From Mid Elite to Low Pseudo-Elite Four level, this surge in strength could easily breed arrogance in anyone.
Instances of Pokémon disobeying their Trainers due to sudden power boosts after evolution were not uncommon.
Sato avoided Houndoom's sharp bone horns and stroked its warm head, sighing inwardly.
If, just now, he had hesitated or flinched for even a moment, Houndoom might not have obeyed his commands anymore!
"Let's test your power, Houndoom. Use Flamethrower on that rock!"
"Awwoo!"
A black-and-red blaze roared forth, striking a dark-colored boulder in the distance.
In just two seconds, the flames burned through the solid rock, leaving behind a smoldering red-hot hole.
The rock had been melted through!
Sato had witnessed Pseudo-Elite Four strength before, but in terms of sheer attack power, Houndoom was already standing out!
The principle behind Mega Evolution wasn't simply about increasing a Pokémon's level.
Rather, it broke through a Pokémon's natural potential, granting them power comparable to, or even surpassing, normal Pseudo-Legendaries, fundamentally elevating their strength!
"Houndoom, use Crunch!"
"Awwoo!"
With a powerful push from its limbs, Houndoom appeared next to a large tree in an instant. Its fangs, glowing with dark energy, sank viciously into the tree trunk.
Crack!
The tree was snapped in a single bite, crashing loudly to the ground.
"Your speed has increased tremendously. Physical attack is decent, but not a huge boost. Did your Ability change?"
Sato didn't waste time pondering and instead ordered Houndoom to use Rest.
Observing how long it took for Houndoom to wake up, Sato confirmed that its Early Bird Ability had changed. What it had become, however, still required further observation.
But still... Pseudo-Elite Four strength! He hadn't expected to reach this threshold so soon.
Simply through Mega Evolution, a Pokémon could receive such an overwhelming boost… Sato could hardly believe it even now.
For a brief moment, the thought crossed his mind: What if he captured every Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution?
…But that was just a thought. It wasn't realistic.
Mega Evolution was ultimately a temporary boost, a trump card to be used in critical moments.
Besides, in his previous life, Sato had never heard of any Trainer managing to Mega Evolve two Pokémon simultaneously.
Several minutes later, Houndoom's Mega Evolution wore off. In that moment, both Sato and Houndoom felt an inexplicable sense of loss.
That overwhelming power was truly intoxicating.
"Let's head back. In the end, our own strength is what truly matters."
"Awoo…" Houndoom nodded, watching as Sato carefully removed the Mega Stone with some reluctance.
"Alright, this still belongs to you. I'll find someone to craft a collar for you so you can always keep it on your neck."
"Awooo!" Houndoom wagged its tail, uncharacteristically rubbing against Sato.
---
After returning to Viridian City, Sato visited a jewelry shop and found a skilled craftsman. He requested a custom-made collar for Houndoom, designed to fit its body while embedding the Mega Stone securely.
The collar needed to be flexible, allowing the Mega Stone to be either displayed or hidden when necessary.
Additionally, he commissioned a simple necklace to hold his Key Stone.
With an agreement to pick up the items in two days, Sato headed back to the Pokémon Center to reunite with Joseph.
There were still two weeks before the Gym Leader Qualification Tournament. Traveling from Viridian City to Indigo Plateau in that time would be more than enough, and Sato was in no rush.
Joseph also knew that Sato was heading toward the same destination as him, so he suggested traveling together for a while.
Having a Viridian Power wielder and a Pokémon Breeder as a companion? Sato was more than happy to agree.
Back in Viridian Forest, Sato had already witnessed Joseph's Breeder skills. In terms of handling logistics and support, he was just as competent as White.
With Florges, Gogoat, Kirlia, and Wigglytuff all possessing healing abilities, Joseph's medical proficiency alone was on par with Rose Joy's!
And when factoring in the near-broken ability of Viridian Power, even Rose would have to admit defeat!
Simply put, Joseph could easily fill two roles!
Upon learning that Sato needed to stay in Viridian City for two more days, Joseph did not hesitate to wait.
Joseph was grateful to Sato for helping him. Moreover, Sato's knowledge and considerable strength made him someone Joseph was more than willing to befriend.
There was already a natural synergy between Pokémon Breeders and Pokémon Trainers, making it common for them to travel together.
---
Two days later, Sato retrieved the custom-made collar from the craftsman.
The collar was two centimeters wide, entirely black, with no intricate patterns. It had a seamless locking mechanism, giving it a complete and sturdy appearance.
The Mega Stone was embedded within it, with a hidden button mechanism that allowed it to be revealed when needed.
It had a very low-key design, unlikely to attract attention, which was exactly what Sato had requested.
The Key Stone necklace was also jet black, with the Key Stone embedded within a small black box. Opening the box revealed the Key Stone inside.
The collar and the necklace shared the same aesthetic: plain yet refined, with fine craftsmanship ensuring durability.
Sato was very satisfied!
After paying, Sato released Houndoom and securely fastened the collar around its neck, adjusting it to ensure it wouldn't shift while running or interfere with its breathing.
"Awoo!"
Houndoom barked excitedly, eager to experience Mega Evolution again and feel that immense power once more!
Ignoring its excitement, Sato put on the Key Stone necklace and brushed his fingers over the small black box containing the Key Stone, feeling an odd sense of reassurance.
After regrouping with Joseph at the Pokémon Center, the two set off from Viridian City, heading toward their final destination: The Indigo Plateau!
Just as Johto League had its headquarters in Mt. Silver, the Indigo Plateau was home to many high-level wild Pokémon.
Sato planned to use this half-month journey to battle wild Pokémon, maximizing his team's battle experience and coordination.
Additionally, with Joseph traveling alongside him, Sato no longer needed to spend time cooking, cleaning, or tending to Pokémon care and healing.
Whenever they stopped to rest, Sato used every moment to review the knowledge required for the tournament, reinforcing his understanding.
Since Sato took on all the battles along the way, the only thing he knew about Joseph's Pokémon was that Florges and the others were highly efficient at assisting him.
To this day, Sato remained uncertain about Joseph's actual battle strength.
Joseph, on the other hand, had an easygoing nature; content to avoid battles whenever possible. And Sato wasn't the type to pressure others into fights.
Thus, the two continued their journey to the Indigo Plateau, working in sync yet somehow still slightly out of sync.