049: In a Critical Moment, Torchic Evolves!
"Leave it to me."
Wang Man stepped forward. He was ranked fourth in the Rocket Class, just below A.J. While he wasn't as strong as A.J., he was still among the best trainers in No. 1 Middle School.
His expression was serious. Qin Yun's strength had exceeded expectations, but that didn't matter. Qin Yun had taunted them,he had provoked the Rocket Class. That was a mistake.
As Wang Man stepped onto the battlefield, the audience murmured in frustration.
"The Rocket Class is really shameless. They're ganging up on Qin Yun with a battle of attrition."
"Yeah, it's disgraceful. I hope Torchic can push through and win."
"If Torchic pulls off another victory, I'll give Qin Yun my entire collection of 'educational films' for free."
"Wait, what kind of educational films are we talking about?"
"Come with me. Let's talk privately."
What had started as words of encouragement for Qin Yun took a sudden and strange turn, causing the staff members nearby to shake their heads in exasperation.
Meanwhile, Wang Man studied Qin Yun.
"Are you still going to use Torchic, or will you finally send out your Fomantis?"
"Your Torchic is impressive. If it were at full strength, I would love to face it at its peak."
"But under its current condition, it's no match for my Pokémon."
Wang Man's words were calculated, but Qin Yun remained unfazed.
"If you want to fight, let's fight," Qin Yun replied calmly.
He had no intention of switching Pokémon. Torchic wanted to keep going, and Qin Yun trusted her.
"Alright, then let's begin."
"Come out, Shiftry!"
---
[Pokémon Data: Shiftry]
Type: Grass/Dark
Ability: Chlorophyll (Doubles Speed in harsh sunlight)
Rank: Peak Entry-Level
Potential: High
Moveset: Leaf Tornado, Sunny Day, Razor Leaf, Air Cutter, Payback, Synthesis, Tackle
Pokédex Entry: Shiftry, the Wicked Pokémon. Its large leaves can whip up violent winds at speeds of up to 30 m/s, creating a powerful whirlwind that blows away everything in its path.
---
Qin Yun narrowed his eyes.
"A weather-changer…"
Weather-based strategies were extremely popular in high-level battles. While Qin Yun and his peers were still in the early stages of competitive Pokémon battles, experienced trainers often built teams around weather conditions.
In low-level competitions, however, trainers typically focused on individual Pokémon strength, as most only had one or two Pokémon. True six-on-six battles were the domain of professional trainers.
"In other words, weather strategies aren't common at our level, but Shiftry's abilities make it a serious threat."
Qin Yun turned to Torchic. "Are you still able to fight?"
Torchic, though clearly exhausted, nodded. She could feel something inside her something on the verge of breaking through.
Qin Yun trusted her instincts. "Alright. Be careful."
---
Battle Start!
"Shiftry, use Sunny Day!"
The sun's intensity suddenly increased, altering the battlefield conditions. Under Sunny Day, Fire-type moves became 1.5× stronger, while Water-type moves were weakened to half their usual strength.
At first glance, this seemed like a disadvantageous move for Shiftry, as Torchic was a Fire-type Pokémon.
However, Wang Man had a strategy Shiftry's Chlorophyll ability doubled its speed under harsh sunlight. If Torchic was already struggling with speed, this would make things even worse.
What Wang Man didn't know was that Torchic had Speed Boost an ability that gradually increased her speed over time.
Qin Yun smirked. "Bad move, Wang Man."
Under the blazing sun, Torchic stood her ground. Though tired, she felt a strange surge of power.
"Shiftry, use Razor Leaf!"
Shiftry unleashed a barrage of sharp leaves while dashing forward, readying Payback for a devastating close-range attack.
"Torchic, use Blaze Kick!"
Torchic moved, but she was slightly slower than usual her exhaustion was catching up.
Qin Yun refrained from calling for Flamethrower. Shiftry was too fast in this sunlit battlefield, and Torchic's delay in launching a long-range attack could leave her open to a counterstrike.
At this moment, speed mattered more than power.
---
A Fierce Exchange
The Blaze Kick met Razor Leaf in midair, reducing the attack's effectiveness, but Shiftry had already closed the distance.
"Tackle!"
Shiftry slammed into Torchic, sending her skidding backward.
Torchic retaliated with another Blaze Kick, forcing Shiftry to pause briefly before launching another assault.
With every passing second, the battle became more one-sided.
"Torchic is losing…"
Many spectators felt a deep sense of frustration.
Torchic wasn't weak she had already defeated multiple opponents. But exhaustion from repeated battles had taken its toll.
This wasn't a fair fight.
---
The Unexpected Evolution!
"Torchic…"
Qin Yun clenched his fists, sensing her struggle.
Just then, a brilliant light enveloped Torchic's body.
The entire battlefield fell silent.
Wang Man's confident smirk vanished.
The audience gasped.
Qin Yun's eyes widened.
Torchic was evolving!
Evolution in the middle of a battle was rare, but when it happened, it often signaled a breakthrough moment for the Pokémon.
For a split second, Wang Man hesitated.
There was an unspoken rule among trainers never attack a Pokémon during evolution.
Evolution was a delicate process. Any external force could disrupt it, leading to disastrous consequences. At best, the Pokémon might suffer severe injury and never evolve again. At worst, the process could become unstable, resulting in death.
Even ruthless trainers in the Rocket Class abided by this rule.
Wang Man sighed and took a step back.
"This is bad…"
---
A Turning Point
The glow surrounding Torchic intensified, her silhouette stretching as her form changed.
The audience watched in awe.
Qin Yun's Torchic had been strong before. But as she evolved into Combusken, her power would reach a whole new level.
The tide of battle had just turned.
---
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