Vigoroth's body also began to emit a brilliant white light of evolution.
However, while he had only just begun the process, Seadra beside him had already completed hers. She could no longer be called Seadra—she was now Kingdra.
Kingdra resembled a seahorse, but with a much more imposing presence. A pair of spiral-curved horns grew from her head, symbols of her draconic lineage. On the sides, where gills should have been, she had two fins that allowed her to move gracefully through the water.
Once her evolution was complete, Kingdra looked far more majestic and powerful.
Cain was very familiar with this kind of Pokémon; he had even fought against some in the past. They were capable of unleashing overwhelming strength as long as there was water nearby—and even on land, they could remain active thanks to their control over water currents.
Freshly evolved, Kingdra surrounded herself with a thin layer of water that maintained her body's flexibility.
Pokémon: Kingdra (Light Purple)
Gender: Female
Level: 53
Types: Water / Dragon
Ability: Swift Swim
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Dragon Rage, Dragon Breath, Water Pulse, Clear Smog
Basic Moves: Bubble, Smog, Leer, Water Gun, Twister, Bubble Beam, Focus Energy, Brine, Hydro Pump, Agility, Dragon Dance
Learned Moves: Icy Wind, Bounce, Dragon Pulse, Snore
TM Moves: Protect
After her evolution, Kingdra's potential had just reached the Light Purple tier.
This took Cain slightly by surprise, but after thinking about it, it made sense. He had used on her a quality-enhancement potion, a valuable Dragon Scale, the subtle power of Magearna's Soul-Heart, and since he had captured her as a Horsea, he had constantly fed her special Pokéblocks. All of this had contributed to awakening her true potential.
Moreover, by transforming from a pure Water-type into a Water/Dragon-type, her body had undergone natural physical enhancement due to the awakening of her draconic bloodline.
Cain was especially pleased to see that her ability had changed to Swift Swim, the one he most wanted to see.
With that, his rain team could finally show its full power.
All that remained was for Politoed and Swampert to adapt better to each other, and his battle group would gain a wide range of strategic combinations.
After calming the newly evolved Kingdra, Cain instructed her to rest for a few days before starting training, so she could adjust to her new body.
Once Kingdra left, Vigoroth's body also began to change slowly.
It took half an hour before the white light faded completely, revealing the figure of the newly evolved Slaking.
He had a pink nose and beige skin, with a ring of white fur around his neck and two white tufts of hair on his head that looked like sprouts. His limbs were covered in brown fur.
At that moment, he was sprawled lazily on the ground, resting his head on his arms, his expression one of complete indifference.
All the hyperactive energy that had defined Vigoroth had completely vanished. At first glance, he looked like an ordinary Slaking; aside from his high level, there was nothing particularly remarkable about him.
Cain crouched in front of him and watched closely for about five minutes. During that time, Slaking blinked three times and moved his eyes only once, giving Cain a lazy glance. He didn't even seem curious about why Cain was staring at him.
Compared to an average Slaking, this one seemed even more lethargic, as if laziness had merged with his very body and soul.
Just as energy had been part of his essence as a Vigoroth, now laziness was his entire being.
"Slaking, have you already forgotten what you once said?" Cain asked with a smile, clearly amused by the scene.
It was exactly as Norman had described—perhaps even more extreme: laziness taken to the absolute limit.
Upon hearing those words, Slaking's drowsy aura vanished instantly. For a brief moment, he became the Vigoroth of old once again.
He sprang up from the ground with explosive force; his eyes, which had been dull a moment ago, now shone with a fierce spirit—as if he were an entirely different Pokémon.
The transformation happened so quickly that Cain barely had time to react.
His brows, which had been relaxed, were now tightly furrowed—he was fighting pure instinct with sheer willpower. Every movement was a battle of mind over body.
Cain watched with keen interest to see how long he could maintain that state.
"Blaziken!" he suddenly ordered.
A flash of red light filled the air, and Blaziken appeared before him. He immediately sensed Slaking's presence, feeling genuine pressure from the sheer power in his muscles.
"This is Slaking—he used to be Vigoroth," Cain explained. "I think he'll make a fine rival. Test him."
At those words, Blaziken's eyes burned with intensity.
He had learned much from Vigoroth, but his old partner had never been able to keep up with him because of his limits. Now, however, the aura emanating from Slaking was completely different—powerful, intimidating.
"Blaaazk!" roared Blaziken, taking an offensive stance.
Slaking frowned but instinctively responded, shifting into a defensive position. His body hesitated for only an instant before adapting. He still wasn't fully used to his new form, but the best way to adjust was through battle.
Boom!
Their first clash thundered through the air. Neither used any special moves—it was a pure test of physical strength and skill.
Slaking went from moving awkwardly to moving smoothly within seconds.
Pokémon: Slaking (Light Purple)
Gender: Male
Level: 65
Types: Normal
Ability: Truant
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Crush Claw, Hammer Arm, Night Slash, Tickle
Basic Moves: Reversal, Scratch, Focus Energy, Encore, Uproar, Fury Swipes, Endure, Slash, Chip Away, Counter, Focus Punch, Swagger, Punishment, Fling, Amnesia, Covet, Flail
Learned Moves: Low Kick, After You, Thunder Punch, Gunk Shot, Ice Punch, Water Pulse, Icy Wind, Fire Punch, Shock Wave, Snore
TM Moves: Protect
His Light Purple quality, combined with his level 65—equivalent to that of a mid-level Elite Pokémon—was the result of the triple use of enhancement potions.
Slaking's willpower was terrifying. Even freshly evolved, he could resist the side effects of the potions and, despite his Truant ability, face Blaziken head-on while still getting used to his new body.
(End of Chapter)