Chapter 0634: The Will to Evolve

"Tyrantrum!!"

Tyrantrum resembled a massive dark-red tyrannosaur, its body covered in orange rock protrusions with gray fur around its neck. Its powerful jaw bristled with sharp fangs, supported by muscular hind legs and comically short forelimbs.

"Tyrantrum evolves from Jaw Fossil-revived Amaura," Viola explained softly. "They were said to rule the land millions of years ago."

Rotom Dex floated beside Natsume, announcing:

"Beep... Tyrantrum's jaw strength can shred steel plates like paper, Rotom!"

"A T-Rex inspired Pokémon then."

Natsume mused, observing Larvitar's sharpened gaze.

Even as a Godzilla (scratch that)... Tyranitar's offspring shouldn't be bullied by some fossil reptile!

"Tyrantrum!!"

Tyrantrum unleashed a terrifying bellow, lifting its monstrous head as it charged forward with earth-shaking steps.

THUD. THUD—

Keeping its tiny arms tucked, Tyrantrum closed the distance rapidly, jaws dripping saliva as it prepared to strike.

"Ice Fang!" Grant commanded.

CRACK!

Tyrantrum's fangs glowed with icy energy, enhanced by Strong Jaw as it snapped toward Larvitar. Trainers held their breath.

"Larvitar, dodge and use Superpower!" Natsume ordered.

The ground trembled as Larvitar pivoted, delivering a devastating punch to Tyrantrum's skull.

BOOM!!

The shockwave from the impact made trainers gasp.

"Larvitar can brawl with Tyrantrum bare-handed when enraged?"

"That punch might cause confusion status!"

Though Superpower lowered attack and defense afterward, the fighting-type move's raw force—taught by Professor Arcanine—could cripple opponents.

"Huskies wrecking houses is one thing,"

Natsume felt delicate,

"but now we've got mini-Godzilla joining the demolition crew."

Tyrantrum's bite veered off course, Ice Fang embedding into earth as frost mist erupted.

BOOM!!

Larvitar locked eyes with Tyrantrum, gaze piercing: "Larvitar!"

Tyrantrum shook its head painfully, rising with even fiercer snarls.

"Tyrantrum!!"

Seeing his Pokémon's rage, Grant's eyes hardened.

If anger fuels its strength... then unleash it fully!

"Tyrantrum!" Grant roared. "Outrage!!"

Tyrantrum's pupils flooded crimson, fangs bared as primal fury radiated from its body. Pivoting, it charged at Larvitar with earth-shaking stomps, its prehistoric roar echoing through the castle!

THUD-THUD-THUD!

The prehistoric ruler's might sent tremors through every trainer's soul.

"Endure it, Larvitar."

Natsume commanded sharply: "Dragon Dance!!"

As Tyrantrum charged, its monstrous head barreling toward Larvitar, the tiny Pokémon raised its claws defiantly.

BOOM!!

Larvitar braced against Tyrantrum's skull, the impact forcing it back several meters, kicking up swirling dust.

To the audience's astonishment,

Larvitar maintained perfect balance. Through the settling debris, its gaze remained razor-sharp.

"Larvitar! (▼へ▼メ)"

Suddenly, crimson energy erupted around Larvitar's body. Channeling this surge of power, its next punch trailed violet-red light, sending Tyrantrum stumbling backward.

"Tyrantrum..." Tyrantrum shook its head, pupils contracting with unexpected fear.

"Earthquake!" Natsume ordered.

"Larvitar!"

Larvitar's fist smashed the ground, unleashing seismic waves like a roaring beast. The castle trembled as tiles shattered, white energy geysers swallowing Tyrantrum whole!

CRUMBLE—

The aftershocks still echoed when stunned murmurs broke out:

"That... was an Earthquake from a Larvitar?"

"Even Rhyperior couldn't do better!"

"I heard Kanto's Leader Blue Oak masters Earthquake techniques... A Ground-type ultimate move!"

"Tyrantrum is unable to battle."

The butler announced: "Victory goes to Count Natsume!"

After a beat, applause erupted across the arena.

Up on the bridge, Viola watched, now utterly convinced that sending her Badge to Natsume-sensei via express delivery had been the right decision.

If Larvitar had unleashed that move during a Gym battle… the consequences would’ve been unthinkable!

Korrina stood frozen, murmuring, "Even a Larvitar… can possess such strength?"

A flicker of doubt crept into her heart—she had been planning to challenge Blastoise next, but now…

Shaking it off, she clenched her fists and whispered, "At the very least… I’ll keep training with Lucario. Then, I’ll defeat Bea!"

Larvitar exhaled sharply, "Larvitar…"

Then, puffing out its chest, the little one struck a triumphant pose and shouted, "Larvitar!"

Click!

Rotom Pokédex’s light flickered, snapping a photo before scanning Larvitar with a blue beam.

"Larvitar?" Larvitar scratched its head in confusion.

Rotom floated back to Natsume’s side and whispered, "Beep… Energy readings indicate Larvitar is nearing evolution, Rotom!"

Natsume blinked, then glanced at the bewildered Larvitar—suddenly, it all made sense.

Between the rich minerals it had consumed and its accumulated battle experience, Larvitar had finally reached the threshold of evolution.

Moreover, Larvitar had already mastered powerful techniques like Earthquake and Stone Edge, so there was no reason to suppress its growth any longer.

When it came to evolution, Natsume always respected a Pokémon’s own wishes.

Some, like Pikachu and Meowth, refused to evolve.

Others, like Chimchar and Greninja, thirsted for greater strength.

Natsume had even prepared an Everstone for Larvitar.

He planned to offer it later, letting the little one decide for itself.

"This feels like that time some idiot handed a Thunder Stone to Pikachu…" Natsume mused with a sigh.

Clap clap clap—

The castle echoed with applause for Natsume and his victorious Larvitar.

Natsume’s noble rank was officially promoted to Marquis, and Grant stepped forward to offer his congratulations.

"Congratulations, Mr. Natsume."

Grant sighed. "It seems I still couldn’t overcome the mountain."

"Mountains are notoriously hard to climb," Natsume replied.

Grant shook his hand firmly. "But attempting the ascent… that’s something I’ll never regret."

Wait, is Larvitar the ‘mountain’ now?

Natsume nodded. "Keep at it. I look forward to a full battle with you someday."

Grant’s smile stiffened. "Haha…"

A full battle… against Natsume-sensei?

I’m not that confident.

Then, realization struck him. His expression twisted.

Wait… does he mean challenging my Gym for a full battle?!

Oh no. That’s… extremely likely!

"I need to find a way to slip him my Badge," Grant thought, a cold sweat forming. "If not today, then tomorrow—or maybe just hand it to one of his Pokémon."

"If I don’t get that Cliff Badge out of my hands, I’ll never sleep soundly again!