In the days that followed, Xinhai's life passed by in a steady rhythm of training.
Every morning, he brought his partners to the Independent Training Room at Rustboro Gym. They began with basic warm-ups and physical conditioning, then split off into different areas for specialized training.
The mornings were devoted to refining moves and controlling energy, while the afternoons were reserved for simulated battles and tactical drills.
At dusk, they cleaned up the grounds and returned to the Pokémon Center. After dinner, Xinhai organized his training notes and planned the next day's schedule.
Day after day, the cycle continued.
Metapod's changes were the most obvious. Under Xinhai's twice-daily medicinal applications and repeated absorption of the Harden move, its shell gradually deepened from its original yellow into a richer amber hue, its surface gaining an increasingly warm, heavy luster.
By the tenth day, when Xinhai tapped the shell with his fingers, he could already hear a faint chime like metal and jade. It was truly extraordinary.
Charmeleon and Fraxure also adapted quickly to their new bodies during this time.
It took Charmeleon three days to master the changes brought about by its increased height. Its speed and strength continued to rise, and its current power far surpassed what it had possessed before evolving.
Fraxure adapted just as quickly. Its Dragon type instincts were fully awakened after evolution, and every Dragon type move it used carried tremendous power.
The other partners also made considerable progress. Every day of training brought fresh gains and laid a solid foundation for their futures.
And so, time quietly slipped by amid their focused refinement.
When some shops along the streets of Rustboro City began hanging red decorations and lanterns, Xinhai finally realized that a little over a week remained until the New Year.
And on that