Chapter 24: Evolution – Charmeleon!

Chapter 24: Evolution – Charmeleon!

In the subsequent two rounds of the tournament, Hikaru continued to showcase the strength of Ralts. With precise control of its psychic abilities, Ralts dominated the battlefield, leaving opponents in awe.

Even against formidable opponents, Ralts consistently demonstrated its mastery over Confusion, manipulating the battlefield with subtle adjustments to its enemies' movements.

No matter how powerful or swift the opponent, they found themselves unable to land a single attack. And if they couldn't hit, they couldn't win.

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As Hikaru observed the competition, he noted a few key challengers who posed a potential threat.

Among them was a Butterfree that had already reached the Elite tier, sitting at Level 21. Its presence alone intimidated many competitors.

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On the afternoon of September 16th, the fourth round commenced. The quarterfinals were a double battle, testing not just Pokémon strength but also the trainers' ability to command synergy.

Out of the eight remaining competitors, Shuimu Third High School still had three participants—Hikaru, Kei Hoshino, and the silver-haired beauty Yuki.

Yuki's Braixen had showcased exceptional fire control, benefiting from favorable matchups against Bug and Grass-type opponents.

Meanwhile, Shuimu Second and First High Schools each had two participants left, while Shuimu Fourth High had one remaining contender. The other schools, unfortunately, had no representatives left in the top eight.

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The next match revealed some unfortunate news: Hikaru was set to face Kei Hoshino in the quarterfinals.

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"You're lucky to have made it this far," Kei sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "But this is where your journey ends!"

Kei's condescending words reflected his confidence. To him, Hikaru's Charmander and Ralts were merely unrefined Pokémon that had yet to evolve.

On the other hand, his Grovyle had already evolved and honed its abilities.

Kei believed the match would be easy. He even thought to himself, Charmander's fire techniques won't even touch Grovyle. Speed and precision will secure my victory.

However, Kei failed to realize that the Charmander he remembered from their last encounter was no longer the same Pokémon.

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As the trainers released their Pokémon, a brilliant white light erupted from Hikaru's Poké Ball.

Charmander was evolving.

The crowd gasped in amazement as the familiar orange lizard transformed, its body growing larger and more imposing.

When the glow subsided, Charmeleon stood tall, roaring with a ferocity that shook the stadium. The soundwaves rippled visibly through the air.

Charmeleon's size was particularly striking. Most Charmeleon averaged around 1.2 meters tall, but Hikaru's had grown to an impressive 1.5 meters—towering over Grovyle by nearly a head.

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The sheer power emanating from Charmeleon sent shivers through the crowd. Even some spectators' Pokémon cowered at the sound of its roar, retreating into their trainers' arms for comfort.

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"Let's go, Charmeleon!" Hikaru cheered, exhilarated by his partner's newfound strength.

While he had anticipated this evolution, witnessing it firsthand filled him with pride.

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The announcer's voice boomed, brimming with excitement.

"Unbelievable! In the quarterfinals, Hikaru's Charmander has evolved into Charmeleon!"

The audience erupted in cheers, electrified by the sudden development.

Initially, many had speculated about the outcome of this match.

Grovyle's speed and precision, combined with Kei's skill, gave him a clear advantage. Furthermore, Ralts, while impressive, was expected to struggle against Grovyle's high-speed attacks.

But the tide had turned.

This evolution had thrown all predictions into question.

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"Battle start!"

The announcer's declaration unleashed the tension in the stadium.

Kei, no longer as confident as before, quickly issued his commands.

"Growlithe, use Ember to hold back Ralts! Don't let it attack!

Grovyle, Seed Machine Gun on Charmeleon!"

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Grovyle, with its sharp leaves gleaming under the lights, unleashed a barrage of glowing seeds.

The projectiles flew like bullets, hurtling toward Charmeleon at blinding speed.

Hikaru, however, remained calm.

"Charmeleon, show them your strength—use Flamethrower!"

For the first time in the tournament, Hikaru decided to unleash Charmeleon's full potential.

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A massive surge of fiery energy erupted from Charmeleon's mouth, forming a blazing stream as thick as a water barrel.

The green seeds vanished instantly upon contact with the flames, reduced to mere ash.

Following the stream of fire, Grovyle froze in its tracks. The Pokémon's battle instincts screamed danger. If it continued forward, it would face certain defeat.

Acting on instinct, Grovyle used its Quick Attack to dart sideways, narrowly avoiding a direct hit.

However, even this evasive maneuver wasn't enough to keep it safe.

The edge of the Flamethrower grazed Grovyle, scorching its side. Its left arm hung limply, charred and unusable.

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The crowd erupted in shock.

"Did you see that? One attack and Grovyle's already struggling!"

"Charmeleon's Flamethrower is terrifying!"

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On the other side of the field, Growlithe was having its own troubles.

Every time it tried to launch Ember at Ralts, the psychic Pokémon would subtly adjust Growlithe's aim using its Confusion.

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"Charmeleon, use Fire Punch! Ralts, stop playing around!" Hikaru commanded confidently.

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Kei clenched his fists in frustration.

"I won't lose to you! Grovyle, Leaf Blade! Growlithe, Flame Fang!"

But Hikaru couldn't help but laugh.

Kei, you've already lost this match.

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Next Chapter: Dominating Victory – Charmeleon's Power Unleashed!