Chapter 0636: Evolution in the Blizzard! Pupitar（Three-in-One）

Wulfric, the Ice-type Gym Leader from Pokémon XY, was a tough yet warm-hearted old man - Kalos's eighth and strongest Gym Leader.

Wulfric specialized in hail strategies, with his Abomasnow serving as the core of his "hail team." Mastering Mega Evolution, his Mega Abomasnow became the absolute centerpiece of this strategy.

During Ash's journey through Kalos, he struggled immensely against Wulfric. Not only did Greninja lose to Abomasnow, but Ash himself nearly fell into despair.

This bear-like Ice-type Leader's strength spoke for itself.

However, when discussing challenging Natsume-sensei, trainers unanimously agreed:

Wulfric might be strong.

But Natsume-sensei had even disrupted Elite Four matches - what was Battle Castle to him?

Larvitar's sweep against the Rock-type Leader on day one already showcased the terror of the "Baby Cup Slayer."

Now, the announcement of "Wulfric vs. Natsume-sensei" sparked heated discussions:

"Bringing a rookie to farm EXP... Classic Natsume-sensei move!"

"Question: Does Larvitar's diet include ice cubes?"

"Hail? More like shaved ice!"

Of course, with level advantage, Wulfric might defeat at least one of Natsume's Pokémon.

As the renowned hail master, the real excitement lay in what strategic duel would unfold between Wulfric and the Natsume.

……

June 28th, Monday.

Day two of ranked matches - Marquis advancement battle.

Battle Castle's red-carpeted stairs welcomed a guest from afar.

"So hot, whew... finally here."

Wulfric strode into the castle hall in short sleeves, his burly arms crossed, with only a thin down jacket draped over his shoulders.

His summer attire drew curious stares.

Unfazed, Wulfric had just flown in from subzero Snowbelle City and hadn't changed yet.

"Thank you, Turner!"

Handing his jacket to the butler, Wulfric's white mustache twitched as his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm:

"Who's my opponent today?"

The butler bowed. "Marquis Wulfric, you'll be facing Marquis Natsume... You may know of him."

Wulfric pondered, his expression growing solemn:

"The trainer who swept Elite Four Lucian with Mega Gengar?"

At the butler's nod, Wulfric added, "He's participating to train his new team members."

"Here to train..."

Wulfric exhaled - this meant he wouldn't face Blastoise or Gengar.

Yet part of him longed to battle this strategy-focused Champion in an exhilarating match.

Known for igniting opponents' fighting spirit, Wulfric's no-holds-barred battles made him a beloved mentor in Snowbelle City.

In Pokémon XY, it was under Wulfric's guidance that Ash mastered Greninja's Bond Phenomenon.

"When does the match begin?"

Wulfric's barrel-like arms flexed, eyes alight:

"This old man can't wait any longer!"

The butler smiled:

"Marquis Natsume is ready. Lord Wulfric, please follow me to the battle arena!"

……

Wulfric held an impressive record at Battle Castle.

Victory in this 2v2 unlimited-move single battle would grant Natsume the Duke title.

The Duke rank carried prestige across Kalos, offering discounts at luxury hotels like the Splendide.

"A Duke needing discounts... that's probably just me," Natsume mused.

Despite his wealth, budgeting remained crucial - someone had to feed his team and Cynthia!

(If finances collapsed completely, he could always let Cynthia support him instead. [Scratch that])

Cool breezes rippled the moat's surface, carrying Floette's fragrance.

Viola and Grant arrived early for prime seating, with Korrina joining shortly after.

"Still time before the match."

Grant eyed the castle walls, cracking his knuckles eagerly.

Viola's DSLR clicked, capturing the black-haired young man's regal attire.

"Natsume-sensei looks dashing in formal robes!"

"Ooh~"

Korrina's eyes sparkled as her blonde ponytail swayed, pumping her fist:

"Go Master!!"

Bang! Bang!

Ceremonial cannons fired.

Wulfric draped himself in a voluminous red and gold robe, crossing his burly arms as he gave Natsume a slight nod.

"Ah, Natsume-sensei. Hello."

"You flatter me. Just call me Natsume, Mr. Wulfric," Natsume replied.

Wulfric was surprised by the young Champion's humility. After all, legends like Lance and Blue Oak had been unruly in their youth.

The white-haired old man's eyes gleamed with appreciation as he spoke in a measured tone:

"I've studied your strategic breakdowns on hail teams... Frankly, even I learned a thing or two."

Wulfric continued, "One point of yours resonated deeply with me—"

"The soul of a snow team lies in freezing," Wulfric declared. "Ice is both unyielding and fragile. Mastering its use has been my life's pursuit."

Natsume had heard similar words from Pryce before and smiled. "Have you found your answer?"

A faint grin touched Wulfric's resolute face.

"Of course. Only a heart that burns can truly command ice's might... Just an old man's humble observation."

Natsume felt a stir of admiration.

What a stark contrast to Pryce's philosophy as an Ice-type Leader.

Yet perhaps, as Wulfric said, the finest Ice-type Trainers carried souls ablaze—

Those who believed in glacial sharpness, in the beauty of frozen blizzards... in the perfection of Sheer Cold.

Butler declared: "Trainers, release your Pokémon!"

With a powerful motion, Wulfric tore off his cape and hurled his Poké Ball with a booming voice:

"Avalugg, go!!"

Natsume thought to himself: This must be the true appeal of Ice-types.

"Let's go," Natsume said simultaneously:

"Rotom, activate Frost Rotom Mode!"

By utilizing Rotom-Fridge's Ice-type resistance to set up dual barriers before cycling out with Volt Switch - this was Natsume-sensei's fundamental battle strategy.

"Gengar~!" Gengar pulled a mini fridge from its pocket, flashing a sharp-toothed grin as it patted the appliance, urging Rotom to hurry inside.

Rotom Pokédex: "Beep...System Overload, Rotom! o(╥﹏╥)o"

Though protesting, little Rotom obediently flew out of the Pokédex and dove into the fridge. A brilliant surge of electricity flashed as the appliance's eyes lit up - Frost Rotom was now battle-ready.

"Gengar!" Gengar deftly caught the falling Pokédex and, with practiced ease, aimed it directly at Wulfric's Avalugg.

Avalugg, its body carved from glacial ice, crushes obstacles beneath its tank-like bulk.

The cracks in its body widen from daytime activity, but heal completely overnight.

Hearing the Pokédex's emotionless narration, Natsume paused.

Avalugg's cracks heal completely in one night—

I have a bold idea, but I'm not sure if it's legal...

"So that's Mr. Wulfric's Avalugg?"

Korrina rubbed her arms, saying: "I can already feel the chill..."

Grant frowned: "Given Mr. Wulfric's battle style, it's going to get much colder."

On the battlefield.

Avalugg crouched low, bearing glacier-like armor on its back, its pillar-like legs supporting its mass as amber eyes locked onto Rotom-Frost Form.

Officially designated "Frost Rotom," the appliance extended wings composed of electrically charged plasma, hovering solemnly in the air:

"Rotom—!"

Gotta create openings for the team!

The battle commenced.

Avalugg's glacial body refracted sunlight as it gathered an intensely cold, ice-blue energy in its maw.

Wulfric commanded: "Avalugg, Ice Beam the field - freeze it solid!"

Boom!!

The ice-blue beams shot forth, splitting into four or five rays that scattered across the arena. The battlefield visibly froze at rapid speed, transforming from standard terrain into a gleaming ice rink. Waves of chill instantly dispelled the summer heat!

Spectators marveled at this precise control of Ice Beam.

"Classic Old Man Wulfric's strategy," Viola remarked.

Grant nodded: "Avalugg's bulk makes it slow, but on ice, it can slide to build momentum for devastating charges or evasive maneuvers."

Crack! Crack!

The freezing continued, the ice surface glittering as Avalugg retracted its pillar-like legs, sliding forward like an oncoming tank to crush Frost Rotom!

"Beep...Reflect deploying, Rotom!"

Frost Rotom flapped its plasma-charged wings, faint energy spreading across the field before solidifying into a translucent Reflect barrier.

The barrier slowed Avalugg's charge, giving Frost Rotom ample time to hover aside. Wulfric shouted:

"Now, Avalugg - Double-Edge!!"

"Avalugg!!"

Avalugg's eyes flashed crimson as it kicked up an icy mist with its sudden stop, then leaped toward Frost Rotom wreathed in devastating white energy!

The powerful charge, combined with Avalugg's mountainous bulk, created the terrifying impression of an avalanche!

"Light Screen," Natsume calmly activated dual barriers before commanding: "Volt Switch!"

"Beep—high-output Light Screen activating!!"

Two barriers materialized on Natsume's side: the impact-dampening film of Reflect, and the beam-weakening mirror wall of Light Screen.

Wulfric's expression stiffened slightly.

He'd expected an aggressive exchange...but opening with defensive measures?

Natsume's strategy was airtight!

Battle Castle fans exchanged glances.

"Starting with dual barriers? Natsume-sensei's playing it too safe!"

Boom!!

Rotom's body erupted in dazzling electricity, clashing with Avalugg's reckless charge and sending up a cloud of icy mist!

Thud!!

As the dust settled, Avalugg landed heavily, its pillar-legs embedding in the ice. Its gleaming glacial surface showed scorch marks from the electric attack as it roared furiously:

"Avalugg!!!"

Rotom transformed into red light during Volt Switch, returning to its Poké Ball as a Dusk Ball automatically opened, releasing another beam that materialized into...

A gray-green Larvitar, its blunt horn prominent as it glared sharply at its opponent.

"Larvitar!"

No sooner had it appeared than Larvitar's confident pose faltered, its expression shifting to panic as it scrambled to keep its footing on the slippery ice.

"Larvitar!"

From the spectator stands, Viola rested her chin on her hand and remarked:

"When it comes to ice-field battles, Mr. Wulfric holds an overwhelming advantage."

Korrina nodded slightly, her expression serious as she quietly cheered for Larvitar.

Wulfric, of course, wouldn’t let this opportunity slip. His voice rang out cold and clear:

"Avalugg, Ice Fang!"

Crack!

Avalugg's fangs glowed with a chilling light as it surged across the ice toward the off-balance Larvitar, its icicle-like teeth poised to bite down hard!

Boom!!

Ice crystals exploded, sending shards flying in all directions.

Larvitar was sent tumbling backward, crashing into the ice and leaving deep indentations before finally skidding to a stop with two heavy thuds.

Grant frowned. "A juvenile pseudo-legendary facing off against Avalugg... It's too much of a disadvantage, isn't it?"

"Wait..." Korrina muttered, rubbing her chin. "With Reflect up, Ice Fang shouldn’t have dealt that much damage!"

Suddenly, the truth dawned on her.

"He’s baiting Mr. Wulfric—hiding a Weakness Policy, isn’t he?"

Given her master’s tactical genius, it was entirely possible!

And indeed, that was exactly the case.

Moments earlier, Natsume had issued a silent command through The Power of One:

'When you get knocked back... make it look convincing!'

Larvitar, a natural actor, had not only smashed two craters into the ice but also sneakily taken a bite out of the frozen surface. "Larvitar..."

At the same time, the energy film attached to the armor on Larvitar’s back shattered, unleashing a surge of power that flooded into its small body.

Larvitar planted its feet firmly on the ice, its eyes blazing as its aura skyrocketed, letting out a piercing, defiant cry:

"Larvitar!!"

BOOM!!

A barrage of Rock Slide materialized above Avalugg, crashing down like meteors and burying the glacial beast under an avalanche of stone!

Wulfric crossed his arms, momentarily stunned—before breaking into an impressed grin.

Ice-types and Rock-types shared many weaknesses, but their offensive potential was equally unmatched.

Natsume had turned Larvitar’s vulnerability into a brutally aggressive strategy.

"With Larvitar’s weaknesses..." Wulfric mused aloud, "Triggering Weakness Policy is almost guaranteed..."

The opening dual barriers had all been preparation for this moment—Larvitar’s explosive counterattack!

But Avalugg’s defenses were nothing to scoff at. A single Rock Slide wasn’t enough to take it down.

"Larvitar! (▼へ▼メ)"

Larvitar's battle-hungry gaze moved Wulfric deeply.

Crossing his muscular arms, Wulfric felt his blood boiling with excitement. A steady smile spread across his face as he declared:

"Very well! Let this become a blizzard that burns with passion!"

Recalling Avalugg, Wulfric threw his next Poké Ball with all his might, surprising the spectators.

"Abomasnow!!!"

The massive Abomasnow stood like an evergreen pine on the ice field, raising its thick arms as its bushy eyebrows lifted in a mighty roar.

Frost Breath spilled from Abomasnow's mouth, spreading across the arena and forming thick snowfall. Ice crystals rapidly formed as the howling winds of a blizzard began to sound!

Patter! Patter!

Large hailstones started falling.

Abomasnow's Ability - Snow Warning!

The audience instinctively pulled their clothes tighter.

Now they understood why Mr. Wulfric wore a down jacket even in summer!

Unfazed by the cold, Wulfric glanced at Natsume, who remained perfectly composed, increasing his admiration.

Using "Aura of Ripple" to regulate his body temperature, Natsume focused on Larvitar, now lost in the heavy snow.

No commands from its Trainer... No recognition... No support... Just the stinging pain of falling hail...

Through "The Power of One," Natsume sensed Larvitar's complex emotions.

Suddenly, he felt a shift in Larvitar's aura.

As if making a firm decision, Larvitar clenched its tiny fists and shrieked:

"Larvitar!!"

Facing the titanic Abomasnow that towered like a glacier, Larvitar plunged headfirst into the blizzard, charging toward its opponent!

The slippery ice made approach difficult, but Larvitar's body began glowing with the purple-red energy of Dragon Dance. Its sharp claws dug into the ice, sending shards flying with each determined step.

"Excellent timing!"

Wulfric roared: "Abomasnow, use Wood Hammer!!"

"Abomasnow!!"

Amid the howling winds, Abomasnow raised its right arm high, emerald energy surging into its fist before swinging down with devastating force!

"Hold, Larvitar—!"

The Wood Hammer came crashing down, but Larvitar instinctively trusted its Trainer's command, screeching to a halt.

"Stone Edge!" Natsume commanded sharply.

BOOM!!

Abomasnow's fist smashed into the ice before Larvitar, sending a tidal wave of ice shards and snow crashing toward the small Larvitar an avalanche.

"Larvitar!!"

Baring its fangs, Larvitar gathered brilliant white energy in its right claw and slashed through the air!

CRACK!!

The ground split apart as jagged stone pillars erupted, slicing the avalanche in two. The Stone Edge attack shot straight toward Abomasnow, shaking the entire castle!

BOOM!!

Abomasnow crossed its arms, weathering the storm of sharp rocks as debris scattered into the blizzard.

Then, raising its head, it prepared to unleash a dazzling baby-blue Frost Breath!

No one expected Larvitar to dodge the lethal Wood Hammer.

Wulfric too was invigorated by this counterattack.

If this was their fighting spirit, he'd respond with even greater intensity!

Clenching his fist, Wulfric bellowed:

"Abomasnow, Blizzard!!"

The winds howled. Hail whipped violently.

A whiteout engulfed the battlefield as the blizzard's fury tore through the Light Screen, swallowing Larvitar whole!

The audience held their breath, stunned by the sheer power.

As the storm subsided...

There, in the center of the arena, stood Larvitar—encased in ice, its small face frozen in determination.

"Frozen by Blizzard's secondary effect," Grant observed thoughtfully.

Korrina whispered, "Larvitar did its best..."

Wulfric studied the ice-encased Larvitar.

"Freezing... Unlike sleep, there's no easy way to counter it." His voice grew solemn. "This is the true strength of hail and ice."

Natsume remained silent for a moment, then raised his eyes, sensing Larvitar's will emanating from within the ice.

"La...rvitar..."

I won't give up...

I'll keep fighting. Keep getting stronger.

Then, together with everyone, help my Trainer become World Champion!

"Larvitar!! (▼へ▼メ)"

I WILL keep fighting!!

"...Larvitar."

Natsume chuckled softly. "Perhaps it's time for a new name."

As ice flakes began shaking loose, Wulfric's pupils contracted slightly.

To maintain such fighting spirit even in this situation...?

His gaze shifted to Natsume, and he understood this Champion's resolve more deeply.

Wulfric crossed his burly arms, his expression steady. "But young man, willpower alone can't break through freezing!"

"The ways to counter freezing—"

Natsume said calmly:

"Besides moves like Burn Up or Hydration, there are a few Abilities."

Wulfric jolted in realization. "Abilities...?"

"Abilities that cure freezing include 'Natural Cure' when switching out, 'Hydration' during rain..."

Natsume continued, "And Pupitar's Shed Skin."

[Shed Skin: By shedding its outer layer, Pokémon with this Ability can heal status conditions during battle!]

Crack! Crack!

The ice continued breaking apart as four or five beams of white light erupted from the frozen statue. Brilliant evolution light filled the castle.

The spectators gasped.

"What?"

"Larvitar's evolving? Now?!"

"Was this part of Natsume-sensei's plan too?!"

Evolution wasn't a Trainer's strategy—it was the Pokémon's will, and the result of their mutual bond.

The dazzling light of evolution illuminated the battlefield.

Natsume felt a pang of nostalgia, his eyes growing sharper as his black hair fluttered in the wind.

Sometimes, Trainers must answer their Pokémon's expectations.

In that case—they'd respond to this blizzard with an even fiercer sandstorm!

CRACK—

The remaining ice shattered completely as the blizzard continued howling.

Wulfric crossed his arms, his gaze flickering.

The bond between Trainer and Pokémon... This was how it manifested in battle.

His blood boiling with excitement, Wulfric grabbed the pendant around his neck, breaking into a wide, fiery grin.

"To shatter that ice so magnificently... Abomasnow and I will respond with even greater conviction!"

"An even fiercer Blizzard—"

Raising his Key Stone high, Wulfric bellowed as rainbow light surged through the arena:

"Abomasnow, Mega Evolve!!"

A powerful shockwave blasted across the field, shaking everyone to their core.

"Using Mega Abomasnow against Larvitar?!"

"With dual barriers and Weakness Policy, this is no ordinary pseudo-legendary anymore!"

"No—this is Pupitar now!"

As the rainbow light filled the arena...

The evolution glow gradually faded.

Natsume looked at Pupitar.

Amid the whiteout blizzard, the cocoon-like little one stood firm on the battlefield.

Covered in blue-gray armor, its body now resembled a masked shell. Crimson light glowed from the circular holes in Pupitar's armored face.

Pupitar turned its masked gaze toward Natsume and nodded firmly:

" Pupitar!"

A faint smile appeared on Natsume's face.

Larvitar... no, Pupitar.

"Let's create a sandstorm to match this blizzard, Pupitar!"

Natsume raised his hand skyward, then clenched it sharply as he commanded:

"Pupitar, Sandstorm!!!"