Zhang Heng had already noticed the Mudkip not far behind him; with the help of Mimic, its body was covered in Ground-type energy.
Zhang Heng himself had no experience with Pokémon evolution, so he didn't know if this was a precursor to learning Ground-type moves or the beginning of an imminent evolution.
But what was clear was that at the critical moment, Mudkip mumbled, "I need to buy some time for Mudkip."
Within the dark passage, one could only discern the surroundings through the brief flashes of light from moves. In such battle situations, a Trainer's commands could hardly keep up with the changing dynamics of the battle; they could only devise tactics and leave the rest to the Pokémon's independent judgment.
Just like the battle situation of Frogadier and Toxtricity ahead, it was unknown; only the faint sounds of colliding moves could be heard.
In the darkness, Frogadier, seeing the Toxtricity closing in, immediately abandoned the slow-moving Mud Shot and instead spat out a bowl-sized Water Gun, striking Toxtricity's chest.
Toxtricity, instead of retreating, advanced, enduring the impact of Water Gun, and swung a fist imbued with Fighting-type energy, thrusting it rapidly towards Frogadier's face.
Frogadier's battle instincts were excellent; it ducked to evade the attack, gathered Normal-type energy around its body, and with a flash, directly Tackled Toxtricity.
This was the Normal-type priority move, Quick Attack. Although its power was not great, by utilizing the characteristic of a priority move, it was released quickly, directly evading Toxtricity's attack.
"Cutting Rotom, Electric Net."
Rotom's body emitted an even more brilliant light, and a swift Electric Net pierced into the deeper part of the dark passage ahead.
Cutting Rotom's electric-type move interrupted Toxtricity, which was about to continue its close-quarters combat, and Frogadier also pulled away.
However, the Low-Key Form Toxtricity also found an opportunity to unleash a powerful move, because Frogadier had used Quick Attack, its type had become Normal, and it could no longer directly immune electric-type moves.
Zhu Zi looked at the light erupting from the charging move of the Low-Key Form Toxtricity deep in the passage and anxiously shouted, "Oh no, it's the area-of-effect electric-type move - Overdrive!"
Overdrive, an electric-type special attack move, has 80 power in the game and is an exclusive move of the Toxtricity family. It can also penetrate the opponent's Substitute move, making it a very good area-of-effect attack move.
The Low-Key Form Toxtricity moved first; its neck's electric guitar-like organ hummed, and then an invisible sound wave spread out in a circle from it as the center, with an additional 1.5x boost from its Plus/Minus ability.
Wherever the sound wave reached, the air seemed to be cut by sharp blades, emitting a harsh "zzzz" sound. The gravel in the passage were vibrated into the air, shooting towards Zhang Heng and his companions.
Zhu Zi and Zhang Heng saw the sound wave attack wrapped in electric-type energy. Both of them did not panic; instead, their movements were surprisingly consistent, both reaching for the Poké Balls at their waists. It seemed both of them had different trump cards hidden.
"Gra-gra!"
A still-immature Growl sounded, and a pink figure, like a pink lightning bolt, leaped forward on all fours, landing in front of Zhang Heng and Zhu Zi.
Mudkip's entire body burst with white light, illuminating the passage ahead, and even the electric-type Overdrive move was completely blocked by this intense light.
Within the milky white light, Mudkip's body rapidly transformed. Its hind legs became thicker and stronger, changing from standing on all fours to standing on its hind legs.
As the light subsided, a pink figure steadily resisted the aftershocks of the Overdrive move, its eyes looking somewhat wise...
"It finally evolved, Mud... no! Marshtomp!" Zhang Heng, witnessing an evolution for the first time, was so excited that his words stumbled. This was different from seeing data changes in a game; this was a true biological evolution.
Shiny Marshtomp has pale yellow gills, eyes, and belly. Its body and head are pink, and the fins on its head and back are black and pink.
According to the Pokédex, Marshtomp lives in sticky, muddy ground and buries its body in the mud to Sleep. Over time, it developed strong and sturdy waist and legs, which is why it evolved into a bipedal form.
The energy within the bracelet formed by the water scroll became agitated. Water-type energy surged and gathered, forming the shape of a Psyduck. The yellow duck suddenly stood beside Marshtomp.
Zhu Zi was also slightly stunned; this Psyduck did not appear from a Poké Ball, but rather emerged out of thin air.
Psyduck held its head and looked at Marshtomp. Marshtomp's eyes also gleamed with wisdom. The two Pokémon stared at each other, and the atmosphere was somewhat eerie.
Breaking the silence were the two opposing Toxtricity. This time, it wasn't just one preparing to use Overdrive, but both simultaneously playing the guitar- and bass-like organs on their chests.
"Marshtomp, use Mud Shot!" Zhang Heng ordered loudly.
Marshtomp opened its huge mouth, and powerful Ground-type energy surged in its throat. Instantly, clumps of mud whistled out like cannonballs, directly hitting the two Toxtricity. Where the mud clumps passed, the wind howled, and sand and stones splattered in the passage.
Back on Lake Heart Island, the Swampert mother carried a broken Ground Z-Crystal on her body, laying a solid foundation for her offspring to absorb and control Ground-type energy.
This was specifically reflected in the noticeable difference in the expressive power of Marshtomp's use of Ground-type moves compared to Frogadier's use of Ground-type moves.
The Mud Shot used by Marshtomp shot out like a cannonball, attacking in a straight line, while the move used by Frogadier attacked in a parabolic arc.
"Boom, boom, boom~"
The mud lumps fired by Mud Shot accurately hit the Amped Form Toxtricity.
The 4x super effective damage was immediately apparent. The Amped Form Toxtricity took a direct hit, being knocked back repeatedly by the powerful impact. Its purple skin was covered in mud, and it roared in pain; the Low-Key Form Toxtricity couldn't dodge in time and was grazed by the mud clump, its body swaying.
But both quickly regrouped, with electricity intertwining around their bodies, forming an Electric Net to dispel the dust.
Cutting Rotom seized the opportunity, enveloped itself in flames, and rushed like a fiery streak towards the Amped Form Toxtricity. In an instant, firelight entwined and sparks flew. Toxtricity trembled all over, its purple skin charred from the burning. It let out a miserable wail.
"Marshtomp, don't stop, keep up the pressure!"
Zhang Heng kept his eyes on the battlefield, giving another command. Marshtomp's moves continued relentlessly, mud clumps pouring out even faster and denser. It stood firmly on the ground, using the recoil to strengthen its attacks, battle fire burning in its eyes."
Seeing this, the Low-Key Form Toxtricity prepared to fight to the death, forcefully gathering energy to spew out a viscous Sludge Bomb.
Although Marshtomp's Ground-type attribute could resist Poison-type moves, the opponent was a Gym level 45 battle power Pokémon.
While it could deal considerable damage with a 4x super effective attack, Marshtomp's small body and the level difference meant it definitely couldn't withstand the opponent's attack, so Zhang Heng gave a direct order.
"Marshtomp, Protect."
Marshtomp did not dodge or yield; a green light flashed around its body as it activated Protect, enduring the attack sideways.
The Sludge Bomb exploded, but it remained motionless, instead using the impact to step forward, its aura imposing.
At this moment, Zhu Zi decisively commanded: "Frogadier, use Water Pulse, cooperate with Marshtomp!" Hearing this, Frogadier rapidly moved its hands in front of its chest, like a ninja forming hand signs.
Water-type energy gathered, instantly condensing into a brilliant blue water orb over 50 centimeters in diameter.
The water orb, carrying the sound of whistling wind, smashed into the injured Toxtricity. The moment it hit, the water orb exploded, its impact sending Toxtricity flying. Water waves washed over it, revealing its body covered in wounds. It lay on the ground, gasping for air, its eyes filled with despair...
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