The 102nd day after leaving the Orange Islands, sunny.
The sky was sapphire blue without a single cloud. The blazing sun hung high overhead, pouring down its scorching rays without restraint. Outside felt as though it were constantly being licked by tongues of fire, unbearably hot.
However, once he entered the lush forest, the sunlight was filtered through layer upon layer of branches and leaves. Though it lacked the searing heat outside, it was still stifling, like being trapped inside an airtight steamer. Every breath carried a sticky heaviness.
Today, Yu Hai was still making his way toward the Indigo Plateau. Unlike before, when he rode Pelipper through the skies, he chose to hack his way through the jungle, advancing step by step toward League headquarters.
Whenever he encountered Wild Pokémon at the overlord level, he would not hesitate to send out his Pokémon to battle, using the opportunity to gain precious combat experience and make them stronger.
Buzz, buzz, buzz—
Just after setting out today, he unexpectedly ran into one of the most belligerent species in the jungle: a Scyther colony.
"Scythe!" A Scyther let out a piercing cry, spotting Yu Hai, the Trainer, first. It raised its scythes high, their edges gleaming coldly. Its emerald body blocked the path as it challenged Yu Hai.
"A battle?" Yu Hai frowned slightly and fell into thought, his mind running through his Pokémon one by one as he considered which little one to send out.
After some thought, most of them had already fought in previous battles. His gaze finally settled on the Umbreon on his shoulder, and he softly called, "I choose you, Umbreon..."
"Breon?" Umbreon froze for a moment, then proudly raised his head as if to say that Yu Hai had finally remembered him. What a rare occasion!