A series of metallic clanging sounds rang out as Lucario's fists pierced straight through the metal testing plates.
To achieve this level of power, Lucario was now drenched in sweat.
The testing plates were connected to Ryan's computer, which displayed detailed data in real time:
"Peak force per punch: 298 kg. Excellent power output."
"Your physical attributes have improved significantly as well. If you maintain this level of training, it won't be long before you master Swords Dance. Once you do, your attack power will increase exponentially."
Ryan looked at the data analysis on the screen while speaking to Lucario.
In Ryan's eyes, Lucario was a perfect warrior—impressive attack power, excellent speed, and solid defensive capabilities thanks to its dual Fighting and Steel typing.
A true warrior had to master Swords Dance. The move could dramatically boost a Pokémon's Attack stat in a short time, but it required the Pokémon's physical foundation to meet certain standards first.
"I feel so much stronger!" Lucario swung its arm, savoring the surging power within its body, and communicated with Ryan through its Aura.
Since evolving, Lucario's Aura control had improved dramatically, allowing it to communicate with Ryan much more flexibly.
"Here, this is the new Overweight Armor. Try it on," Ryan said, handing over the upgraded training weights he had prepared earlier.
Each piece now added 20 kg instead of the previous 10 kg. With one piece on each hand and each foot, the total weight reached 120 kg.
"Hmm!" With Ryan's help, Lucario put on the heavy armor. It was clearly a struggle.
After evolving, Lucario's body weight was only around 60 kg. This new set was literally twice its body weight.
"It might feel uncomfortable at first, but you'll get used to it soon," Ryan said warmly, patting Lucario's shoulder. "Just wear it and follow the training plan I gave you."
"Understood." Although Lucario's strength had skyrocketed after evolution, it still felt an invisible pressure when facing Ryan — like a white-belt martial artist standing before a true master.
"Little Lucario, evolving into Lucario isn't the end. It's just the beginning," Ryan said earnestly. "The real difference between individuals starts now."
Lucario didn't reply with words, but nodded firmly, its eyes filled with determination.
"Alright, go train," Ryan said gently, patting its shoulder again.
"Lucario!" Lucario responded confidently and walked with steady steps toward the training targets, repeating the most basic punches and recovery drills.
Ryan watched with satisfaction for a while. He was pleased to see that Lucario hadn't become complacent after evolving. Instead, it was even more passionate about training.
After giving Lucario a few more pointers, Ryan turned his attention to the other Pokémon.
...
Ryan beckoned to Kirlia.
Kirlia shyly took a few floating steps and stopped beside him, deliberately keeping a small distance.
After evolving, Lucario's personality had stayed mostly the same, only its appearance and strength had changed dramatically. Kirlia, however, had changed in every way — appearance, strength, and personality.
The Ralts that used to cling to Ryan all day, constantly asking for hugs and snuggling into his arms, had become noticeably more reserved and shy.
Perhaps becoming a young girl had changed her heart as well.
Ryan pretended to look hurt and said, "Why do I feel like you don't like me as much after evolving? Are you still my same little Lu?"
Kirlia panicked the moment she saw Ryan's "aggrieved" expression. She quickly connected to his mind with a soft, anxious voice:
"No! Lu is still Lu… the same Kirlia who likes Ryan the most!"
"Is that so?" Ryan had been waiting for those words. He immediately bent down, pulled Kirlia into his arms, and gently kneaded her.
While doing so, he chuckled, "Let me check if she's still the same Kirlia I know."
"Ah~"
Kirlia hadn't expected the sudden "attack." Her face flushed bright red.
Before Ryan could continue teasing her, Kirlia used Teleport and instantly escaped his embrace.
After a few rounds of playful teasing, Kirlia's face was completely red. She finally offered to start training, and only then did Ryan let her go with a laugh.
...
"Kirlia, the skill you need to focus on mastering right now is Teleport," Ryan said softly. "After evolving, your psychic power has grown stronger, so it should be much more efficient than before."
"Mhm." Kirlia nodded and began practicing.
With a soft whoosh, her figure vanished and reappeared 40 meters away.
"This is my current limit," Kirlia's gentle voice echoed in Ryan's mind.
"Good. Little Lu, try using it continuously for a short period and see how many times you can manage," Ryan said, taking out a timer.
"Okay." Kirlia took a slight breath and began chaining Teleports.
Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~
Her figure flashed continuously across the training ground.
...
"This… this is my current limit," Kirlia said afterward. Her face was flushed, not from Ryan's teasing this time, but from the heavy energy consumption. She looked a little weak.
"Little Lu, you did very well," Ryan praised, gently patting her cute little head. "The interval between Teleports was only about five seconds, and you managed four consecutive uses. That far exceeded my expectations."
Kirlia stopped dodging and stood obediently beside him. Although she was tired, she was clearly happy to receive Ryan's praise.
"Little Lucario, for now you only need to focus on two skills," Ryan summarized for both of them. "Prioritize strengthening your physical foundation and work on Swords Dance. When you have time, practice Extreme Speed as well."
For Kirlia, he continued, "Your priority is mastering Teleport. It's practically a god-tier skill! Being able to change position instantly is incredibly useful for both offense and defense. Since you haven't reached your final evolution yet, your combat ability is still lower than Lucario's, so Teleport will be your most important tool."
"Okay!" Kirlia nodded obediently and moved to the side to begin her training.
After arranging the training routines for both his partners, Ryan began thinking about his next major plan.