After evolving, Marowak's body had grown significantly, reaching an impressive height of 1.5 meters. Its belly was light brown, contrasting with the dark brown that dominated most of its body.
Marowak now had a spike on its tail, with a small claw on each hand serving as its thumb, and two toenails functioning as its toes. Its head had completely fused with the skull it once wore, becoming an integral part of its body.
Marowak's jaw was also covered by bone, with its nostrils located at the nose area of the skull, and its eyes had taken on a triangular shape.
Not only had its body transformed, but even its bone club weapon had been upgraded, becoming thicker and more lethal than before.
"You've finally become stronger, Marowak..." Red said with profound relief.
Marowak's evolution wasn't just about meeting the strength requirements—more importantly, it had completely emerged from the psychological shadow of its mother's death, fully saying goodbye to its weak and helpless past and transforming into a new life.
Ding! Successfully added Battle Armor ability to Marowak!
Pokémon: Marowak
Type: Ground
First Ability: Rock Head
Second Ability: Battle Armor (Cannot be hit by critical hits, even from moves that are guaranteed to land critical hits.)
Known Moves: Headbutt, Bone Club, Bone Rush, Focus Energy, Bonemerang, Take Down, Brick Break, Stomp, Iron Head...
Personality: Rough and battle-loving, harbors deep hatred for Team Rocket for killing its mother.
Biography: Witnessed its mother being killed by Team Rocket while protecting its weak self, causing it to close its heart and refuse to face reality. After personally defeating the murderer of its mother, it gradually emerged from its psychological shadow. Having said goodbye to its weak and helpless past, it strives to become Red's fierce warrior. The bone club in its hand is its proud weapon.
"It actually evolved!" the Hiker exclaimed, then threw another Poké Ball. "But the next opponent won't be one your Marowak can easily defeat!"
As the white light faded, Graveler appeared with its rocky appearance and four arms.
However, the embarrassing reality was that the Hiker's Graveler stood only at the average height of 1.0 meters—half the height of Red's Marowak. When Marowak looked down at Graveler, it had to specifically lower its head to see the Rock-type's entire body.
'So short...' Marowak thought with mild amusement.
"How is this possible?! This Marowak's development is way too abnormal!" the Hiker said in disbelief, rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things.
The Hiker knew that ordinary Marowak and Graveler were typically the same height, and he had subconsciously expected his Graveler to match Marowak's size, never expecting his Pokémon to look so diminutive in comparison.
"Graveler, use Stone Edge!" the Hiker commanded.
Sharp stone blades materialized around Graveler, then, under its control, swiftly flew toward Marowak.
"Bone Rush!"
Marowak swung its thick bone club with devastating efficiency, easily shattering the incoming stone projectiles, then hurled its weapon using Bonemerang.
The thrown bone club struck Graveler's body with pinpoint accuracy. Marowak then rushed forward and delivered a powerful Brick Break.
Marowak's hand blade, glowing with white energy, connected solidly with Graveler's rocky hide. The pain drove Graveler to retaliate quickly, using Rollout to push Marowak away.
The pushed-back Marowak didn't get discouraged and used Stomp, forcefully pounding the ground to reduce Graveler's rolling speed while bracing with both hands to withstand the impact.
"Oh no, Graveler, dodge quickly!" the Hiker realized something was wrong and hurriedly commanded his Pokémon to evade.
But it was too late. The bone club thrown by Marowak returned like a guided missile, striking Graveler's body from behind. Taking this additional damage, Graveler revealed a critical opening and was knocked to the ground by Marowak's devastating Iron Head attack.
"I lost..." the Hiker said dejectedly, taking out his Poké Ball to recall the defeated Graveler.
The disheartened Hiker chose to turn and leave the scene without another word.
"Well done, Marowak! I'm proud of your current strength," Red said warmly, walking forward and smiling as he petted Marowak's head. Although it had become rough due to fusing with the skull, this didn't affect Red's affection for his partner.
Marowak happily squinted its eyes, enjoying Red's touch, joyfully hugging him and continuously nuzzling his cheek.
Meanwhile, Ash was engaged in his own battle with a different Hiker.
"Go, Rhydon!"
"I choose you, Bulbasaur!"
Both trainers sent out their Pokémon simultaneously.
"Rhydon, use Take Down!"
Rhydon took heavy, thunderous steps, charging toward Bulbasaur with such force that the ground shook from its massive weight.
Ash was about to command Bulbasaur to use Leech Seed to control Rhydon's movement, but the Rock-type's speed exceeded his expectations, directly slamming into Bulbasaur and sending it tumbling.
"Come back, Bulbasaur!" Seeing his Pokémon seriously injured, Ash worriedly took out his Poké Ball to recall it, but the stubborn Bulbasaur refused, dodging the recall beam.
"What are you doing? Come back quickly!" Ash said anxiously.
"I think Bulbasaur won't come back until it wins," Brock explained knowingly.
"Not listening to its trainer—your education isn't sufficient," the Hiker taunted, then commanded Rhydon to use Take Down again.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu cheered from the sidelines.
"You can't lose! Use Razor Leaf!" Ash encouraged with renewed determination.
With doubled fighting spirit, Bulbasaur leaped up and unleashed Razor Leaf. The sharp leaves struck Rhydon's body, successfully blocking the charging attack.
"Bulba! Bulba!"
Bulbasaur followed up with Vine Whip, using two powerful vines to strike Rhydon's body, spinning the massive Pokémon like a top in a rather comical display.
Finally, the dizzy Rhydon collapsed to the ground, unable to continue battling.
"I won!" Ash said excitedly, pumping his fist in triumph.
"I give up, kid. You're amazing!" the Hiker praised with genuine respect.
"Not really, your Rhydon was also very strong," Ash replied honestly, showing his characteristic humility.
"But Ash, your Bulbasaur also has a very competitive personality," Brock observed.
"Yes, all of Ash's Pokémon are very spirited," Misty praised, holding the newly hatched Togepi in her arms.
During their travels after parting with Red, Ash's group had also been attacked by Team Rocket, who had aimed to steal Togepi. By fate's design, Togepi had regarded Misty, whom it first saw upon hatching, as its mother and had grown very close to her.
"Good job, Bulbasaur!" Ash turned to congratulate his partner, but found that Bulbasaur was sweating profusely and trembling all over, as if resisting some internal force. The bulb-like seed on its back was also occasionally glowing, indicating that Bulbasaur was about to undergo evolution.
"Don't worry, Ash. This is a sign that Bulbasaur is about to evolve!"
Hearing this familiar voice, Ash excitedly turned to see Red approaching through the trees.
"Big Brother, how did you appear here too?!"
"I just happened to be passing by," Red explained slowly, his gaze shifting to a new Poké Ball on his belt and the Key Stone gleaming in his palm. "There are rumors of a mysterious place called the 'Mysterious Garden' around here, and I happen to be interested in that."
'The lord of the Mysterious Garden—Venusaur,' Red thought to himself, anticipation building. 'I'm very much looking forward to your performance!'
[Chapter Complete]
***
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