmly grasped by Infernape.
And with Infernape's wrist twitching, the bone staff starts spinning rapidly again.
While spinning, the dark red flames overflow from the wrist, attracted and attached to the bone staff.
And it was thrown back at Marowak.
Marowak stared blankly at the bone staff thrown at it, momentarily stunned.
Bam!!
The bone staff hit Marowak, and the dark red flames dealt significant damage, causing it to stagger and retreat.
But at the moment its gaze shifted, it suddenly discovered a dense ball of flames following right behind the bone staff, appearing before its eyes.
So fast?!
In Marowak's view, the flames contained not just fire, but also a terrifying explosive force like a volcanic eruption. Inside the dark red flames, there seemed to be strands of golden fire.
Boom!!
Marowak fell to the ground.
This time.
It couldn't stand up again.
"Kookeh——!!"
Infernape roared with open arms, flames shooting from its head into the sky.
"Oss!"
"Buyi!"
"Awoo!"
After the battle ended, the three little ones watching rushed towards Infernape at once.
Sitting on Natsuhiko's shoulder, Meloetta continued to sway its little feet, munching on Energy Blocks with a "kachi kachi" sound, its eyes glancing at Natsuhiko.
He doesn't seem nervous at all?
Natsuhiko turned his head, meeting Meloetta's gaze.
The little guy quickly averted its eyes.
Seeing its "nonchalant" demeanor, Natsuhiko couldn't help but smile.
Infernape's evolution was within his expectations.
Much like when Kakuna was about to emerge and evolve into Beedrill, it was a natural progression.
"Kookeh!"
Infernape, surrounded by the three little ones, scratched its head and came before Natsuhiko.
He gently patted its shoulder and said with a smile, "Well done."
Upon hearing this, Infernape was briefly stunned, then grinned widely.
Infernape's evolution and power increase further stimulated Latios and Eevee, who were already a bit excited.
Latios felt it wasn't far from Gym Leader Level, so in the subsequent battles, it became more vigorous.
After seeing "fire," Eevee didn't seem to mind the Fire Type very much.
Natsuhiko had already told it about the seven existing Eevee evolution forms, allowing it to see if any might be its favorite.
But there's no rush to choose, as there's actually one more type of evolution for Eevee that's not yet revealed.
Next time they return to Suiyi Town, when the Fairy Forest constructed by the Shiinotic starts taking shape, if Eevee hasn't made a choice, he'll let Eevee first learn about Sylveon, experience the Fairy Type energy, and then make a final choice.
For now, it seems Eevee doesn't mind the Fire Type.
Little Vulpix's eyes sparkled with stars when looking at Infernape.
It just wanted to say: So cool...
Evidently, witnessing a Pokémon evolution for the first time, Little Vulpix was deeply shaken by Infernape's actions and aura during its evolution.
Infernape's evolution likely benefited greatly from the Shell Fragments of Groudon.
But now is not the time to ponder this.
Continue advancing towards the monument.
As they approached the foot of the hill, the strength of the Wild Pokémon had almost universally reached Gym Leader Level.
And here, Natsuhiko and his team not only had to be wary of Wild Pokémon but also of the constant Thunder falling from the sky.
Only by getting closer to the hill can the terrifying presence of Thundurus be truly felt.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that its thunderstorms single-handedly supported the ecosystem of the entire island's Wild Pokémon.
Natsuhiko couldn't help but look up at the monument above, which seemed not too far away, where the Thunder was most concentrated.
And even though Monferno has evolved into Infernape, relying solely on the strength of the four little ones wasn't enough to allow Natsuhiko to continue moving forward easily here.
Having no other choice,
Natsuhiko still called out Beedrill, Alakazam, and Togekiss.
Upon appearing, they immediately congratulated Infernape on its evolution.
It's clear that now Infernape can somewhat integrate into the team centered around Alakazam and already can contribute to some extent.
The only slight regret is that Latios still hasn't reached Gym Leader Level.
This made Latios a bit dejected.
However, under Natsuhiko's consolation, it quickly recovered.