After Mega Evolution, Blaziken experienced a full enhancement in every aspect.
Cain hadn't expected that, of all the Mega Stones he possessed, the first one to activate would be Blaziken's.
Following Cain's commands, the system recorded all the changes that occurred in both Blaziken and himself during the Mega Evolution process.
This data was necessary for his research and would also help him analyze and better understand the Bond-type Evolution of Ash's Greninja in the future.
Cain then reactivated the system to scan Blaziken's current data.
Pokémon: Blaziken (Purple) – Mega Form
Gender: Male
Level: 36 + 5 levels (Virtual increase due to Mega Evolution)
Type: Fire + Fighting
Ability: Speed Boost
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Flame Burst, Agility, Last Resort, Feint
Basic Moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Sand Attack, Peck, Double Kick, Flame Charge, Quick Attack, Bulk Up, Blaze Kick, Flare Blitz, Fire Punch, High Jump Kick
Learned Moves: Heat Wave, Low Kick, Laser Focus
TM Moves: Protect, Earthquake, Flamethrower, Aerial Ace, Low Sweep, Stone Edge, Swords Dance
The system didn't just scan Blaziken's data; it also provided analysis and annotations.
Next to Blaziken's name, the label "Mega Form" was added.
After Mega Evolution, in addition to his base stat enhancement, the system translated the power increase into a level boost.
Technically, Blaziken remained at level 36, but upon Mega Evolving, his power increase was equivalent to gaining five levels, bringing him up to level 41.
He had crossed the threshold into the Advanced level.
Was Mega Evolution really this powerful?
Was the five-level increase a fixed effect, or did it only occur because Blaziken was still at a relatively low level?
If the level increase was fixed, then Mega Evolution was terrifying.
Five levels!
If a Pokémon at the peak of the quasi-elite level Mega Evolved, could it reach the elite level?
And if a Pokémon at the quasi-champion level Mega Evolved, would it become champion-level?
That would be far too unbalanced!
Thus, Cain leaned toward the second hypothesis.
Mega Evolution certainly provided a boost, but the level increase wasn't fixed.
It depended on the bond between trainer and Pokémon, the mastery of Mega Evolution, and the Pokémon's own strength.
Perhaps, as the level and strength of the Pokémon increased, Mega Evolution would no longer provide a five-level boost.
After all, Mega Evolution altered a Pokémon's base stats, which was already a significant enhancement, so a fixed level increase wouldn't make much sense.
Cain estimated his theory had an 80% chance of being correct.
After executing the Blaze Kick at full power, Blaziken was breathing heavily.
It seemed Mega Evolution had taken a great toll on him in his first time.
Maintaining Mega Form and using full-power attacks clearly boosted move strength but also involved high energy consumption.
"Undo the Mega Evolution, Blaziken," said Cain.
"Blaazk~" Blaziken nodded, breathing hard.
He was satisfied with the power of his new state, but maintaining it was difficult.
The light of Mega Evolution reappeared on his body, but this time, it didn't merge with him — it faded, returning to the Mega Stone in his hand.
Blaziken dropped to one knee, exhausted.
Cain approached and offered him a Pokéblock.
Mega Evolution was not only a burden on the Pokémon but also on the trainer.
If Cain weren't a psychic, he'd probably be in the same state as Blaziken.
Even though he could still move, he felt weak and slightly mentally blank.
It was clear that Mega Evolution required training and gradual mastery.
Not only did the Pokémon need to practice, but so did the trainers.
The first step was improving physical fitness.
Otherwise, before they could even lead their Pokémon in battle, the trainer might collapse.
Cain had no intention of limiting himself to Mega Evolving just one Pokémon.
If possible, he wanted several of his Pokémon to Mega Evolve at the same time.
He took Blaziken's Mega Stone into his hands.
Now that his Key Stone was linked to Blaziken's Mega Stone, he could no longer use it on others unless he broke the bond.
Blaziken would need to wear the Mega Stone to activate the transformation.
Cain planned to design an accessory to hold the stone, though it wasn't the right time yet.
He also needed to craft a way to carry his Key Stone.
He already had a few ideas.
"We're done for today. Tomorrow, we challenge the Coumarine City Gym. Blaziken will be the lead, but everyone should prepare. It's a Grass-type Gym, so it'll be a challenge for you all," said Cain with a smile.
"Swamp!!" Swampert let out a determined cry.
Although Grass-types countered him, he wasn't afraid.
After seeing Blaziken's Mega Evolution, he was eager to get his own.
Cain returned to his Pokémon and mounted Flygon, leaving the island.
The damage to the forest would take a long time to repair, but that was no longer his concern.
He was now returning to Coumarine City.
(End of Chapter)