The Quiet Summer Before the Storm

The final bell of the school year rang out like a victory cry across the academy grounds. Some students cheered, others sighed in relief—but for Ray and Kira, it was little more than a milestone on their path.

Vacation didn't mean rest.

It meant more time. More freedom. More training.

Daily Routine of Growth

The days that followed were defined by a rhythm sharper and more disciplined than anything enforced during the academic year. Every morning, Ray woke before sunrise. After a quiet breakfast with his parents and checking on the hidden Dratini, he met with Kira just outside town.

There, under the shade of tall trees and open skies, Pidgeotto and Machop drilled relentlessly.

Agility. Endurance. Precision.

Ray used Statsight not just as a lens, but as a scalpel—cutting into the details of Pidgeotto's aptitude and performance, adjusting training tasks accordingly. They focused on wind speed, control under pressure, even rapid directional changes in flight.

But despite the tailored drills and absolute commitment, Pidgeotto only gained one combat level all summer.

Pidgeotto• Combat Level: 33• Aptitude: Light Blue

That wasn't nothing—but it wasn't enough.

And it paled in comparison to what came next.

Kira's Breakthrough

It happened one humid afternoon during a sparring match. Machop was locked in close quarters with Pidgeotto, breathing heavily, its fists glowing with charged energy. Ray could tell—something was different.

A moment later, the transformation began.

Machop's body erupted in a surge of light, expanding in size and muscle mass. The tension in the air cracked with electricity as the form of Machoke emerged from the glow, towering and powerful.

Kira stood there frozen, eyes wide. "Wha—he evolved?!"

Ray's vision narrowed instantly, Statsight flaring to life.

Machoke• Combat Level: 35• Aptitude: Deep Blue

Ray's breath caught.

Not only had Machop evolved—its Aptitude had increased as well. It was now officially stronger than Pidgeotto, in both raw power and potential.

Kira blinked a few times and then whooped with joy. "Machoke, you're amazing!"

Ray smiled, but deep down, the gears of analysis were already turning.

Evolution doesn't just raise power... it can unlock Aptitude shifts too.But it's not guaranteed. And the higher the level... the harder everything gets.

Hard Truths

That night, Ray stared at the ceiling of his room, hands behind his head.

"One level in a whole summer," he murmured. "Even with perfect training... it's slowing down."

He realized something that summer: the higher a Pokémon's level and aptitude, the more difficult it became to push them further. Progress was no longer linear—it required smarter training, sharper insight, and deeper bonds.

And he welcomed the challenge.

Ready for Year Two

As the summer sun began to fade into cooler mornings, the town buzzed once again with students returning, uniforms being pressed, and Pokéballs polished.

Ray and Kira stood outside the academy gates, just as they had one year ago.

But now, they weren't uncertain rookies.

They were competitors. Partners. Friends.

And they were ready to climb higher.

"Let's crush this year," Kira said, bumping her fist to Ray's.

He nodded, eyes focused. "No holding back."

Behind them, Pidgeotto and Machoke mirrored the gesture—wings spread, fists clenched.

They weren't the same team that walked into the academy.