"Before you break through, let's have Alakazam and the others demonstrate for you."
After finding a secluded spot, Gu Yuan prepared to elevate the strength of Alakazam and his team. First up was the top-tier group: Charizard, Moltres, and Roaring Moon.
With the boost from his points, their power rose once more, reaching the very edge of the High-tier Elite rank. Their next breakthrough would surely land them squarely in that category. However, since they hadn't crossed the threshold yet, their physical changes didn't seem particularly large.
Conversely, Alakazam and the others had accumulated plenty of battle experience during this period. Coupled with the help of points, they successfully broke through to the Middle-tier Elite rank.
The aura of four Pokémon breaking through to the Middle-tier Elite rank simultaneously whipped up a literal storm. The terrifying pressure expanded, causing the wild Pokémon in the forest to tremble in fear, thinking a new group of overlords was about to take over.
What puzzled them was why there were four distinct auras. They wondered if the new overlords were four brothers. While they were lost in confusion, Alakazam and the others were immersed in their newfound power. Feeling the strength surging through their bodies, they couldn't wait to find a suitable opponent for a grand battle.
"Don't be impatient. I've already found opponents for you to face after your breakthrough."
"Now, we just need to wait for Ceruledge and the others to reach the Elite rank. Then, I'll satisfy your desire for combat all at once."
Feeling the fighting spirit emanating from Alakazam and the team, Gu Yuan understood their thoughts perfectly. He smiled as he announced the secret gift he had prepared and then began making arrangements for Ceruledge's breakthrough.
In that previous hidden dimension, Gu Yuan had obtained many special items, many of which he couldn't use himself. However, with Agatha acting as a mediator, a series of friendly negotiations and purchases resulted in Gu Yuan holding three Fire-type special items, one Dragon-type, and one Ghost-type.
The three Fire-type items could assist Ceruledge, Skeledirge, and the future Coalossal in their breakthroughs. The Ghost-type item was reserved for Gengar. As for the Dragon-type one, it depended on whether Haxorus or Dragapult reached that stage first.
As for Hatterene, Gu Yuan was truly at a loss. Psychic and Fairy-type items were notoriously difficult to obtain.
Without needing a reminder from Gu Yuan, Charizard and the others began to stand guard. Ditto even transformed into Alakazam, using its psychic powers in tandem with the real Alakazam to scan the surroundings.
The first to attempt the breakthrough was Ceruledge. With the experience of Charizard and the others to draw upon, it followed the familiar path of channeling the power from the special item.
A wave of heat spread through Ceruledge's entire body. Guided by the thermal flow, it felt its power begin to skyrocket. Rather than getting lost in the sensation, it quickly closed its eyes, guiding the energy to help shatter its limits.
In this regard, Gu Yuan had successfully summarized a set of protocols based on Charizard's past experiences, making Ceruledge appear exceptionally skilled. Under wave after wave of impact, Ceruledge felt the wall-like barrier constantly weakening.
The power from the special item felt like a massive sledgehammer, and Ceruledge was the one wielding it, relentlessly striking the barrier. It was as if it were performing a rhythmic demolition.
Hard work paid off. Under the continuous assault, the barrier became thinner and thinner. Finally, Ceruledge began to gather its strength. As it launched its final charge, Gu Yuan used his points to give it a helping hand.
"Boom!"
It was as if a roar echoed in everyone's ears. Ceruledge felt itself enter a new world. Even greater power flowed rapidly through its limbs, and a terrifying aura expanded, plunging the wild Pokémon in the forest into fear once again.
"Congratulations, Ceruledge!"
Gu Yuan patted its shoulder, a smile spreading across his face that he couldn't hold back. Ceruledge, however, quickly adjusted its mindset, hiding its joy deep within. True to its role as a hidden swordsman, it would only reveal itself to deliver a fatal blow when the enemy was off guard.
Charizard and the others did not relax their vigilance. Even Ceruledge joined the guard rotation, keeping watch over the perimeter. Gengar approached Gu Yuan with a grin, clearly impatient.
"I've had it ready for you. Let's begin."
He handed a piece of pitch-black bark to Gengar. It was saturated with Ghost-type energy that faintly formed into runes. Taking the bark, Gengar mimicked Ceruledge's previous actions and began striking the Elite-rank barrier.
Like Charizard before it, Gengar could already reach the Elite rank through Mega Evolution. Because it had experienced that level of power beforehand, the breakthrough was exceptionally smooth.
Soon, a cold sensation permeated the air, and Gengar launched its final assault. Opening the System's task panel, Gu Yuan helped Gengar take that final step.
The next second, a chilly aura expanded—a stark contrast to Ceruledge's aura, which was a mix of cold and heat.
"Congratulations, Gengar. You need to keep working hard. Once you Mega Evolve now, you'll possess Middle-tier Elite power."
Gu Yuan smiled as he stroked Gengar's chilly body. Unlike the steady and hardworking Ceruledge, Gengar preferred playing around, which was simply its nature. Therefore, as its Trainer, Gu Yuan naturally needed to help it stay focused.
Gengar nodded obediently and, like Ceruledge, silently joined the sentry line to protect Skeledirge during the final breakthrough.
Watching Skeledirge begin its process, Gu Yuan's eyes were full of pride. Due to its Ability and signature move, Skeledirge initially leaned toward direct frontal attacks. However, once its power reached its peak, it could use Phantom Force to become a formidable and headache-inducing assassin. It could handle either style with ease, making it very easy for Gu Yuan to manage.
With Gu Yuan's guidance and the demonstrations from Ceruledge and Gengar, Skeledirge entered the zone immediately. Its aura began to intensify. With rich experience and the help of points, there was no possibility of failure. It successfully entered the Elite rank.
By this time, the wild Pokémon in the forest had become numb after being frightened so many times.
At this point, every member of Gu Yuan's team—except for Haxorus and the other three—possessed Elite-rank strength. It was a terrifying lineup. Simultaneously, Gu Yuan felt that he really should do as Agatha suggested and consider adding new partners to his team.