Metagross, following its Mega Evolution, radiated an aura far more powerful than before!
It had perhaps briefly reached the Elite Four level of strength![T/N: Quasi Champion level is elite four level]
This was an excellent development for Metagross.
Having experienced this higher tier of power firsthand, the barrier it would face when attempting to break through permanently would be significantly reduced.
The only notable disadvantage of Mega Evolution...
Was that it also consumed substantial amounts of the Trainer's physical energy.
The Mega Evolution lasted less than five minutes before ending due to Steven's complete exhaustion.
Steven collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.
Metagross, having reverted to its normal form, moved to Steven's side, its eyes filled with concern.
"I'm alright... It appears my physical conditioning still requires considerable improvement," Steven admitted with a somewhat bitter smile, disappointed in his current limitations.
It seemed he would need to undergo physical training alongside Piplup.
In official battles—such as Gym challenges, League tournaments, and similar competitions—Mega Evolution was restricted to only one Pokémon per match.
However, during wild encounters in natural environments, as long as Steven possessed sufficient stamina, theoretically he could Mega Evolve multiple Pokémon simultaneously.
Therefore... before challenging the Petalburg Gym, Steven needed to complete an intensive week-long training regimen!
When Steven began outlining the training program, Piplup overheard the mention of "intensive training" and immediately collapsed dramatically onto the ground.
It would rather meet its end at Lake Verity!
However!
Piplup's gaze fixed intently on Lairon.
To stay alongside my dear friend, this minor hardship means nothing!
If my dear friend can accept this challenge willingly, how could I, as my dear friend's closest companion, refuse!
Piplup observed Steven, who continued assigning various tasks, and silently made a decision.
I'll find an opportunity to soak his pillow while he's sleeping!
The two-week Petalburg Woods intensive training program officially commenced...
"Hahahaha, so you trained until your entire body was sore?"
A cheerful female voice emanated from the PokéNav.
"Sigh..." Steven let out a weary exhale.
"Poga..."
Piplup, positioned at Steven's feet, couldn't even manage to straighten its posture properly.
Among Steven's Pokémon, Piplup remained the weakest, and since the emphasis was on physical conditioning, Steven required it to walk alongside him throughout their journey.
More training meant better results.
At minimum, his Pokémon's overall strength had improved dramatically.
Piplup included.
"So you're only now going to challenge for your fifth Badge?"
"That's correct. This preparation was essential for the upcoming Gym battle. I'm still quite a ways behind your six Badges."
Far away in a Pokémon Center room within the Sinnoh Region, Cynthia reclined on her bed, her legs swinging idly back and forth.
Beside the bed, Garchomp gripped an old, worn stuffed doll tightly, its expression fierce. It desperately wanted to slash at it with its fin but worried about damaging the toy.
Notably, the stuffed doll also featured blue hair, bearing a certain "resemblance" to Steven.
Having successfully earned her sixth Badge, Cynthia had called Steven's PokéNav number to share her accomplishment.
"All right, I should go now. I still need to inform Grandma."
"Okay, talk to you later."
After ending the call, Steven immediately returned to his half-conscious state of exhaustion.
In this particular aspect, he perfectly matched Piplup's condition.
Following the intensive physical training regimen, Steven's capability with Mega Evolution had improved tremendously compared to his initial attempt.
It would no longer end after merely five minutes like before.
Steven gazed toward Petalburg City in the distance and released a relieved breath.
This time, he absolutely intended to sleep in a comfortable, spacious bed!
"Poga!" Piplup, tears streaming down its face, tugged desperately at Steven's pants.
Please let me return to my Poké Ball and rest!
"Absolutely not. This is your punishment for soaking my pillow previously," Steven stated, deliberately ignoring Piplup's pitiful expression.
"Pipl!"
Steven genuinely hadn't anticipated that at the conclusion of their first training day, when he'd returned to the tent intending to sleep, he'd discovered his pillow completely drenched!
With only one mischievous Water-type Pokémon on the team, identifying the culprit required zero thought.
"Furthermore, this counts as training!"
"Poga~ (╥ω╥`)"
This is obviously just a personal grudge!
Upon arriving in Petalburg City, Steven's first priority was locating a Pokémon Assessment Center to evaluate his team's strength levels.
Metagross: 65.4%; Scyther: 61.8%; Skarmory: 44.1%; Lairon: 43.9%; Piplup: 26.7%.
Metagross's improvement had been remarkable—within just two weeks, it had already surpassed Scyther's level.
However, the Elite Four threshold represented merely a transitional stage toward true Elite Four rank. That remaining 5% appeared small, but actually required substantial additional development to fully cross into Elite Four territory.
Describing the Elite Four level as a critical watershed was perhaps most accurate.
Having consistently experienced Elite Four-level power throughout the two-week period, genuinely crossing that boundary permanently wouldn't require excessive effort.
The rate of strength improvement had been quite impressive—Steven's supply backpack had been nearly depleted by his team's appetites!
He'd been forced to request a "mineral care package" from his father Joseph and arrange for its delivery to Petalburg City.
Steven had been traveling for approximately three months now. Despite training Skarmory from the very beginning, it still remained some distance from reaching advanced level status.
Considering this perspective, Blue remained absolutely formidable.
He truly deserved his reputation as an exceptional Trainer! (Mental thumbs up)
Steven wondered about Red's current situation—he hadn't exchanged PokéNav numbers during their previous encounter.
He'd been far too preoccupied with showing off to Red at the time.
After completing the strength assessment, Steven reserved a room with a large, comfortable bed at a nearby hotel.
Not only did Steven require rest, but his Pokémon needed recovery time as well.
Following intensive training, nothing beat a comfortable, restorative sleep.
Everything to ensure optimal preparation for the Gym challenge!
Steven slept continuously from afternoon until early the following morning. Upon opening his eyes, he discovered all his Pokémon engaged in meditation.
They'd clearly awakened considerably earlier than Steven had.
With the sole exception of Piplup, who continued snoring peacefully.
Steven opted not to disturb Piplup's rest, instead preparing breakfast for his awakened team members.
Only after Piplup had fully roused itself and finished eating did they depart for the Petalburg Gym.
After Steven explained his purpose and presented his four Badges, the Gym's staff member escorted him toward the Gym Leader.
"I don't want to watch any battles!"
Steven startled in surprise. Before he could properly process what was happening, a short-haired boy dressed in black burst out from around the corner. Fortunately, Steven's reflexes allowed him to dodge, preventing a collision.
Watching the boy's retreating figure, Steven experienced a peculiar sense of familiarity.
"Why does he seem so familiar?" Steven wondered aloud, scratching his head in confusion.
Then he observed Gym Leader Norman pursuing the boy. Upon realizing the child had disappeared from view, Norman released a helpless sigh.
He turned toward Steven and inquired, "You're the Trainer here to challenge the Gym, correct?"
"Yes, that's right," Steven confirmed with a nod, though this situation left him somewhat bewildered.
"Could you please check on that child for me?" Norman requested of the staff member beside him, then addressed Steven: "Please follow me for now."
Steven accompanied Norman to the Gym's battle arena. Walking ahead, Norman displayed an apologetic expression as he explained:
"I apologize for that scene. That child once loved Pokémon battles deeply, but after returning home injured one day, he developed a strong aversion to them."
"It's perfectly understandable—he'll work through his own feelings in time. Just continue offering encouragement," Steven suggested, providing his perspective simply.
However, this was fundamentally a family matter, so excessive interference seemed inappropriate.
"You're quite right."
Norman acknowledged the advice, though Steven suspected Norman wouldn't genuinely internalize it.
After all, Norman was renowned as the "man who relentlessly pursues greater power."
His abilities were exceptionally formidable—he even possessed the potential to become an Elite Four member.
Norman guided Steven to the battle arena and clarified that the match would follow standard three-on-three Gym battle regulations.
During this preparation time, both Trainers briefly introduced themselves.
As they assumed their respective positions, Norman called out forcefully:
"Now then, allow me to witness the power you possess, Steven!"
"My first Pokémon will be this one!"