If there's a word to explain this phenomenon, it's probably nothing but the word miracle, and the miracle is caused by the bond between humans and Pokemon.
But speaking of which, how long has Ash been with Infernape? Can their bond really reach such a level? Therefore, Steven is more inclined to believe that it's the effect of Infernape's Super Blaze.
Lance and the others also find this reasonable. The most amazing aspect of this Infernape might just be its Fierce Fire. Perhaps aside from enhancing its power, the Fierce Fire might have other effects?
The actual situation, though... Lance and the others are only half right.
Infernape being able to hold on until now is indeed related to its Fierce Fire, but more importantly, it's supported by the power provided by Ash.
Although Infernape's will is strong, if its physical strength is completely depleted, it wouldn't be able to muster any strength at all.
The reason it's still moving, and even able to use Flare Blitz, is entirely due to the power supplied by Ash's Aura Fusion, pushing Infernape to fight desperately when its body is nearing its limit.
As long as its will exists, combined with the body's enhancement from Super Blaze, it can allow Ash to preserve its last bit of strength, enabling Infernape to fight until total collapse!
Conversely, when Infernape can no longer fight, it means that its physical strength and even its life are in grave danger, potentially leading to its death!
This is akin to sacrificing life for battle, and this sort of sacrifice isn't something a normal Pokemon could endure.
When a Pokemon loses its ability to fight, it usually occurs when its body suffers such a severe blow that its bodily functions protectively shut down, causing it to fall into unconsciousness, thus preserving life force and preventing harm to its life.
However, Infernape is forcibly using its will to turn off the body's self-protection switch, with Super Blaze burning fiercer as its body becomes more threatened, combined with Ash's provided power, allowing Infernape to stand until now.
Even the Elite Four didn't notice that Infernape's second Flare Blitz was even stronger than the first!
This is the amplification brought by Super Blaze; the more perilous the life, the more fiercely it burns, just like the brilliance of a firework exploding for an instant.
However, the aftermath of the fireworks explosion doesn't need much explanation.
Under normal circumstances, Ash would never let Infernape do this. Like Paul thought, Ash isn't someone who would force a Pokemon to fight when it's exhausted.
But this is Infernape's own will. After Aura Fusion, Ash and Infernape are almost one heart and soul; Ash knows more than anyone how badly it wants to win this battle.
Even if it means burning itself completely, dedicating entirely to this battle, Ash responds to Infernape's thoughts.
If you want to fight desperately, I'll fight with you!
As long as Infernape's body isn't completely collapsed, Ash can back it up, with Power of Viridian, the Life Power of Venusaur, Nirvana Power of Rainbow Wing, and Mewtwo.
Under this insurance, Infernape will find it hard to die, explaining why Ash accompanies Infernape in this craziness.
Seeing Infernape stand up once again, even Paul's expression becomes grim. He knew from its time as a Chimchar that this was an incredibly stubborn and strong-willed monkey.
No matter the training or pressure applied by Paul, Chimchar was able to endure it. Lack of skill advancement and talent is one thing, but when it comes to will, Paul thinks no Pokemon can claim top place if Chimchar is second.
However, now Infernape is showing an exaggerated level of will. This goes beyond mere willpower, almost like it's a cheat code, becoming a perpetual motion machine never to fall.
"Once more, use Flare Blitz!"
With Ash's voice falling, Infernape is once again enveloped by azure flames; Paul and Magmortar are already numbed. This guy uses Flare Blitz like a joke.
Looked like it might get counter-damaged, looked like a touch could knock it down, but in reality, it's just a facade!
"Magmortar, Scorching Sands!" Scorching Sands, a Ground Type skill, uses Fire Type power to generate scorching sand attacking the opponent, so even though it's a Ground Type skill, Magmortar's attack speed is not slow.
Scorching sands appeared around Magmortar, then shot out like bullets.
At this point, Infernape didn't dodge, but let the flames behind its eyes burn even fiercer, and the blue flames covering its body even hinted at changing to black.
The scorching sands melting upon contact with the Flare Blitz, and in the next moment, Infernape enveloped in flames able to scorch space arrived in front of Magmortar, with Magmortar showing a slight look of panic, Infernape fiercely tackled it!
"Boom!!" A blue pillar of fire shot skyward, hitting the sky's protective cover, then suddenly spread.
In an instant, the blue flames filled the entire arena, the surrounding barriers confining all the flames within, turning the entire field blue; even the audience outside, including Paul, couldn't clearly discern the situation within.
Perhaps only Ash knows how it looked inside.
With the flames slowly receding, Infernape's figure emerged behind Magmortar, with a current running through its body, yet this time, Infernape didn't even kneel down, merely trembled and bent slightly before quickly resuming normal posture.
On the other hand, Magmortar slowly turned around, casting complex glances at Infernape, which was its final look at Infernape.
"Boom!!"
Magmortar collapsed onto the ground, the surroundings growing deathly silent, supporters of Paul reduced to mutes, unable to utter a single word, while Ash's supporters burst into uproarious cheers, shaking the entire venue.
They couldn't have expected Infernape to win this battle despite countless times being knocked down, yet standing as the final Pokemon was Infernape.
Can this be called a flickering flame in the wind? This remaining flame must be Sacred Fire, utterly inextinguishable!
"Magmortar is unable to battle, Infernape wins!" This statement from the referee made him feel equally amazed, but maintaining his professional judgment, he announced Infernape's victory promptly.
With the referee's result declared, the taut string in Infernape finally loosened, followed by an endless sense of fatigue.
Pain and exhaustion throughout its body transmitted into its brain, depriving Infernape of the strength to stand, even supported by Ash's Aura Power; now Infernape's tense nerves relaxed, and its willpower could no longer sustain it to battle or even stand.
"Well done, Infernape, return." Ash hardly had time for joy, quickly pulling out the Pokeball to bring Infernape back; in its current state, he needed to stabilize it with Power of Viridian quickly.
Post-battle, he'd let Venusaur help Infernape fully recover.
"You've done so well, now leave it to your teammates." Ash encouraged Infernape within its Pokeball, then turned his gaze toward the now-calm Paul.