Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Evolution Like a Metamorphosis
Suddenly, a torrent of lightning erupted from within Elekid's body, like frenzied dragons and serpents of electricity wildly dancing and streaking through the air.
This unexpected development startled Paul, who quickly retreated with his Pokémon. Even the Fossil Pokémon that had just regained consciousness in the water scrambled to a safer clearing to avoid the chaos.
"Ah~ Bzzt-bzzt!!~"
A loud roar came from Elekid. Just as Paul and his Pokémon braced themselves, thinking it was about to unleash an all-out electrical storm, the lightning abruptly stopped.
The sudden silence made the scene eerie.
The pause seemed both like a moment of breath-catching and an ominous gathering of power.
"Bzzt!!"
Another cry rang out, and a dazzling white light enveloped Elekid's body. Inside the radiance, its form began to change.
In an instant, the once-rounded petite body grew taller and muscular. A striped yellow-and-black tail extended from its back, resembling a standing tiger.
The black stripes across its yellow skin and the bold lightning-shaped mark on its chest gave it an aura of dominance.
The plug-like appendages on its head transformed into two antennae, flanked by wild electrified tufts of fur. Its triangular eyes gleamed sharply, and its exposed fangs added a fierce, menacing touch.
Unlike the strangely cute yet ferocious vibe of Elekid, its evolved form, Electabuzz, radiated an intimidating presence that made it clear it wasn't to be trifled with.
"Buzz~"
As the light of evolution faded, the newly evolved Electabuzz immediately felt the immense surge of power within its body and its dramatically enhanced control over electricity.
Unlike Elekid, which struggled with storing energy, Electabuzz could absorb and retain vastly more electricity, achieving a qualitative leap in its mastery of lightning.
Gone was the earlier struggle for survival. Electabuzz quickly focused on stabilizing the overwhelming energy from the Zap Plate, channeling and controlling it with ease.
However, the sheer abundance of energy made Electabuzz itch to unleash it.
"Buzz!"
With a thunderous roar, Electabuzz released its power in a surge, turning the surrounding space into a world of crackling electric serpents.
After releasing enough energy, Electabuzz turned to Paul, raising a confident thumbs-up.
Paul nodded faintly in acknowledgment, though his feelings were mixed.
There was both joy and anger. What a reckless troublemaker!
The earlier stunt Electabuzz pulled could have gone horribly wrong. They were lucky it worked out.
"Vul~"
"Twiig~"
Vulpix and Turtwig weren't as concerned. They rushed over to Electabuzz, looking up in awe at their now towering companion.
The dramatic scene of evolution had left them thoroughly impressed.
"Vul~"
Tentatively, Vulpix approached and extended a tail to touch Electabuzz's body.
Zap!
A spark of static electricity crackled, sending a numbing jolt through Vulpix's tail. Startled, it quickly retreated.
Electabuzz's Static ability, coupled with its current condition made it almost certain to paralyze anything it touched in battle.
"Twiig~"
Turtwig, however, was undeterred. It rubbed against Electabuzz, feeling the surge of electric power. Thanks to its skillful use of the "Lightning Rod"-like effect from its Ingrain move, it avoided any significant harm, though it felt a tingling numbness.
"Buzz~"
Pleased with the attention, Electabuzz puffed up proudly.
"Stick with me, and no one will dare mess with you. I'll crush anyone who tries!"
"Vul~"
Vulpix's eyes sparkled mischievously as it pointed its tail toward Paul.
"Buzz? Buzz!"
Trying to trick me? Nice try!
Electabuzz squinted, then playfully smacked Vulpix to the ground.
"You've got guts, but no brains, huh?"
Walking over, Paul studied Electabuzz with a cold gaze.
"Buzz…"
The once-proud Electabuzz immediately wilted under Paul's words, bowing its head in remorse.
Having just gone through the ordeal, it understood the danger it had narrowly escaped.
Even if given the chance, it wouldn't attempt such a risky move again. Its sheer luck and solid foundation had saved it this time.
"I can't believe you."
Sighing, Paul gave a helpless look before sternly addressing all his Pokémon. "No more reckless stunts like this in the future."
Paul had considered the possibility of using a Zap Plate to enhance power, but only after thorough research and risk assessment. He never expected Elekid to act on impulse, swallowing it without a second thought.
"Buzz~"
The freshly evolved Electabuzz promised not to repeat such a bold move anytime soon.
"Twiig~"
Turtwig, ever the obedient one, expressed a strong desire to experience the thrill of growing stronger.
"Vul~"
Vulpix, on the other hand, sheepishly admitted it didn't have the courage to attempt such things.
"Alright, let's not waste this opportunity. See if you can safely use the remaining electric energy to strengthen your body."
Paul gestured toward the pool of residual electric energy, suggesting a training regimen involving charging and conditioning.
"Buzz~"
Electabuzz pounded its chest and leapt into the pool, creating a dazzling display of electric arcs as it trained.
Time passed, after about half an hour, the pool of electricity finally dissipated. Electabuzz emerged, its golden fur now gleaming with an intense electric aura.
"Let's move. Keep exploring, and pick up the pace."
Calling his Pokémon back from their individual training, Paul resumed their journey.
"Buzz~"
Now leading the way, Electabuzz darted through the cavern like a streak of golden lightning, familiarizing itself with its new form while stunning wild Pokémon for Paul to capture.
Evolution had given Electabuzz a newfound understanding of power. It now realized how naive its earlier perspective had been.
For some Pokémon like Chimchar, evolution was a step up in schooling—from elementary to middle school.
But for Elekid, it was like jumping from kindergarten straight to middle school leadership.
The difference was astonishing.
Motivated by Electabuzz's transformation, Vulpix and Turtwig charged forward with renewed vigor, dominating the cavern as they went.
The exploration continued, with many wild Pokémon captured or released. Only the previously subdued Kabuto with decent potential was kept for further observation.
Paul also collected various evolution stones and Everstones during their journey.
After several days of exploration, they finally stumbled upon another exit to the cave.
"Hmm, finally evolved." Paul murmured, a faint smile crossing his face.
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