Three days later.
"Sylveon—"
Sylveon lazily stretched, then affectionately rubbed against Xia Yan's peaceful cheek and gently licked him with her little tongue.
"Mmm."
Xia Yan's eyelids fluttered slightly in his sleep. He raised a hand to block the soft sunlight streaming down freely, then slowly opened his eyes.
He saw Sylveon's sparkling, crystalline pink eyes, her face brimming with happiness.
Xia Yan could not help but smile.
He slowly sat up from the ground and looked around.
The natural scenery of the Wild Area remained unchanged. Nimble Rookidee and Corvisquire swiftly flew overhead in cheerful flocks, while several snow-white Eldegoss huddled together, floating freely in the air beneath the caress of the breeze.
The Wooloo, round as balls, had gathered together and quietly enjoyed the tender, delicious fresh shoots.
A plump Greedent stood atop a tree branch, delightedly stuffing every newly ripened Berry on the tree into its tail. Whenever it had a moment to spare, it cautiously glanced around, looking terrified of being discovered.
Caw, caw—
A Cramorant with a pair of exquisite blue wings circled overhead, blankly calling out as though searching for something it could swallow in one bite.
Xia Yan gave a long stretch.
"Looks like they were much more cautious than I expected."
He had waited for three days, yet they had not appeared.
Sure enough, he had overthought it.
Looking at the Pokémon around him, all of whom seemed completely refreshed in both spirit and appearance, Xia Yan smiled sincerely.
He gently rubbed Sylveon's soft head.
"But it doesn't matter whether they show up or not. It's been nice to enjoy some freedom in the wilderness for once."
It had been a long time since Xia Yan had spent several leisurely days like this with his Pokémon.
The occasional break like this really