Early the next morning, after finishing his morning training, Sato arrived as usual at the open rocky ground for his "escape" class.
This time, Teacher Suben indeed did not launch a surprise attack. Instead, he flew over on a Pidgeot.
"I'm taking you to Labyrinth Forest. Keep up!"
Suben called out from the air before flying away without looking back.
Sato grinned and sent out Honchkrow, who had recently broken through to Pseudo-Elite Four Intermediate.
"Tailwind, catch up to that Pidgeot!"
"Caw!"
Honchkrow's back was broad, soft, and thickly feathered. It was actually far more comfortable to ride than Hydreigon.
Before long, Honchkrow caught up behind Pidgeot. Only upon seeing it up close did Sato realize that Pidgeot was still only Elite Level, yet its speed was already on par with Honchkrow's.
Sato guessed that Suben was the type of Trainer who focused entirely on speed training, firmly believing that absolute speed could overcome anything.
Another ten minutes passed before Pidgeot's speed finally began to slowly decrease.
Sato gently patted Honchkrow as well, indicating that it should slow down with them.
When they passed through another canyon, a dense forest basin came into view.
Crashing sound~~~~ Sand and rocks whirled through the air. Pidgeot dove at high speed, then abruptly spread its huge wings to brake sharply before landing as though nothing had happened.
Sato stopped Honchkrow, which also wanted to try it. Though Pidgeot's move had certainly looked cool, anyone riding it would definitely feel awful. Having their stomach churn like a stormy sea would already be getting off lightly.
Sato was not about to suffer for the sake of saving face.
Honchkrow obediently circled several times in the air before slowing down and finally landing steadily beside Pidgeot.
On the other side, Suben silently watched Sato dismount as