The progress of Swampert's energy infusion had never been slow. Combined with its exceptional control over Water-type and Ground-type energy, everything had proceeded smoothly without any accidents.
Therefore, before Sato left Fallarbor Town, aside from its head and a small portion of its torso, every other part of Swampert's body had already completed the tempering process.
At this rate, Sato was completely confident that Swampert would successfully complete the final stage of tempering within half a month and become a true Elite-Four level Pokémon.
Once Swampert successfully advanced to the Elite-Four level, its strength would inevitably increase dramatically. Ordinary Elite-Four level Pokémon would have no hope of acting arrogantly in front of it. Sato estimated that even if there were a difference of five or six levels, Swampert would still have the ability to defeat them in battle.
After all, Swampert had perfect individual values, and it had also received Kyogre's blessing. Its strength was absolutely no joke.
Moreover, after successfully reaching the Elite-Four level, Swampert would enter another period of rapid growth.
After all, it would have already broken through the Elite-Four evel bottleneck. At least until it reached the Level 90 Champion-level bottleneck, its path would be completely unobstructed, allowing its level to continue rising.
There was another important point. Once Swampert became an Elite-Four level Pokémon, Sato could try to completely subdue the Zapdos he had previously gone to great lengths to capture. As long as he could successfully tame Zapdos, the danger of his upcoming journey into Viridian Forest would be greatly reduced.
By then, Sato would be a Trainer possessing two Elite-Four level Pokémon. One would be a Legendary Pokémon, while the other would be a Pokémon capable of defeating Legendary Pokémon. On top of that, he himself was a Psychic.
With such formidable strength, who would dare underestimate him?
Even the Elite-Four level wild Pokémon in Viridian Forest, no matter how arrogant they were, would not dare push him too far.
"Looks like you're quite confident. If I count the days, Swampert should be almost there, right? That child's talent really is extraordinary, and its accumulation is more than sufficient. The Elite-Four level bottleneck is merely a small hurdle for it."
Professor Oak was no ordinary person. Seeing how confidently Sato agreed after he mentioned the timeframe, he quickly realized that Sato would soon become an Elite-Four level Trainer. He immediately nodded with a smile.
Sato was startled when Professor Oak saw through his thoughts so easily, but he quickly understood.
He had left Swampert and his other Pokémon at Professor Oak's laboratory for quite some time. Given Professor Oak's abilities, he had probably already conducted detailed research on all of them.
Therefore, Professor Oak had likely known for a long time which Pokémon was the ace Sato was cultivating with all his strength.
"Professor, you're truly amazing at predicting things. You saw through my little secret immediately. Yes, Swampert only has its head and a small portion of its torso left to complete the energy infusion. I estimate that after a little more time, it should successfully advance to the Elite-Four level."
Since Professor Oak had already exposed it, Sato had no intention of hiding it any longer and admitted it straightforwardly.
"If that's the case, then that's good. However, many of the Elite-Four level wild Pokémon in Viridian Forest are Grass-types. Even if Swampert advances to the Elite-Four level, it probably won't have an easy time there. Do you have any other plans? Otherwise, it would still be too dangerous."
Professor Oak was secretly rather pleased that he had guessed correctly, but after thinking about it, he frowned and warned Sato.
"Professor, you've hit the nail right on the head. Indeed, relying on Swampert alone, I would never dare enter that place by myself. That's why I plan to completely subdue the Zapdos I captured previously once Swampert successfully reaches the Elite-Four level. As long as I have Zapdos, the danger of this trip into Viridian Forest will definitely be greatly reduced."
Sato nodded and continued explaining his subsequent plans to Professor Oak.
"Your idea is good, but that Zapdos won't be easy to deal with. Moreover, Swampert will have only just advanced to the Elite-Four level. Even with its type advantage, defeating Zapdos won't be simple."
When Professor Oak heard that Sato already intended to target Zapdos so soon, a look of surprise appeared on his face. Even so, he still wasn't optimistic that Sato would succeed.
"I naturally know that, Professor. That's why I have something I'd like to ask you. I know you have many friends. Could you help me exchange these for a Swampertite? One is an Aggronite, and the other is a Lopunnite."
Seeing that he had laid enough groundwork, Sato finally revealed his true objective. He quickly took out two Mega Stones and pleaded with Professor Oak.
In fact, Sato had carefully considered the matter of obtaining a Mega Stone during his journey here. Originally, he had intended to gradually find an opportunity to bring the subject up with Professor Oak.
But the task of rescuing Celebi had given him the perfect opportunity.
Sato had been preparing to obtain a Swampertite for a long time, but he had never found a suitable opportunity.
His relationship with the wealthy Steven was quite good now, but that was under another identity. Taking out two Mega Stones in front of him out of nowhere would be somewhat inappropriate and could easily arouse suspicion.
As for Professor Oak, he had previously been far away in the Hoenn region, and Sato had possessed only a single Aggronite at the time, so he had felt awkward bringing up the matter.
Now that he had returned to Kanto, he had two Mega Stones that could be exchanged. With Swampert's breakthrough to the Elite-Four level imminent, he naturally had to accelerate his preparations.
Professor Oak was genuinely shocked when Sato casually produced two priceless Mega Stones. He couldn't help being astonished by Sato's incredible luck.
After all, throughout his entire life, Professor Oak had accumulated only five Mega Stones in total. He had already given three of them away, while the remaining two had been reserved for his grandson and granddaughter.
"You brat, you actually have things like these—and you've managed to obtain two of them so quickly. Your luck really is enviable. Fine, leave this matter to me. However, whether I can actually exchange them for one will depend on luck."
Professor Oak let out a deep breath and took the two Mega Stones into his hands, carefully examining them.
After confirming that both Mega Stones were genuine, he nodded and agreed to Sato's request.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Professor. I already have a Key Stone. Now all I'm missing is a Swampertite."
Seeing Professor Oak agree, Sato was overjoyed. He immediately bowed deeply to the professor once again, his face filled with gratitude.
At this moment, Professor Oak finally saw hope that Sato could successfully complete this mission.
To be honest, he was already thinking about which of his old friends might be willing to exchange a Swampertite.
Once he successfully obtained a Swampertite for Sato, Sato's momentum toward becoming an Elite-Four level Trainer would be unstoppable.
Professor Oak knew exactly how powerful Sato's Swampert was and how much potential it possessed.
A Pokémon like that, once it successfully advanced to the Elite-Four level, would undoubtedly become one of the strongest among the Elite-Four level Pokémon. And if it gained the power of Mega Evolution as well, then most Elite-Four level Pokémon probably wouldn't stand a chance against it.
"His wings have grown strong enough. As long as the right wind begins to blow, he'll be able to soar into the sky."
Professor Oak watched Sato's confident back as he departed and sighed with emotion.