The power of the Attribute Plates surged rapidly into Persian under its guidance. In just a short moment, its entire body began to emit a faint glow, growing increasingly radiant.
Unfortunately, no one had the luxury of admiring this spectacle. Ron remained focused, waiting patiently for the second phase of the breakthrough, while Machamp and the others were stationed around, maintaining strict vigilance.
If a breakthrough simply failed, the loss would only affect the Pokémon itself. However, if it were interrupted mid-process, even the trainer could suffer severe—potentially fatal—injuries.
Absorbing just one-third of the energy from the two Attribute Plates, Persian already felt it had reached its limit. Following Ron's instructions, it closed its eyes and focused entirely on sensing Ron's presence.
With the power of two Attribute Plates as support, a mysterious force enveloped both Ron and Persian.
Thin, invisible threads—imperceptible to both the naked eye and special abilities—slowly emerged, linking Ron and Persian together.
One thread. Two threads. Though the growth was slow, it never ceased.
Images from the past flashed through Ron's mind—he saw the first time he encountered Meowth, the first battle where he commanded Machop and Meowth, and the moment he caught Meowth as his own.
Then came the long process of training and battles—from unfamiliarity to understanding, from simple teamwork to an unbreakable bond. The hardships they had endured, the countless battles they had fought—it all played out like a film reel, flickering swiftly before Ron's eyes.
As the memories faded, only a phantom mirroring Persian's form remained before him.
Ron stared quietly at the illusion of Persian, unaware of how much time had passed before an overwhelming surge of energy flooded into his body.
Having gone through this process before, he instinctively guided the power. At some point, his hands had already placed themselves on Persian's shoulders, transferring the energy into its body—the final step before a Pokémon could ascend to Elite Four-tier strength!
At first, Ron hadn't understood the difference between using one Attribute Plate for a breakthrough and using two.
It wasn't until Machamp had undergone the process that he realized—with only one Plate, the amount of energy available for the final transformation was significantly lower.
Conversely, with two Plates, one could be fully utilized in the first stage while the second fueled the final enhancement.
Such an abundant energy supply meant a brighter, more promising future for the Pokémon.
When the last trace of energy left Ron's body, Persian's breakthrough was complete.
A fearsome Elite Four-tier aura erupted from Persian, spreading unrestrained in all directions—as if roaring to the world that another Elite Four-level Pokémon had emerged.
Yet, when the overwhelming force crashed against Ron, it merely felt like a gentle breeze—completely harmless.
"Congratulations, Persian."
Ron reached out, stroking Persian's large, soft head, his voice brimming with joy.
Persian nuzzled into Ron's palm affectionately, showing not even the slightest dignity expected of an Elite Four-tier Pokémon.
Or rather, after experiencing such a breakthrough together, their bond had deepened to the point where even death could no longer sever it.
"Alright, enough with the affection. To celebrate your breakthrough, why don't you go hunt some prey? I'll cook you a grand feast."
Hearing Ron's words, Persian nodded obediently. After accepting congratulations from Machamp and the others, it turned and made its way toward the forest.
Gone was the playful and affectionate house cat that had once clung to Ron.
Now, Persian moved with the majesty of a prowling tiger, exuding both power and confidence!
"Persian, the rest is up to you. Go out there and truly experience the strength of an Elite Four-tier Pokémon!"
"Roar!"
At Ron's command, the sound that erupted from Persian was no longer a mere feline growl but the thunderous roar of a raging tiger.
...
It had been four days since Persian had broken through to the Elite Four level.
During this time, Persian had been adjusting to the overwhelming surge of power coursing through its body. And now, at last, it was facing its first opponent of equal strength—another Elite Four-tier Pokémon.
A fierce battle spirit burned in Persian's heart, and the uncontainable heat of combat surged within it!
Seviper swayed its long body restlessly. It could hardly recall the last time it had encountered this level of danger since reaching the Elite Four tier.
After a moment of hesitation, Seviper took the initiative.
Poison Fang gleamed menacingly as it lunged forward—but in reality, it was preparing to strike with Poison Tail at just the right moment. If Persian chose to counter or evade, Seviper would lash out with a surprise attack. It was a technique honed through years of battle experience.
Persian, however, remained unfazed, gazing at the rapidly approaching Seviper with a look of disdain. Ron, too, gave no command.
Seviper saw its chance—accelerating sharply, it twisted midair at the last second, using centrifugal force to amplify the power of its Poison Tail.
A gust of wind, thick with venomous fumes, surged toward Persian. For a fleeting moment, Seviper envisioned the scene of its tail smashing through Persian's skull.
But in the very next instant, Persian vanished from sight—as if it had teleported.
A sharp claw flashed.
Seviper's scales shattered as blood sprayed into the air.
Agonizing pain twisted across Seviper's face, yet in its eyes, remnants of confidence still lingered.
"Persian, Finger Pistol: Blink Slash!"
Ron's command rang out, and before Seviper could react, Persian disappeared once more. This time, its shadowy claws rained down upon Seviper like a relentless storm.
Seviper thrashed wildly, driven to madness by the searing pain, yet no matter how violently it struck back, it couldn't land a single hit on Persian.
Upon reaching the Elite Four tier, Persian's transformation had been drastic.
If Machamp's power boost upon breaking through was centered on raw strength, then Persian's enhancement was purely about speed.
At its current level, unless its opponent was at least two tiers higher and specialized in speed, keeping up with Persian was impossible.
And Seviper, at a mere Level 61, was nowhere close to that level.
After a relentless flurry of attacks, Persian effortlessly withdrew, licking the blood from its claws with an air of indifference.
Seviper, on the other hand, was in shambles. Its shattered scales barely clung to its body, and deep crimson dripped from the gashes along its frame. It was a sorry sight.
Yet, for an Elite Four-tier Seviper, such wounds were nothing. They wouldn't hinder its ability to fight.
The real issue was that, unlike Machamp, Persian lacked the raw explosive power to overpower an opponent in a single blow—unless it landed a critical strike on a vital spot.
But that hardly mattered.
If one strike wasn't enough, just strike again.
"Persian, Finger Pistol: Shadow Claw Execution!"
Massive shadow claws loomed over the battlefield as Seviper launched itself forward, fully prepared this time.
Venomous energy surged around its body, distorting its form until it appeared almost dragon-like—like a viper infused with the lethal essence of a toxic wyrm.
Claws and poison collided. Shadows and venom intertwined.
The battlefield crackled with tension.
A duel between a tiger and a serpent had begun.
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