Under the system's scan, Murkrow's stats were skyrocketing at an incredible pace.
This wasn't just a fluctuation—Murkrow's data indicators were climbing exponentially.
Murkrow was evolving.
But on the other hand, Ursaring and Arbok could no longer hold their ground.
"Pinsir, use X-Scissor! Take down Ursaring first, then finish off Arbok. Once you get two boosts, your power will be overwhelming," Vexor laughed maniacally as he spoke.
What good was Murkrow's evolution? Could it stop him?
At this point, Haunter could have opted to swap Pinsir's ability, but it was trapped by Butterfree and couldn't break free.
Meanwhile, Ariados, powered up by Swords Dance, had defeated Alec's Golbat, and the other three Pokémon were also in dire straits.
However, thanks to Ponyta's fire-type moves and the presence of Shuckle—who had used Power Trick—these two Pokémon were holding the line. Golbat was secondary.
They could still hold on!
But Slowpoke, under Beedrill's relentless attacks, had no speed advantage and could only escape using Teleport.
However, it couldn't teleport near the other Pokémon, as Beedrill would abandon its pursuit and attack the others instead.
Pinsir let out a mighty roar, using X-Scissor to defeat the exhausted Ursaring, leaving a large cross-shaped scar on its chest. Not only its eyes but also its body bore numerous scars.
With its Moxie ability boost, Pinsir felt its power surge once again, and Arbok could no longer hold it back.
Vexor adjusted his glasses slightly and smiled. "Beedrill, stop chasing Slowpoke, let it rest for a bit. First, team up with Pinsir and finish off Arbok."
The battle's balance was tipping.
But at that moment...
The black cocoon surrounding Murkrow began to reveal its form.
No, it could no longer be called Murkrow—it had to be called...
Pokémon: Honchkrow (Blue)
Egg Moves: Punishment, Feint Attack, Roost
Basic Moves: Peck, Astonish, Pursuit, Haze, Wing Attack, Night Shade, Assurance, Night Slash, Sucker Punch, Swagger
Learned Moves: Snatch, Tailwind, Gust
TM Moves: Dark Pulse, Protect, Substitute, Screech, Hidden Power (Electric), Taunt
Honchkrow felt the immense energy coursing through its body—something it had never experienced before. It was as if an endless reservoir of power had been unlocked within it.
The weight device it used to carry now meant nothing to it.
A typical Honchkrow's size should be around ninety centimeters, but Cain's Honchkrow, after evolving, had reached a height of one hundred fifty centimeters. Its extended wings made it even more imposing.
It was even larger than a Fearow.
Not only had its size changed, but its plumage had transformed as well.
A sleek black top hat-like crest naturally appeared on its head, giving it a dignified appearance.
Its once purely black feathers now included new colors. Red feathers adorned its wings and tail, and its chest was now marked by a large patch of white feathers, making it even more striking and unique.
Its eyes, narrow and hawk-like, looked sharper than ever.
Its claws, which had previously been a dull orange and seemed small and weak, were now completely black, and their power was visibly different.
From top to bottom, inside and out, Murkrow had successfully evolved into Honchkrow.
A blue-quality Honchkrow!
It was now the Pokémon with the highest potential in Cain's main team.
And possibly due to the immense power of the Dusk Stone, not only had it enabled Murkrow's evolution, but it had also raised its level.
Undoubtedly, it was the group's leader.
Cain's joy was evident on his face.
It had reached blue quality.
The decision to have Murkrow achieve dark green quality before evolving had been a wise one. Now, Honchkrow was nearly on par with Vexor's Beedrill, but in terms of quality, it had surpassed it entirely.
Although its previous ability, Prankster, was also very useful, the Moxie ability was clearly more fitting for it now.
A confident Honchkrow!
"Arbok, leave Pinsir and help Slowpoke handle Beedrill! Just hold on!"
"Honchkrow, this will be your first battle after evolving! Show your power!"
"Use Wing Attack on Pinsir!"
Honchkrow let out an excited cry and charged toward Pinsir.
Its increased size not only boosted its strength but also expanded its attack range.
Pinsir instinctively tried to dodge Honchkrow's wings, charged with flying-type energy, but failed to evade.
With its newfound power, Honchkrow sent Pinsir flying three meters, creating an opening for Arbok to escape.
"This can't be! It's impossible! Even if it evolved, its power shouldn't have increased this much! Its strength surpasses Pinsir's!" Vexor exclaimed in disbelief.
This was Pinsir! A Pokémon known for its incredible physical strength, which had also received a power boost after defeating Ursaring thanks to its Moxie ability.
And yet, it had been sent flying by Honchkrow.
There was nothing impossible about it. Pinsir was strong, boasting a base attack stat of 125—a remarkable figure for any Pokémon.
But the newly evolved Honchkrow also had a base attack stat of 125.
With the level gap closed, Vexor's dark green-quality Pinsir was at a clear disadvantage. Even with the aid of performance-enhancing pills and the Moxie boost, Honchkrow, with its type advantage, would dominate.
"Honchkrow, don't stop attacking! Keep using Wing Attack! Engage in close combat! Miltank, use Helping Hand!" Cain commanded.
Miltank, by Cain's side, used Helping Hand on Honchkrow, who, following Cain's orders, continued assaulting Pinsir with a barrage of wing attacks.
"Pinsir! Damn it! Butterfree, Beedrill, Scyther! Quickly, go help it!" Vexor shouted desperately.
But none of those Pokémon could break free, as Cain's team, seeing Honchkrow's evolution, was in a state of euphoria, keeping their opponents occupied.
"Damn it! Pinsir, take two more!" Vexor, seeing his Pokémon unable to assist, cursed and pulled out two more pills to give to Pinsir.
But this time, Cain wouldn't allow it.
"Finish it, Honchkrow!"
Honchkrow's fierce wing attacks didn't let up.
With a final strike, Vexor's Pinsir was defeated, becoming the first Pokémon Cain had eliminated.
"Graah!" Honchkrow cried triumphantly, activating its Moxie ability once more.