Evolution

**Evolution** (Japanese: **進化** *Shinka*) is a key term in the *Harmonymon Project*. It is a process used by Harmonymon, monsters that inhabit almost all known universes in every Multiverse. Through Evolution, a Harmonymon can develop into a more powerful being.

## Concept

Harmonymon reside in most universes in each Multiverse, as well as in the Harmonyverse. If they gather enough energy and/or magic power, Evolution is triggered. During Evolution, the Harmonymon's appearance changes and, in most instances, becomes significantly stronger than before. The resultant form of the Harmonymon almost always has a different name than the previous. However, the Harmonymon's consciousness remains unchanged.

Evolution is divided into multiple **Levels**, made up of an egg form called the **Harmon-Egg** (Japanese: **ハーモンたま** *HarmonTama*) and six main evolutionary steps.

**Main Evolution Stages** (English terms with Japanese terms in brackets):

* **Fresh** (幼年期 I *Younenki I*, lit. "Baby I")
* **In-Training** (幼年期 II *Younenki II*, lit. "Baby II")
* **Rookie** (成長期 *Seichouki*, lit. "Child")
* **Champion** (成熟期 *Seijukuki*, lit. "Adult")
* **Ultimate** (完全体 *Kanzentai*, lit. "Perfect")
* **Mega** (究極体 *Kyuukyokutai*, lit. "Ultimate")

If left to its own devices, a Harmonymon will naturally age, and over time may evolve using magic from the environment. Evolving from the initial Fresh stage usually progresses but each subsequent level takes progressively more time. Because of this, only a sparse number of Harmonymon naturally reach their final forms. Anger and/or the necessity to survive in a great battle can often spur Evolution.

However, when a Harmonymon forms a bond with a sapient Creature, they may Evolve more quickly. Using a Monvice, Creatures can allow a Harmonymon to almost-instantaneously Evolve to a higher level by sharing their energy. This action takes a large amount of energy and cannot happen if the Harmonymon is weak, injured or hungry. Harmonymon who Evolve using a Monvice will revert, or "devolve" to a lower form after a certain amount of time or if sufficiently injured in a battle. A partner Harmonymon's default stage can be decided by the Creature who they're partnered with. However, sufficient injury or energy loss can cause a Harmonymon to revert to an even lower form after naturally Evolving. A few other Harmonymon not partnered to Creatures also have the ability to temporarily Evolve to higher levels, then later revert to their base form.

**Special Stages**

On top of the regular stages, three special forms exist that can usually only obtained through special methods:

* **Armor** (Japanese: **アーマー体** *Āmā-tai*, lit. "Armor Form") is an ancient form of Evolution which only a handful of Harmonymon are capable of. To gain this form, the Harmonymon needs to absorb the energy from one of the special **Armor Eggs** (Japanese: **アーマーエグ**). If a Harmonymon has multiple Armor Eggs, its Evolved forms become progressively more powerful.
* **Stellar** (Japanese: **ステラー体** *Suterā-tai*, lit. "Stellar Form") is a form of Evolution that was recently discovered. Most Harmonymon are capable of using this form, though to use it, they need to absorb the Terastal Energy, and their Tamer must shout "Stellarize!"
* **Ultra** (Japanese: **超究極体** *Chō Kyuukyokutai*, lit. "Super Ultimate") is a level even higher than Mega. Only a few Harmonymon are at this level.

A Harmonymon will usually shout out its type of Evolution immediately before Evolving and then shout out its new name immediately after. Examples include: "Pichu Evolve to...! Piachu (*Pichu shinka! Piachu*)!" and "Pikachu mode change to... Mega Mode (*Pikachu Mode Change! Mega Mode*)!"

This project's version of Evolution is more similar to metamorphosis, though there is also an element of aging involved as seen in the Japanese stage terms.

## Effects of Evolution

When a Harmonymon reaches the next level of Evolution, its appearance may resemble its previous form or have no relationship at all. Usually, with the case of Evolution to the Champion level the resultant Digimon is larger than the previous form, but Evolution to the Ultimate level may cause the Harmonymon to refine its strength and decrease its size at the same time. The same circumstances can arrive with Mega Evolution.

## Processes of Evolution

*See here or here for all known processes.*