"So, let's talk about yourself first. How were you able to reach pseudo-king rank so fast? I have also been training for quite some time. Actually from my childhood. But I am only an elemental rank till now.", asked Steven.
"There are actually 2 reasons for it. Actually 3 reasons. First of all, I regularly train my body, mind, and my aura techniques. I have done a lot of research about aura techniques and how to make one stronger. I have also found a lot of unique ways to do it. These ways are not found in this world. Of course, if you are going to ask me to share it, I will not trade it for anything else.
Secondly, the time and the consistency. I have seen many trainers of my age who would not train regularly and only focus on their Pokemons. I don't know if you do it or not but I train regularly.
Thirdly, it is also attributable to the pressurized situations that I am in. I have been a part of multiple tide battles and that not only made my body stronger and accelerated its growth but also had a positive impact on my mental health too. I have also been kidnapped twice now and have suffered a lot of torture. This also increased my rank faster.
And finally, my talent."
"Talent? What kind of talent are you talking about?", asked Cynthia as she was also curious.
"I have a talent that my Pokemons including myself would grow stronger at a faster pace. This includes moves, skills, techniques, rank ups, and also basic stats."
"So, you are flaunting that you are more talented than us?"
"No, I am not flaunting. I am just telling the truth."
"Ok, I will humor you. From where did you get this ability and when did you get it?"
"I got in when I started my journey and as for the question of how I got it? Let's say it was Arcues that gave me this gift."
The situation changed immediately when Axel mentioned Arceus's name. At first, both of them were thinking that Axel was just flaunting and telling that he was naturally more talented than both of them but it looked like he was not doing so. He may have been genuinely blessed by Arceus.
Steven and Cynthia didn't even know that such a thing was possible but looking at the result, that was the only explanation.
The worst part was that they could not share this with anyone cause if Axel found out that they did, then they would not have a good result. They might even have to face Oak and they didn't want that.
Axel also shared other things on how to treat new and baby Pokemons and the amount of vitamins needed. He went on length about it.
"I have observed something about you and Cynthia. You guys focus on modifying the moves of a Pokemon from a young age. First, how can you guys do that so easily and secondly, are there any reasons for it?", asked Steven.
"Well, the reason I am able to do it is due to my talent. If you are asking other ways to make your Pokemon learn new moves and modify the existing moves, then I suggest that you get the concept right."
"Concept?"
"Yes, every Pokemon has their own specialization. It might be due to their nature, or their species. If you focus on a move and try to modify it based on their nature and species, then there is a higher chance that they could learn it.
Answering your second question, I believe that we, the trainers think that Pokemons are weak and fragile like us. So, we don't let them go the extra mile. However, this is a completely wrong concept.
Pokemons can train harder than you think and sometimes you have to push their limits. That is the only way they can reach higher levels."
Steven asked a lot of other questions in detail and Axel explained it to him by taking some time. Axel also told his daily routine and how he trains every day with his Pokemons. He also focused on the consistency of his training.
It had been more than an hour since they started to talk and Steven felt that he had made the right decision in this deal. For Axel, he had also made a lot in this deal. He actually didn't feel that it was a loss to tell his experience to Steven. Steven was not his enemy and he didn't feel that Steven was his rival. He didn't want to be arrogant but in the long run, he felt that only Cynthia could give him a run for his money.
Besides, telling this experience didn't guarantee that Steven would follow his advice. Because it was not so easy to do it. If it was easy, others would have already reached his level.
After Steven was satisfied with all the questions, he left saying that he would wait outside. Because it was now time for Cynthia to tell her training plans to Axel. Steven had not made a deal with her, so he could not be in the room.
###
For the first time in his life, he was alone with Cynthia. One would expect that Axel felt a bit awkward being in a room with a beautiful girl, but he was not feeling any of those things.
He was actually feeling an intense rivalry stare from Cynthia.
"You know, even if you stare at me for so long, nothing is going to change.", remarked Axel.
"You are one of the most interesting trainers that I have ever laid my eyes on.", said Cynthia.
"Why? You have said that multiple times. I want to know why?"
"Because you are not afraid of me or intimidated by me. I know those looks of the trainers of my age. Most of them will hope that they will never meet me in person and those who do meet me are scared of me.
I have been undefeated till now by my peers and people of my age but when you came everything changed.
You not only have no fear of me but also want to surpass me. That is why you are interesting."
Axel was shocked to hear this reply. From her perspective, this was clearly a good point. Axel didn't know why people were so afraid of her. She did look intimidating but that was it.
"So, why don't I start with the questions?"
"Of course, go ahead."
Axel talked with Cynthia for more than an hour. He realized that most of the training plans of Cynthia were very similar to Axel's. There were some completely new things that he discovered from her but those were very rare. He did note all of those down for further research.
After talking with her, Axel realized that Cynthia had a gift for understanding her Pokemons. She could understand them so well that it became easy for her to train her Pokemons. Coupled with a lot of resources, the Pokemon would grow stronger a lot in less time.
Axel also came to know that the Garchomp did reach a pseudo-champion rank recently.
"But how? I just cannot believe that it would rank up so fast. I mean it was permanently injured. So, it must have taken a lot of time to get used to its changed body. Now, you are telling me that it directly jumped from tier 2 king rank to pseudo-champion rank in just a few months?
I just want to know how were you able to do it?"
"Hahaha, you know I want to be mysterious and just don't want to reply but that would be too much for you, isn't it? Don't worry, we have a deal and I will honor it.
First of all, I am not some god that could do miracles. My other Pokemons who were at a similar level to Garchomp could not reach that stage till now. They are still trying."
"Then how did Garchomp do it?", asked Axel.
"Actually, you and your Charizard are partly responsible for it. When it got injured, both of us didn't know how to progress. It took a week for it to get over the fact that life doesn't stop.
Then something broke inside it. Like a dam holding the water. Before, it was not even trying to train but after that day, its speed increased exponentially. I don't know what happened but I could make a guess, that it decided to change its fate and for real this time. Not something you will think for a night and then forget it.
I believe its mental level increased by a level that day."
Axel had a lot of things to master in aura and one of the most important was to master one's emotional state. Maybe Garchomp was actually able to do it. Now, the problem was how he would be able to copy this.
Cynthia didn't have a problem sharing this information cause even if she told him, there was little to no chance that Axel would be able to copy it. Even she had not been able to do it for her other Pokemons.
###
Steven was doing his best to keep his eyes open right now. He was sitting on a chair and he had nothing to do right now except to wait for Axel and Cynthia. He really had nothing to do. He wanted to accumulate all the things that Axel had said but he knew that this would take a lot of time. So, he didn't do it right now.
He also had to take Axel to choose the egg of Aron and also give him the training manual of his Aggron. As he was trying his best to open his eyes, he heard the door making a sound.
He immediately turned around to see Axel and Cynthia walking in. It was very rare to see Cynthia smile and to be in a good mood and today was such a day as he could see her smiling.
'What did they talk about?', thought Steven but he didn't have the time to ponder that question as Axel had already arrived near him.
"Steven, if you are ready, we can go and choose my Aron.", said Axel.
"Yes, I have been waiting for you. Let's not waste any time. Cynthia, do you want to come too?"
"Why not? I have nothing to do here."
Steven was surprised to hear a positive reply. Normally, she would not agree to such mundane things.
"Ok. Then let's go. Please follow me.", said Steven and all 3 of them started to walk toward a giant building. The building where they kept eggs of Aron.