The crimson cocoon that Larvesta had transformed into grew ever more radiant, its light blazing like a miniature sun suspended in the air, dyeing the entire volcanic crater in a deep red glow.
As energy continued to pour into it, the cocoon slowly broke free from the constraints of the ground and began to rise, floating directly above the crater, suspended over the churning magma below.
"Rumble… rumble…"
The ground beneath their feet suddenly began to tremble violently. Loose stones rattled and bounced as a scorching and oppressive aura spread through the air.
At the edge of the crater, thick plumes of smoke surged upward, while black volcanic ash drifted through the sky, obscuring half of it.
"The volcano… it looks like it is about to awaken. Let us pull back for now."
Professor Birch frowned deeply, his voice carrying a trace of seriousness.
"When we first chose Mt. Pyre, it was precisely because it had been dormant for a long time. It is different from an active volcano like Mt. Chimney.
Originally, we thought that even if we drew on the volcano's energy to assist with evolution, the probability of an actual eruption would be very small… but judging by the current situation, it seems we may really be facing an eruption.
Oak, are you sure your Charizard will be fine? I am still a bit worried…"
"Wait!"
Professor Oak suddenly raised his hand to interrupt him, his gaze fixed firmly on the crimson cocoon above the crater.
"There is no need to retreat, Birch. Larvesta has already begun to evolve.
And do not be so timid. I would never joke about my own safety. Have a little faith in Charizard.
You should know that it often goes to spar with Blaine's Magmar.
Their battles take place inside the volcano on Cinnabar Island. It has experienced volcanic eruptions many times before and knows how to deal with them."
While Professor Oak and Professor Birch were exchanging words, the crimson cocoon hovering above the crater suddenly flared with even greater brilliance. Its size expanded continuously as it rose higher into the air.
The faint outlines of wing membranes on its surface rapidly stretched, split, and took form.
Through the telescope, Theo could already clearly distinguish three complete pairs of wings.
In the next instant, a dazzling burst of red light erupted, instantly overpowering the dark gray smoke and forcing everyone to narrow their eyes.
"Vooool!"
A high pitched yet majestic insect cry echoed across the sky, causing a faint ringing in their ears.
As the red light faded, a massive crimson moth appeared in the air.
Three pairs of orange red wings slowly unfurled, spanning more than three meters in width. Flame like patterns flowed through the veins of its wings.
It was none other than Larvesta's evolved form, Volcarona.
With a single gentle flap of its wings, countless crimson scales drifted down like a shower of stars.
The moment these scales touched the dense smoke rising from the crater, they ignited instantly, turning into a surging sea of flames.
Stimulated by this, the magma deep within the crater became completely agitated. Waves of molten lava surged violently, on the verge of bursting through the surface. A massive eruption was imminent.
"CHAAR!"
Mega Charizard Y immediately raised its head and let out a thunderous roar. The flames on its tail surged wildly, shifting from red to a radiant golden hue.
The fire spread along its tail, wrapping around its entire body before forming a wall of flames that pressed down toward the magma, attempting to suppress the volatile volcanic energy.
At that very moment, the newly emerged Volcarona also keenly sensed the imminent danger of the eruption.
Without the slightest hesitation, its three pairs of massive fiery wings folded inward instantly, forming a crimson blade as it shot straight toward the depths of the crater.
Mega Charizard Y exerted its power to forcibly suppress the turbulent volcanic energy, while Volcarona hovered above the roiling magma and spread its wings once more, flapping them rapidly.
As its wings moved, the horn like red antennae on either side of its face began to glow faintly.
Then, an astonishing scene unfolded.
The volcanic energy that had been forcefully suppressed by Charizard suddenly seemed to find a destination. It surged wildly toward Volcarona, flowing along its red antennae and pouring into its body.
Starting from its tail, Volcarona's body was gradually suffused and illuminated by the crimson energy.
The red patterns spread upward, until its entire form transformed into a blazing sphere of fire.
The rampant volcanic energy was completely absorbed and calmed by Volcarona, and the restless volcano gradually returned to silence at that very moment.
After absorbing all the energy, Volcarona transformed into a streak of crimson light and shot straight into the sky. Within that fiery sphere, its three pairs of flaming wings slowly spread open.
For a brief moment, it appeared as though two suns had risen in the sky, so dazzling that it was impossible to look at directly.
On the ground, Milotic began to show signs of discomfort.
The moisture in the air had nearly been completely evaporated. It had no choice but to activate its Water type moves, forming a ring of flowing water around itself to create a humid environment and maintain its ability to float.
Ice Vulpix quickly retreated to Milotic's side, clutching tightly onto its tail fin. The heat was overwhelming, making it extremely uncomfortable.
Only Fire Vulpix was jumping around excitedly, its body glowing with a faint red light. This hot and dry environment made it feel more comfortable than ever before.
The little one puffed out its cheeks, and a massive fireball easily formed within its mouth. With a gentle blow, the fireball instantly transformed into a powerful Flamethrower like explosion, bursting into brilliant sparks in the air.
Its power was clearly much greater than when it had demonstrated its abilities earlier.
After quite some time, the crimson glow surrounding Volcarona gradually faded, and the temperature in the air slowly began to drop.
Theo, Professor Oak, and Professor Birch wiped the sweat from their foreheads and exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with excitement.
Above the crater, Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Metagross flew together toward Theo and the others.
Theo's gaze settled on the newly born Volcarona, and the system panel instantly appeared clearly before him.
[Pokémon: Volcarona]
Type: Bug / Fire
Category: Sun Pokémon
Ability: Flame Body (Its body radiates intense heat, and any enemy that makes physical contact may be inflicted with a burn.)
Moves: Fire Blast (Mastered), Heat Wave (Mastered), Overheat (Mastered), Morning Sun (Mastered), Bug Buzz (Mastered), Fiery Dance (Expert), Quiver Dance (Proficient), Air Slash (Proficient), Psychic (Beginner), Calm Mind (Beginner), Solar Beam (Beginner)
On the move panel, Larvesta had learned many new techniques upon evolving.
[Fiery Dance: When using this move, flames cover the entire body, and there is a chance to increase its Special Attack.]
Theo held high expectations for this move. Once it was fully mastered, it could function much like Metagross's Meteor Mash, allowing Volcarona to enhance its own power while attacking its opponent.
Moreover, since Fiery Dance itself was a Fire type move, and Larvesta had already mastered many Fire type techniques prior to evolving, the moment it became Volcarona, this newly learned move had immediately reached the level of mastery.
(End of Chapter)