After mega evolving, the changes in Beedrill aren't just superficial.
Beedrill is a type of Pokémon with a species value of only 395 points, which seems much weaker compared to others.
However, because the species value is fairly allocated, even though the overall species value is low, it doesn't make a significant difference in its power or growth potential.
After Mega evolution, the Super Great Beedrill's species value becomes 495 points, a complete increase of one hundred points.
This means a direct enhancement of a quarter in terms of species value.
Moreover, Mega evolution doesn't just add species value, it also adjusts Beedrill's previously less desirable special attack species value.
Originally, Beedrill had a special attack species value of 45 points, but Beedrill is naturally good at physical attacks. Whether it's Cross Cut or Deadly Needle Stab, they're all physical attacks, and the special attack techniques it can learn are few. It's safe to say Beedrill is a pure physical attack-oriented assassin, making those 45 special attack points seem redundant.
After Mega evolution, the special attack species value of the Super Great Beedrill becomes 15 points, with the 30 points from the adjustment and additional 100 points from Super Evolution all allocated to the most needed physical attack and speed for Beedrill.
The species value of physical attack for the Super Great Beedrill soars from 90 points to 150 points, making it an extraordinarily outstanding presence among all physical attack Pokémon.
The speed species value also leaps from 75 points to 145 points, nearly doubling.
It can be said that the species value allocation for the Mega-evolved Super Great Beedrill is very reasonable, this is one reason why Beedrill is beloved by many.
In addition to changes in species value, there are also changes in traits.
No matter what Beedrill's trait was before Mega evolving, after evolving it becomes "Adaptability".
Adaptability: Increases the power of moves of the same attribute.
As is well known, moves used by a Pokémon of the same attribute are stronger.
From a gaming data perspective, moves of the same attribute used by a Pokémon increase in power by fifty percent.
Adaptability will increase this effect by one hundred percent!
That is, a double increase.
Of course, these are gaming stats and may not apply in reality, but you can still see how much Adaptability enhances the Super Great Beedrill.
Additionally, with the "Silver Powder" it carries, and the attack power boost from earlier Sword Dance and Deadly Needle Stab.
It's not an exaggeration to say that the attack power of the Super Great Beedrill now exceeds the destructive power of the Gym Leader Level Slowking.
Therefore.
Under the circumstances of attribute restraint, the Super Great Beedrill's Cross Cut attack full of anger dealt a ton of damage to Slowking.
Even though Slowking's overall strength is superior to Beedrill's, under the accumulation of these incremental boosts, the strength of the Super Great Beedrill is no longer much inferior to it.
As Slowking was knocked into the air, the Super Great Beedrill didn't stop, charging forward once more with its twin guns raised.
Bzzt——
The wings vibrated softly.
At this moment, there's no need for any flashy moves, the Super Great Beedrill caught up with the flying Slowking and swung an "unpretentious" Cross Cut once more.
Bang!
The figure of the flying Slowking came to an abrupt halt, crushed onto the ground by the sheer force of the Super Great Beedrill.
Boom!!
The ground near the pond shattered under the immense power, radiating a web of fine cracks from Slowking's body.
"Ssshh!"
The narrow eyes of the Super Great Beedrill glowed with fierce light, about to bring down another Cross Cut.
If this strike landed, Slowking might very well lose its life!
However.
Just as the Super Great Beedrill was about to strike, it suddenly paused.
It turned to look at Natsuhiko.
And saw Natsuhiko slowly shaking his head.
Enough, no need to kill, otherwise it wouldn't sit well with Azelf, it's already helped Yujira feed back Slowking.
Most importantly.
Natsuhiko couldn't hold on any longer.
His forehead was already drenched in sweat, his jaw clenched tight, the first Mega evolution exerted immense pressure and burden on him.
Trying a few more times might ease it quite a bit, but for now, he's already at his limit.
Seeing the Super Great Beedrill halt its movement, Natsuhiko breathed a sigh of relief, and the light from the Keystone in his hand dimmed, while the super evolution energy receded into the Super Evolution Stone within Beedrill.
Reverting to its original form.
Natsuhiko staggered and wobbled, about to fall, but a gentle force caught him.
It was Yujira.
Simultaneously, Togetic and Honedge also approached him, looking at him with concern.
Natsuhiko looked slightly pale as he slowly shook his head.
Beedrill also returned to his side, handing back the Super Evolution Stone.
It understood that this special evolution couldn't be revealed to the public yet. If there was no life threat, or assurance no one would see, Mega evolution could not be known for now.
Natsuhiko didn't refuse it, taking back the Super Evolution Stone.
For now, Mega evolution can't be shown.
Having witnessed the power of Mega evolution, this thought became more resolute in him.
I must, before Mega evolution becomes widespread, gather as many Super Evolution Stones and Keystones as possible.
Suddenly, a solid patch of "gauze" floated out from the fallen Slowking and merged into Natsuhiko's body.
Although it still didn't help Natsuhiko break through his shackles, it greatly recovered his previously exhausted state.
Taking deep breaths, he slowly stood upright.
With Slowking defeated, there are no other Pokémon obstructing the hidden cave behind the waterfall.
Just now.
During Mega evolution, in that moment of anger, Natsuhiko vaguely felt the loosening of that shackle within him. Not very noticeable, but in that instant of loosening, Natsuhiko finally understood what Azelf referred to as the "treasure".
Staring intently at the cave behind the waterfall.
The feeling that called out to him grew increasingly distinct, increasingly intense.
Furthermore, after the thickest layer of psychic "gauze" from Slowking's body entered him, that feeling stirred once more.
Suppressing that feeling once again, Natsuhiko spoke calmly: "Let's rest for a bit."
Though there might be no danger up ahead, he cautiously chose to rest.
After battling the entire way here, the Pokémon, even in great condition, were certainly fatigued, especially Yujira, having taken Slowking's attacks, was not in good shape.
Beedrill too, having withstood Slowking's assault head-on, took quite a toll and needed recovery.
Fortunately, Yujira can use "Self-Regeneration" to recover, and Beedrill can recover with Togetic's "Dawn" and "Prayer", plus the Energy Block and Healing Spray.
Half an hour later.
Having adjusted their state, Natsuhiko, along with all his Pokémon, finally moved toward the cave behind the waterfall.
Yujira's psychic power broke through the waterfall's obstruction, revealing the cave inside.
To Natsuhiko's relief, Azelf showed some restraint, there were no more Pokémon guarding the cave.
The dim light filters through the thick water curtain, casting a faint glow into the cave, permitting a barely adequate view of its contents.
The cave isn't deep.
At its innermost part sits a low stone platform, upon which rests a thumb-sized deep red Treasure Pearl, with a faint aura that doesn't visibly shine, but quietly circulates on its surface.
And it is precisely this Treasure Pearl that exerted an immense attraction on Natsuhiko.