"So that's how it is. I never imagined this power plant would have a special magnetic field capable of helping Pokémon evolve!"
Sieg finally understood why his opponent had declared him dead the moment he set foot inside.
This kind of special magnetic field was incredibly precious.
It could help certain Pokémon undergo evolution, and most Pokémon that typically required a Thunder Stone could also evolve within such a field.
For instance, Magneton evolving into Magnezone, or Nosepass evolving into Probopass.
Beyond that, the magnetic field contained an extraordinarily rich concentration of Electric-type energy. Training Pokémon here would yield twice the results with half the effort, essentially a leveling cheat code for Electric-type Pokémon.
If reported to the League, such a special magnetic field would definitely earn a generous reward and compensation. It was the kind of discovery that could truly change a common trainer's fate overnight!
In truth, when Kikuta had first detected signs of someone's presence, she had considered sharing this special magnetic field. But when she saw it was Sieg, the kid who had defeated her just yesterday, murderous intent flickered through her heart.
This was her instinctive hatred toward League-affiliated trainers.
Her hatred for League trainers had driven her to avenge her beloved Pokémon. After completing her transformation, she had fled to distant lands and became a prestigious Gym Apprentice.
Yet it was also this same hatred that led to her downfall. One wrong step had sealed her fate, and she would ultimately lose her life in the very place that had helped her rise.
"No wonder... This Magnezone most likely evolved here as well."
If Sieg's guess was correct, the special magnetic field should be on the third floor of this power plant.
Glancing at Kikuta, who had already suffered enough torment, Sieg mercifully granted her a swift end. His dagger flashed coldly, and a thin line of blood appeared across her throat.
The Gym Apprentice who had ambushed him and exchanged blows with him multiple times throughout the power plant was now officially dead.
Sieg surveyed the devastated battlefield, and the tension in his heart suddenly eased.
"That was a close call, but at least I gained something. Welcome to the team, Honchkrow!"
Honchkrow flapped its wings and flew back to Sieg's side, slowly landing on his shoulder. He immediately felt his shoulder sink, the current Honchkrow was nothing like Murkrow. Both its weight and size had grown considerably.
Sieg's shoulder wouldn't be able to support it for long periods anymore. He shook his head with a smile. "Honchkrow, you used to stand on my shoulder to see the world. From now on, I'll be sitting on your back, soaring through the skies."
"Caw caw..."
With a cheerful cry, Honchkrow, a Pokémon typically known for its cruelty and cunning, showed a rare smile.
Once the battlefield was cleaned up, Sieg finally had time to observe his newly evolved Honchkrow.
A normal Honchkrow stood about 90 centimeters tall, but Sieg's was a full 150 centimeters.
Even more impressive were its exceptionally developed wings. When spread, they made it appear even more massive, even larger than Fearow, his previous flying mount.
A typical Honchkrow could barely carry a person and struggled to fly high or far, but this one? Forget carrying one person, it could probably handle two or three without issue.
Honchkrow hadn't just changed in size; its appearance had transformed dramatically as well. Unlike Murkrow's entirely black plumage, Honchkrow's body remained predominantly black, but its face and chest now sported pristine white feathers.
The ink-black fur interwoven with pure white didn't look mismatched at all, instead, it possessed a unique beauty.
Additionally, there were red feathers on the inner parts of its wings and a tuft of red down at its tail, reminiscent of blood-red stains.
Without losing its aesthetic appeal, it carried a hint of terror.
Of course, the most eye-catching feature was undoubtedly the gentleman's hat formed by feathers atop its head. Its sharp eyes narrowed slightly, like a hawk ready to strike, coiled and waiting.
Furthermore, its orange talons had transformed to black, appearing even more powerful. Sieg had no doubt that a single swipe could crush a person's skull.
Sieg eagerly retrieved his Pokédex from his Spatial Ring and placed Honchkrow's minimized Poké Ball against its back.
Beep beep beep~~~
"Honchkrow, the Big Boss Pokémon. The evolved form of Murkrow. It becomes active at nightfall and is known for leading large flocks of Murkrow."
"Level: 34. Gender: Male. Type: Dark/Flying. Ability: Moxie. Height: 1.5 meters, exceeding the average of 0.9 meters. Weight: 40 kilograms, exceeding the average of 27.9 kilograms.
Note: Exceptional potential. Outstanding energy manipulation, physical constitution, and move comprehension. This Pokémon has the makings of an Elite-level battler!"
"Known Moves: Peck, Wing Attack, Haze, Pursuit, Astonish, Sucker Punch, Gust, Night Shade, Assurance, Taunt, Foul Play, Snatch, Night Slash, Swagger, Nasty Plot, Protect, Tailwind, Double Team, Steel Wing, Hidden Power.
Egg Moves: Drill Peck, Foul Play, Roost, Brave Bird."
After hearing the Pokédex's report and seeing all the displayed data, Sieg felt utterly satisfied.
"The high-grade Dusk Stone certainly lives up to its reputation. It really does enhance a Pokémon's potential. Honchkrow has now completed a perfect transformation, inside and out!"
"As it stands, Honchkrow should have the highest potential among all my Pokémon!"
Sieg released Honchkrow again. Sensing the wisps of Dark-type energy overflowing from its body, he immediately understood that the evolution energy hadn't been fully consumed yet.
For a short while, its level would likely increase rapidly as the residual energy from the Dusk Stone was gradually absorbed.
The only regret was that Prankster, that godlike ability, had disappeared. While Moxie was certainly excellent, if Sieg had to choose, he would definitely pick Prankster.
After all, one was undoubtedly among the top-ranked abilities, while the other could only barely crack the top thirty. Being in the top thirty out of over two hundred abilities was still impressive, but it simply couldn't compare to Prankster.
(Note: The two hundred-plus abilities exclude Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, as well as abilities from Pokémon introduced in Sun and Moon onward.)
This was evident from the annual best ability polls conducted on the Pokémon League website.
"Still, Moxie is pretty great too. An overconfident Honchkrow that grows stronger with every victory!"
Sieg stroked Honchkrow's ink-black feathers, a slight smile playing at the corner of his lips.
He set up a simple camp in the power plant's main hall. After releasing all his Pokémon, he treated their injuries and helped restore their stamina one by one.
The special magnetic field on the third floor wasn't going anywhere. There was no rush to explore it.
Who knew whether that cunning Kikuta had set up traps up there?
He needed to ensure both his Pokémon and himself were in perfect condition before heading to the third floor. Years of cautious habits made him act this way instinctively.
"Good thing I prepared plenty of healing supplies."
Sieg first fed each of his battle-worn Pokémon a small vial of recovery potion. This medicine, made primarily from the hearts of Grass-type Pokémon, had exceptional healing properties.
At the Breeder's Guild, these potions were always in high demand and short supply. Many trainers would specifically visit the Breeder's Guild in each city to purchase them.
Sieg obviously didn't need to humble himself to buy them, he could produce them himself.
"Thank you for your hard work~"
Looking at the Pokémon who had stood by him through life-or-death situations, a wave of emotion welled up in his heart.
"Crawdaunt!"
"Sharpedo!"
"Caw caw..."
"Umbreon~"
"Sandileeee!"