The white remained that same shade of white, yet it gave a different feeling. Using two words to describe it, the contrast was almost between “simple” and “elegant.”
Apart from the feathers, the skin color, although normal and lighter than Swablu, was still a shade lighter than the average Altaria. In fact, such differences were quite normal, influenced by variations in environment, climate, and uneven diet, leading to individual differences in Pokémon as they grew.
From a distance, Terrance’s Altaria appeared completely normal, to the extent that even a regular Trainer wouldn’t perceive any difference from other Altaria. However, Terrance was different; in his efforts to nurture Swablu, he possessed an unparalleled understanding of the Altaria species. The change in Swablu wasn’t a “mutation” or a transformation into a “Shiny Pokémon.” It was just a subtle, nuanced difference.
This difference was so small that only those with a deep understanding of Altaria would notice it, but it undeniably existed.
Without the influence of climate, environment or diet, the only thing that Terrance can think of is the unique Dragon Type talent of his Swablu.
Having awakened powerful moves like “Draco Meteor” and “Dragon Rush” in its infancy; although very impressive, he was relieved when he thought about the fact that the potions Master Victor concocted had likely cost a fortune. Although Swablu’s progress was also very good, it was not yet to the point of being unimaginable, and could be accepted by most people.
However, witnessing the scene before him, Terrance completely understood.
It’s only after his Swablu evolved into Altaria that the true potential of that “culture solution” was fully unleashed.
Swablu is Swablu after all. No matter how deep its foundation or potential, no matter how much it accumulates, it is ultimately unable to fully exert or squeeze out too much due to the limitation of its species. However, after evolution, the transformation of Normal and Flying type into Flying and Dragon type, combined with the sublimation of its species, marks the true moment when the Dragon Type bloodline can truly demonstrate its power.
“I may have underestimated you…” Terrance chuckled inwardly. Regardless, the stronger Swablu became, the happier and more accomplished he felt as a Trainer.
“I originally thought Swablu’s evolution would be just a common one. Although its strength would greatly increase, it will be within my expectations. But I never thought… the elevation of its species could bring about some unique effects.”
“These subtle changes, if I didn’t have a deep understanding of Altaria, would be completely imperceptible to the naked eye. What exactly has it transformed into… Swablu, no, it’s Altaria now. Demonstrate it to me through battle!”
Terrance redirected his gaze back to the battlefield. By now, Hitmonlee and Kiyo had recovered from the “evolution,” and with the evolution complete, the battle was set to continue.
“Evolved, huh… don’t think that just because you evolved, winning will be easy!!” Kiyo laughed, “After evolving, it’s usually hard to adapt to the new body, right?”
“Seize this opportunity, Hitmonlee! Continue with the move, use Blaze Jump Kick!!!!!!!!”
“Still this move?!” Terrance was slightly stunned. He saw the look in Altaria’s eyes. It was… a signal for him to go for it.
This kind of eye communication had occurred most recently during their training journey at Mt. Chimney. At that time, to cultivate Swablu’s independent combat awareness, Terrance would often let it choose moves while engaging in battle with enemies.
However, it had become increasingly rare as Swablu matured.
The participant might be confused, but observers see clearly. Training is the core, and commanding is the guide. Only when a Trainer and Pokémon collaborate perfectly can the true strength of a Pokémon be unleashed.
“Indeed, it is a new beginning now.” Seeing Altaria’s proud expression, Terrance felt that it must have sensed its newfound strength.
What kind of strength would it be?
“Go for it! Altaria, believe in yourself!!” Terrance took a step forward, shouting towards Altaria in the sky, his voice carrying a mix of his emotions, excitement, and… trust.
“Piiii~~~~~”
A phantom with brown and red hues leaped, flames rising, and a single foot pressed against the ground. Hitmonlee’s immense power even caused a crack to appear in the ground. This was a combination of the full-force attack of Blaze Kick and Jump Kick. Facing the completely transformed Altaria, Hitmonlee displayed the utmost vigor, offering high respect.
“Piiii~~~~~”
Hitmonlee, who was using its full strength in the move, felt a hint of killing intent and a daunting presence. Along with this feeling, it saw a figure—a colossal dragon tumbling in the surging sea of clouds, extending its claws, emitting intense blue-purple flames, like a meteor destroying everything, charging fiercely towards it—
“Dragon Rush——”
Kiyo spoke slowly. Just now, when Swablu used this move, it had already seen the power of this move. Now, with Swablu evolved into Altaria, how much has this move changed?
Boom boom boom boom boom boom!
A massive gust of wind swept through the center of impact, sparks flying. Kiyo and Terrance’s clothes and hair fluttered under the impact, but both of them stared with widened eyes, fixated on the battlefield.
What happened…
Both their hearts tensed. At this moment, Kiyo completely forgot that the opponent was just a teenager, and he was a former Gym Trainer.
Terrance also forgot the purpose of his trip. His eyes were only focused on the outcome of the battle between Altaria and Hitmonlee. His heart was pounding heavily, and his breath became rapid, fearing to miss any details.
In reality, it was just the blink of an eye.
Under the tremendous impact, the faint smoke dissipated, revealing a brown figure falling. With a thud, it crashed to the ground. Seeing this scene, Kiyo’s mouth was slightly agape, finding it hard to believe what had just happened.
Hitmonlee fell from the sky, knocked out cold.
Altaria, although covered in injuries, stood towering, dominating the entire sky, overseeing everything like a sovereign.
“Phew~~~~~” Terrance let out a long breath, the tension in his heart easing away. It had been quite an exhilarating experience.
They really won…
“Lost?” Kiyo smiled wryly, not particularly disheartened. After all, wasn’t he defeated by Sabrina who was of this age for the first time too?
“Congratulations, young man. You are the youngest person to defeat me in a Gym Battle.”
Shaking his head, Kiyo recalled Hitmonlee and said to Terrance, “Dusk Stone, right? Let’s go and heal our Pokémon first. I’ll give it to you later.”
“Of course, the injuries of Pokémon are the top priority.” Terrance nodded excitedly. Gazing at Altaria in the sky, he met its eyes and revealed a joyful smile.
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