The Mega Evolved Blaziken had been greatly improved in all aspects. Among all the Mega Stones Aoki possessed, the first to be activated was Blaziken's Mega Stone. The system followed Aoki's commands and recorded all the changes occurring in both trainer and Pokémon during the Mega Evolution process. This data would be valuable for future study, particularly in analyzing the bond evolution phenomenon seen in Ash's Greninja.
Aoki activated the scanning function of the system to analyze Blaziken's updated data:
Pokemon: Blaziken (Blue) (Mega Evolution)
Gender: Male
Level: Level 36 + Level 5 (Mega Evolution Temporary Boost)
Attributes: Fire + Fighting
Characteristics: Speed Boost
Held items: None
Egg moves: Ember, Agility, Detect, Feint
Basic moves: Blaze Kick, Double Kick, Flame Charge, Fire Punch, High Jump Kick, Scratch, Growl, Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Peck, Flare Blitz, Thunder Punch, Bulk Up
Learnt moves: Heat Wave, Low Sweep, Rock Slide
TM moves: Shadow Claw, Earthquake, Flamethrower, U-turn, Low Kick, Rock Tomb, Swords Dance
The system's scan included additional analytical annotations. The designation "Mega Evolution" appeared after Blaziken's name. Beyond the inherent stat changes from Mega Evolution, the system converted the power boost into a temporary level increase. While Blaziken's actual level remained 36, the Mega Evolution's enhancement equated to a 5-level boost, effectively making it level 41 during this transformed state - surpassing the elite threshold.
This revelation about Mega Evolution's power sparked several questions. Was this five-level increase fixed regardless of base level? If so, the implications would be staggering - a pseudo-Champion level Pokémon could reach true Champion status through Mega Evolution. However, Aoki theorized the boost likely varied based on multiple factors: the strength of the trainer-Pokémon bond, mastery of Mega Evolution mechanics, and the trainer's own capabilities. He estimated an 80% probability for this hypothesis, considering Mega Evolution primarily alters base stats rather than providing flat level gains.
After executing a full-power Blaze Kick, Blaziken's breathing grew labored. Maintaining Mega Evolution while performing maximum-power moves proved physically taxing. "End the Mega Evolution, Blaziken," Aoki instructed. The fiery avian nodded wearily as radiant energy streamed from its body back into the held Mega Stone. Exhausted, Blaziken dropped to one knee. Aoki administered a Pokeblock to aid recovery.
The strain affected Aoki as well - though his psychic abilities prevented complete exhaustion, he still felt physical weakness and mental fatigue. This experience demonstrated that both Pokémon and trainer required gradual conditioning to properly utilize Mega Evolution. Basic physical conditioning would be essential; without it, trainers might collapse before effectively commanding their Mega Evolved Pokémon. Aoki envisioned potentially Mega Evolving multiple Pokémon simultaneously, making this training imperative.
Retrieving the Blazikenite, Aoki noted its permanent bond with his Keystone. He planned to craft a heat-resistant accessory to safely house the Mega Stone for Blaziken, though immediate use wasn't necessary. For his Keystone, he considered using the Stardust obtained from previous battles with Solrock and Lunatone to create suitable jewelry. Acquiring appropriate heat-resistant metal for Blaziken's accessory would require contacting Steven Stone, whose family business could provide specialized materials.
"Today's training concludes here," Aoki announced. "Tomorrow we challenge the Eterna Gym - a Grass-type facility where you'll serve as our primary attacker, Blaziken. Though Grass-types pose challenges, especially for Swampert, we'll overcome them." The mudfish Pokémon roared defiantly - while Grass-types threatened him most, witnessing Blaziken's transformation had ignited his competitive spirit. Knowing he too possessed Mega Evolution potential awaiting activation, Swampert felt eager to face any opponent.
After recalling his team, Aoki summoned his Flygon for transport. The small island's scorched landscape would require significant time to recover, but that concerned Aoki little as he departed for Eterna City's glowing skyline. The desert dragon's wings beat steadily through the evening air, carrying trainer and Pokémon toward their next challenge. Below them, shadows lengthened across the ravaged training ground, silent testament to the formidable power they had unleashed and would continue developing in their journey forward. The wind carried echoes of their progress as Flygon's silhouette merged with the darkening horizon, leaving only faint traces of their presence on the isolated island.