The autumn weather in the Kanto Region had not been kind this year.
The unceasing rain had seemingly brought the entire region to a standstill for several days.
Inside an unremarkable small courtyard in central Viridian City.
Thick mist billowed through the air, obscuring everything within.
The surging heat had been kept well under control by the rainy weather.
"Down."
Blaziken slowly withdrew the flames covering its body surface, and its entire presence became calm yet heavy.
It formed a sharp contrast with its past explosiveness.
The Sharp Glints that occasionally flashed in its eyes showed that it was in exceptionally good condition, its spirit and energy wholly at peak condition.
Intense battles were always the best catalyst for a Pokémon's growth.
Especially for Tetsuya and Blaziken.
"Clap!"
"It should break through to the Quasi-Champion Level in about another month."
Tetsuya closed and put away the notebook in his hand, unable to hide his satisfaction.
Once Pokémon reached the Elite Four Level, their rate of improvement visibly slowed.
Every increase in level required a tremendous amount of effort.
Even the outstanding talent of each of his partners could not change that.
Of course.
That was only relative to themselves.
In reality, advancing from newly entering the Elite Four Level to the Quasi-Champion Level in less than a year.
A rate of one level per month would already be considered Standing Out Among Many for anyone else.
Blaziken was not the only one showing signs of a breakthrough.
Pidgeot and Gigalith were the same.
Although they had not experienced as many battles as Blaziken during this period of time.
With the gifts bestowed by Ho-Oh and Arceus.
Their strength had continued to advance closely behind Blaziken's without the slightest slackening.
Based on the data Tetsuya had collected and his understanding of