Xinhai and his partners, having set up camp, each got busy with their own tasks. Blaziken and Sandile were responsible for gathering dry branches from around the campsite.
Zigzagoon and Mightyena cautiously patrolled the surrounding area, leaving their marks at certain locations to establish a temporary territory.
Meanwhile, Xinhai sprayed Repel throughout a hundred-meter radius around the camp to prevent any Pokémon from accidentally entering their resting area.
Gardevoir used its Psychic type abilities to draw clean water from the stream, while Eevee and Charmander helped pass around small items.
By the time night had fully fallen, a warm, safe, and secluded wilderness camp had taken shape.
Soft camping lights glowed inside the tent, while a thick soup of Berries and dried meat simmered on the stove, its fragrance filling the air.
Xinhai and his partners sat around the open space before the tent, enjoying a simple dinner. After the fierce battles and close calls of the day, this moment of peace felt especially precious.
"Everyone worked hard today." Xinhai filled each partner's little bowl with Berry juice. "Especially you, Charmander. Your first real battle in the wild was quite an ordeal, but you were very brave."
"Eevee!" "Char!" "Gardevoir~" "Blaze!" ...His partners all responded in turn, and the atmosphere was warm.
After dinner, Xinhai gave his partners their usual thorough checkups and relaxing massages, especially Charmander and Gardevoir, who had expended a great deal of Inner Focus.
Next came story time by the campfire. Today, Xinhai told a story about courage and wisdom. It was not fictional, but adapted from the experience of an early League pioneer who had explored a dangerous region, outmaneuvered a powerful wild Pokémon group, and ultimately escaped safely.
Charmander listened with exceptional focus. When it heard how the trainer in the story had used