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After evolving, Incineroar transformed from walking on all fours to standing on two legs. The muscles in its upper body became especially pronounced. Its thick front limbs grew as long as an ape's arms, with palms as wide as cattail fans. The force of its slap was so powerful that it could knock an opponent unconscious in one hit.
Its face, covered in jet-black fur, featured red manes that extended to the sides. The long pattern on its head became shorter, and the red eyebrows on its forehead connected with the pattern, forming a red king symbol.
A blue scarf was tied around its neck, and its appearance immediately reminded anyone of a domestic cat.
The flame pouch under Incineroar's neck vanished, replaced by an orange-red belt resembling burning flames.
When its fighting spirit heightened, the flames created within Incineroar's body erupted from its navel and surroundings, reaching temperatures over 2000 degrees Celsius. This flame, resembling a championship belt, was known as the Flame Belt.
The three stages of evolution signify a significant leap in strength. The Fiery Roaring Incineroar, which once couldn't even harm Samurott before its evolution, now displayed a mocking expression. After evolving, Incineroar's ferocity became apparent, and it bore a hint of mockery. Its arm muscles swelled with blood, and it placed its palms together to catch a blade with its bare hands!
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Incineroar (Fire/Dark)
Gender: Male
Ability: Intimidate
Held Item: Charcoal
Level: Elite Early Stage
Moves: Fake Out, Darkest Lariat, Cross Chop, Bulk Up, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast, Roar
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Victor couldn't help but marvel at Incineroar's transformation. But he knew that despite its evolution, Incineroar's stamina was nearly depleted. The battle had to end swiftly.
Jasmin adjusted his stance. "So it evolved... Impressive. But evolution alone won't change the fact that it's running on fumes."
"Samurott, Sacred Sword!"
Samurott, whose pride as a swordsman had been wounded, roared fiercely. It discarded the blade trapped by Incineroar, launching itself backward with powerful hind legs. The majestic sea warrior unsheathed its second blade and channeled its energy into a radiant golden sword.
"Samurott!" it cried, the air around it trembling with sword intent.
The audience leaned forward in their seats, holding their breath as the battle reached its climax.
---
Victor and Incineroar were still linked by the Aura resonance, their minds and strategies perfectly aligned.
"Let's end this, Incineroar. Use Darkest Lariat!"
Incineroar roared, crimson energy igniting in its palms and forming two fiery stars. With a sudden twist, it spun its body at blinding speed, transforming into a fiery tornado. The flames surged higher, scattering gravel and creating a vortex that threatened to engulf everything in its path.
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"Samurott, hold nothing back!" Jasmine called.
Samurott leaped into the air, golden sword blazing as it swung down with all its might.
The two attacks collided with a deafening BOOM, creating a massive explosion. Gravel and energy blasted outward, slamming into the protective energy shield surrounding the arena.
The crowd gasped as the fiery tornado grew larger, swallowing the golden light of the Sacred Sword. Slowly but surely, the radiant blade began to crack, its energy dissipating under Incineroar's relentless attack.
Finally, the Sacred Sword shattered entirely. Incineroar's flaming vortex condensed into a spinning top, slamming into Samurott and sending it flying across the arena.
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Samurott crashed into the protective barrier with a heavy thud and slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Victor pumped his fist in triumph. "Great job, Incineroar!"
The audience erupted in cheers.
"So cool!"
"Incineroar is unstoppable!"
"I'm getting a Litten right now!"
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But just as the crowd celebrated, Incineroar, standing in its triumphant pose, suddenly fell silent.
Victor's waveguide resonance abruptly disconnected. His chest tightened as he sprinted toward his partner.
"Incineroar! Are you okay?"
The referee rode a Aegislash over to Incineroar, carefully examining the situation.
The once-roaring Incineroar stood frozen mid-pose, unmoving amidst the rubble of the battlefield. Its body trembled before going completely still.
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"Incineroar has fainted!" the referee declared, his voice carrying the weight of finality.
Both Pokémon were unable to continue.
"The match ends in a double knockout!"
Victor knelt beside Incineroar, placing a hand on its shoulder. "You did amazing. Rest now."
As he recalled Incineroar into its Poké Ball, he felt the audience's applause wash over him like a wave, their cheers both a comfort and a motivation.
The battle wasn't over yet. But for now, Victor smiled, proud of how far they had come.
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To Be Continued...