After entering the room, Aoki locked the door securely behind him and opened a portal to a different space directly on the wall. The smooth surface rippled like water as the dimensional gateway formed. With careful steps, he walked through the shimmering barrier accompanied by Slowking. Slowking followed dutifully, its normally vacant eyes sharp with awareness as it crossed the threshold into the training area.
Training Pokémon properly within the confines of a standard room presented numerous challenges. The space constraints alone made comprehensive training difficult, not to mention the risk of property damage from more energetic techniques. That's why Aoki had invested considerable resources into creating this specialized training dimension - a pocket reality where his team could train without restrictions.
With practiced motions, Aoki threw out several Poké Balls in rapid succession. Each capsule burst open with a flash of red light, releasing his elite team members into the spacious training area. First emerged Gengar, its wide grin splitting its shadowy face as it materialized from the Poké Ball's energy. Next came Florges, the elegant Flower Pokémon floating gracefully with petals swirling around her form. Honchkrow appeared with a dramatic flourish of its sleek dark wings, letting out a proud "Caw!" as it took position. Drapion scuttled forth, its massive pincers clicking together in anticipation of training and then Weavile.
Including Slowking who had entered with him, these represented all the Pokémon in Aoki's primary battle roster. Each had been carefully selected and trained to complement the others, forming a balanced team capable of handling nearly any challenge.
Currently, Slowking had taken the lead in breaking through to Champion level, its psychic potential finally reaching its zenith after years of dedicated training. Gengar and Florges followed closely behind, having recently achieved the same milestone themselves. The remaining team members weren't far behind - Aoki could sense they were each on the cusp of their own breakthroughs with proper guidance.
Without wasting time, Aoki began making adjustments to their training regimens, addressing each Pokémon's specific needs with the precision of an experienced Trainer.
"Slowking," Aoki began, locking eyes with the Pokémon, "your current focus should be on condensing your psychic powers to greater density. The quantity of your psychic energy is more than sufficient, but the quality still needs refinement. What you lack is decisive explosive power - that final overwhelming surge that can turn the tide of battle." He crossed his arms thoughtfully. "For the next phase, I want you to compress your existing psychic energy to twice its current density. This will give you that finishing capability you need."
Despite Gengar and Florges having reached Champion level as well, Slowking remained the most formidable Pokémon on Aoki's team. Its endurance and sustained output in battle were unparalleled, but Aoki had identified a critical gap - the ability to deliver a single, overwhelming strike when it mattered most. This would be Slowking's next evolution in combat prowess.
Turning to his two newest Champion-level Pokémon, Aoki adjusted his approach. "Gengar, Florges, since you've both recently broken through to Champion level, your priority is acclimating to your enhanced capabilities." He gestured to the open training area. "Start with fundamental physical conditioning - rebuild your muscle memory from the ground up with your new power thresholds."
As he spoke, Aoki retrieved another Poké Ball from his belt and released its occupant. With a bright flash, Carbink appeared, its crystalline body refracting light across the training space. The gemstone atop its head shone with a distinctive pink hue, indicating its unique energy signature.
"Carbink will be assisting your training with its Gravity technique," Aoki explained. "You'll all be training under intensified gravitational forces to accelerate your adaptation." He looked specifically at Drapion and Honchkrow. "That includes you two as well - the increased gravity will help push your limits."
The small Rock/Fairy-type would serve double duty, both supporting the others' training while using the Gravity exercises to better control its own energies. Pokémon capable of manipulating gravity were invaluable training partners - any Trainer fortunate enough to have one could dramatically accelerate their team's development, especially for Fighting-types who benefited immensely from resistance training.
Aoki's expression turned more serious as he addressed Drapion. "Drapion, your biggest obstacle right now is mental, not physical." The large Poison/Dark-type twitched its claws impatiently. "This restlessness, this inability to remain calm in critical moments - that's what's holding you back from Champion level. Unless you overcome this, breaking through will remain extremely difficult for you."
Drapion had always been a battle enthusiast, thriving in combat scenarios. However, its eagerness often translated to impatience - a flaw that became magnified in high-pressure situations. This was the same issue that had previously stalled Blaziken's evolution for so long. Currently, Drapion had absorbed substantial poison energy and had multiple Toxic Orbs integrated into its physiology. By all accounts, it possessed all the necessary conditions for a breakthrough. Even without an ideal battle scenario, it should have naturally progressed to Champion level by now - just as Gengar had done before it.
This shared advantage between Drapion and Gengar stemmed from their unique biology and training methods. Yet where Gengar had succeeded in its evolution, Drapion continued to struggle against its own nature.
Aoki's tone softened slightly as he turned to Honchkrow and Weavile. "Honchkrow, Weavile, I know you've been feeling anxious watching your teammates grow stronger while your progress seems slower." The two Dark-types exchanged glances. "But you must remain patient and trust the process. The foundation you're building now will serve you well. Follow the training plans I've set, and your breakthroughs will come at the right time."
Indeed, Honchkrow and Weavile had spent considerable time training in relative obscurity while Aoki focused on others. Their daily routines of fundamental drills and technique refinement might have seemed mundane compared to their teammates' dramatic power surges. But Aoki recognized their steady progress - they were developing the most rock-solid foundations of all his Pokémon. When their moments came, their breakthroughs would likely be the smoothest transitions of all.
Of his current team, Drapion concerned Aoki the most regarding its upcoming evolution. The psychological barrier would require concerted effort from both Trainer and Pokémon to overcome. But with Carbink's assistance and the specialized training environment, they had all the tools needed for success.
As his Pokémon began their intensified training under Carbink's Gravity field, Aoki stepped aside, withdrawing a different Poké Ball from his belt. He held the capsule thoughtfully, studying the creature visible through the transparent top.
The elderly Dragalge inside had shown significant recovery since Aoki's intervention, though the years of captivity had permanently diminished its former power. Yet even in its weakened state, the veteran Pokémon retained an imposing presence and considerable strength. Whether due to advanced age or gratitude for its rescue, the Dragalge had shown no aggression toward Aoki during their time together.
Throughout the seven days spent searching for the Battle Castle, Aoki had made a point of releasing the Dragalge daily to communicate via Telepathy. Establishing this connection was crucial for his upcoming plans. The Dragalge represented a key piece in the strategic arrangements he needed to complete.
With a press of the button, Aoki released the Pokémon in a flash of red energy. The serpentine Dragalge materialized before him, its calm eyes betraying nothing as it surveyed its surroundings. Without visible effort, it summoned a cushion of water to suspend itself slightly above the ground, maintaining its preferred aquatic environment even here.
In many ways, Dragalge resembled Drapion - both were imposing, poison-based creatures with dragon-like qualities. One bore algae-like growths along its body while the other featured coral-like protrusions, but their underlying draconic heritage was unmistakable.
"Dragalge," Aoki began, projecting his thoughts directly into the Pokémon's mind through their Telepathic link, "I know you're still recovering your strength. But as I've demonstrated these past days, I'm committed to helping you stabilize your condition." He met the ancient Pokémon's gaze steadily. "You've seen what I can offer. Now I need to know if we can work together."
The Dragalge's eyes, previously so placid, now showed the first hints of internal conflict. As a Pokémon that had once surpassed Champion level - a dragon no less - it carried immense pride. Yet decades imprisoned on the Dragon's Pillar had eroded much of that arrogance. Still, something in Aoki's words stirred long-dormant emotions.
The atmosphere grew heavy as the Dragalge focused its attention on Aoki. Though its power hadn't fully returned, the sheer weight of its presence could still be overwhelming. Even across the training area, Slowking and the others paused their exercises, sensing the sudden tension in the air.
Then, as quickly as the pressure had built, it dissipated. The Dragalge gave a slow, deliberate nod, its body sagging slightly with the motion as if the simple gesture required great effort.
Aoki allowed himself a small smile. The agreement was struck. With this partnership secured, all the pieces were nearly in place. Final success would depend on execution when the time came.
After directing the Dragalge to rest in a specially prepared section of the training dimension, Aoki produced an assortment of items from his pack, spreading them across a worktable. Full restoration of the Dragalge's former power was impossible - some losses were permanent. But he could help it adapt to its current capabilities while extending its lifespan as much as possible.
Their arrangement benefited both parties - the Dragalge would regain some vitality while providing Aoki with the strategic advantage he needed. And truthfully, in its diminished state, the old Pokémon posed little threat beyond its intimidating aura. As Aoki prepared the specialized recovery items, he made certain to incorporate... contingencies. One couldn't be too careful, even with an agreed-upon alliance.
The training dimension hummed with activity as Aoki's Pokémon pushed their limits under Carbink's Gravity field. Slowking meditated deeply, psychic energy condensing around it in visible waves. Gengar and Florges ran through basic movement drills at varying gravity intensities, relearning their enhanced capabilities. Drapion practiced precise strikes against training dummies, fighting to maintain focus despite its natural impatience. Honchkrow and Weavile sparred together, their movements becoming sharper with each exchange.
Meanwhile, Aoki worked meticulously on the Dragalge's recovery regimen, occasionally glancing up to observe his team's progress. Each Pokémon had its role to play, its own path to follow. And soon, very soon, all their preparations would be put to the ultimate test.