Xinhai watched the interaction between the trainer and Pokémon with a smile. Hearing Flannery's question, he answered seriously, "The special training has been progressing fairly smoothly."
"Blaziken and Gardevoir have already reached the Elite-level peak. They're just one step away from Gym level. Eevee's situation is a little more complicated. After all, it has too many potential development paths, but its foundation is quite solid, and it's progressing steadily."
He paused, considering his wording. "Charizard and Haxorus have just completed their evolutions and reached Elite level. They're adapting to their new bodies. The other partners are steadily improving as well. As for confidence—"
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "I have more than before. But I also know very well that the opponents at the Ever Grande Conference won't be weaker than me."
After hearing him out, Flannery nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, that's the right mindset. But don't worry too much. My grandfather thinks highly of you. During this special training, your Fire-type Pokémon will each have dedicated teachers to guide them. Just wait and see!"
Hearing that, Xinhai looked somewhat puzzled and asked, "Dedicated teachers? Instructors from the Gym?"
Flannery smiled at Xinhai's question but did not answer directly. Instead, she turned and headed deeper into the corridor, beckoning to him as she went. "Come with me. I'll take you somewhere."
Xinhai recalled Charizard and followed behind her.
The two crossed the Gym's Main Training Ground, passed through several access doors that required facial recognition, and walked down a slightly sloping corridor for around five minutes.
The walls on either side of the corridor gradually shifted from the Gym's light-gray paint to dark-gray natural rock. The air also began to carry a warm, humid quality, tinged with the faint scent of soil and minerals.
Flannery stopped before