Aoki already had some background experience when he was training Pupitar to reach its current stage.
Because Pupitar had been trapped inside its Pokémon Egg for a long time, the Earth Core Milk energy, combined with the residual effects of the Pokémon Catalyst, accelerated its growth rate compared to other pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
However, after evolving into Pupitar, nearly all the previously accumulated energy and foundation had been nearly exhausted.
Additionally, the Pupitar stage was a period of steady accumulation, requiring even more time to reach its full potential.
According to Aoki's original estimate, by the time Pupitar fully matured, his Blaziken and other Pokémon might have already been at the Champion level for quite some time.
Even so, Aoki still considered this an ideal scenario.
By then, once Pupitar evolved into Tyranitar, it would almost immediately be capable of Mega Evolution. After such a long period of accumulation, it would also experience a rapid surge in growth post-evolution.
However, the energy pool he had discovered today caused Aoki to reconsider his plans.
Both the information provided by the Unown and the analysis from his system confirmed that the energy within this pool was harmless to Pokémon—it could even accelerate their growth.
Of course, growing too quickly wasn't always beneficial.
But right now, Pupitar needed to accumulate energy, and this was the perfect place for it.
"Pupitar, how have you been feeling lately?" Aoki didn't immediately send it into the pool, first checking on its condition.
"Pupi—" Pupitar responded calmly, showing no signs of restlessness. Its demeanor was stable and patient.
Aoki nodded in approval.
"The energy in this pool can speed up your accumulation without any negative side effects. However, you may need to stay here for a while," Aoki explained.
Pupitar showed no impatience. It observed the glowing green energy pool, sensing the vast, neutral energy swirling within.
Aoki glanced at Slowking, who understood immediately.
Using its psychic powers, Slowking gently lifted Pupitar, floating it toward the center of the pool.
Before fully submerging it, Aoki made sure Pupitar was willing.
Seeing only determination in its eyes, he allowed Slowking to lower Pupitar into the energy pool.
The water was crystal clear, illuminated by the pool's fluorescence, making Pupitar fully visible even while submerged.
Pupitar closed its eyes, and tiny whirlpools of energy began forming around its body as it absorbed the energy.
Aoki's system scanned Pupitar's data—its energy reserves were skyrocketing.
After observing for half an hour to ensure everything was stable, Aoki and Slowking finally relaxed.
The pool was enormous—far more than Pupitar alone could deplete.
Aoki released all his Pokémon.
Since the energy was neutral, every Pokémon could benefit from it.
However, absorbing too much too quickly could destabilize the solid foundations Aoki had built for them.
Therefore, aside from Pupitar, the other Pokémon could only absorb up to their current limits—enough to push them to their next level without causing long-term harm.
Given that Pupitar would likely remain in the pool for an extended period, Aoki decided to explore the surrounding area for rare resources while letting his other Pokémon train and battle to convert the absorbed energy into stable growth.
As for informing Drake about the World Tree at the center of this space, Aoki set that aside for now.
Drake was one of Hoenn's Elite Four—a seasoned veteran who had weathered countless storms.
Steven and Phoebe, however, concerned Aoki slightly.
But both were exceptional Trainers in their own right. This space might very well be their opportunity as well.
Four Days Later
Aoki had fully immersed himself in training, barely acknowledging the outside world.
Every day, Pupitar remained in the energy pool while Aoki took the other Pokémon out to battle wild Pokémon, ensuring their absorbed energy was properly utilized.
For training, they used isolated spaces within the cave walls, allowing focused sessions without distractions.
Thanks to the energy pool, their growth was explosive.
Pupitar, in particular, had no concerns about overabsorption.
Just three hours after entering the pool, it broke through to the pseudo-Champion tier, reaching Level 50.
Four days later, it had climbed to Level 54.
Five levels in four days—just from passive energy absorption.
Originally, Aoki had prepared for Pupitar to take half a year, maybe longer, even with special supplements like Pokéblocks.
But now, what should have taken three months was compressed into four days.
At Level 54, Pupitar was now at its peak—one step away from Level 55 and evolution into Tyranitar.
However, this final step couldn't be forced by pure energy.
Pupitar needed deeper self-awareness, a true understanding of its own power.
Meanwhile, the other Pokémon had also made significant progress.
Most importantly, Slowking had achieved a breakthrough that had eluded it for a long time.
In just four days, it rose from Level 64 to Level 65.
A single level, but a monumental difference.
Now, Aoki officially possessed a true Champion-tier Pokémon.
In his terms, an "Intermediate Champion"—though the Pokémon world referred to this stage as "True Champion," signifying complete mastery.
Additionally, Slowking's progress further activated its Shiny Pokémon traits, enhancing its capabilities even further.