The powerful Aqua Tail move executed by Marshtomp resembled an immense wave crashing against a rock, and Onix was that rock trying to withstand the impact.
The difference was that, although real waves could not destroy a rock, Marshtomp’s Aqua Tail managed to push Onix back.
Despite its enormous size and weight, Onix was lifted several inches off the ground by Marshtomp’s full-powered attack. And it wasn’t just a part of its body, like its head or tail, but its entire body that rose slightly before falling back down.
For the first time since its birth, Onix experienced what it was like to fly, even if just at a low height.
But at least, it had flown.
The colossal body of Onix fell heavily among a group of rocks. Water-type moves were too effective against it, leaving it unable to continue battling.
Meanwhile, Marshtomp, exhilarated, jumped out from the rocks.
It was the first time it had felt so much strength in its body, an overwhelming energy that seemed inexhaustible even after unleashing its full potential with Aqua Tail.
Cain approached Marshtomp. At that moment, Marshtomp’s parameters were beginning to reach their limits.
As expected, a torrent of water began to surround Marshtomp’s body. Water-type energy flooded every corner of its being, to the point that it struggled to control so much energy, and it started to overflow.
Cain took out a test tube with a light blue liquid from his storage space.
Inside the tube was the quality-enhancing potion that Cain had crafted for Marshtomp, a product that had cost him much time and money to collect materials for its creation.
This was the second time Marshtomp was using one of these potions, so it knew exactly what to do.
It took the tube from Cain’s hands and drank it in one gulp.
A white evolutionary light began to surround it. It intertwined with the water-type energy emanating from Marshtomp, enveloping it completely.
Nearby Pokémon gathered, watching intently. Everyone knew what was happening: Marshtomp was evolving again, and this time it would be its final regular evolution. They all wondered how powerful it would become after completing this transformation.
The white glow began to expand, revealing Marshtomp’s silhouette, which was also growing.
Marshtomp, which had started walking upright, now placed its hands on the ground again. However, this didn’t mean it couldn’t walk on two legs—its arms had simply become stronger and more robust, allowing it to move faster by supporting itself on them.
Its hind legs also became more muscular and larger, clearly designed to provide tremendous power, especially for ground-type moves.
The fins on its head split into two, improving its ability to maneuver and control direction, while the fin on its tail fused into a single larger structure.
With a thunderous roar, Marshtomp—no, Swampert—emerged from the white light. The water-type energy still surrounding it transformed into small water snakes, which were then reabsorbed into its body.
The evolved form of Marshtomp, and the final stage of Hoenn’s water-type starter Pokémon.
Swampert was a key pillar in Cain’s team, especially in his rain-focused team strategy. Moreover, it had become the second water-type Pokémon in his team to complete its final evolution.
Swampert, full of excitement after its evolution, struck the ground with a powerful fist, causing the surrounding rocks to crack before completely crumbling.
Swampert’s strength after evolution was astonishing.
Drapion, who had been watching from the side, showed a special gleam in its eyes.
"I think our demolition team just gained another powerful member," Drapion thought excitedly. It felt like it had found a companion with whom to share interests and skills.
Swampert, unaware of Drapion’s plans, continued celebrating its newfound strength.
Cain also showed a satisfied smile. Not only had he noticed Swampert’s immense power, but he also realized that it had instinctively used the move Hammer Arm.
Cain activated his system to analyze Swampert’s data after its evolution.
Pokémon: Swampert (Dark Blue)
Egg Moves: Ancient Power, Bite, Ice Ball, Refresh
Basic Moves: Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Mud-Slap, Foresight, Mud Shot, Bide, Mud Bomb, Rock Slide, Hammer Arm
Learned Moves: Water Pulse, Aqua Tail, Icy Wind, Earth Power
TM Moves: Protect, Earthquake, Scald
Upon evolving, Swampert not only learned the fighting-type move Hammer Arm, but also Earth Power, a powerful ground-type move.
Additionally, as Cain had expected, Swampert’s quality reached a new level, displaying a dark blue hue that pushed the limits of its potential.
However, just as Swampert seemed to be at the peak of its energy, its fists began to weaken, and it nearly collapsed to the ground. If Drapion hadn’t caught it, it would have fallen, which would have been quite amusing.
The quality-enhancing potion still had side effects, and they seemed more severe due to the superior quality of this second dose.
Cain, using his system, had already devised a method to help his Pokémon recover more quickly from these episodes of weakness.
"Swampert, rest well. Once you recover, it will be your time to shine in battle," Cain said with a smile.
Swampert, now measuring approximately 1.8 meters (taller than the average for its species), obediently nodded before returning to its Poké Ball.
Before leaving, Cain turned to Florges and said, "Florges, use Grassy Terrain once on Onix. After all, it played a big role in Swampert’s evolution. Who knows, maybe it’ll also help when Poliwhirl needs to evolve. Better to maintain a good relationship."
Florges nodded and created a lush green field under Onix to help it recover.
If Onix had understood Cain’s words, it would have surely cried in frustration and fled. This human was terrifying.