Boom!
The move Dynamic Punch and the move Thunder Punch collided violently with each other.
After evolving, Magmortar had not only increased in size, but its strength had also risen enormously.
At that moment, with a single punch, it managed to face Magmar's Thunder Punch head-on and hold its ground firmly.
Crackle, crackle.
In the intense clash of energies, the lightning on Magmar's fist flashed without ceasing.
But just at that instant, the cannons on Magmortar's arms suddenly emitted a red glow, and a powerful Fire-type energy condensed abruptly.
Boom!
In the very next moment, a pillar of fire shot out violently, completely engulfing the lightning on Magmar's fist and blasting its entire body into the air.
In this exchange, both Pokémon suffered damage. At that moment, they looked at each other warily, beginning to face off in a tense stalemate.
"Both Pokémon are really strong!"
The spectators could not help but start commenting excitedly.
Just at that moment, at the temporary treatment point by the edge of the field.
After finishing his battle, Patrick Mills had brought his Pokémon there to receive treatment.
"Arcaaan?"
The Arcanine that was being treated raised its head, looking at Magmortar on the stage with a confused expression while sniffing lightly.
Suddenly, its pupils dilated slightly. It began barking at Patrick and pointed with its claw toward Magmortar on the field.
"What's wrong, Arcanine?"
Patrick communicated with it with some confusion.
"What?"
"You're saying that this Pokémon is that Magmar from back then... that has evolved?"
Upon understanding what Arcanine was trying to express, Patrick's expression changed slightly.
He then turned his gaze toward Magmortar and, indeed, discovered that the Pokémon on the field had a yellow scar beside its eye, exactly the same as that Magmar from a certain Secret Kingdom.
"It really is that Magmar. It's a Pokémon that doesn't give up easily. Every year, countless trainers go after it, and yet it ended up being captured by Ethan."
"Ethan really has incredible luck!"
Patrick clenched his fist slightly, looking at Ethan with envy.
However, when he thought that Ethan even had a method to make Magmar evolve, his fist relaxed a little.
It seemed that the Pokémon on the field really was Magmar's evolved form. And in terms of strength, after evolving, Magmar's power had directly risen to another level.
If his own Magmar could also evolve, its strength would undoubtedly experience a huge increase.
Then...
In what way could he obtain from Ethan the method to make Magmar evolve?
While Patrick was pondering this, among the audience there seemed to be others who also recognized this Magmar.
It was no secret that Magmar lived in the Secret Kingdoms of the Volcanic Mountain Range.
Every year, many Fire-type trainers ventured specifically into the Volcanic Mountain Range in search of the Secret Kingdoms, with the goal of capturing a Magmar.
And this Magmar, which for years had occupied the volcano's crater and been nurtured by lava, was undoubtedly the strongest of all Magmar. Thus, it had naturally become everyone's target.
But this Magmar was truly far too difficult to capture. Even if you managed to defeat it, it was almost impossible to stop it from throwing itself directly into the lava, leaving no one able to do anything about it.
Even some fairly famous Fire-type trainers had tried to capture it. However, even if someone managed to defeat it and put it into a Poké Ball, they could not gain its recognition, and in the end could only helplessly return it to the Secret Kingdom.
Precisely for this reason, this Magmar was extremely famous within the circle of Fire-type trainers.
But no one imagined that this very Magmar would appear here... and that it would even seem to have completed its evolution!
"It really does seem to be that Magmar!"
"But no matter how strong it was, that Magmar had no way of being a match for Naira's Magmar."
"And now, after evolving, it's able to face Naira's Magmar head-on! Isn't this increase in power way too exaggerated?"
After understanding the whole situation, many spectators began to exclaim in amazement, and their gazes toward Ethan grew fervent.
If their own Magmar could also evolve, the increase in strength would be simply enormous.
At that moment, when Magmar's evolved form was fully revealed before their eyes, everyone went crazy.
Indeed, if the method of Magmortar's evolution were made public, it would undoubtedly trigger a frenzied celebration among all Fire-type trainers.
The news spread without the need for any publicity...
...
Emberfall City Gym.
Gym Leader Brandon Jones and the man in red were also watching the matches of the Cross Cup.
"It's that Magmar. It seems the Pokémon on the field really is Magmar's evolved form."
Brandon lightly struck the table with his hand. Then, one of the Poké Balls at his waist opened, and a Magmar appeared in the room.
As soon as it appeared, Magmar fixed its gaze intently on the unfamiliar Pokémon in the battle, so similar to itself.
"Indeed, it would be ideal to know how that Magmar evolved."
The man in red nodded slightly, looking at Brandon's Magmar.
If this Magmar could evolve, his plan would undoubtedly gain much more solidity.
"Magmar's evolved form... and also that Charizard capable of performing the Dragon of Sunny Day."
"This Ethan has really given me a big surprise. It seems we'll have to find a way to get our hands on both."
The gym leader Brandon's face showed a thoughtful expression. Then he narrowed his eyes and said, "Have our people temporarily halt the actions that were already prepared."
"The evolved form of Magmar is not yet in our hands, and Charizard's Sunny Day Dragon is still not perfect. When these two matters are resolved, then we will act. Only then can we obtain the greatest benefit."
After hearing Brandon's words, the man in red nodded in agreement and took out his phone to begin making calls.
"How is the preparation for that matter going?"
Brandon asked, changing the topic.
"Almost everything is ready. We can start at any time."
After hanging up, the man in red licked his dry lips with a hint of excitement.
"That's good, but this time the move will be quite large. Have our people stay hidden for now; during this period they must not show themselves. When the League discovers this matter, it will undoubtedly erupt in thunderous fury."
Brandon smiled faintly. At the corner of his lips appeared a cruel smile, giving a clear sense that a great storm was about to break out.
(End of chapter)