"Lose the ability to Gigantamax?"
Raihan immediately looked puzzled by Qingyu's sudden question.
But he soon realized what Qingyu meant and exchanged a knowing glance with Leon.
That was true. Although they couldn't be sure how Duraludon's form would change after evolving, Gigantamax was different from the Dynamax ability Pokémon generally possessed. It was a new form with extremely strict requirements for a Pokémon's physique, one that only a select few could attain.
There were indeed examples of Pokémon losing that power after evolving... Eevee, Pikachu, and Meowth, for instance.
All of them had the potential to evolve, but evolution would rob them of the ability to assume their special giant forms. They would even lose access to the G-Max Moves they took such pride in.
As a Galar Gym Leader, if his ace couldn't Gigantamax, his Gym might lose some of its distinctive appeal.
Still...
It wasn't that big a problem.
After receiving an affirmative look from Leon, Raihan soon broke into another hearty smile.
"It's fine. Trade-offs are only natural. Compared with getting to see Duraludon's stronger evolved form, that price is nothing."
"Besides, I have more than one Duraludon, so it won't actually stop me from using Gigantamax as usual."
"So don't worry, Teacher Yu. If you can make Duraludon evolve... go right ahead! I'll do everything I can to help!"
With Raihan's confirmation, Qingyu nodded.
"But I need to make a few preparations before we try evolving Duraludon. Anyway, come back tomorrow!"
In the games, Duraludon's evolution method was incredibly straightforward.
Simply use composite metal on it, and it would immediately evolve into Archaludon.
There wasn't even a level requirement, which was precisely why people often jokingly called it an "early achiever" and an "early bloomer."
Of course, evolution in reality couldn't possibly be that