By this point, they had reached the middle of Mt. Chimney, and the surrounding air had become increasingly scorching and dry. The smell of sulfur mixed with the scent of minerals, growing ever stronger.
Xinhai and the others rounded a steep rock wall and discovered that the area above it was unexpectedly flat and open, forming a natural little platform.
The platform's edge was completely unobstructed, offering an excellent view.
"Wow, the scenery here is amazing!" Xinhai exclaimed as he looked at the view below and walked to the cliff's edge.
Looking down from where they stood, they could see the winding path they had taken, the dense yet gradually thinning heat-resistant forest, and the scattered buildings of Lavaridge Town farther away, all spread out before them like a miniature painting.
When they looked up, Mt. Chimney's massive body felt even more oppressive, white steam drifting slowly from its summit beneath the brilliant blue sky.
Though the air was dry and warm, mountain winds blew continuously at this height, carrying the scent of distant vegetation and easing much of the oppressive heat.
"Eevee! (✪ω✪)" (So high! I can see so far!) Eevee stood beside Xinhai, her big brown eyes reflecting the vast world as she cried out excitedly.
"Char!" (The view is incredible!) Charmander also ran to the cliff's edge, carefully poked his head out to look down, then quickly pulled back. The flame on his tail swayed gently in the wind.
The other companions also came to the edge of the platform, taking in the rare openness and grandeur.
Blaziken quietly gazed into the distance, his blue eyes deep; Gardevoir's long red hair drifted softly in the wind as she enjoyed the tranquility; Zigzagoon and Mightyena cautiously patrolled the platform's surroundings, confirming that it was safe.
"Everyone's been walking