Since Combusken had evolved into Blaziken, its power had increased dramatically. Even when facing the combined efforts of Chimchar and Bagon, it handled them effortlessly—clearly not even using its full strength.
But Blaziken never slacked off in battle. Every move it made forced the other two to react with full concentration, maximizing their training. That's why Chimchar and Bagon always fought with everything they had—Blaziken held no punches, and every blow left them aching for a long time.
During these battles, Rex never played favorites. He only stepped in to direct Jumpluff to heal the Pokémon when injuries became too severe, or to replenish their energy. Other than that, he was the support crew, letting the Pokémon learn through experience.
Over time, Chimchar and Bagon had come up with their own effective strategy against Blaziken. Bagon, with its tough hide, served as the tank and distraction, absorbing most of the hits, while Chimchar used its agility to flank and strike when an opening appeared.
With this dynamic, their teamwork improved significantly. While they still couldn't beat Blaziken, they could land the occasional hit—no small feat considering Blaziken's sheer speed made most attacks miss entirely.
"Go, Chimchar! You've got this!"
"Hang in there, Bagon! Don't give up!"
Their intense battle drew Mai and Korrina over, and out of sympathy for the underdogs, they both began cheering for Chimchar and Bagon.
Rex could only sigh and gesture helplessly to Blaziken.
Perhaps bolstered by the encouragement, Chimchar and Bagon pushed through their fatigue and launched another attack.
Bagon led the charge, drawing Blaziken's attention and taking the brunt of its attacks, while Chimchar followed a few steps behind, lying in wait for an opportunity.
In the end, Bagon couldn't hold out. Just before it reached Blaziken, it was hit by a powerful Flamethrower. Already heavily damaged, the attack knocked it out cold.
But Bagon's effort wasn't in vain. Chimchar's paw sparked with electricity as it leapt high, delivering a solid Thunder Punch right to Blaziken's chest.
Blaziken, caught off guard and trying to counter with Brick Break, suddenly twitched as electricity arced across its body—it had been paralyzed by Thunder Punch's secondary effect, a rare but powerful stroke of luck.
Chimchar took the opening to continue attacking, flickering behind Blaziken and unleashing a flurry of Thunder Punches from both fists.
Though the hits weren't devastating, even Blaziken grimaced in pain from the sustained blows.
The paralysis didn't last, however. Blaziken quickly regained control and landed a fiery Blaze Kick that sent Chimchar flying, the intense flames wrapping around its body like a burning cloak.
Blaziken hadn't held back. Chimchar, overwhelmed by the sheer heat and impact, was on the verge of collapse.
But it didn't go down.
"Come on, Chimchar! You've got this!"
"Don't give up—show some backbone!"
Spurred on by the cheers, or perhaps its own unyielding spirit, Chimchar suddenly glowed with a brilliant white light—the telltale sign of evolution.
When the light faded, a larger, fiercer Monferno stood in Chimchar's place, flames blazing from its tail.
Monferno was an orange simian Pokémon, with darker skin on its ears, mouth, limbs, and belly. Its face bore red and blue markings resembling tribal war paint. The brighter the blue, the stronger the Monferno.
White fur circled its neck like a mane, and a spiral pattern adorned its belly.
Monferno excelled at bounding between walls and ceilings to launch aerial attacks, and its flaming tail wasn't just for show—it could stretch the flames to appear larger and more intimidating. It had mastered control over the flame's size, letting it fight at the perfect distance.
"Congratulations, Monferno," Rex said, walking over and patting its head.
The Pokédex showed that Monferno had learned three new moves: Mach Punch, Flame Wheel, and Taunt.
Mach Punch would give Monferno a much-needed speed edge in tight spots, letting it close gaps and strike first. Flame Wheel offered area coverage and disruption, and though its power was average, it could break an opponent's rhythm. As for Taunt—when used at the right moment, it could completely neutralize setup strategies.
Of course, Monferno's mischievous face already looked like it was begging for a fight. With Taunt, Rex worried it might one day provoke someone into a beatdown in the streets.
Eager to flaunt its new strength, Monferno turned to Blaziken and used Taunt immediately.
The expression on its face was so smug and infuriating that even Rex and the girls had to suppress the urge to smack it.
Blaziken didn't suppress anything.
In a blur of heat and motion, it unleashed a Flare Blitz, engulfing Monferno in flames and slamming it into the ground. The newly evolved Pokémon fainted on the spot.
Rex sighed and motioned to Jumpluff, beginning the usual post-battle cleanup and healing routine for his three exhausted partners.